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We have already reviewed Milaidhoo Island in the Maldives. This is the story of our experience of this magical island and what a stay here is really like.
Lying on the deck, basking in the warm golden rays of the setting sun, I reflect on our experience of this island paradise. It‘s been so relaxing, it is hard to believe that we arrived on that exhilarating seaplane transfer only yesterday. The stresses of daily life have melted away and I‘m able to just enjoy the moment.
After the two-minute speedboat journey from the sea-plane jetty, we removed our shoes and stepped onto the white sandy beach. Abdullah, our butler, quietly guided us through the resort, welcome drink in hand. Entering our water villa for the first time, we were immediately drawn to the far side, where our private deck and swimming pool faced the turquoise blue Indian Ocean. We sat, gently swaying on the Maldivian swing seat as we sipped the chilled welcome champagne.
That night, we dined at Ocean, alternating between gazing into each other‘s eyes and staring at the stunning sunset. Over the next few nights, we savored some of the best fare we have eaten in a long time, from the resort’s signature salad to an extravagant Sri Lankan feast. Chef Piyal personally came to the table to ensure our food was tailored perfectly. I‘ll remember his smiling face and desire to please long after leaving the resort.
Returning to our villa, we laughed out loud with delight at tomorrow’s tide-times thoughtfully and elegantly written on a frangipani leaf left on our bed beside a freshly picked hibiscus bloom by Abdullah. So we would know when was the best time to slip into the ocean and join the fish and the turtles noodling around the house reef. That was typical of the Milaidhoo butler, always anticipating your needs, but at a discreet distance. Very classy. Then, stretched out on the smooth cotton sheets ready to be lulled to sleep by the washing of the water around the villa.
The next morning, we awoke early and worked up a sweat in the compact gym, the sea-view somehow making it easier to run! After showering with luxurious Aqua di Parma toiletries, we strolled to breakfast. Oh, and what a spread was provided – everything you can imagine was on the buffet, with additional items on the menu. Piyal gave us the grand tour through curries, western options, a huge display of cheeses, cold cuts and smoked fish, bakery goods, cereals, and introduced us to the fruit chef. Tomorrow, we must remember to eat less fruit as we couldn’t manage more than a taste of the Maldivian curry and I have to try the masala omelet.
Replete, we strolled around the island hand-in-hand, the softest sand beneath our feet. After just 5 minutes, we realized we were back where we started so retreated to the privacy of our own over-water infinity pool, enjoying the sun on our backs whilst spotting the colorful parrotfish below.
Before long, it was time for our massage at the overwater spa – who needs music when you have the gentle swish of the waves to accompany your treatment? Muscles relaxed and our bodies moisturized with rich Shea butter, we drifted off in the relaxation room and refreshed with warm ginger tea. The massage was warm and soothing – the perfect way to leave behind the physical and mental strain of the daily grind.
I smile yet again as I remember this afternoon‘s snorkeling. So easy to take the few steps down from our villa straight into the ocean. Then, wow – surrounded by tropical fish including a shoal of hundreds of bright yellow-white and black zebrafish. Then, just to the right, a dignified hawksbill turtle. We swam with him for half an hour, gently floating nearby, raising our heads when he rose to the surface to breathe. Life’s concerns float away when you are privileged to share a swim with one of these serene creatures.
Now, the stars are starting to show – there‘s Venus, shining bright beneath the crescent moon. Mars glows red like an ember in the sky and Jupiter and Saturn are also visible. It must be time for dinner, though I’m not sure where the time has gone. Smiling, I realize I’ve had a Milaidhoo moment.
Location
Milaidhoo is a luxury resort in Baa Atoll, 30 minutes sea-plane transfer from Male in the Maldives. The island itself is tiny, fringed by a white sandy beach and with the house reef accessible from your villa.
Style & Character
Milaidhoo is an ultra-5 Star resort but is relaxed rather than stuffy. It is the perfect place for honeymooners or a special getaway – note that no young children are allowed on the island, so it might not be the best resort for a family holiday.
Rooms
Consisting of only 50 villas, the entry-level accommodation consists of 29 very spacious over-water pool villas, offering 245 m² of relaxing space. Each private pool is 42 m² and offers a breathtaking view over the ocean. The 18 beach pool villas are even more commodious but for those requiring ultimate luxury, there are three residences: two on the beach, the other over-water. All rooms have all the niceties you would expect from a luxury resort – premium coffee machine, discreetly hidden television, walk-in wardrobe, rain shower, bath with a view, and Aqua di Parma toiletries.
Food + Drink
From Ocean restaurant to the Shoreline Grill with its live cooking stations to Ba’theli fine dining venue the range of food on offer is superb and includes all the authentic local flavors as well as regional and international cuisine. For the one-off memorable night out though, you can dine alone on a sand-bank, serviced by staff who whisk you there in a powerboat. That is, as long as the tide is low. At high tide, your private island is submerged! That’s one way to guarantee exclusivity.
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