Review: Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, Maldives

From time to time, the Maldives call me my name, and this time, it took me to the Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa, an impressive hidden retreat in the Atolón de Lhaviyani. Known for its white beaches powder, this relatively new addition to the luxury scene of the Maldives can be found on Thilamaafushi Island and has made serious waves, especially for families traveling with children.

With the school holidays approaching, and having heard many brilliant comments, he felt the perfect time to keep the children entertaining and see if this paradise of the island could live up to the promise.

The welcome

From the moment that my family and I left the hidbage to the jetty, we were received by several staff members who would welcome us with cold towels, refreshing drinks and a warm smile on their faces. Some children’s club ladies were equally waiting to welcome our children to the island while they were spoiled instantly with a brand sun hat, which did not last duration of our stay.

The room

We stayed in a 2 bedroom beach pool villa that is ideal for families like us. Not only has 2 separate bedrooms, but also two bathrooms, dressings, toilets, terraces, etc., making sure you are never narrow for space, on the contrary.

The interior is fresh but still cozy and there is an overload of small details in everything that would not always expect as shoes for the interior, but also a set of flip flops for the outside. Welcome amenities included a bottle of foamy wine, juices for children, an entire tower full of sweet snacks, masters with chocolate fish to the side … Ah, well, the calories do not count on the holidays!

Outside there is a small pool that is perfect for cooling, but it is equally great for children to have clean clean without disturbing any of the other guests on the island. And with direct access to the beach it is difficult to move away the children of the town, since they literally have a playground just in front of them.

The bathroom

The bathrooms are outside (after all, it is a tropical island) but semi covered, so it will always remain dry in case of rain, but at the same time you can enjoy the joys of an outdoor shower under the sun or the moonlight … or both. Dryers, robes, shoes, gels and creams of great smell, everything is lord.

The facilities

There is much to cover, but let’s start with food. There are 4 restaurants ranging from Japanese to Mediterranean and international. In general, I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of food. The fact that the island has its own mass orchard helps to provide the coolest salads that I have eaten in the Maldives. The outstanding restaurant for me must be Tabemasu, since it served an excellent Japanese meal and the Mocha whiskey source was a real revelation!

Nor are some of the very tasty dishes at lunch of Rivera duration, since it is so hidden that Turquoise and Velaa Grill (which also have excellent lunch options) and services of some true gems.

Or for the course, there is also a great club for children that is always a gift from heaven when you travel as a family. In my opinion and experience, there is 1 individual thing that creates a good club for children, and that is enthusiastic and enthusiastic personal. Through the year in which my children have visited tons of different clubs and those who prefer and highlight are those that the staff are really happy to see them enter, have fun with them and love with the younger guests. A lot of toys, comforts and what are not great, but never make the real difference. Fortunately, Meridien understood the letter and the Kids Club was a success throughout our stay.

So where are the parents just after the duration of the children in the club? In fact … the spa! And the explore spa did not disappoint, on the contrary. Being completely located on the water, it instantly creates a relaxing atmosphere. The different Roman treatment also separate from each other, making sure that there are no noise disturbances at all their treatment. We had an excellent couple massage and the glass floor panels were perfect to dream while looking at the marine wild life that was going to your reef under you.

Another prominent point for parents is the VI, which sacrifices a good cocktail bar and a pool only for adults who is always a winner among parents.

For those who like to be a bit more active, I can with pleasure that the island has the most beautiful paddle court that I have returned! Beautifully located between the lush natural vegetation of the island and the light blue turquoise ocean, this court even makes the most lazy guest repeat his choice of not being active in the Maldives.

Location

At the time I arrived at the Valana airport in Malé along with my wife and 2 children, Le Méridien’s staff received us. They quickly took the Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) desk where we literally review our luggage in 5 minutes. I am always surprised how hydroAvions transfers are effortless in Malé and this was no exception.

Le Meridien is located in the Atolón de Lhaviyani, which is around a 30-40 minutes flight with the Sealane. As usual, the views on the road are some of the most fascinating in the world with tropical islands that appear to the left, right and center. The entire HydroAvion flight is such an excellent Maldivian experience, so, although it takes a little longer to reach its resort, views and general emotion compensate.

Other beautiful touches

Le Meridien has a really pleasant airport hall at the New Seaveplane terminal, which makes all the transfer experience even more relaxing and perfect. With showers, changing rooms, wifi, a buffet and only an outdoor terrace, you can literally start your vacation here.

Another excellent experience that you can’t miss is the Under The Stars movie. Sitting outdoors under the stars while looking at a box office is something unique. Add to him the freshly made corn popcorn and the knowledge that he is sitting on a tropical island in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and will quickly understand how special it is everything.

And for those who like to learn more about marine life, or simply want to immerse themselves in some of the most impressive coral reefs, there is the excellent diving center. The staff is really friendly, making sure that everyone has the best experience, irrelevant if it is on a snorkeling trip, an immersion of coral reef or even a cruise of sunset dolphins. Speaking of the latter, we were lucky that the dolphin boxes swim in front of our boat for about 40 minutes, one of the cruises at sunset. You can imagine the emotion of our children (and everyone else on the ship).

Cost

As we all know, the Maldives will never be cheap. But that said, I feel that some resorts sacrifice a better value for money -prison compared to others, and it is certainly among those who give good for money. The prices in the low season begin from around 390 USD (taxes, rates and charges included) that is quite strange for a solid product in this archipelago of the island. For our 2 bedroom beach pool villas, around 850 USD starts.

However, if you are a member of Bonvoy, you can book the resort from only 45,000 points/night, which is really a robbery. Of course, you must add the transfer cost in all previous prices.

The best bit

What really highlights me is the fact that Le Meridien is a resort that sacrifices many of the comforts that you will only find in the high -end property. And doing this without loading an arm and a leg is really refreshing to see. Another thing that is worth mentioning is the fact that is found on a natural island that always adds more tropical vibrations to its vacation due to rich vegetation everywhere.

The final verdict

In the end, it is a wonderful complex that serves perfectly for both families and couples. Solid comforts, loads or different villas options, a wide variety of food outlets and excellent value for money. Would you come back? Absolutely!

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Kristof Eyckmans

Kristof Eyckmans is a travel writer from Antwerp, Belgium. He has been living throughout the world and, although he loves wild life and nature, he can still enjoy a good urban jungle.