During our last visit in June 2019, the overwater area was still under renovation. So we now came back to see Meradhoo in full operation. The ocean pearls are completely separated from the main island and only accessible via a short boat ride. The villas are really huge and feature an elegant décor along with marine elements. They are equipped with modern technology and floor-to-ceiling glass windows which provide great view over the ocean from every room. Nice, small things you can spot like FlipFlops wrapped in an organza pouch or pretty face masks for him/her in 2 sizes with Meradhoo’s signature coral design, together with lavender & lemongrass hand sanitizer. Of course I pre-selected again those marvellous jasmine bath amenities, they are so wow. Outdoor area features a pool, cabana and also overwater hammocks. Located under the roof are the table and sun loungers. So If the weather is not that good, you can still sit outside. Due to higher privacy, we would recommend the sunset side. Boat shuttle to main island is not an issue in terms of schedule, but it is a bit tricky during bad weather conditions. The first two days the sea was pretty bumpy, so it was not always fun to get into the boat (and getting out). The ocean pearls also provide an own public area with pool, bar and the amazing Yuzu restaurant featuring Nikkei cuisine. The brandnew chef Diana from Lima...During our last visit in June 2019, the overwater area was still under renovation. So we now came back to see Meradhoo in full operation. The ocean pearls are completely separated from the main island and only accessible via a short boat ride. The villas are really huge and feature an elegant décor along with marine elements. They are equipped with modern technology and floor-to-ceiling glass windows which provide great view over the ocean from every room. Nice, small things you can spot like FlipFlops wrapped in an organza pouch or pretty face masks for him/her in 2 sizes with Meradhoo’s signature coral design, together with lavender & lemongrass hand sanitizer. Of course I pre-selected again those marvellous jasmine bath amenities, they are so wow. Outdoor area features a pool, cabana and also overwater hammocks. Located under the roof are the table and sun loungers. So If the weather is not that good, you can still sit outside. Due to higher privacy, we would recommend the sunset side. Boat shuttle to main island is not an issue in terms of schedule, but it is a bit tricky during bad weather conditions. The first two days the sea was pretty bumpy, so it was not always fun to get into the boat (and getting out). The ocean pearls also provide an own public area with pool, bar and the amazing Yuzu restaurant featuring Nikkei cuisine. The brandnew chef Diana from Lima boasts a long experience in Peruvian fusion cuisine.
The main island is so amazing with palm-fringed beaches, tropical vegetation and superb views over the wide ocean. Every single day we loved to have breakfast (and not only breakfast ) at wonderfully located and designed Thari. Without any doubt – this is one of the most lovely beach venues in the Maldives. Apart from the usual things on offer like juices, smoothies, bubbles you can also opt every morning for a fresh coconut, very nice. Some new twists on the menu are from Turkish sous-chef Samet. We shared some delicious Mezze Plate and hubby tried also Turkish Manti. Sensational was the Tiradito at Yuzu. It’s a variation of Ceviche, but in a more refined preparation. We absolutely enjoyed our dinner there. The Firepit serves grilled seafood & meat in a rustic, romantic beach ambiance. Also you can enjoy a traditional bodu beru performance. There we did try their new created cocktail „man over board“ with Vodka, Cognac, Passionfruit (hope that’s correct from memory). A very tasty one! Service in all outlets was excellent, staff was truly amiable. For example, on the first evening at Thari the weather was not that good, windy and rainy. So I think it was Ali who suddenly brought me a pashmina to cover my shoulders. Just at breakfast I had an issue. I was missing some sort of tropical jam (which is a must for me in the Maldives). Also, I love danish fruit pastry but it was always some kind of cinammon roll in the bakery basket. Even upon asking for a danish, it did not change. Well, at least I got some papaya jam the next days. Breakfast menu is based on „themed dishes“. So if you order e.g. Maldivian Heritage, you‘ll get a mixed plate including Mas Huni, Samosas, Omelette and Chapati. Island water is served complimentary in all outlets, very valued. Food prices are within the usual range for a top-notch resort, whereas drinks, especially wine, are a bit ambitious.
Most of the beach villas are hidden behind the tropical foliage, so it looks very virgin and very beautiful. I love both sides, sunrise and sunset. The beaches are protected and swimming was always possible whereas on the first two days I did not jump into the ocean from our water villa due to the relatively rough sea over there. The reef is easily accessible from sunrise side, but it’s not a big island, so if you stay on the other side it’s not an issue at all. During low tide, you can walk completely around the island. At high tide, several parts of the beach are too narrow to walk along comfortably. This time we only snorkelled around the ocean pearls. It’s good in terms of fish life, but there is not a typical drop-off (at least not in the area we have been). So in terms of coral and reef structure, I found from mind the main island reef more interesting. You can as well snorkel the channel between both areas, but we didn’t again. Your private butler would also be happily join you crossing the twin-islands. We spend as well some time at the pool area (mainly to go swimming on the beach). There we got treated with iced tea, cold towels, Australian Gold botanical suncream, and Evian facial spray. Very ritzy .
With only 38 villas, a peaceful, intimate and private atmosphere is guaranteed. Raffles combines a classic luxury experience with a chic barefoot vibe. It‘s truly an outstanding place and one of our very favourite resorts in the Maldives.More
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