Manchester to the Maldives: You’ve got to love a bit of competition and the hospitality landscape of the Maldives is evolving rapidly with a raft of new openings over the past few years.

 

It means new resort owners must come up with the latest concepts to stay ahead of the curve and meet the needs of travellers who demand new types of luxury, which is music to VIVA’s ears.

 

Doing just that and amidst the exotic turquoise hues of South Male, the tranquil island of Maadhoo is just 35 kilometres from the international airport and is the home to the first luxury all-inclusive resort in the Maldives – Ozen by Atmosphere.

 

On arrival at Male airport, the warm and friendly airport team welcome and escort you to a luxury speedboat that takes you to the tropical island location. YES!

 

With a transfer time of just 45 minutes, you can sit back and enjoy the exhilarating ride where, from now on, you won’t have to lift a finger.

 

Greeted at the jetty by resort staff with the traditional blowing of the ‘Sangu’, we felt like royalty being beckoned.

 

Expect to indulge in the exotic, eat delicious food and prepare for some serious relaxation because shoes are unnecessary, work is forbidden, and drinking champagne is encouraged here.

 

The concept of the resort was quickly explained by our very own butler (BUTLER!) along with a site tour by a buggy before settling into our ‘Earth Villa’.

 

You can walk from one side of the island to the other in no time at all, but with the heat and the sun you might want to use one of the many free bikes or buggies to get about, or just call your butler!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ozen offers a unique exclusive plan called ‘Indulgence’, they’ve even trademarked it, where guests will experience the ultimate hassle-free holiday encompassing all the elements of a luxury lifestyle.

 

There are no surprises, no hidden extras – everything is included in one price.  A minimum of four-night stay is compulsory, however, if you want to take advantage. It’s well worth it.

 

The contemporary design style, and overall ambience compliments the naturally blessed surroundings of Maadhoo island. This is luxury lifestyle at its best.

 

The Accommodation

 

There are 90 luxurious stand-alone villas spread over an expansive turquoise lagoon, 41 of which are beachfront, idyllically positioned on a soft and pristine sandy beach overlooking the horizon.

 

 

There are a further 49 over-water villas built and creatively designed on stilts that offer a romantic and mesmeric experience that’s truly unmatched.

 

All the living spaces are created with the utmost luxury and comfort in mind, incorporating a seamless fusion of modern design, nature and vibrancy.

 

 

We stayed in an ‘Earth Villa with Pool’. These bright and homely beach front villas are stunning with high slanted ceilings and luxurious interiors in warm earthy tones.  With two bedrooms and two separate bathrooms, one of which is outdoors with a monsoon shower and hand-crafted bathtub, it can easily sleep a family of four or five.

 

Every villa has a large outdoor deck and tropical garden with an eight-metre long infinity lap pool, with fibre optic mood lighting overlooking the pristine lagoon as well as a guaranteed sunset view.

 

 

The ‘Wind Villas’ are equally as impressive. Curving along the expansive lagoon, these over the water havens have direct access to the ocean. These also come with an infinity pool and truly ups the ante for a bespoke luxury experience in the Maldives.

 

Your private in-villa bar is restocked twice daily with full size bottles and your very own butler will take care of your every need.

 

Food and Drink

 

You can dine, wine and unwind within one of six restaurants and enjoy different varieties of a-la-carte fine dining experiences during your stay.

 

The Palms is an all-day dining concept and the resort’s main restaurant that boasts stunning views with wide open spaces. It’s mainly buffet-style, with a wide selection of international cuisine and themed nights you’ll never get bored of the food offering.

 

 

Going back to the South Asian Culinary roots of Sri Lankan, Indian and Maldivian cuisine, The Tranditions-IndoCeylon restaurant offers delightful dishes with fantastic presentation and ethnic style platters.

 

The Traditions-Peking (situated in the same building as the Indo-Ceylon restaurant) offers guests Far-East cuisine. Exemplary cooking techniques married with the finest ingredients showcase authentic Chinese dishes.

 

M6M is the showstopper though. The super special underwater restaurant showcases breath-taking underwater views as you dine on fish dishes. It’s a spectacular environment and the food menu is paired with a wine flight making the whole experience delightfully unique and very romantic.

 

 

There’s also a pool bar and pizzeria called Joie de VIVRE meaning the ‘Joy of Life’ in French as well as the resort’s very own RAW bar to enjoy raw food trends of the world.

 

Premium selections of beverage are included within the ‘Indulgence’ package even well-known champagne brands, a wide range of whiskeys, international beers and lagers and a huge selection of branded spirits.

 

There are also 80 labels of wines from renowned vineyards of the old and new world, as well as signature and internationally popular cocktails available to order via your phone (or butler).

 

You can pretty much eat and drink as much as you like, wherever you like, whenever you like. It’s indulgent and what everyone wants on their holiday.

 

Activities and Adventure

 

The resort has its very own PADI certified dive school and water sports centre that charters new exhilarating and unique diving locations around the resort. And there’s a wide range of motorised and non-motorised activities for you to enjoy in the stunning turquoise water.

 

Gym-bunnies can enjoy a state-of-the-art onsite gym with personal trainers, sauna and steam rooms along with separate plunge pools available. An ELENA spa complex boasts eight stunning, over-water treatment rooms to take your rest and relaxation experiences to another level with a wide range of tailored treatments available. Be sure to use the bathtubs on the private outdoor areas after your chosen therapy to take in the stunning views in peace. You’ll feel like pinching yourself because it’s as perfect as paradise.

 

 

Prices start from £697 per person per night in high season and £502 per person per night in low season. All guest stay on the all-inclusive ‘Indulgence’ plan. This includes villa accommodation, return speedboat transfers, all food and beverages plus excursions.

 

Guests will experience true indulgence at this luxury that offers a winning all-inclusive combination for a holiday in the Maldives.

 

It’s laid back, there’s no stuffiness and everyone knows your name as soon as you set foot on the island. The resort staff even wave you off when you check out, personally saying goodbye to you as you board your private speed boat back home.

 

For further information on the Maldives, visit www.visitmaldives.com.