Magical Maldives

After a relatively short flight of around 3.5hrs from Dubai, we arrived in to Male Velana International Airport, where upon passing through Security & Baggage reclaim, we were met by the Ozen team who duly whisked us off seamlessly to their Lounge. This facility is exclusive to guests staying at either of the two Ozen resorts, and provides a tranquil comfortable air-conditioned environment from where to await the arrival of your transfer over to the Islands. After a short time our luxury speedboat/catamaran transfer was ready to take us across to Ozen Maadhoo, which was to be our home for the next couple of nights. The transfer was onboard a very comfortable speedboat and took us approximately 45 minutes. Upon reaching Ozen Maadhoo we could see a wonderful welcoming party had gathered on the jetty in anticipation of our arrival. It was the warmest of welcomes comprising of rhythmical drumming, petal throwing and the placing of hand-crafted palm leaf necklaces. As we made our way to the main reception area we were more formally greeted and offered a glass of Champagne and a refreshing face towel. It soon became very apparent that the warm welcome we had received upon stepping on to this beautiful Island, would set the scene for our entire stay. I was completely blown away by the incredible attentiveness of all the staff, and their genuine desire to please and to assist in ensuring that all their guests simply relax, focussing only on having the best time. Nothing was too much trouble, and this was consistently displayed throughout our short stay on the Island.

Site visit - we viewed a 2-bedroomed Earth Pool Pavilion, which would certainly be a perfect choice for a larger family, or even a multi-generational family, i.e. Parents, Grandparents & 2 children. The villa felt spacious throughout yet still very homely, and quite elegantly rustic in it‘s decor and furnishings. There was a king size room, a generously appointed twin bedroom, and then the capacity to have a double sofa bed that could be divided courtesy of a pair of sliding doors for added privacy. The villa had 2 good sized ensuite bathrooms, both indoor and outdoor, and plenty of outdoor lounging areas together with direct beach access and a generously sized swimming pool. The Earth Pool Villa With Pool was then a smaller version of the Earth Pool Pavilion and came decorated in the same sophisticated style with a hint of rustic charm. These units could accommodate up to 3 people plus infant, so either 2 adults and 1 child, or 3 adults. The lead-in category on the Island was the Earth Villa‘s, so pretty much identical in everyway to the Earth Pool Villa, but obviously without its own Pool. Most if not all of us were allocated the Wind Villa's during our stay, and these came once again either with or without a pool. I felt that these properties were a touch more contemporary in style compared with the Earth Villa's, and were accented in nautical themed artwork and colour scheme. These units were over-water where upon entering had a single glass panel in the floor and another in the main living space, which I felt was a lovely detail connecting you instantly to the Ocean below. You could literally be relaxing on the sofa enjoying a glass of something, whilst viewing the abundant sea life swimming just a few meters beneath you. So, the Wind Villas with or without pools have the capacity to accommodate up to 3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child, plus infant. They are again very spacious, especially in the bathroom and dressing room areas. The oversized bath occupying prime position with its uninterrupted views looking out across the Indian Ocean. Both Wind Villas came with spacious decked area and comfortable loungers, as well as a hammock bed. We were lucky enough to have a pool which was large enough to swim lengths, and in fact I made a point of counting my stokes to complete each length and it was 8. The Wind Villa's have direct lagoon access via a steep ladder. My only concern would be that these overwater Villa's could be quite dangerous for families with younger children and so feel that younger families would be better suited staying in the Earth Villa's, besides I don’t think younger children would be allowed anyway or a disclaimer would need to be signed. Finally, there is one 3-bedroomed Residence on the Island, which is the most luxurious and largest property at Ozen Maadhoo. This property could accommodate up to 8 people across its 3 spacious bedroom's and living area, although while we were there it was taken up by just 2 adults, so sadly we didn't get to view for ourselves.

Dining Options - The resort has a plethora of restaurants to chose from and all are included in the indulgence plan, with the exception of the M6m - Minus 6 Meters, which is the resorts fine-dining underwater Restaurant. That said, if guests stay for a minimum of 4 nights, then they will be entitled to dine once at the Restaurant during this time. We were treated to a wonderful dining experience during our second day, the food was absolutely amazing and came with the option to go with the Wine pairing - which I of course took up. The surroundings were equally magical as we were entertained and captivated by the display and variety of Sea Life swimming around us. This was a truly memorable experience and something I would definitely recommend doing. The quality of dining options across the whole resort were amazing though. We dined at Palms, Raw and Tradition Peking, and all offered up something different but on each occasion the choice and quality was incredible. The catering teams all seemed incredibly proud of what they produce, and in my humble opinion, deservedly so. Friday night was a Gala Dinner and music, which was open to all guests. It was a fabulous evening and everyone got involved, guests, staff and even the management team were all enjoying the vibe together.

I would suggest this Island to anyone looking for a laid back and chilled feel, whilst valuing and appreciating excellent service and understated luxury. I feel that this Island would work for couples of all ages as well as families, although possibly those with younger children, as I am not sure whether older children/teenagers would find they had enough to do. I think for families a lot depends on the children and just how much stimulation they need.

With the room categories I would add that I felt the Earth & Earth Pool Villas were a great option for a honeymoon couple that perhaps can't stretch to an over water bungalow, as they were very private from the established foliage surrounding them, as well as being extremely spacious both indoors and out. The Island has a wonderful shallow lagoon area, where you can Kayak and paddle board with ease, as the water is so calm and clear. The staff really made the resort though, unbelievably attentive and friendly, making the experience feel very intimate. The quality of the All-Inclusive was extremely high, with French champagnes on tap, premium drink brands and top quality a la carte dining.

During our stay we were also able to enjoy and take part in some wonderful activities and excursions which are all available to guest's staying on the Island. The first of which was a fabulous sunset boat trip, culminating in having a close up Dolphin experience. We witnessed a pod of these inquisitive and playful mammals as they interacted with our boat, swimming in and around us with lightening speed and agility. The following day we were invited to partake in some non-motorised water-sports, and so I chose to Kayak, whilst others more daring than I opted to try their hand at some stand-up Paddle Boarding. This was a really enjoyable activity and once again is something which is part of the comprehensive inclusions within the resorts Indulgence Plan. Other activities include snorkelling, scuba diving to nearby reefs, and for those looking for land based activities the resort can also offer Tennis, a Spa, and also a well equipped Gym. The Island also has its own Kids Club which comes complete with its own pool and an exciting and imaginative programme of activities to keep the little ones occupied and entertained. It is worth noting that children under the age of 4yrs would need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian though Whilst the Island doesn't have its own house reef, we still managed to see some impressive Marine life just from out Villa, which included a couple of large Manta Rays gliding effortlessly just feet away, as well as Black Tipped Reef Sharks. There was also a plethora of other smaller fish, many of which I couldn't identify.

In summary I felt that the Ozen Maadhoo was a stunning property with the most amazing staff, and the levels of customer service were second to none. Everyone was so friendly and enthusiastic and all just seemed really happy to be there. Attentiveness was off the charts, for example, upon ordering a Gin (Hendricks) and Tonic once, the rest of the time the staff seemed to instinctively know and offer that exact same brand wherever I went on the Island. The balance of service in my opinion was spot on for me, being very assured and always in the background, instead of being over the top and in your face. The premium All-Inclusive "Indulgence Plan" is a massive benefit, and the fact that premium brand drinks - wines, beers, spirits and even champagne's are included, together with the extensive dine-around options is just incredible!. Then providing guests are staying at least 4 nights you can also experience the Speciality M6M restaurant during your stay, and would also qualify for a Spa treatment or Dive experience. There are not many other resorts that I can think of which offer the same levels of standard with all the inclusions that Ozen offer. So for those seeking quality and exceptional service without the eye watering bill at the end of the stay, this resort really should be a serious contender. .