KCR Winter 2025 2026 Mag V3 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 82
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
The Maldives has its share of islands that whisper tranquillity and
others that radiate energy. Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort &
Spa, set in the conveniently located North Malé Atoll, sits comfortably
somewhere between the two — a relaxed, polished island that embraces
barefoot living while o昀昀ering the reassuring warmth of a globally trusted
luxury brand. It’s the kind of place where life smooths out almost
instantly: touch down at Malé, glide across the water on a short
speedboat transfer, and within minutes you’re stepping onto soft sand
with the lagoon stretching wide and impossibly blue before you.
The island itself is generous — more spacious than many boutique
atolls, and designed so that families, couples and groups can each 昀椀nd
their own rhythm. Whether wandering along long crescents of beach,
lingering at oceanfront restaurants or retreating to one of the villas,
there’s a sense of easefulness that de昀椀nes the Sheraton experience here.
Days unfold without e昀昀ort: sunlight glittering across calm shallows, the
sound of palm leaves shifting in the breeze, the quiet pleasure of
knowing that everything you need is within a barefoot stroll.
ed with warmth and 昀椀nesse. At ChopstiX enjoy homemade dumplings,
noodles, and other 昀氀avorful Asian specialties in a laid-back poolside
setting, and for sunset cocktails, Kakuni Hut and the Anchorage Bar are
perfect choices.
The resort’s culinary identity is woven around friendliness, comfort and
variety rather than formality, making it especially appealing to guests
who enjoy relaxed luxury with consistently good food and genuine
service.
Shine Spa for Sheraton — A Spa Island Floating in its Own
Serenity
One of Sheraton Maldives’ most distinctive features is its Shine Spa, set
on a dedicated island accessible via a small wooden bridge. The moment
you cross the walkway, the world seems to quieten — palms rustle
overhead, treatment pavilions look out onto endless shades of blue, and
a sense of separation from the busier areas of the resort settles in almost
immediately.
Our Stay: Ocean Villa — Where the Sea Fills Every Frame
Perched along a prime stretch of the resort’s shoreline, the Ocean Villas
o昀昀er exactly what their name promises: unobstructed, panoramic views
of the Indian Ocean, framed through wide glass doors and the open
expanse of a private deck. These villas are among the most atmospheric
places to stay on the island — ideal for travellers who want constant
connection to the water without being perched on stilts above it. And of
course absolute privacy. Each Ocean Villa blends the Sheraton’s contemporary warmth with classic Maldivian touches: natural timbers, high
ceilings, soft sandy tones, and wide spaces designed for living rather
than simply sleeping.
The spa menu blends global wellness traditions with Sheraton’s
signature approach to relaxation. Massages, body wraps, facials and
rituals are performed in tranquil spaces 昀椀lled with natural light and
ocean breeze. Couples’ suites o昀昀er a particularly serene experience, with
private outdoor areas for resting after treatments and views that make
you linger long after the therapist has left.
Do allow yourself time to really enjoy the spa’s very pretty pool garden with waterfalls and tropical 昀氀owers, and sound of the waves beyond, it’s
one of our favourite spots to sunbathe, swim and relax.
Activities for Every Mood
The interiors are beautlifully designed, airy and uncluttered, while
outside, the private deck becomes the focal point of daily life — a place
for morning co昀昀ees as the lagoon shifts from pale aquamarine to deeper
blue, for sunbathing in complete tranquility, or simply for watching
waves ripple gently against the shore. The pool is large and practical
with steps to enter and sit on when you don’t fancy a full dip. Bathrooms
are beautifully laid out, featuring outdoor showers and deep soaking
tubs that allow guests to unwind with the sound of the sea in the background. We particularly loved our villa for its stunning interior design,
large pool, ocean view and sounds of the waves, and found it incredibly
relaxing.
Because the island is larger than many Maldivian resorts, Sheraton
Maldives naturally lends itself to variety. Guests can snorkel in the clear
lagoon, join diving excursions to explore nearby reefs, take sunset cruises on traditional dhonis, or try stand-up paddleboarding and
kayaking in the shallow waters. Families 昀椀nd plenty to enjoy through
the Sheraton Kids Club, while couples gravitate to the quieter beaches
and the romance of private dining or quiet walks at dusk.
Those who prefer a slower pace can station themselves by the pools,
stroll the island, or simply spend the day on the villa deck watching the
ocean shift through an astonishing kaleidoscope of colours.
An Island with Room to Live
Service with Genuine Warmth
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa distinguishes itself through
its sense of space. Many Maldivian islands lean towards smaller
footprints, but here, guests can explore multiple beaches, stroll along
shaded pathways, and choose from a variety of lounging spots
throughout the day. It’s a layout that gives the island both privacy and
atmosphere — and allows guests to move at their own pace. Do look
out for the very pretty orchid garden during your walks.
Despite its size and its established brand identity, one of the resort’s
greatest strengths is its warmth. Sta昀昀 recognise guests from day to day,
remember preferences, and o昀昀er assistance in a way that feels natural
rather than scripted. It’s a style of service that suits the resort’s
atmosphere: friendly, unpretentious, and highly attentive when you
need it.
The resort o昀昀ers diverse accommodation options, from Beach Cottages
and Deluxe Rooms shaded by palms to Water Bungalows and Water
Villas suspended above the lagoon. Yet, regardless of location or
category, every room type maintains certain hallmarks: open, breezy
interiors; nature-inspired palettes; and the feeling that the sea is never
more than a few steps away.
Whether arranging a romantic dinner, a birthday surprise (it was my
mum’s birthdat whilst out there), a particular bottle of wine, or a sunset
excursion tailored to your timing, the team moves with an easy
con昀椀dence — a balance of familiarity and professionalism that instantly
puts guests at ease.
Final Thoughts
Dining: Varied, Relaxed, and Designed for Island Living
Dining at Sheraton Maldives is marked by variety. Feast, the resort’s
main restaurant, serves international dishes from interactive stations —
ideal for guests who enjoy choice and casual sociability. In contrast, Sea
Salt is wonderfully atmospheric, o昀昀ering re昀椀ned seafood dishes at the
water’s edge, where torches 昀氀icker in the evening breeze and the lagoon
glimmers softly in the background. The lobster we savoured here was
wonderful!
Baan Thai’s fragrant curries and rich, delicate 昀氀avours o昀昀er
authenticity and comfort, while Masala Hut serves Indian classics craft-
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa o昀昀ers a relaxed, sunlit take
on Maldivian luxury — one that prioritises comfort, accessibility and
the simple pleasure of waking up beside a calm, shimmering sea. It is a
resort where the pace slows, where service feels heartfelt, and where the
sea is a constant companion. Warm, welcoming and
e昀昀ortlessly enjoyable, Sheraton Maldives is a place that makes island
life feel wonderfully easy.
Visit: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mlesi-sheraton-maldives-full-moon-resort-and-spa/overview/
By Lisa Curtiss
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