Once in a while, 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. Recognized for its powdery white seashores, this comparatively new addition to the Maldives’ luxurious scene may be discovered on Thilamaafushi Island and has been making severe waves — particularly for households touring with youngsters.
With college holidays approaching, and having heard a number of glowing suggestions, it felt like the right second to maintain the children entertained and see if this island paradise may dwell 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 workers members who would welcome us with chilly towels, refreshing drinks and a heat smile on their faces. Just a few women from the children membership had been equally ready to welcome each our youngsters to the island whereas immediately spoiling them with a branded solar hat which they didn’t let go of throughout 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 loos, dressings, bathrooms, terraces and so forth, ensuring you’re by no means cramped for area, quite the opposite.
The inside is recent but nonetheless cozy and there’s an overload of little particulars all throughout that you just wouldn’t at all times anticipate like slippers for inside, however equally a set of flip-flops for out of doors. 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!
Outdoors 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 arduous to get the children away from the villa as they’ve actually an countless playground proper in entrance of them.
The toilet
The loos are exterior (it’s a tropical island in spite of everything) however semi lined so that you’ll at all times keep dry in case of rain however on the identical time you’ll be able to 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 services
There’s rather a lot to cowl however let’s begin with the the meals. There are 4 eating places starting from Japanese to Mediterranean and worldwide. Total, I used to be actually pleasantly shocked by the standard and number of meals. The truth 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 very good Japanese meals and the mocha whiskey-sour was a real revelation!
Additionally don’t miss out on among 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 in fact) and serves up some true gems.
In fact there’s additionally an excellent youngsters membership which is at all times a present from heaven while you journey as a household. For my part and expertise there’s 1 single factor that creates an excellent youngsters membership, and that’s participating and enthusiastic workers. All through the years my youngsters have visited tons of various golf equipment and those they like and stand out are those the place the workers is really blissful to see them stroll in, have enjoyable with them and simply love the interplay with the youthful company. A great deal of toys, facilities and what not are nice, however they’ll by no means make the true distinction. Fortunately Le Meridien understood the transient and the children membership was successful all through our complete keep.
So the place d dad and mom go proper after they left the children on the membership? Certainly…..the spa! And the Discover Spa didn’t disappoint, quite the opposite. Being situated totally overwater it immediately creates a soothing environment. The completely different remedy rooms are additionally separated from one another, ensuring there’s no noise disturbance by any means throughout your remedy. We had an outstanding couple therapeutic massage and the glass flooring panels had been good to dream away whereas trying on the marine wildlife going about their day within the reef beneath you.
One other spotlight for the dad and mom is La Vie which gives a pleasant cocktail bar and an adults-only pool which is at all times a winner amongst dad and mom.
For many who prefer to be a bit extra lively I can gladly say that the island has essentially the most stunning padel courtroom I’ve ever seen! Superbly positioned between the plush pure greenery of the island and the sunshine turquoise blue ocean, this courtroom even makes essentially the most lazy visitor rethink their selection to not be lively within the Maldives.
Location
The second I arrived at Velana Airport in Malé along with my spouse and a couple of youngsters, we had been greeted by the pleasant workers 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 situated within the Lhaviyani atoll which is round a 30-40 minute flight with the seaplane. As per normal, the views alongside the way in which are among the most mesmerising on the earth 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.
Different 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.
One other very good expertise you’ll be able to’t miss out on is the film beneath the celebs. Sitting again in open air beneath 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 stunning spots on the earth, and also you’ll shortly perceive how particular all of it is.
And for many who prefer to be taught extra about marine life, or simply need to dive into among the most beautiful coral reefs, there’s the very good dive centre. The workers 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. Talking 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’ll be able to think about the joy of our youngsters (and everybody else on the ship).
Price
As everyone knows, the Maldives are by no means going to be low cost. However that being mentioned, I do really feel that some resorts provide higher worth for cash in comparison with others, and Le Meridien is definitely amongst people who give good bang for the buck. Costs in off-season begin from round 390 USD (taxes, charges and expenses included) which is fairly uncommon for a stable product on this island archipelago. For our 2-bedroom seaside pool villa costs begin round 850 USD.
Nonetheless, in case you are a Bonvoy member, you’ll be able to ebook the resort from as little as 45.000 factors/night time which can be a steal. In fact it’s essential to add the switch price in all the above costs.
The most effective bit
What actually 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 situated 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 ultimate verdict
In the long run it’s an exquisite resort which serves completely for each households and {couples}. Stable facilities, a great deal of completely different villa choices, all kinds of meals retailers and nice worth for cash. Would I return? Completely!
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 an excellent city jungle.
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