Unforgettable Stay at a Stunning Resort
My husband and I spent four nights at this beautiful resort after traveling in Sri Lanka. The journey was seamless—a quick flight from Colombo to Male, followed by a warm welcome as we were taken to a private lounge and then onto a speedboat to the resort. It was easy to locate the resort sign in the arrival hall, and the lounge offered comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, snacks, water, and juice. The boat ride began with a safety orientation and life vest distribution, and we were even served snacks and water with Wi-Fi available. The smooth ride felt shorter than the 45 minutes it took.
Upon arrival, we were greeted with a drummer and five staff members, setting a lively tone. Our butler, Hussian, escorted us to the reception where we enjoyed champagne and a foot massage. Following a quick buggy tour around the island's main spots—restaurants, bar, dive shop, etc.—he brought us to our overwater villa.
· *Villa:**
The villa was spacious and stunning, featuring a king-size bed, seating area, and a fully stocked minibar with coffee/tea, wine splits, and a selection of beverages. We were impressed by the large dressing room, soaking tub, shower, and separate toilet area complemented by double sinks. The veranda was the highlight, with a jacuzzi, lounge chairs, corner couch, spiral slide into the ocean, and stairs for water access. The A/C and ceiling fan kept the villa comfortable. Though the shower's clear window and doorless toilet might bother some, they weren’t an issue for us. Extras like bug repellent, vanity kits, and nice bath products added to the comfort. The slide into the ocean was so enjoyable, we would book it again in a heartbeat.
· *Dining:**
Breakfast at Palms offered fresh and tasty options, including made-to-order eggs, omelets, and a variety of pastries, fruits, and juices. We loved our traditional Maldivian meal at Lonu, with the flavorful tuna rice dish being our favorite. Lunch at M6M was enjoyable for its underwater views of fish and sharks, though the food didn’t quite live up to the setting. Service was excellent, especially in accommodating guests' needs. At the restaurants offering shared spaces—Traditional Peking and Indoceylon—the service also stood out. We tried a variety of dishes, including roast goose, fish tikka, and chicken curry, all of which were great. The private beach BBQ dinner, albeit not included in the package, was a standout experience. Choosing fresh seafood like prawns, tuna, lobster, and steak, combined with sides, made for a beautiful and secluded evening.
· *Spa:**
We indulged in three spa services during our short stay, each experience in the serene spa huts being exceptional. While the massages were fantastic, they did attempt to sell products afterward.
· *Gift Shop & Dive Shop:**
The gift shop met expectations, ideal for small mementos, like a magnet I bought. The dive shop provided snorkel gear on our first day but required return by 4:30 p.m. before checkout, which limited our use on the departure morning. Still, snorkeling directly from the villa was remarkable, with clear, warm water teeming with colorful fish.
· *Bars:**
Joie De Vivre wasn’t our favorite spot due to children running around and the smoking area, despite the friendly service. We missed out on "Gin Is In" as it wasn’t open during our visits, once due to maintenance and another time as it served as a departure lounge.
· *Activities:**
The resort offered dives, snorkeling trips, sunset cruises, and fishing trips. We opted for a snorkeling trip, though visibility was poor due to prior rain. Fortunately, snorkeling right from our villa made up for it, as the water was pristine and packed with marine life.
· *Service:**
The staff made our stay exceptional. Hussian, our butler, was attentive and seemed to anticipate our needs, showing up at meals to ensure everything was perfect. From the cleaners to the buggy drivers, everyone was genuinely kind and accommodating.
· *Tips & Suggestions:**
Bring water shoes for navigating slippery steps from the villas and consider a nose plug for the slide. My only suggestion for improvement would be creating an adults-only area for peaceful evening drinks.
In summary, our stay at Ozen Life Maadhoo exceeded expectations. We’ll definitely return! A big thank-you to the amazing staff for a truly memorable experience.