Maldives, made famous by its pristine white beaches and perfectly blue waters, is home to a place where guests arrive full of wonder, and leave connected to an island they’ve called home during their stay.
Enter, Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa…
As a barefoot luxury destination, often positioned for honeymooners and romantic staycations, Le Meridien Maldives Resort and Spa provides a breathtaking escape for both romance and the whole family. Spacious beach villas overlook the leafy beauty of tropical island flora, and crawls down to the crystal beach shore, a mere shell’s throw away.
After arriving by seaplane from Male International Airport, we are greeted with a drumming ceremony, welcome beverages and almost the entire Meridien Team; beaming with smiles and a gracious welcome.
We opted for the Two Bedroom Villa located on the beach to keep little ones entertained in the sand and for us to soak up the beauty of our peaceful beach. Editor’s Note: Guests looking for privacy would enjoy the beach villa option, complete with hidden ‘garden’ and temperature-controlled dipping pool. Perfectly secluded yet blissfully open.
The rooms are inviting in calming blue, bringing a touch of the ocean indoors and are interconnected. With separate entrances, this is perfect for those with children. Each room leads to a spectacular (private) outdoor shower area where greenery and the open sky greet you. With your choice of aesthetic rainfall shower, or a larger walk-in shower room, this generous bathroom is certainly one of the perks of the villas; allowing you to connect with nature throughout your routines.
CHARISMATIC & CONTEMPORARY KIDS’ HUB
Home to a most impressive Kids’ Hub, little ones are provided a range of daily activities from Shell Photo-frame making, Art workshops, Sand Games, Bracelet Building, Competitions and much more. With water activities and daily offerings to keep all aged children entertained, this makes Le Meridien Maldives an easy choice for those who prefer undisturbed luxury whilst catering to the needs (and energy) of younger guests.
A creatively and thoughtfully designed space that teaches young and old about the Atoll’s abundant flora and fauna that thrives on land and sea. Through an edu-taining program that nurtures discovery and conservation, the Kids’ Hub aims to engage through a thoughtfully curated program that invites make-believers, aspiring inventors, junior culinarians and little culture-seekers into an immersive world where toying, tinkering and free-play are celebrated
Excursions & experiences
Le Méridien Maldives Resort and Spa offers plenty of activities to fill your days, pairing adventure with luxury. Whether water sports, bicycle rides, snorkeling excursions, dolphin cruises, scuba diving or late night movies under the stars at the outdoor cinema. Our personal favourite? A quiet art class with Maldivian Artist Saeed Ahmed in the small gift boutique next to Waves Cafe. In those moments, time stood still and we took pleasure in the simple things; the arch of a tree, the vivid blue of the ocean, and how to shadow the perfect palm leaf. We took home those small reminders, painted onto a coconut shell, an odyssey of carefree Maldives.
Whether you prefer to hop around the island by foot (we’ve been told it takes around 15 minutes to circle the whole area) or hop on an eco-bicycle or buggy, the beautiful sand paths and rolling foliage provides calm, island vibes. There is not a care in the world at Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa.
Culinary Journeys
There are an impressive seven bars and restaurants at the property , so you have plenty of variety to enjoy throughout the stay. Whether you’re in the mood for Anatolian Mezze, European fare, signature Japanese or healthy living, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
For delicious breakfasts each morning, savor local dishes alongside Asian favorites and modern European tastes at Turquoise. Eclectic in design, this fresh, interactive restaurant offers live cooking stations for freshly made pancakes, waffles, daily specials, egg dishes and fresh juices. We especially loved the gluten-free selection and vast yet fresh buffet options to pair with the made-to-order breakfast plates. Beautifully done and extremely attentive. Each morning began with a smile.
Waves Cafe, an aesthetically-bohemian hideaway, offers delicious flatbreads, healthy wraps, salads and protein-packed smoothies. All their ‘greens’ are sourced from the resort’s Hydroponics garden, delivering flavourful leaves and invigorating greens for optimum freshness and wellbeing. In the Maldives, the ‘farm-to-table’ notion is more than just a trendy culinary trend; it’s a way of life.
For a beautifully romantic and chic dining experience, head to Tabemasu, meaning ‘to eat’ in Japanese. This artistic venue oozed style and felt as if we’d be transported to the heart of a sleek city. With thoroughly knowledgeable Chefs and incredible serving staff, enjoy an evening of delectable Japanese favourites, such as the Black Cod Miso and Sashimi Platter. If you’re looking for entertainment, take a seat at the teppanyaki counter and opt for a signature Omakase experience.
Velaa Bar + Grill is the perfect spot for dining overlooking the hotel’s largest pool. With summertime classics such as Aegean mezze, calamari fritto, seared tuna tataki and wood-fired pizzas, the menu embraces European cuisine with a gentle nod to Mediterranean storytelling; go for the Ossabucco for a rich, mascarpone risotto topped with slow-cooked beef shank; perfection.
For sunset beverages and light bites, Riviera is a lovely spot to while away the evening, with live music and chill-out DJ mixes. In the late evening, the setting is perfect for gazing into the star-filled sky as the cool evening air embraces you.
A dreamy picnic on a private island, sunset by the sea with waves lapping at the shore, harvest dining at a tropical greenhouse, or a sparkling family soirée – whatever the special occasion, Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa will make it magical.
OVERWATER SPA
Escape to a haven of natural beauty at Explore Spa at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa. Full of magnetic energy fused with artistic expression, the spa offers massage and body treatments that revive the senses and inspire a feeling of place.
Offering Couple’s Treatments, step into your very own overwater villa with glass panelling, revealing a world of marine life below your massage viewpoint. Watch as intricate fish, silver-hued eels and colourful ocean creatures dance their way through corals, as you enter a total sense of calm and relaxation. Perhaps, one of the most memorable spa journeys you could envisage, the team are exceptionally skilled and have you leave walking on clouds. Highly recommended.
If you’re searching for the perfect couple or family escape, Le Méridien Maldives Resort and Spa offers a haven of natural serenity, where the days are long and time stands still. Catering to adventure aficionados as well as those looking to kick-back, unwind and recuperate, the beautifully natural island of Thilamaafushi will welcome you with its unspoken magic and leave a lasting impression.
For more information visit www.marriott.com
