KCR Winter 2025 2026 Mag V3 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 84
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
Some Maldivian islands feel designed for romance, others for
adventure, and a handful feel purpose-built for renewal. The
Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, set within the UNESCO Biosphere
Reserve of Baa Atoll, belongs beautifully to the third category. This is
a resort shaped by Westin’s wellness-昀椀rst philosophy — a place where
spaces breathe, the sea dominates every horizon, and days unfold with a
quiet, nourishing rhythm.
Every ritual here is crafted to restore equilibrium, from deeply soothing
massages to revitalising body therapies, all guided by Westin’s wellness
ethos. The experience is sensory without being overwhelming — gentle
scents, warm oils, calm therapists who seem to move at the exact pace
your body needs. It is easy to spend longer than intended here: resting
on the deck after a treatment, sipping tea as the lagoon shifts below,
letting the world fall into a slower cadence.
From the moment the seaplane descends over The Westin’s elongated,
crescent-like island, the resort’s striking architecture comes into view:
airy, sculptural villas and pavilions inspired by marine forms. There is a
sense of composure to the design — calm, contemporary, clean-lined —
that immediately sets it apart from more traditional island resorts.
This is a place built not just for beauty, but for balance.
Dining: Nourishing, Re昀椀ned and Full of Character
Our Villa: Overwater Villa with Pool
Suspended above the lagoon at the island’s edge, the Overwater Villa
with Pool o昀昀ers one of the Westin’s most cinematic vantage points.
With uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, these villas feel both
expansive and deeply private — the kind of place where mornings begin
with sunlight spilling across the deck and evenings dissolve into gentle
waves and soft pastel skies.
Inside, the design is unmistakably Westin: light, spacious, and geared
towards wellbeing. Soft, natural tones counterbalance the vast ocean
views, while high ceilings and wide sliding doors blur the boundary
between indoor comfort and outdoor living. The villa’s generous
bathroom, complete with freestanding tub and walk-in shower, opens
onto the sea-facing deck for those long, breeze-昀椀lled afternoons.
Outside, your large private in昀椀nity pool anchors a large wooden terrace
with steps descending straight into the lagoon. It’s the sort of space
where hours drift easily — swimming, reading, dozing, watching water
shift from turquoise to deep marine blue as the tide moves. The soundscape here is equally therapeutic: uninterrupted sea, soft wind, and the
occasional rustle of palm leaves from the island behind. These villas
are incredibly special and among the best you can 昀椀nd in the Maldives
for space, design, practicality and comfort - plus stunning views.
A Resort Sculpted by Space and Light
The Westin’s design is one of its most striking qualities. Inspired by the
natural forms of turtles and ocean waves, the architecture relies heavily
on curves, air昀氀ow and natural textures. This creates an atmosphere that
is contemporary yet warm — re昀椀ned but never sterile.
The resort’s dining re昀氀ects both the island’s location and Westin’s
culinary approach.
Island Kitchen, the resort’s all-day restaurant, serves elegant dishes in a
bright, breezy setting. Breakfast becomes a highlight here — long meals
overlooking the water, fresh fruits, warm pastries and made-to-order
dishes that suit luxurious, slow mornings.
The Pearl, the Westin’s signature venue and our absolute favourite,
o昀昀ers Japanese cuisine in an overwater setting that feels atmospheric
and serene. Soft lighting, polished service and delicate dishes create one
of the island’s most memorable evenings.
Hawker brings street-style vibrancy to the beachfront, with sharing
plates and relaxed dining perfect for afternoons and golden-hour meals.
Sunset Bar, as the name suggests, o昀昀ers one of the best vantage points
on the island when the horizon turns molten gold.
Across all venues, the dining feels modern, health-conscious and quietly
elevated — in keeping with the resort’s wellness-forward spirit.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: One of the World’s Richest
Marine Regions
Being located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve places the
Westin in one of the most ecologically signi昀椀cant marine areas in the
Maldives. The waters surrounding the island are rich with coral reefs,
vibrant 昀椀sh life and seasonal manta ray gatherings.
Snorkelling and diving excursions reveal underwater landscapes that
feel remarkably alive: reef walls, coral gardens, and the mesmerising
ballet of colourful marine life that the atoll is famous for. The resort also
o昀昀ers water sports for guests who want to explore the lagoon at their
own pace, from paddleboarding to kayaking.
Service: Gentle, Warm and Consistently Personal
Pathways wind beneath palms, sandy stretches catch the late afternoon
light, and villas are set thoughtfully apart to preserve privacy. It is a
resort that feels both intentionally designed and intimately connected
to its surroundings. Because the island is relatively long and narrow,
every turn reveals another sea view: wide-open, horizon-stretching and
intensely calming.
Wellness at the Heart of the Experience
As a Westin resort, wellness is not an added feature — it is the
foundation. From thoughtful room amenities and nourishing dining to
the restorative setting itself, everything subtly supports relaxation and
reset.
Despite the resort’s sophistication, the service at the Westin Maldives
remains warm and refreshingly grounded. Sta昀昀 take time to learn
preferences, make thoughtful suggestions and guide guests through the
resort’s wellness-led experiences with sincerity. It’s a style of service that
feels polished but human — gently attentive rather than performative.
Whether arranging a private dining experience on the beach, a curated
snorkelling outing, or a perfect-time spa appointment, the team moves
with generosity and warmth, contributing to the island’s calming
atmosphere.
In Summary
Guests can follow the Westin’s signature wellness pillars: Sleep Well,
Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well and Play Well — all woven naturally
into the island experience. There are yoga sessions, 昀椀tness facilities,
and opportunities for gentle movement throughout the day, whether
swimming in the lagoon or walking the shoreline. But it is the spa that
becomes the heartbeat of The Westin.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort o昀昀ers a version of Maldivian
luxury that stands slightly apart: contemporary, wellness-centred and
architecturally striking, set within one of the richest marine
environments on the planet. There is space to breathe, time to slow
down, and an atmosphere that unravels tension from the moment you
arrive. It’s a 昀椀rm favourite resort of ours and we long to return.
Heavenly Spa by Westin — An Overwater Sanctuary
Visit: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mlewi-the-westin-maldives-miriandhoo-resort/overview/
Set above the water, the Heavenly Spa feels wonderfully removed from
the rest of the island — a quiet, 昀氀oating world where treatments unfold
to the rhythm of the sea. The spa’s design channels light and horizon,
with views stretching across the ocean and treatment rooms arranged to
catch the softest breezes.
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
By Lisa Curtiss
PAGE 84
