Travel & Living

Island Indulgence: JW Marriott Maldives Luxurious Hideaway

The JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa invites you to indulge in the ultimate luxurious escape, enveloped by nature’s enchanting beauty. This sublime haven is a true paradise, where powdery white sands gracefully merge with the sparkling azure waters of the Indian Ocean—a tranquil and awe-inspiring retreat. Let’s embark on an unforgettable journey of relaxation and wonder.

GETTING THERE

The journey to the Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a breathtaking experience, the place is nestled on the pristine Vagaru Island in the secluded Shaviyani Atoll. The adventure begins with a scenic 55-minute seaplane flight from the capital of Male, Maldives. As the seaplane ascends, the urban landscape of the capital gives way to the wide view of the Indian Ocean, surrounded with emerald-green islands and vibrant coral reefs - a wave of mixed emotions washes over you—a delicate blend of anticipation and exhilaration. That fleeting feeling stirs within, where the thrill of the unknown dances with the excitement of stepping into a new adventure. The view is breathtaking, with turquoise waters shimmering under the tropical sun that reveals the rich marine life below. As we approached Vagaru Island, the resort’s overwater villas and vibrant greenery came into view that created a striking contrast against the azure backdrop. The first glimpse of the luxurious and relaxing villas await for the experience. Upon arrival, the warm smiles and waves of the resort staff welcomes you along with a complimentary refreshment—a perfect antidote to the tropical heat. The sophisticated design and the natural beauty of the resort creates a perfect serene and picturesque setting.

STAY AT JW MARRIOT MALDIVES

After a quick check-in, We were escorted to our villa by a friendly staff who also provided a brief tour of the resort along the way. The resort features 60 stylish villas which were located on both beach and overwater, the villas itself was a sanctuary of comfort and elegance. Each of the villas has its own spacious wooden decks and pool that comes with a lot of amenities for comfort with a very own personalized ‘Thakuru’ (Butler) service. The attention to detail of the villas were very evident from the spacious interiors, modern amenities, and thoughtfully curated experience for the guests. The Beach Pool Villas, where I stayed, had large windows and sliding glass doors which allowed natural light to flood the room and also offered a stunning view of the beach. The villa offered ultimately in both space and privacy, featuring a plunge pool, sun loungers, and a shaded pavilion which is perfect for relaxing and soaking surrounded by the natural beauty of the place. The resort offered a variety of activities and excursions, enjoyable for every age from sunset dolphin cruises, sports, games, photo studio, gardening at the JW Garden, and a lot more.

DINING AT JW MARRIOTT

Of course, the resort experience would never be complete without indulging in their exquisite dining offerings, where each meal is a delightful journey of flavors and culinary artistry. The dining experience at the resort is highlighted through 5 dining venues and 3 full-service bars and wine room. Each morning began with breakfast at Aailaa, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant. It featured a wide variety of international and local dishes, a delicious and relaxing experience as the open-air setting of the place is a perfect way to start the day. Fiamma, an Italian restaurant served wood-fired pizzas and the pastas were simply divine; a very ideal spot to unwind. For dinner, we dined at Hashi, the resort’s Japanese restaurant - the seafood were incredibly fresh, and the teppanyaki grill provided a very entertaining and interactive feast. Another memorable evening was spent at Shio, the resort’s signature grill restaurant. The menu featured a selection of premium meats and seafood, the Maldivian lobster is worth mentioning, flavorful and succulent and goes perfectly well with a glass of fine wine. For a more casual dining option, Kaashi is a great place. It features Thai flavors and is located in a treehouse that overlooks the beach, the food bursting with authentic flavors and fresh ingredients partly source from their very own JW Garden. The dining experiences at the JW Marriott Maldives were nothing short of exceptional—the variety of cuisines, quality of food, and beautiful settings all contributed to a one-of-a-kind experience.

ECOLOGICAL AND MARINE ACTIVITIES

From the moment I arrived, I wanted to explore the vibrant marine life of Maldives and explore the resorts’ eco and marine-friendly initiatives. The stay at the JW Marriott Maldives not only offers a luxurious getaway but is also packed with ecological and marine activities to allow guests to connect with the natural environment of Maldives. There are various activities such as snorkeling, sunset fishing, dolphin quest, watersports, and conservation efforts that were designed to enhance the appreciation for Maldives’ natural and unique ecosystem. The activity is equipped with snorkeling gear provided by the resort, the underwater world was vibrant, filled with coral formations to schools of tropical fish. Throughout my stay, it provided numerous opportunities to engage with the natural environment in a meaningful and non-invasive way. It was a rewarding experience to know that I was playing a small part in preserving the beauty of Maldives. The combination of luxurious accommodations and enriching ecological experiences made my stay in the beach villa an unforgettable adventure.