It’s fair to say the Maldives isn’t short of options when it comes to luxury. With its crystal clear waters and the stunning collection of islands creating one of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet, it’s no surprise it sits as arguably the world’s most popular holiday destination for those who are fans of the finer things in life. However, despite having what feels like endless options for resorts, a lot of them feel somewhat… samey. It seems most resorts on the islands all have carbon-copy offerings, and looking through Booking.com can almost become a game of ‘spot the difference’ when planning a Maldives trip nowadays. That is where OZEN LIFE MAADHOO comes to the fore…

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO: The Lowdown

Part of THE OZEN COLLECTION, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, located in the South Male Atoll (in short: it’s a 45-minute boat ride from Male Airport), is a 5-star all-inclusive oasis. Setting itself apart from other resorts, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO offers an exclusive ‘indulgence plan’ featuring access to experiences (sunset cruises, fishing trips), spa treatments, top-shelf plonk and bubbles, access to the resort’s five restaurants and luxury accommodation. It’s a sort of comprehensive holiday plan if you will. No hidden extras when you arrive. Everything is covered (except, say, you want to go on a Padi course).

Arriving to a White Lotus-inspired welcome – complete with a necklace made from a palm leaf and a staff member blowing a conch  – set the tone for our stay.  This palm tree-filled oasis, with its azure blue waters and powdery white beaches, has left no stone unturned when it comes to providing the ultimate holiday experience. But beyond its aesthetics and ridiculously good breakfast buffet (more on that later), OZEN LIFE MAADHOO allows you to leave the chaos of the outside world and immerse yourself in the serenity of this truly special place.

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO: Accommodation

The resort offers two types of accommodation: wind and earth villas.  The earth villas are beachfront sanctuaries enveloped in lush tropical greenery. These standalone villas – complete with high-pitched roofs, an expansive sun terrace and a spacious, outdoor bathroom – boast private access to the white, fine sandy beach. While the earth villas offer privacy and an idyllic beach setting, the wind villas are typically Maldivian.

Built on stilts over the water, the wind villas are romantic and inviting, with free-standing elliptical bathtubs, huge king-sized beds and uninterrupted views of the horizon. Steps off the balcony allow access to the warm, clear waters below, while the floor-to-ceiling window from the shower

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO: Eat and Drink

The food. Oh, the food. Now this is where OZEN LIFE MAADHOO really finds its stride. Firstly, the breakfast buffet at The Palms is otherworldly. It has everything you want: numerous live cooking stations, a classic Maldivian spread with freshly made bread and fish curry, fresh fruit, and pancakes aplenty. The resort is home to five restaurants, all with different cuisines. Traditional Peking takes you on a journey through mainland China, Tradition Indoceylon is inspired by the flavours of India and Sri Lanka, and Lonu champions age-old traditional Maldivan recipes, reimagined as sophisticated small plates.

As part of the indulgence plan, guests staying for a minimum of four nights can dine at M6M (Minus 6 Metres), OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s subterranean restaurant with glass walls offering a view of the marine life while you dine. Come for the food, stay for the schools of fish.

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO: Experiences

Beyond its luxurious accommodation and exquisite dining offerings, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s activity list is extensive. There’s daily snorkelling trips (opt for the morning excursion as the visibility is 10/10), non-motorised water sports (paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing), tennis on what is quite possibly the nicest court we’ve ever seen (and it’s surrounded by towering palm trees), a fitness centre, and the resort’s crowning glory – the state-of-the-art spa.

Found in one of the most beautiful bays on the island is the Elena Spa, surrounded by lily-pad peppered ponds, relaxing day beds and home to eight over-water treatment rooms which boast glass-bottom floors, allowing you to witness the marine life beneath. The philosophy here revolves around five elements – Wind, Water, Fire, Earth, and Wood – creating a unique and transformative experience for every guest.

With its all-inclusive package ensuring a hassle-free vacation, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO promises an experience that is as inviting as it is unforgettable.

Save 15% on a seven-night stay at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO with Inspiring Travel, with prices starting from £4,250pp based on two sharing an Earth Villa on an ultra all-inclusive basis, including return flights and transfers.