An exceptional stay, CHOOSE Emerald.
Firstly, I must apologise in the delay of leaving this review. It required me to sit down, be focused and not just rush through.
Like many I really did my research with our first visit to the Maldives and for an ultra all inclusive resort Emerald just kept coming back time and time again. We had booked in 2021 and COVID cancelled so when we decided this will be the year we picked Emerald again. You will not be disappointed with your choice so make sure you book here.
It’s truly an unforgettable experience and it’s all because of the Management. The staff can not do enough for you and they genuinely care. They speak so highly of their roles and even the owners and it really shows in their daily attitude and contributions to Emerald.
The trip was the most magical experience, nothing was too much bother and whilst there are plenty of people to thank let me first start by talking about the resort, the rooms and the Island itself.
We arrived early morning at Male, were greeted on arrival and taken straight to the domestic flights check-in where our bags were weighed. All very seamless, after straight on an Emerald Bus to the terminal where we spent under an hour in a Lounge. Tea, coffee and basic pastries served. All very clean and pleasant.
We then went down to board our plane. The Seaplane experience is incredible and even after 10 hours of flying i was literally brought alive from the experience. When we arrived greetings from the Resort Manager, other staff and straight for a tour of the island. Check-in is done in room so no need to worry about waiting around. At 10am out Water Villa was already ready.
Day 1-3 OverWater Villa
The rooms are HUGE. Compared to other resorts we considered these are easily double to size. Modern technology throughout, snacks and wine in the fridge and fruit too. The view is unobstructed, the bathroom is marble with clean palettes and a lovely huge deck to bath then snorkel from.
Each villas has bikes and even little ones for the kids so you can embrace island life and barefoot luxury.
Dave was our BUTLER - Dave you were everything and more, thank you for all that your did during our stay was Remarkable.
Nothing seems too much hassle and you were just the coolest guy, you did everything with a smile, so it's important to say you are the BIGGEST credit to Emerald and made out stay. I miss our what's app group chat. You always kept us informed and continuously went above and beyond.
When we moved rooms DAVE arranged out entire room to be packed and relocated. When we came to the new room everything had been put in the same place! I honestly couldn't believe it.
We wanted to try both accommodations during our stay and I love the sanctuary being in a water Villa provides. We had bikes at our room and just riding across the bridge and watching the sunset was incredible.
Don’t bother checking the weather before you come to the Maldives, it can literally change hour to hour. Yes we had pockets of rain, they even prepared a rainy day programme but the sun came out on that particular day. Good of them to honour it still as we did Wine Tasting and a cooking class at Aqua.
Restaurants
Aqua for Breakfast - The main buffet, was great. Offered everything we needed. They had theme nights too
Beach Club Grill - we ate here everyday for lunch at it was nice. A few dishes weren’t special but I just loved the team, service and it hit the spot. Because this is directly next to the main pool and largest beach area. The views at lunch here are also great which makes it the perfect backdrop.
We did Aqua a few times for lunch as there you can get Sushi and other dishes.
Le Asiatique - By far the best restaurant on the island. I would actually make sure you book the Teppneyaki experience a week before you arrive. I did to ensure we could do the experience.
Then the Restaurant its self for dining is a culinary experience was unmatched. We are here three times in total.
Beverages!
KD - Food and beverage head Is awesome, thank you.
AK - From my first cocktail in a bird shaped glass you made everything the best.
WINE LOVERS, Prepare to be wowed.
You need to know NASH, our resident Wine Expert...his the stuff of dreams and so glad we met him on the rainy day wine tasting to set up on our journey. Nash sent us a special bottle of bubbles on a special occasional and continuous helped our love for win grow throughout our stay, he is hugely popular amongst guests and those returning. It's lovely to see the friendships he has carried. Not forgetting Simba who also made every encounter enjoyable and made our stay So brilliant.
Wed - Managers drinks where you can meet The Manager and his team on the beach, this is a great welcome to the resort, they give suggestions whilst enjoying their signature cocktails and nibbles. Usually 6pm - 7pm. I loved this and it’s nice to meet other holidaymakers too.
Nationality mix was really good. British, Europeans, Expats from the Middle East and Russians. All very friendly and people greeting each other.
Dolphins Kids Club
Easily the most exceptional Kids Club we have come across on a trip. The space is huge, which a full program the runs from 9am until 8pm.
From treasure hunts, to game stations, painting, baking and more. Sometimes my son stayed for lunch then came out in the afternoon but he asked if he could go each day as they also make friends and want to play together - I felt a bit sad but so happy it was the place he wanted to be an t it. There is the opportunity to splash some afternoons and we used one of the team to babysit during our stay so made the transition easy. Ive included a few pics of the kids club to give you an idea of its scale.
Thank you Vicky, we miss you. Also thanks Maria, Sia, Rish & Kate at Kids club
Gym / Paddle /Tennis
I LOVE paddle so it was nice to be able to play games before it became too hot. The gym is good, nothing exceptional but was immaculate throughout with all the modern Technogym items. You can
Spa
We had a couples massage which was superb, but the Spa area is also a sanctuary to unwind and relax with a steam, sauna and outdoor jacuzzi. You can book via your Butler.
Days 4-7
We moved to a Beach Villa and were upgraded to a Family Beach Villa, which I actually cried when I arrived and saw it. If you are a family of 2 adults and 2/3 children look no further as this space is exactly what will suit you. The pool was HUGE and walking out to the beach where my son could safely run and play was exceptional. The rooms are so comfortable and i don’t think the pictures on the website will ever prepare you for their scale and comfort.
I would 100% stay in a beach villa again and loved its proximity to the facilities. We never required a buggy and we were close to Kids Club, Aqua and the Spa.
We went on the Dolphin Cruise which was included in our stay and say many Dolphins on the trip. Snorkelling was included and I repeat that this island really is delux all inclusive.
Champagne, Cocktails are all included and we never felt like there were extra add-ons. I think our bill was under 100 USD when we left!
Notes: I don’t want to say anything negative about the resort because it was Paradise on earth but I feel a few things should be noted. Between 6 & 7pm there isn’t food as they are preparing for the evening set-up. You also can’t order food or have it at the pool.
Also, you can’t really take a cocktail to enjoy back at room after the pool, which is likely the same at other resorts but as a first timer I was just working everything out.
Drinks and food is designed to be enjoyed at the Restaurant or the drinks by the beach and pool. Maybe some snacks would have been nice or a coffee shop somewhere…I’m very big on picky bits, like nachos or guacamole between lunch and dinner. Just a suggestion.
I have to finish by telling you why I am the most thankful. I left my engagement ring behind by my bed as we left for the seaplane! I was horrified and so upset. When I arrived in Male I text our Butler and it was retrieved immediately.
The honestly and integrity from him and room cleaner will never be forgotten.
A couple we met were flying the next day and actually brought it for me, I had tears of joy. So to Inez our room cleaner
Igga - 2nd Butler I owe you both huge gratitude. I hope the Managers do something special for you both.
The honours list of remaining thank yous.
Prankaj (Front of House) thank you for giving us the Beach Villa of dreams as well as being visible and incredible with guests.
Rahul - for Beach dinner
Prakash & Anthony - Sunset Bar
Praveen - Cooking class at Aqua, Ahsef at Aqua. Ahmed at Sunrise Bar we miss you!
To Srinkanth (GM) and EMERALD, you truly made our dreams come true, we know it is not goodbye forever and more like see you next time. Thank you for making it the more incredible stay that we still talk about with anyone we meet! I hope over inspired a legion of people to visit this resort, they really won’t be disappointed.
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