A Maldivian Love Story at
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Imagine stepping off a luxury speedboat onto a private island, where the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean lap against the silky, white sands. That’s exactly what my partner and I experienced on our romantic getaway to the Maldives. After a surprisingly smooth 45-minute speedboat transfer from Malé Airport to OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, we were welcomed with a burst of vibrant hues and beaming staff smiles, the majority of whom were locals from neighbouring islands. Moments later, champagne was flowing and a soothing foot massage awaited us at check-in – the perfect antidote after our 11-hour overnight flight.

While the Maldives is undoubtedly the ultimate honeymoon destination, with breathtaking beaches and iconic overwater villas, it can be hard to choose the right resort for you. OZEN LIFE MAADHOO stands out with its INDULGENCE™ Plan, a deluxe all-inclusive experience that covers every detail. From fine dining and premium drinks to non-motorised water sports and snorkelling excursions, every moment is taken care of. Guests can also enjoy a sunset cruise, fishing trip and spa treatment, ensuring a worry-free escape with no unexpected costs! 

Your Private Paradise

After a buggy tour around the island with our butler, who gave us the rundown of the resort, our excitement built as we headed to our home for the next few nights, the Earth Villa with Pool. Positioned on the beach and nestled within the gardens, it felt like a private sanctuary, with each villa thoughtfully placed to offer complete privacy. The villa itself is equipped with everything you need to feel at home. The four-poster bed, draped in tasteful fabric, took centre stage, complemented by a fully stocked maxi bar, wine fridge, and an outdoor marble bathtub. As for the décor, modern design blends with Maldivian influences, with underwater-themed artwork adorning the walls and pops of colour dotted throughout the space. From the outside, the charming thatched roof and glistening turquoise pool instantly draw you in. The wooden deck, with its plush seating, invites you to unwind and enjoy an afternoon siesta, creating a luxurious yet authentic space for downtime. In total, there are 95 villas, including beachfront and water villas, each with the option of private pools. You can expect jaw-dropping ocean views, whether you’re perched above the water or gazing across; each villa ensures seclusion, making it an ideal private retreat.

Culinary Delights

After settling in, we headed straight to The Palms, the all-day restaurant, for a fresh sushi and salad feast – just what we craved after so much travelling. The spread was beautifully presented, with Mediterranean à la carte dishes and live cooking stations also on offer to guests, adding an extra touch to your traditional buffet. With five restaurants and three bars to choose from, there’s something for every taste, including Lonu for Maldivian cuisine, Tradition IndoCeylon, which embraces an Indian and Sri Lankan menu, and Tradition Peking for authentic Chinese dishes.

My absolute favourite feast of the trip had to be at M6m – Minus Six Meters, the breathtaking underwater restaurant. Surrounded by spectacular sea life including sharks and vibrant coral, yet all within a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The food was a delight for both the eyes and taste buds, starting with a Chicken Cordon Bleu appetiser, followed by a perfectly cooked Angus Beef Tenderloin, and finishing with a show-stopping Baked Alaska – I know I’ll be dreaming of returning for years to come. On top of that, fine dining experiences are all included in the INDULGENCE™ Plan.

Our floating breakfast was another highlight. As the sun rose, we indulged in a delightful array of tropical fruits, fresh pastries, and refreshing smoothies, all served on a heart-shaped tray that gently floated in our villa’s private pool. It’s a must-do experience for honeymooners seeking that picture-perfect moment.

Ocean Thrills

When you daydream about visiting the Maldives, your thoughts often drift to an itinerary of nothing but relaxation. But if you’re craving adventure, this paradise has it all, from sunset cruises and fishing trips to vibrant Maldivian-themed events. With complimentary snorkelling equipment, you can explore the stunning underwater world right off the resort. For even more unforgettable sights, you can venture out on an excursion to nearby snorkelling spots. We were lucky enough to spot a turtle drifting by and lost track of the tropical fish we encountered! Also, for those looking to keep the excitement flowing, there’s an array of motorised and non-motorised water sports to enjoy. My top recommendation would be to rent a double kayak and glide leisurely through the warm waters with your loved one. It’s an effortless and relaxing way to take in the spectacular surroundings. 

Beyond the Beaches

You haven’t truly relaxed until you’ve experienced the overwater spa at the resort. ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa, set in its lavish overwater location, offers a diverse range of treatments inspired by nature. From refreshing facials to calming massage treatments, this is the ultimate retreat for lovebirds. We opted for the Maadhoo Escape – Couples Ritual, a luxurious 150-minute signature treatment. It began with a rich coconut body scrub, followed by a soothing foot ritual and a rejuvenating bamboo massage. Finally, we enjoyed a rose petal bath ritual on the overwater terrace while sipping herbal tea, leaving us completely at peace in the midst of the ocean. 

Add something special to your trip with a range of unforgettable experiences that will make your honeymoon feel like a dream. Imagine an outdoor cinema setup under the stars, private dining for two, and a fun gin-tasting session. One of our standout moments was a private beach BBQ, where a beautifully set table awaited us under twinkling lights and a starry sky. Our personal chef prepared an incredible spread of fresh seafood, tender meats, and traditional Maldivian dishes right in front of us, giving us the chance to customise the menu to our liking. The sweeping ocean view made us feel that the entire island was ours for the night, and with champagne flowing from our private server, the whole experience felt magical, like something out of a fairytale.

The genuine warmth of the staff at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO made my stay top-tier, creating an immediate sense of belonging. From the authentic Maldivian cuisine to high-energy entertainment, it made us feel a deep connection to this beautiful destination. Whether you’re planning the honeymoon of a lifetime or seeking a romantic getaway, this tropical paradise will leave you with a photo album filled with special memories.

How to book:

Overnight rates at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO start from USD 825, based on two sharing an Earth Villa on the INDULGENCE Plan, including complimentary luxury speedboat transfers from Male. Please visit: theozencollection.com/maadhoo

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