KCR Spring 2025 Magazine - Flipbook - Page 68
Design, Discovery, and Indian Ocean Dreams:
A Stay at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa
Some islands are blessed with everything: natural beauty, re昀椀ned
design, and a sense of place that feels at once elevated and e昀昀ortlessly
grounded. Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is one of them. Set on the
beautiful island of Thilamaafushi in the Lhaviyani Atoll, this 昀椀ve-star
retreat from Marriott Bonvoy is a celebration of European style,
Maldivian soul, and conscious luxury.
Spanning lush tropical vegetation, pristine beaches and coral-rich
waters, Le Méridien Maldives has created a destination that feels both
curated and carefree. It’s a place for design lovers, foodies, and couples
looking for a serene escape with a sense of story. And with its thoughtful
architecture, sophisticated dining, and warm service, it o昀昀ers an
experience far greater than many might expect.
Arrival & First Impressions
The journey begins with a 35-minute seaplane 昀氀ight from Velana
International Airport in Malé — an unforgettable experience as you
soar over turquoise lagoons and untouched reefs. Upon landing at the
island’s arrival jetty, you’re welcomed with cool towels, tropical drinks,
and the kind of breezy hospitality that sets the tone for your stay.
The resort’s aesthetic is clear from the start: contemporary with
mid-century 昀氀air, blending island textures with European detailing. The
entire property feels artfully layered — both in design and spirit.
Villas: Space, Light, and Style
Le Méridien o昀昀ers both overwater and beachside villas, each with a
clean design that re昀氀ects the brand’s European heritage and island location. Whether you’re waking to the sound of the waves from a Sunset
or Sunrise Overwater Villa with Pool, or watching the sunrise from your
Beach Garden Pool Villa, there’s a strong emphasis on natural light,
openness, and understated elegance.
Each villa includes a king-sized bed, curated mini-bar, custom furnishings, Malin+Goetz bath amenities, and a private deck or terrace with
direct access to the beach or lagoon. The Sunset Overwater Villas, in
particular, o昀昀er 昀氀oor-to-ceiling glass, and wide decks with steps into
the turquoise shallows and a super, elevated in昀椀nity pool with gorgeous
views – perfect for enjoying a glass of 昀椀ne champagne watching the sun
set in a blaze of gold.
For families or those wanting more space, Two-Bedroom Beach Villas
are available, o昀昀ering ample room and privacy while keeping you close
to the island’s soft, family-friendly shoreline.
The rooms are designed not just for relaxation, but for lingering — with
espresso machines, smart TVs, sustainable details, and thoughtful
design touches that make you feel connected to the environment and to
the art of slow travel.
Dining: A Culinary Discovery
With six dining and drinking venues, Le Méridien Maldives takes food
seriously — and imaginatively. Whether you’re dining on authentic
Japanese omakase or enjoying grilled seafood under the stars, the
resort’s culinary concept is rooted in global inspiration with island
ingredients.
Turquoise is the all-day dining venue, o昀昀ering breakfast bu昀昀ets and à la
carte menus that span Asian, European, and local Maldivian favourites.
With indoor and al fresco seating, it’s the heart of the culinary
experience.
Tabemasu is the showstopper: an elegant Japanese restaurant featuring
omakase dining and teppanyaki. From melt-in-your-mouth sashimi to
昀氀ame-seared wagyu, it’s the kind of place where each bite tells a story.
I thoroughly enjoyed an excellent mixology experience and also one of
the most fantastic, not to mention delicious Tappanyaki dining experience I’ve had in the Maldives.
Waves Café is the resort’s wellness-inspired venue — serving plantbased cuisine, cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, and healthy light
fare. Designed for post-spa meals or casual beachside dining, it’s a
hidden gem.
Riviera Tapas & Bar brings a splash of the Mediterranean to the tropics,
with sharing plates, sangrias.
There’s also private dining, beach BBQs, 昀氀oating breakfasts, and Destination Dining options for couples or special occasions.
Spa & Wellness
Located over the turquoise sea is the Explore Spa by Le Méridien is a
tranquil retreat o昀昀ering a full menu of treatments including
aromatherapy massages, facials, scrubs, and rituals inspired by the
Indian Ocean. Each treatment room is set in an overwater pavilion with
large windows — allowing you to watch reef 昀椀sh drift by as you sink into
bliss. Yoga sessions, wellness classes, and a 昀椀tness centre with lagoon
views round out the o昀昀erings, ensuring you can stay as active or as
indulgent as you choose.
Experiences & Discovery
Le Méridien Maldives encourages curiosity and exploration — both
above and below the water. The house reef is easily accessible and teeming with marine life, and the resort’s Marine Hub o昀昀ers complimentary
snorkelling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Excursions include dolphin cruises, sandbank picnics, local island visits,
sunset sails, and diving expeditions with trained guides. The resort is
committed to marine conservation, with coral planting and sustainability programs integrated into the guest experience.
For children, the Le Méridien Family Program o昀昀ers a creative and
eco-conscious activity calendar — from marine biology workshops to
beach art and storytelling.
Service & Sustainability
Service at Le Méridien Maldives is re昀椀ned but never fussy. Sta昀昀 are
warm, intuitive, and genuinely enthusiastic about sharing their island
with guests. From the front desk to the restaurant teams, everyone
seems invested in making your stay feel e昀昀ortless.
The resort is also one of the more eco-forward properties in the region.
It features renewable energy initiatives, water bottling on-site, and
a focus on local sourcing and reef preservation. Its commitment to
sustainability is woven into the design and daily operations without
compromising luxury or comfort.
Final Thoughts
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is a triumph of design, experience,
and soul. It’s a resort that doesn’t just show you the beauty of the
Maldives — it helps you feel it, through art, cuisine, nature, and slow,
thoughtful luxury.
Ideal for couples, solo travellers, creatives, and families alike, this island
hideaway o昀昀ers a unique take on Indian Ocean hospitality — where
European sophistication meets island ease, and where every sunset feels
like a private show.
For more information and to book:
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mlemd-le-meridien-maldives-resort-and-spa/overview/
By Lisa Curtiss
Velaa Bar + Grill, located by the main pool, is ideal for grilled seafood,
steaks, and casual lunch options. As the sun sets, it becomes one of the
most social and stylish corners of the island.
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
PAGE 68
