sometimes, Maldives Call my name – and this time it led me to Le Meridien Maldives Resort & SpaA stunning hideaway hidden in Raviyani Atoll. Known for its powdery white beaches, new addition to this relatively new Maldives’ gorgeous scene can be found on Thiramafushi Island, creating serious waves, especially for families traveling with children.
With the school holidays approaching, I felt like the perfect moment to hear lots of passionate feedback, entertain the kids and see if the island’s paradise could live up to our promises.
welcome
From the moment my family and I stepped out of the seaplane onto the pier, we were greeted by several staff members who welcomed us with cold towels, refreshing drinks and warm smiles on their faces. Several women from the Kids Club were equally waiting to welcome both of our children to the island, but quickly ruined them with a brand of sun hat that we didn’t let go during our stay.
room
We stayed in a 2 bedroom beach pool villa that is perfect for a family like us. There are not only two separate bedrooms, but two separate bathrooms, dressings, toilets, terraces, etc., and on the contrary, you won’t be overwhelmed due to the space.
The interior is fresh yet still cozy, and you don’t always expect it like the slippers on the inside, and there’s not always a set of flip-flops on the outside. Welcome amenities included a bottle of sparkling wine, juice for kids, an entire tower full of sweet stabs, and marshmallows with chocolate fish on the sides… Ah, I don’t rely on calories on my days off!
Outside there is a small pool that is perfect for chilling, but it’s equally great that the kids have the right fun without disturbing other guests on the island. And with direct beach access, it’s hard to keep kids away from the villa, as there’s a limitless playground in front of them, literally.
Bathroom
The bathroom is outside (after all a tropical island) is semi-covered, so if it rains, it always leaves it dry, but at the same time you can indulge in the joy of an outdoor shower in the sunlight and the moonlight. Hair dryer, robes, slippers, a great smelly gel and cream, it’s all here.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2024
facility
There’s a lot to cover, but let’s start with the food. There are four restaurants ranging from Japan to the Mediterranean and International. Overall, I was really pleased and surprised by the quality and variety of food. The fact that the island boasts its own enormous vegetable garden helps to serve the fresh salads I’ve had so far. The restaurant that was outstanding for me had to be Tabemasu as it served great Japanese food. MochaWhiskey-Sour was a real revelation!
Also, don’t miss out on some of the Riviera’s extremely classy dishes at lunchtime. That’s because it’s a bit more hidden than the grilled turquoise and vera (and of course there’s also a great lunch option) and offers a true gem.
Of course, there are also great kids clubs that are gifts from heaven when you travel as a family. My opinions and experiences include one single thing that creates a Good Kids Club, it’s an attractive and enthusiastic staff. Over the years, my kids have visited many different clubs, but the clubs they like and the ones that stand out are truly delighted to see them coming in, having fun with them and having love for the interactions with the young guests. Lots of toys, amenities, and while they are not great, they never make a real difference. Luckily, Le Meridien understood this brief and the kids club was successful throughout our stay.
So where do D’s parents go right after they leave their kids at the club? Certainly….Spa! On the contrary, the exploration spa was not disappointing. When fully placed on the water, it instantly creates a relaxed atmosphere. The various treatment rooms are also separated from each other to ensure there are no noise disorders during treatment. We had a great couple’s massage and the glass floor panels were perfect for dreaming while watching marine wildlife spending their day on the coral reefs below you.
Another highlight for parents is La Vie, offering a lovely cocktail bar and a pool for adults only, always the winner among parents.
For those who want to be a little more active, I can happily say that the island has the most beautiful padel coat I’ve ever seen! Beautifully placed between the island’s lush greenery and the light turquoise ocean, this court reconsiders even the lazy guest’s choice to not operate in the Maldives.
position
The moment I arrived at Verana Airport in Maré with my wife and two children, I was greeted by the friendly staff at Le Meridien. They whispered us quickly and raided us at the Trans Maldiveian Airways (TMA) desk where we literally checked our luggage within 5 minutes. I always amazed at how easy seaplane transfers are to Male, and this was no exception.
Le Meridien is located on Lhaviyani Atoll, where you can fly by seaplane for 30-40 minutes. As always, the views along the way are some of the most fascinating things in the world, with tropical islands appearing on the left, right and center. Flying the entire seaplane is a very typical Mardib experience, so it takes a little time to reach the resort, but the scenery and overall excitement make up for it.
Other nice touches
Le Meridien has a truly lovely airport lounge in the new seaplane terminal, making the entire transfer experience even more relaxed and seamless. Showers, dressing rooms, wifi, buffets and even an outdoor terrace can literally start your holiday from here.
Another great experience you can’t miss is the film under the stars. It’s very unique to sit outside under the stars watching a huge hit. Add the knowledge that you’re sitting on a tropical island in one of the most beautiful spots in the world.
And for those who want to learn more about marine life or simply dive into some of the most stunning coral reefs, there is an incredible diving center. The staff are really friendly and make sure everyone has the best experience. It doesn’t matter if it involves snorkeling trips, coral reef diving, or even dolphin cruises at sunset. Speaking of the latter, we were fortunate to have been able to swim dozens of dolphins in front of the boat for about 40 minutes on one of these sunset cruises. You can imagine the excitement of our children (and everyone else on the ship).
Fee
As we all know, the Maldives never get cheap. But with that being said, I feel that some resorts offer better money compared to others. Le Meridien is certainly among those who take money away. Low season prices start at around $390 (including taxes, fees and fees), which is extremely rare for solid products on the island’s archipelago. For a two-bedroom beach pool, villa prices start at around $850 USD.
However, if you are a Bonvoy member, you can book the resort from just 45.000 points/night. This is really a steal. Of course, you need to add transfer costs to all the prices listed above.
The best bit
What really stands out for me is the fact that Le Meridien is a resort that offers many of the amenities you really only find in high-end properties. And doing this without charging you is really refreshing to look at your arms and legs. Another thing worth mentioning is the fact that it is on a natural island that always adds a more tropical vibe to your holidays due to the rich vegetation you see.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, it’s a great resort perfect for both families and couples. Solid amenities, a variety of villa options, a wide variety of grocery stores, and great value for money. Would you like to return it? absolutely!
Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa
Kristof Eyckmans
Kristof Eyckmans is a travel writer from Antwerp, Belgium. While he lives all over the world and loves wildlife and nature, he still can enjoy the good city jungle.
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