DESTINATIONS INDIAN OCEAN | THE MALDIVES
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: M6m underwater restaurant, Ozen Life Maadhoo; Ocean Pool Reserve Sunset with Slide villa, sunset and kids’ club, all Ozen Reserve Bolifushi PICTURES: The Ozen Collection/Ibrahim Misthah
rather cursory, last a full hour – I opted for an excellent upper body massage with aromatherapy oils. Maadhoo is a very peaceful island, even by Maldivian standards. All the public areas are concentrated in two central spots, so the 95 overwater and beach villas are pin-drop quiet. The decor is serene, with lots of white, pale wood and pops of colour, and both villa types are available with private pools, making this hotel a fantastic option for those seeking pure relaxation. While keen underwater
explorers might note the lack of a house reef, the daily snorkelling boat trips (at no extra cost) are a generous provision to compensate. I also loved the sunset fishing experience, reeling in a few snappers with a little help from our expert skipper.
VIBRANT BOLIFUSHI Things were rather buzzier over at sister property Ozen Reserve Bolifushi where, with an embarrassingly audible scream considering the relatively modest size of the slide, I plunged down
42 14 AUGUST 2025
into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. This is an island with atmosphere, from the upbeat vibe of Ozar bar with its pool table and overwater hammocks, to the collection of villas with their own waterslides – which I enjoyed, despite my cowardly tendencies. The paradise vibes at this hotel come with plenty of complimentary pastimes. I snorkelled every day on its two excellent house reefs and tried out stand-up paddleboarding. There’s just as much to do out of the water: the roster includes yoga, meditation and sound baths at the beautifully verdant spa garden, and spa treatments here were just as impressive as at Maadhoo. The kids’ club is a standout – a huge area with its own pool, mini-football nets and lots of shady space to play. Dining was exceptional, from the
tasty thali at Indian restaurant Saffron to an indulgent gastronomic evening with wine pairings at overwater Origine. Even the Vista del Mar buffet exceeded expectations, with dishes cooked to order alongside the extensive help-yourself options. Families or energetic couples will be in their element here and
My trip ended with a floating breakfast delivered to my private pool
when downtime is required, its 90 palatial villas await, each with a butler known as a hiyani, meaning ‘shadow’ in the Maldivian language. Both beach and overwater options have a gently Asian theme, with lots of dark wood and soaring, tilted thatched roofs. My hiyani, Jaaney, helped me end my trip with another iconic Maldivian activity – a floating breakfast delivered seamlessly to my private pool.
BOOK IT
Inspiring Travel offers seven nights in an Earth Pool Villa at Ozen Reserve Bolifushi from £6,025 per person, based on two sharing an Earth Pool Villa Sunrise on an all- inclusive basis. Includes return flights and catamaran transfers.
inspiringtravel.co.uk
If Only can book a seven-night stay in an Earth Villa at Ozen Life Maadhoo from £9,790, all-inclusive, based on two sharing. Includes return flights and boat transfers, based on a November 8 departure.
ifonly.net
travelweekly.co.uk
IMPRESSIVE RESORTS I might have arrived a sceptic but I left both resorts genuinely impressed. The quality of accommodation, dining and breadth of inclusions is undeniable, so if you have clients who enjoy the likes of Ikos Resorts, you could feel confident selling to this market. Maldives regulars with high-end expectations might pick holes here and there. Maadhoo has no house reef, though offers complimentary snorkelling boat trips instead. And Bolifushi falls short of other resorts in terms of isolation, with Malé and a neighbouring property on the horizon. But there’s little not to love. And as each property appeals
to a different type of traveller, you can keep a whole host of clients – and their wallets – happy.
TW
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