Every at times, the Maldives calls my title — and this time, it led me to Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, a surprising retreat tucked away within the Lhaviyani Atoll. Known for its powdery white seashores, this comparatively new addition to the Maldives’ luxurious scene could be discovered on Thilamaafushi Island and has been making severe waves — particularly for households touring with children.
With college holidays approaching, and having heard plenty of glowing suggestions, it felt like the proper second to maintain the children entertained and see if this island paradise may stay as much as the promise.
The welcome
From the second my household and I stepped out of the seaplane onto the jetty, we had been greeted by a number of employees members who would welcome us with chilly towels, refreshing drinks and a heat smile on their faces. Just a few girls from the children membership had been equally ready to welcome each our children to the island whereas immediately spoiling them with a branded solar hat which they didn’t let go of through the the rest of our keep.
The room
We stayed in a 2-bedroom seaside pool villa which is right for households like us. Not solely does it have 2 separate bedrooms however equally two separate bogs, dressings, bogs, terraces and so forth, ensuring you might be by no means cramped for area, quite the opposite.
The inside is contemporary but nonetheless cozy and there’s an overload of little particulars all throughout that you just wouldn’t at all times count on like slippers for inside, however equally a set of flip-flops for outdoor. Welcome facilities included a bottle of glowing wine, juices for the children, a complete tower filled with candy bites, marshmallows with chocolate fishes on the facet,…. Ah nicely, energy don’t rely on holidays!
Outside there’s a small pool which is ideal to chill down, but it surely’s equally nice for the children to have some correct enjoyable with out disturbing any of the opposite company on the island. And with direct seaside entry it’s onerous to get the children away from the villa as they’ve actually an countless playground proper in entrance of them.
The lavatory
The bogs are exterior (it’s a tropical island in spite of everything) however semi coated so that you’ll at all times keep dry in case of rain however on the identical time you may indulge within the joys of an out of doors bathe within the sunshine or moonlight….or each. Hair dryers, robes, slippers, nice smelling gels and lotions, it’s all right here.
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The amenities
There’s lots to cowl however let’s begin with the the meals. There are 4 eating places starting from Japanese to Mediterranean and worldwide. Overall, I used to be actually pleasantly shocked by the standard and number of meals. The undeniable fact that the island boasts its personal huge vegetable backyard does assist with offering the freshest salads I’ve ever eaten within the Maldives. The stand out restaurant for me have to be Tabemasu because it served some excellent Japanese meals and the mocha whiskey-sour was a real revelation!
Also don’t miss out on a number of the very tasteful dishes at Riviera throughout lunch, because it sits as bit extra hidden than Turquoise and Velaa Grill (which have nice lunch choices too after all) and serves up some true gems.
Of course there’s additionally an important children membership which is at all times a present from heaven once you journey as a household. In my opinion and expertise there’s 1 single factor that creates children membership, and that’s partaking and enthusiastic employees. Throughout the years my children have visited tons of various golf equipment and those they like and stand out are those the place the employees is really comfortable to see them stroll in, have enjoyable with them and simply love the interplay with the youthful company. Loads of toys, facilities and what not are nice, however they’ll by no means make the true distinction. Luckily Le Meridien understood the temporary and the children membership was successful all through our entire keep.
So the place d dad and mom go proper after they left the children on the membership? Indeed…..the spa! And the Explore Spa didn’t disappoint, quite the opposite. Being positioned absolutely overwater it immediately creates a calming environment. The totally different therapy rooms are additionally separated from one another, ensuring there’s no noise disturbance in anyway throughout your therapy. We had an excellent couple therapeutic massage and the glass flooring panels had been excellent to dream away whereas wanting on the marine wildlife going about their day within the reef beneath you.
Another spotlight for the dad and mom is La Vie which affords a pleasant cocktail bar and an adults-only pool which is at all times a winner amongst dad and mom.
For those that wish to be a bit extra energetic I can gladly say that the island has probably the most lovely padel court docket I’ve ever seen! Beautifully positioned between the plush pure greenery of the island and the sunshine turquoise blue ocean, this court docket even makes probably the most lazy visitor rethink their alternative to not be energetic within the Maldives.
Location
The second I arrived at Velana Airport in Malé along with my spouse and a couple of children, we had been greeted by the pleasant employees from Le Méridien. They swiftly whisked us to the Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) desk the place we actually checked in our baggage inside 5 minutes. It at all times surprises me how easy seaplane transfers are in Malé and this was no exception.
Le Meridien is positioned within the Lhaviyani atoll which is round a 30-40 minute flight with the seaplane. As per regular, the views alongside the best way are a number of the most mesmerising on this planet with tropical islands popping up left, proper and centre. The entire seaplane flight is such a quintessential Maldivian expertise so whereas it takes a bit longer to achieve your resort, the views and general pleasure do make up for it.
Other good touches
Le Meridien has a very nice airport lounge within the new seaplane terminal, making the entire switch expertise much more stress-free and seamless. With showers, dressing rooms, wifi, a buffet and even an out of doors terrace, you actually can begin you vacation right here.
Another excellent expertise you may’t miss out on is the film underneath the celebs. Sitting again in open air underneath the celebs whereas watching a blockbuster is one thing very distinctive. Add to it freshly made popcorn and the data that you just’re sitting on a tropical island in one of the crucial lovely spots on this planet, and also you’ll rapidly perceive how particular all of it is.
And for many who wish to be taught extra about marine life, or simply need to dive into a number of the most gorgeous coral reefs, there’s the excellent dive centre. The employees are actually pleasant, ensuring everybody has the most effective expertise on the market, irrelevant if it’s on a snorkelling journey, a coral reef dive or perhaps a sundown dolphin cruise. Speaking of the latter, we had been fortunate sufficient to have dozens of dolphins swim out in entrance of our boat for about 40 minutes throughout considered one of these sundown cruises. You can think about the thrill of our children (and everybody else on the ship).
Cost
As everyone knows, the Maldives are by no means going to be low cost. But that being stated, I do really feel that some resorts supply higher worth for cash in comparison with others, and Le Meridien is definitely amongst people who give good bang for the buck. Prices in off-season begin from round 390 USD (taxes, charges and expenses included) which is fairly uncommon for a strong product on this island archipelago. For our 2-bedroom seaside pool villa costs begin round 850 USD.
However, if you’re a Bonvoy member, you may guide the resort from as little as 45.000 factors/night time which is mostly a steal. Of course it is advisable to add the switch value in all the above costs.
The finest bit
What really stands out to me is the truth that Le Meridien is a resort that provides most of the facilities which you’ll solely discover within the actually high-end properties. And to do that with out charging you an arm and a leg is really refreshing to see. One different factor that’s value mentioning is the truth that it’s positioned on a pure island which at all times provides extra tropical vibes to your vacation because of the wealthy vegetation in all places you look.
The closing verdict
In the tip it’s a beautiful resort which serves completely for each households and {couples}. Solid facilities, a great deal of totally different villa choices, all kinds of meals shops and nice worth for cash. Would I return? Absolutely!
Disclosure: Our keep was sponsored by Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa
Kristof Eyckmans
Kristof Eyckmans is a journey author from Antwerp, Belgium. He’s been residing all throughout the globe and whereas he loves wildlife and nature, he can nonetheless take pleasure in city jungle.
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