My wife and I recently celebrated our 10 year anniversary with a trip to the Maldives, and stay at the Westin Miriandhoo Resort.
In planning for our journey from the United States, our initial experience with the Resort Staff was excellent. They were communicative about the Sea Plane transfer process, which when the time came, was executed flawlessly.
Westin staff met us at the Male Airport terminal, brought us to the Westin Lounge, provided us our tickets for the transfer, and ensured we were comfortable, and informed of the process throughout the transfer, while also ensuring our bags were taken care of.
After a short 35 minute Sea Plane flight from Male, we arrived at the Westin, at which time we were greeted by hotel staff who introduced themselves, and welcomed my wife and I, by name, while serenading us with a drum introduction, and providing us delicious, fresh juice, after a 30+ hour journey from the US. From one of the hotel's managers, to head chef Jorge Colazo, the entire team who greeted us was warm, friendly, and from the second we stepped foot on the island, assured us that they were there to ensure we had an unparalleled experience; a theme which was ever present throughout our incredible stay.
We stayed in an over water villa with pool, which was spectacular. The room was immaculately clean, and well kept throughout the stay. We were greeted with a bottle of wine, and signed note by the hotels General Manager Vijay, who was remarkably friendly, and always willing to take time to have a genuine conversation not just about our stay, but life in the Maldives, etc. Even ion Vijay's day-off, when I ran into him at the Sunset Bar, Vijay made a point to greet me by name with a hug, and interest in having a genuine, meaningful conversation. Another theme which immediately presented itself, is Family. The staff, from the General Manager (Vijay), Sports Instructor (RJ), and many others (Amol, Tassa, Pradeep) treated us like we were family. Whether walking by them on our way to and from our room, or during the delicious meals we had, staff always made a point to say hello, greet you with a smile, and engage with you in genuine conversation.
The food at the resort is quite simply, spectacular. Head Chef Jorge Colazo does a remarkable job at creating menu's at each of the 3 restaurants on the island which offer something for everyone, while also ensuring guests who are interested, have the opportunity to try local cuisine, which was in a single word, divine. Everything is fresh, homemade, and the various themed dinner's (Beach BBQ, Maldivian Cuisine, Italian Night) were wonderful, and delicious. The Island Kitchen, and Hawker restaurants (included with our Full Board package) have outstanding food; the former has a diverse, and ever changing array of choices. We found ourselves gravitating to Hawker's, "asian street food" themed Lunch every day of our trip. I highly suggest the Duck Spring Rolls, Blue Crab Salad, and my personal favorite the Malaysian Char Kway Teow. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all excellent, and if any of the seemingly endless available options don't suit your fancy, the incredible culinary staff make it clear that they will make you, "anything you would like". Kudos to Chef Colazo and his entire team.
My wife and I also worked with RJ, the friendly, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and kind Fitness Instructor, with whom we took two tennis lessons. RJ embodies the spirit of this incredible resort, from the moment he makes his rounds at breakfast at the island kitchen, to, should you choose to participate in any fitness events or lessons, his time one on one with you. We also chose to snorkel, and SCUBA dive; Kay and Chad at the dive center were lovely, friendly, and kind. Our dive with Chad was an absolutely incredible experience, which has resulted din both my wife and I looking to pursue our open water certifications.
Although short, our time spent at the Westin Miriandhoo Resort was a dream come true. The setting, is magical; something out of a dream. Couple this with the other worldly level of service, and the incredible food, and activities, made this a vacation we will never forget, and one which we hope to repeat one day. Thank you to Vijay, Chef Jorge, RJ, Tassa, Amol and the rest of the incredible staff at the Westin; you are all amazing human beings who ensured that our stay was something to remember!
