Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa: Best Resort in Maldives?
Paradise Found: Our 5-Night Stay at Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa
As the seaplane descended toward the crystal-clear waters of Thilamaafushi island, our hearts raced with anticipation. The aerial view of Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa was nothing short of breathtaking – a pristine string of overwater villas extending into the turquoise lagoon, promising the escape of a lifetime.
Arrival & Check-in Experience
The moment we stepped off the seaplane, we knew we were in for something special. Kenneth, our check-in host, set the tone for our entire stay with his warm personality and attention to detail. While handling our check-in paperwork, he shared fascinating stories about the resort’s history and his favorite hidden spots on the island. However, when he whispered “there are lots of geckos around but don’t worry they are harmless,” I wasn’t so sure I wanted to be in paradise anymore. Other than that, the way Kenneth orchestrated our welcome, from the refreshing drinks to the seamless villa introduction, made us feel less like guests and more like long-awaited friends.
Our Overwater Villa: A Dream Come True
Nothing could have prepared us for the moment we stepped into our overwater villa. The 140-square-meter space was the epitome of luxury meets contemporary design. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, while the private sundeck featured a generously sized plunge pool that seemed to merge with the horizon.
Our original booking did not have a pool, but thanks to the low season and our free suite night upgrades that cleared, we were able to have one of the amazing rooms that the resort has to offer.
Each morning was unforgettable as we woke up to find a different types of sea creatures playing right beneath our villa – a magical moment we watched in disbelief.
Water Sports Paradise
The resort’s water sports center became our second home during our stay. The range of activities was impressive:
Complimentary Activities:
1. Kayaking through the calm lagoon
2. Stand-up paddleboarding around the island
3. Snorkeling equipment for exploring the house reef
Wellness Journey
Our wellness experience at the resort deserves its own special mention. Harry at the gym (sorry if we misspelled your name!) – or as we now call him, “The Core Master” – gave me what was possibly the most challenging yet rewarding core exercise session of my life. His expertise and encouraging personality pushed me to limits I didn’t know I could reach. “Just one more rep!” became his motivating catchphrase that still echoes in my head during workouts.
The yoga sessions were another highlight, particularly for me (Zee). The yoga instructor (whose gentle spirit left a lasting impression despite my forgetting her name) worked wonders with my back pain. Her sunrise yoga sessions on the beach was something I’d never thought I’d do.
Culinary Journey
The dining experience at Le Meridien was elevated by the passionate staff who made each meal memorable. Jennifer, our dining guardian angel, seemed to have a sixth sense for our tastes. Her recommendations never missed the mark, from suggesting just what we needed and wanted for our dinners at the various restaurants.
Turquoise Restaurant
The main restaurant became our go-to spot for breakfast. The spread was extensive:
- Live cooking stations for eggs and noodles
- Fresh tropical fruits and juices – the fresh mango and mangosteen is to die for!
- Local Maldivian specialties – the tuna curry was delicious.
- International favorites
Turquoise Restaurant, under the masterful guidance of Chef Devin and his team, serves as the resort’s culinary heart. The restaurant’s design reflects Maldivian architectural elements with modern sophistication – soaring ceilings with traditional thatched roofs, natural woods, and panoramic views of the lagoon. The space seamlessly transitions from a bright, energetic breakfast venue to an elegant dinner setting as the day progresses.
Breakfast at Turquoise is nothing short of spectacular. The morning spread includes multiple live cooking stations – the egg station, where chefs prepare eggs any style, became our daily stop. The selection spans continents, from European pastries and cheeses to Asian noodle soups and dim sum, Middle Eastern mezze, and traditional Maldivian breakfast items. The fresh juice bar, offering made-to-order healthy concoctions and smoothies, became our morning ritual, as did the barista-made coffee station serving specialty coffees.
During dinner service, Turquoise transforms into a sophisticated dining venue with rotating themed nights that showcase different world cuisines. The Indian Ocean night was particularly memorable, featuring an extensive selection of dishes from countries bordering the Indian Ocean – from Malaysian laksa to Sri Lankan curry, and of course, traditional Maldivian tuna curry. The attention to authenticity in each cuisine was impressive, with spice blends and cooking techniques staying true to their origins.
What truly sets Turquoise apart is the personal touch of Chef Devin and his team. During our stay, they went above and beyond to create special experiences, culminating in an unforgettable final dinner where Chef Devin prepared a customized menu showcasing local Maldivian specialties with contemporary twists. We can’t thank Chef Devin and his incredible team at Turquoise Restaurant. The thoughtfulness behind each dish and the warm hospitality of the entire staff made our last evening truly spectacular. Chef Devin’s passion for food was evident as he personally explained each course, sharing stories about the inspiration behind each dish.
Tabemasu
The Japanese restaurant deserves special mention. We enjoyed:
- Fresh sashimi and sushi
- Delicious starters especially the jumbo shrimp tempura
- Intimate atmosphere
Perched gracefully over the lagoon, Tabemasu represents the pinnacle of Japanese fine dining in the Maldives. The restaurant’s design itself is a masterpiece – a sleek, contemporary space with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the sunset and the gentle waves below. The intimate 36-seat venue is divided into distinct dining experiences: a sophisticated main dining area, a vibrant teppanyaki counter, and an exclusive sushi bar where we watched the chef craft each piece with meticulous precision.
The culinary journey at Tabemasu was nothing short of extraordinary. The menu, a carefully curated selection of authentic Japanese dishes with Maldivian influences, showcases the chef’s expertise in combining traditional techniques with local ingredients.
Some standout dishes included the chirashi don and shrimp tempura. What truly set Tabemasu apart was not just the exceptional food, but the attention to detail in service – from the gentle bow of greeting to the careful explanation of each dish’s components and significance in Japanese cuisine.
Velaa Bar + Grill
Our dinner spot for steak! The beachside setting and fresh steak were unbeatable that we had two dinners here!
- Each steak was cooked to perfection
- The dessert was unique and sweet, just the way we like it
- Spectacular sunset views
Velaa Bar + Grill stands as a testament to sophisticated beachside dining, positioned perfectly to capture both spectacular sunsets and the gentle symphony of lapping waves. The restaurant’s design masterfully blends indoor and outdoor spaces, with high wooden ceilings, open sides that welcome ocean breezes, and a sprawling deck that places diners just steps from the sand. The central show kitchen, with its impressive grill station, adds a theatrical element to the dining experience, as skilled chefs work their magic over open flames.
The grill section offers an impressive selection of premium meats, including different cuts of beef and New Zealand lamb chops. Each cut is cooked precisely to order over coconut shell charcoal, imparting a subtle smokiness that elevates the natural flavors. The sides deserve special mention – the mashed potatoes were impossibly creamy, and the grilled local vegetables with herbs from the resort’s garden provided a fresh, light complement to the heartier main courses.
Thanks to chef Pradeep for the amazing dinners at the restaurant. Always coming out of the kitchen to greet his guests during dinner service as if we have known each other for a long time.
Riviera Tapas & Bar
Tucked away in a stunning beachfront location, Riviera Tapas & Bar emerged as our favorite spot for laid-back afternoons that seamlessly transitioned into vibrant evenings. The venue captures the essence of Mediterranean coastal dining with its airy, open-concept design featuring whitewashed woods, nautical blues, and comfortable lounge seating that encourages long, leisurely dining experiences. The highlight is undoubtedly the sun-drenched deck with its infinity pool that appears to merge with the Indian Ocean – creating what became our preferred sunset watching spot on the island.
The culinary concept here brilliantly executes Mediterranean and Spanish tapas with a tropical twist. The menu is designed for sharing, encouraging a convivial dining atmosphere that perfectly matches the Maldivian setting. We found ourselves returning repeatedly for their signature paella – a generous portion served in traditional steel pans with perfectly crispy socarrat at the bottom. The seafood version, brimming with local catch including prawns, calamari, and mussels, captured the essence of both Mediterranean and Maldivian flavors in each bite.
The tapas selection was equally impressive, featuring both classic and innovative dishes. Standouts included the gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns) made with locally caught Maldivian prawns, crispy patatas bravas with a spicy sauce that packed just the right amount of heat, and an exceptional octopus gallega that was perfectly tender. Their creative takes on local ingredients shone through in dishes like tuna tartare crostini using fresh Maldivian tuna and mango, and a tropical fruit gazpacho that offered refreshing relief from sunny afternoons.
The bar program deserves special mention, with an impressive selection of Spanish wines and creative cocktails. The sangria, available in both red and white variations, was elevated with tropical fruit additions, while their gin and tonic menu featured creative combinations using premium gins and house-made botanical infusions. During the daily sunset happy hour, we discovered their signature Riviera Spritz – a refreshing blend of prosecco, Mediterranean herbs, and local citrus that became our go-to sundowner.
Perhaps what made Riviera truly special was its ability to transition from a casual lunch spot to a sophisticated evening venue. By day, it served as a perfect retreat for light bites and pool dips, while the evening ambiance transformed with subtle lighting, ambient music, and a more refined dining experience. The staff’s knowledge of Spanish cuisine and their ability to recommend perfect pairings made every visit memorable, whether we were stopping by for a quick afternoon snack or settling in for a full evening of dining and drinks.
Final Thoughts
Our five nights at Le Meridien Maldives were transformed from a luxury vacation into an unforgettable journey thanks to the incredible staff. From Kenneth’s warm welcome to Jennifer’s culinary guidance, from Harry’s intense workout sessions to Chef Devin’s heartwarming hospitality – each person contributed to making our stay extraordinary.
What sets Le Meridien Maldives apart isn’t just its stunning location or luxurious amenities – it’s the people. The genuine care and personal attention from every staff member we encountered made us feel like family rather than guests. Their commitment to creating personalized experiences for each visitor sets a new standard for luxury hospitality.
Would we return? In a heartbeat. This slice of paradise has set the bar incredibly high for our future travels, not just because of its natural beauty and world-class facilities, but because of the beautiful souls who make it truly special.
Special Thanks:
A heartfelt thank you to Kenneth, Jennifer, Executive Chef Asaf, Harry, our yoga instructor, Chef Devin, and all the amazing staff who made our stay unforgettable. Your dedication to creating magical moments for your guests is truly remarkable.
