The idyllic Indian Ocean islands of the Maldives have long been a haven for honeymooners, but a new trend is emerging – families and groups of friends are now visiting in search of the ultimate getaway.
Last year, the Maldives welcomed over two million visitors, marking a 6.5 per cent increase from the previous year. With a new terminal set to open at Velana International Airport later this year, the country aims to attract five million tourists.
Desperate to go, I texted my best friend Kate: “Fancy a bezzymoon in the Maldives?” She replied in a nanosecond…..”Errrrr yes” (I mean who wouldn’t?) as did my 16-year-old daughter Ruby – anything to escape revision for her upcoming GCSEs.
The choice of where to stay is overwhelming: there are more than 160 resorts, all offering turquoise waters, pristine white sands, accommodation beachside or on overwater villas.
We settled on the Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, part of the Ozen Collection which positions itself as an ultra-luxury brand where every stay leaves a positive imprint on the planet. Tick luxury, tick sustainability.
Direct flights mean that the journey from the UK is easily doable. Lunch, two movies, dinner, a snooze, and before you know it you arrive in Malé and are sitting in a private air-conditioned speedboat. Some 20 minutes later, we had arrived. General Manager Monica and her team welcomed us. As rose petals fell and Maldivian Boduberu drumming filled the air, we were handed a fresh coconut to sip.
Renowned for its refined elegance, this island resort is situated in a pristine lagoon in South Malé Atoll and pitches itself as offering “an exceptional experience of luxury”. Its lush grounds feature native trees, including coconut palms and the uniquely heart-shaped-leaved Hibiscus, while manicured paths are lined with colourful orchids. Managed with metronomic efficiency, its high staff to guest ratio (two to one) ensures guests are impeccably cared for, with flawless service.
We were assigned our own butler, or as the resort prefers, a ‘hiyani’, meaning shadow. His name was Asfar. He was always smiling and on hand to help with any request in razor-sharp time via WhatsApp.
The resort has 90 private villas. The options range from one-, two-, or three-bedroom beachfront villas to over-water villas – many with direct slides into the sea. For those seeking the ultimate indulgence, there’s the no-expense-spared Royal Reserve Residence.
The three of us settled into our beachfront, sunrise-facing Earth Pool Villa, complete with soaring ceilings, an open-air bathtub, a private pool and deck. Beautifully designed, extremely comfortable, with plenty of indoor and outdoor space, it also included a covered dining /lounge area, a complimentary maxi – not mini – bar replenished daily, and direct access to the powdery white sands and cerulean, blue water. From bed to beach in less than 15 steps (I counted!).
The resort is 1km long and 200 metres at its widest point and is easy to get around by foot, bike, or electric buggy. It includes an over-water gym and spa, shops, a library, five specialty restaurants and bars, and one of the largest kids’ clubs in the Maldives.
Eager to explore, our first stop was a visit to Best Dives, the resort’s watersports centre, run by its brilliant manager Trevor, to pick up our snorkel gear.
Slight challenge, though – Kate, despite her travelling around the world, had never mastered the art of snorkeling. In fact, she’d tried countless times in different destinations, only to end up spluttering, panicking, and giving up. But if there was ever a place to crack it, it was here.
With five minutes of expert tuition – a few tweaks to her mask, some breathing tips, and a confidence boost – Kate was comfortable, and we set off on our first adventure: a guided snorkel around the resort’s coral reef. For the first time Kate can remember, she relaxed and took in the underwater world without a hitch.
Bolifushi’s reef is in pristine condition, thanks to the resort’s commitment to conservation and treating nature as well as it does its guests. We were like kids on Christmas morning – eyes wide, pointing excitedly at the kaleidoscope of marine life, oohing and aahing at every turn. The magic of Ozen was already weaving its spell.
All-inclusive is a bit of an overused term (I’ve stayed in resorts which give guests a choice of just three wines, a few cocktails, and charge extra for anything else), but Ozen’s approach delivers on the promise. It includes a choice of Champagnes, over 100 wine labels, beer and spirits. It is easy to see why Bolifushi was awarded The World of Fine Wine’s ‘Best All-Inclusive Wine List’ last year and it also scooped ‘Best Sprits List’ for the whole of Asia. It also encompasses a choice of dine around experiences, soft drinks, afternoon tea, wellness sessions like sunrise yoga, cinema under the stars, and more.
Dinner on the first night was at Indian restaurant Saffron. Here, we feasted on a tasting menu celebrating India’s culinary heritage. Saffron’s Executive Chef, with his infectious passion, introduced each dish, before inviting us into the kitchen at the end of the evening to watch naan breads being made in traditional tandoor ovens.
The next morning, we treated ourselves to an indulgent floating breakfast in our villa pool, an experience that made us feel utterly pampered (additional cost $85 per person). We then took advantage of the all-inclusive Turtle Quest snorkelling experience, exploring the vibrant coral reefs and spotting sea turtles in their natural habitat. Another magic moment ticked off.
Our regular lunch spot was Sangu Beach which overlooks the sea and reef. Offering a wide selection of salads, fresh fish and Ruby’s favourite: chicken wraps – not to mention its homemade pita breads, cooked to order – served with a chilled Minuty rosé. In the evenings, it offers an excellent selection of Levantine and Moroccan cuisine. We asked the chef to do the honours and choose a range of dishes for us to try, each one superb.
SOYI, the resort’s Pan Asian specialty restaurant, was also exceptional, offering a choice of dishes blending Japanese, Thai, and Chinese influences, paired perfectly with wines. The food was so good, I wanted to return the next night and have more of the same.
Kate fell in love with fine dining restaurant ORIGINƐ. She declared her Wagyu beef “the best” she had ever eaten, while my fresh lobster was cooked perfectly, and we both discovered a delicious new wine thanks to the sommelier’s recommendations.
By day three, we were surfing the net and checking when we could return – just like many of its guests who come back time and again. We had fallen under the Ozen spell, and each minute it just kept getting better.
We loved beginning our mornings at Vista del Mar, where the buffet-style breakfast, elevated to Ozen standards, featured a team of at least 12 chefs serve breakfasts to suit international palettes. Lunch is also excellent here: its fresh sashimi bar a must visit.
The resort’s ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa, along with its sister location at Ozen Life Maadhoo, is the first and only resort in the Maldives to achieve Gold accreditation for sustainability by the Sustainable Wellness Organisation. During the stay we each enjoyed a complimentary treatment – Ruby loved her facial and Kate and I dreamily snoozed through our massages. Post treatment, we strolled to the new Vihaara area, where guests can explore the art of sustainable alchemy. There, we met the resort’s wellness director and had a wonderful half-hour creating our own sustainable lip scrubs with coconut oil, sugar and honey.
As our ‘bezzymoon’ drew to a close, we were reluctant to leave the island. Ozen Reserve Bolifushi had woven its magic, provided us with a luxurious escape but also so many cherished moments and lots of laughter. We boarded the speedboat back to reality and we agreed that this would not be our last visit.
Ozen Reserve Bolifushi
Seven nights from £5778 with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, including scheduled Virgin Atlantic Economy flights direct from London Heathrow to Male. All-inclusive accommodation. Price is based on two adults travelling and sharing an Earth Pool Villa Sunrise and includes speedboat transfers and all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. To book: https://www.virginatlantic.com/holidays or call 0344 557 3859.
More information on the Ozen Collection here: https://theozencollection.com
