Our third and last resort of our 2019 Maldives trip was The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. Located on the Unesco Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll this place is a true gem.
This place was completely different from the other resorts we experienced in the Maldives. We had the most relaxing and calm days here. We felt really connected to the nature and left feeling rejuvenated.
The hotels concept is 'well - being'. This is incorporated in different ways throughout the resort. Let me walk you through Westins 6 pillars of well-being.
“sleep well”
My personal number one for well-being is a good nights sleep. We were staying in one of the Deluxe Beach Villas (155) with private pool and direct access to the beach.
The villa was huge yet the design was lean and minimalistic. The centerpiece was the heavenly bed which was so so comfy. The living area was equipped with a big tv, coffee machine, orange squeezer (a first for me at a hotel), mini bar and a lounge area. Moving further we had our private terrace which was protected by the lush greens.
Behind is the ocean with beautiful turquoise waters. The bathroom was also amazing. It was spacious with a relaxing bathtub in the center. The outdoor shower was another highlight. And not to forget the super smart toilet which is automatically opening it's lid when you come close and many other fun features.
“eat well”
After sleep, comes food. We were staying on a full board basis which included all three meals. There are three dining options on the island.
Island Kitchen - This is the main restaurant located around the pool area facing the ocean. Here you can enjoy a buffet breakfast with a looot of healthy, and unhealthy :), options.
Lunch and Dinner are served A La Carte with many options from Asian to Italian cuisines.
Hawker - This was my favorite option for lunch. The tables are set on the beach so you can enjoy your meal with your feet in the sand.
I also loved the show kitchen. The theme is Asian streetfood. So be prepared for a lot of spicy and yummy options. You can also have dinner here.
The Pearl - By far the best meal I had in the Maldives. This is a Japanese overwater restaurant. The atmosphere is great and the food is even better.
We loved the Wagyu beef and the Sushi and Sashimi selection. After dinner we gazed at the stars and it was an unforgettable evening. Make sure to try some of the signature cocktails pre dinner and watch the sunset from here.
Sunset Bar
The place to enjoy some really good handcrafted cocktails and watch the sunset.
“play well”
On the island there are plenty of opportunities to entertain yourself. Of course you have the stunning ocean which is great for swimming and even better for snorkeling. We saw many fish and baby sharks which are so adorable. Make sure to get your complimentary snorkeling equipment from the dive center.
You can also organize a snorkeling trip to the nearby sister island of the hotel which is completely uninhabited and the marine life is rich.
Another great activity is the sunset dolphin quest. We saw many dolphins and watched the best sunset from the boat.
There were also different activities organized every evening like the beach BBQ dinner or the movie night. So we never felt bored. For the kids, there is also a kids club available.
“feel well”
As mentioned, the concept is designed to make you feel well and rested. I can't think of a better way to achieve that than a relaxing Spa treatment at the overwater HeavenlySpa.
We had a relaxing massage at Heaven 5, the couple room. The highlight for me was the glass floor. Instead of looking at a flowerpot during my massage I could watch the ocean and the fish. So amazing!
Besides the Spa there were many other aspects that made us feel well. I really loved how lush the island was. The nature felt so untouched and you really felt that island vibe.
We also were lucky enough to enjoy the most beautiful sunsets here, every evening the sky turned into another light spectacle.
On top of that the staff was super friendly and comforting, especially our personal butler, Arafath, who made sure we had a wonderful time.
“move well”
I have to admit, although I love working out, on holiday I am skipping the gym. But of course I wanted to check out the WestinWorkout Fitness studio.
Usually hotel gyms are not very big and just 'there'. But this gym was huge and the most beautiful fitness studio I ever saw. Situated on two floors surrounded entirely by glass and facing huge palm trees and the ocean. It was insane. A personal trainer is available throughout the day and there are many classes and workouts scheduled, including my favorite, TRX. Other activities on the program are morning yoga or running. Alternatively you can play tennis on one of the courts.
In case you haven't planned on working out but are so stoked to visit this gym like me, there is the gear lending program available. You can rent running shoes and other workout gear. So no excuses!
“work well”
Well of course I did not work on holiday but I returned back to work feeling recovered and motivated.
We had 5 amazing days here and really loved the calm and relaxing vibe of the island. While waiting for our transfer back to Male Airport, which can be either a 35 minute seaplane ride or a domestic flight + speedboat, we felt sad to leave but also grateful for all the beautiful moments we had during our time here.
I would recommend this place to everyone looking for a real relaxing holiday and also a place to really go into yourself and do something good for you body and mind. Usually the Maldives is a couples place but this island, I would also recommend to solo travelers who are looking for a small retreat.
To check out rates click here.
