Maldivian Magic for Two at
Where every moment feels like a fairytale – from champagne dinners and soothing spa rituals to unforgettable underwater adventures… your dream honeymoon starts here.
Words by Charlotte Saunders
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI
Our next adventure in the Maldives took us to OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, nestled in the South Malé Atoll. Just a breezy 25-minute catamaran ride from Malé Airport whisked us to this five-star paradise. Slightly larger than its sister property, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI is all about privacy, offering a peaceful and secluded hideaway for its guests.
As we stepped out onto the jetty, we were greeted with a traditional Maldivian welcome and palm leaf necklaces were draped around our necks. Needless to say, excitement was building as we sipped on a refreshing coconut drink while soaking in the beats of Maldivian drumming. We couldn’t wait to dive into round two of island life!
OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI shines with its RESERVE™ Plan, the all-inclusive package that covers everything, from fine dining and premium drinks to exclusive activities. Guests also enjoy the luxury of having a dedicated Hiyani (Butler) on hand to make sure every detail of their stay is totally top-notch.
A Villa with a View
As we wandered along the resort’s winding pathways en route to our villa, our first impressions exceeded all expectations. To our left, we spotted personalised bikes ready for us to explore the island at our leisure. Then we set eyes on our Earth Pool Pavilion right on the beach and knew we were in for a real treat. With its spacious L-shaped pool, cosy outdoor lounging area, and marble outdoor bathtub, it felt like we had everything we could want without ever stepping outside. And it doesn’t stop there – this stylish space features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a ton of thoughtful touches I never saw coming, including organic lip balm, SPF, mosquito repellent, and all the little extras that make a significant difference for travellers. With soaring beamed ceilings, dark wood accents, and a splash of bright colours, this spacious villa perfectly captures the traditional Maldivian style.
The resort’s 90 private villas are spread across eight categories, offering varying levels of luxury. From spacious Earth Pool Villas, ideal for a family getaway, to elegant Ocean Pool Suites for a romantic honeymoon, there’s accommodation to suit every need. What sets OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI apart from other Maldivian resorts is the inclusion of water slides in several of its ocean villas. This unique feature allows guests to slide directly into the crystal-clear lagoon from the comfort of their private deck, adding a playful touch that the guests absolutely love!
Delectable Dining
The dining experience is remarkable for its incredible variety and attentive staff, who are always on hand to refill your glass with a warm smile the moment it’s empty. With five outstanding restaurants and two chic bars, each offering something unique, there’s plenty of options for refuelling. At Saffron, immerse yourself in Indian flavours with the Thali experience, which includes a platter of over ten small dishes, allowing you to savour a bit of everything. Soyi adds a twist to Pan-Asian food in a vibrant yet traditional setting, surrounded by lush greenery, making it the ideal atmosphere for intimate dinners. For the ultimate indulgence, ORIGIN offers fine dining with a five-course modern European menu, featuring dishes like beef carpaccio, Wagyu beef, and Maldivian lobster, all accompanied by sommelier-selected wines.
Sangu Beach Restaurant, the all-day dining spot, serves a delightful mix of Levantine and Moroccan cuisine. It quickly became my go-to lunch spot, thanks to its unobstructed sea views, comfy seating, and indoor-outdoor design. The menu features comforting favourites like fish and chips, shawarma pockets, pasta, and my personal favourite, the Arabic mix dip bites with crispy bread. After lunch, drop by Sangu Beach Bar to enjoy cocktails inspired by the flavours of the Middle East. For wine lovers, the Frozen Mango Pinot is my top pick – its blend of mango and Pinot Noir is the perfect summer drink. While all-inclusive packages often come with lower dining expectations, this resort is a refreshing exception.
Dive into Island Life
There’s a whole world of experiences to spice up your honeymoon itinerary at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. We kicked things off by toasting to love with a wine-tasting session at the CUVÉE Wine Library. Surrounded by an extensive collection of wines, we delved into the romance of wine culture, discovering exceptional vintages from around the world. Each bottle had its own fascinating story as we savoured their distinct flavours, including a few exclusive wines only available at this resort and its sister properties. It was the perfect setting to explore the world of wine together during our Maldivian adventure.
If you’re after an adrenaline-fuelled holiday, a variety of diving and water sports activities are available to enjoy, from jet skiing and windsurfing to kayaking. Make the most of your complimentary snorkel gear and dive into the mesmerising house reef at Bolifushi. The ocean is teeming with colourful fish and intricate coral reefs, and you might even be lucky enough to spot the blacktip sharks that sometimes grace the waters. Having got the inside scoop on the best snorkelling spots, the spa huts became our go-to location. I could hardly believe my eyes – witnessing such extraordinary sea life up close, all without venturing far from shore.
A distinctive perk of the RESERVE™ Plan is the inclusion of a luxurious spa treatment during your stay. The tranquil ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa, set over the water, offers a peaceful haven where you can unwind. If you’re feeling tight from biking around the island, treat yourself to a signature massage using coconut oil handcrafted on-site. With couples’ treatments available, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate love and connection.
This five-star resort gives you a true sense of island life, with winding paths perfect for cycling and peaceful nooks adorned with hammocks. Many charming hideaways are set amidst lush greenery, where you can often spot hermit crabs striding about. Even during peak seasons, you can always seek out a quiet spot to enjoy a moment of peace and slip into relaxation mode.
As someone who loves nothing more than soaking up the sun with a good book and a cocktail in hand, the Maldives is my paradise. My partner, however, is more of an explorer. Yet even before we left the island, he was already dreaming of when we would return, as the experience exceeded all his expectations and more. The natural beauty that surrounds you is beyond imagination, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for honeymooners. If you’re looking for the ultimate destination to celebrate love, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI is the place to be.
How to book:
Overnight rates at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI start from USD 1,240, based on two sharing an Earth Pool Villa on the RESERVE Plan, including complimentary luxury speedboat transfers from Male. To book your dream honeymoon, please visit: theozencollection.com/bolifushi
