Meeru Island - paradise in the Maldives

  Meeru Island Resort- Maldives: I visited Meeru after spending a week in Sri Lanka – 3 days beach stay and 4 days touring. That experience was amazing- but I was looking forward to my time in the Maldives, and couldn’t wait to arrive. When you fly over the Maldives for the first time- you are in awe of the beauty- it really is like nothing else you'll see. We arrived on Meeru by boat transfer, from Mahe airport. The sea was calm and the weather was stunning. There are two sides to Meeru island, one side tended to be more for families, whilst the other was adults only. There are bars and restaurants that service each side. On arrival- you are given a fragrance cloth to freshen up and a cocktail, and the welcome you receive is so warm and friendly. We were soon transported over to our water villa by buggy, and when we stepped into the villa, we fell in love with it. We arrived to our bed covered in rose petals spelling out our names (it was our honeymoon), a fresh fruit basket and wine, which was a lovely touch. The villa itself was very stylish by design, with wooden floors, partially open air bathroom so you can shower under the stars (all very secluded so don’t worry!), a large four poster bed, well stocked mini bar, luxurious furniture, French doors which opened up on to a wooden sun deck with fabulous day beds, tropical plants and steps which take you down onto the waters edge. You could walk down from your sun deck into the warm shallow waters of the Indian Ocean. It was literally paradise! The thing I liked about this villa was that you had your own bit of beach too- so if you're not a confident swimmer, you could walk/swim out into the ocean at your own pace and level as opposed to being in an 'over water' villa where the water is deeper. I would sit of the steps of our water villa, and watch the wonderful array of fish swimming past. I had never snorkelled before, but tried it here for the first time and it was the most wonderful experience. The diversity of fish found here is out of this world. You don't even have to enter the water to see them- they swim right up to your villa. The staff were so accommodating. Nothing was too much trouble. We actually stayed in touch via email with our housekeeper, as he was so friendly and interested in us and tourists in general. Each day he would teach us a different word in his own language 'Dhivehi'. Dining- well, where do I start?? There aren't dozens of restaurants on Meeru, but there are 2 very good buffet restaurants and 2 a la carte. One Asian 'over the water' a la carte, and one 'Hot Rocks' seafood, steak and game restaurant. We used the 'Maalan' buffet restaurant each day. We had booked into the a la carte, but cancelled as we loved the food at Maalan too much! Everyday there was something different, and the quality and quantity was exceptional. A great variety of fresh fish, steaks, BBQ food, and lots for vegetarians too! The Maalan is a thatched roof, open restaurant and bar, and you can sit outside on the beach and listen to the waves. We came here each evening too – as you can sit and listen to chilled out music, whilst they make the most delicious cocktails! This restaurant and bar was adult only, but there is a family restaurant on the other side of the island. The dress code is casual but respectful, so no sleeveless attire, but also no need to wear shoes! I loved the bare feet vibe going on. There are various bars across the small island- so you can try a different one every other day. To do'- well you don't really come to the Maldives 'to do' you come to experience the beauty. However, it you're one to get itchy feet by sitting around doing nothing but drinking cocktails, there is certainly plenty to keep you occupied. Of course there is snorkelling, scuba, a vast array of water sports, glass bottom boats and fishing trips, but there are also various land activities such as pitch and putt, a fitness centre, badminton, tennis, and two swimming pools. On one side of the island there are day time activities such as beach volleyball and crab racing but on the adult side it's much quieter -You are free to access all entertainment though. Of course, there is also the Spa- I had the most wonderful Balinese massage on my second day, which was the best I’ve ever had. You never need an excuse to indulge yourself! Evening entertainment is very low key across the island, but a few nights a week there are live bands, shows etc. Half way through our week, we were asked if we would mind moving rooms, as they needed to do some work to the villa next to us, and they didn't want us to be disturbed. I thought this was very respectful, as at most hotels they would normally proceed regardless. We agreed to move- but they moved us to a jacuzzi water villa – an upgrade to our current villa. This room was outstanding – along a jetty and directly over the sea, with an open air jacuzzi and steps down into the deeper water. As I’d already tried and loved snorkelling, I was up for swimming straight from the room- and it was amazing! There were a few honeymoon water villas- which were individual villas out off the coast line- only accessible by boat- so if you are after a truly secluded experience, but with the benefits and facilities of an all inclusive resort- these would be perfect. Whilst we were visiting Meeru, there were a couple of vow renewal ceremonies going on, these were very private and didn't seem at all 'conveyor belt' which can be the case at some of the larger hotels. It appears they stagger these across the week, to keep them private and exclusive. It certainly was the most exquisite location to either renew vows or have a symbolic wedding ceremony. I simply couldn't fault my time on Meeru. The Maldives were on my bucket list, and although I’ve now ticked this off- I will definitely be back – and to Meeru!