Jack and I landed back from the Maldives a few days ago, and I can’t lie, I’m having withdrawal symptoms. Waking up to the sound of the ocean lapping onto the stilts of the overwater villas and the warm sun that renders any thought for ‘layers’. It’s the place that makes a late afternoon snorkel over the reef feel like a way of life and a few days in, you remember what a clear mind actually is. That is the beauty of the Maldives and the job of new resorts (or any for that matter) such as the Westin Miriandhoo to provide the backdrop for, and that, they did!

The Location

The Westin Miriandhoo resort resides far north of the capital Male, on an 11 acre island in Baa Atoll; big enough to have everything you desire on an island resort but cosy enough that you can walk end-to-end in 10 minutes. The easiest (and most scenic) route is a 30-minute seaplane ride from Male which to be honest, (so long as you’re not claustrophobic!) is all part of the Maldives experience and quite an impressive ride!

The Rooms

We actually split the stay in two, trying both the island and overwater suites with each having their unique elements. There’s nothing quite like walking straight out onto a pristine beach for a sunset stroll but granted, it is hard to beat the iconic ocean-suspended villas. I’ve been fortunate to experience a few Maldives properties now and the Westin Miriandhoo overwater pool suites do take the biscuit! The pools are huge, much larger than typical ones in the Maldives and are showered with sunshine most of the day. There’s a huge deck which we had lunch on most days because it was so picturesque!

Below, Island Suite with Pool

The overwater suites are also designed to be at an angle that makes them completely private from your two neighbours. The only chance of someone looking onto the deck is if they’re snorkeling or doing water sports. Tip: Some of the water villas face the side where the seaplanes will fly in and out of so if you would like to ensure max privacy, I’d ask to be on the opposite side to this!

Below, Overwater Suite with Pool

Why the Westin?

With hundreds of islands and resorts in the Maldives, all glistening with iconic white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, I think it’s hard to know at face-value which one is right to go for.

For me, the focus that the Westin places on wellness is a huge draw and it shines through their Maldives property more than any other I’ve stayed in. It’s the first time on vacation that Jack and I have really looked forward to a daily workout, and that’s all because their gym is such a beautifully bright and spacious area that looks out onto the palm trees and ocean. It feels so far removed from normal everyday life that a 60-minute relaxed workout flies by, whereas I’d normally be counting down the seconds for a 40-minute class! There’s a brand new open-air tennis court too which will make for perfect sunset runarounds.

From being able to borrow a whole range of New Balance workout kit free of charge, lavender sleep balm next to your Westin Heavenly bed in the evening (It’s a thing … they really are huge and comfy as comfy can get!) to make-your-own fresh juices at morning breakfast, it goes without saying that this resort had the wellness box comfortably ticked! There is also a dedicated watersports center where you can take out a snorkeling kit for the week, canoes, paddle boards etc as well as (reasonably priced) once in a lifetime experiences such as their dolphin sighting excursions and colourful deep-sea dives.

The Dolphin boat ride was one of the most special parts of our stay! We saw pods of dolphins time and time again that swam up to the front of the boat, more than happy to say hello. Whilst they naturally can’t guarantee sightings, at an 80% chance you will, it’s well worth the trip! We even saw a mummy dolphin with its’ calf which will forever be in my mind! I put up a video on Instagram here if you want to have a look; https://www.instagram.com/p/BuiMftABOv9/.

The spa doesn’t exactly let the side down either…! No soundtrack needed when this is the backdrop! There are clear-bottomed panels just where your head fits so you can watch the underwater world go by whilst having a super relaxing massage. Yes please!

The Restaurants

There are three restaurants and one dedicated sunset bar at the Westin Miriandhoo resort. The Pearl is a fine-dining Japanese that sits out on a jetty over the water with food as exquisite as the views. The all-day dining spot comes in a light and modern restaurant called the Island Kitchen which offers everything from Indian, to British, Chinese and Maldivian cuisine. A personal favourite was the king prawn curry, it’s exceptional!

Finally, there is Hawker, which is the epitome of relaxed Island life. It sits out amongst the fringed palm trees with an open kitchen serving up authentic Asian street foods. The soft shell crab is to die for; order that along with a fresh papaya salad and you’ll be laughing ;)

Hawker Restaurant

Island Kitchen Restaurant

Views from the Island Kitchen & Main Pool

Jack and I had the most relaxing and energizing 6 days in a very long time. It’s romantic by nature because of the mesmerizing setting but the Westin Miriandhoo is so much more than that. The wellness facilities, the cheerful service, the modern yet authentic interiors and the exquisite food make it a worthwhile trip be it a family vacation or a honeymoon destination. 

If you have any questions about the Westin resort or fancy leaving me a comment to let me know what you think, I would love to hear from you!

Carly xx