If we were to pick one single reason for you to stay at the Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, it would be for its stunning location in the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve.
Hotel
Earning the tag of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve means that the area is very rich in marine life, and the resort also invests a lot of time and resources in conserving the delicate ecology. This definitely becomes a huge attraction for travellers who are particularly keen on seeing stunning coral reefs, which guarantee viewing a wide variety of colourful reef fish in every snorkelling experience such as batfish, fusiliers and anemone fish, to name just a few. Dolphins can be spotted regularly from the island, and you can even get a closer view during the sunset dolphin cruise excursions offered by the resort.
Filipa Lopes, the resort’s resident marine biologist explains, the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve is located in the central western part of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. The atoll is situated just north of the Kashidhoo Kandhoo channel, which geographically divides the northern chain of atolls. It supports one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, and acts as a stepping stone for the transport of planktonic larvae of reef organisms from the western and eastern Indian Ocean. The reserve is thus home to a globally significant biodiversity among its numerous reefs and demonstrates a long history of human interaction with the environment.
Besides the gorgeous natural surroundings, this resort is a luxurious haven for holiday-makers. Marine life and the undulating shape of water define the main inspiration behind the design of Westin Maldives. The arrival jetty is like a big clam, and mantas, sharks and whales and are recognizable shapes in the roofs of the villas and other public areas of the resort.
Room
The abundance of underwater life at Westin Maldives is visible even from inside our overwater villa. Besides seeing the clear blue water and the occasional fish swim below the glass bottomed floor in our living room, I could laze on my bed and see shoals of fish and even a couple of sting rays swim in the glistening waters.
The panoramic views from each room are designed to make you feel one with the surroundings. The villas are designed in a Japanese style, this includes partitions between the living room, bedroom and bathroom. You can open up the partitions and enjoy a fantastic sense of spaciousness. I particularly loved the glass wall along the entire length of the overwater villa that gives you an amazing and uninterrupted view of the infinite ocean.
The beach villas have their own charm. They offer all the openness of the water villa, plus a private access to the beach. With this in mind, you’d do well do book a couple of nights each in the beach villa and the water villa to enjoy a bit of the beach as well as the ocean.
Food and drink
The resort offers a delightful range of cuisines, from casual to fine dining. Island Kitchen is the all-day restaurant that has everything from pasta to sushi on its menu. The breakfast buffet is an extensive spread including eggs made to order, fresh juices, baked goodies, a range of Arabic, Mediterranean and even Indian fare.
While you indulge in all the international dishes that are cooked to perfection, you must try some local Maldivian dishes too. Mah Suni is a delicious tuna dish that’s ideal for breakfast and served with paper thin rotis. Don’t be fooled by it’s humble look, the tuna is mixed with some fiery chillies and zinged up with lime juice. Light and extremely flavourful, this is one of the staples in Maldivian homes. Then, there’s the Maldivian fish curry – best enjoyed with rice, it makes for a hearty meal.
The Sunset Bar, located on a terrace with a view of the water villas and the ocean beyond them, is great to sip some margaritas or caipirinhas while soaking in the changing hues of the water as the sun sets.
We enjoyed most of our meals at Hawker, it has a casual vibe with sand at your feet and the menu featuring fun street food from all over the world. The Indonesian, Thai and Filipino fare is particularly good and best paired with a pint or two of beer. This is where you’d want to catch a bite in between your swims at the pool or in the ocean. It’s nice in the evenings too, with fairy lights, and a laid-back beach-shack ambience so typical of a tropical paradise.
The Pearl is the exquisite Japanese restaurant. Jutting out over the water, it feels like you’re dining in the middle of the ocean. The omakase, or the chef’s tasting menu, features the freshest sashimi and sushi, fine wagyu and an impressive choice of sakes.
To do
Guests have the rare opportunity to snorkel with manta rays at the protected site of Hanifaru Bay just 18 kilometres from the resort. “During peak season, more than 100 Mantas can be seen feeding at the bay and one may also see Whale Sharks, especially during full moon,” says Filipa.
You can also choose from various other water activities and excursions on this idyllic island, ranging from jet ski rides, to snorkelling with turtles and traditional sunset fishing. And after all that power-packed action, lie back and enjoy the overwater Heavenly Spa by Westin – it has a range of treatments to leave you re-energized and nourished in both mind and body.
One of the highlights during my stay at this resort was the Marine Biology Presentation that started with how the Maldivian atolls were created and included various fun facts about the fishes, turtles, sharks and more.
I would highly recommend everyone visiting the Maldives to try and get a low down on all of this as it makes the experience more enjoyable and heightens the appreciation for this natural wonderland, besides sensitising us to important matters of marine ecology. We ended the session with coral propagation – coral propagation is like gardening wherein you tie broken corals picked up from the ocean floor, on a metal frame and drop it back into the ocean. With time and care, the corals start regenerating.
In a nutshell
This intimate property is all about quiet luxury. I’d recommend it especially for couples looking for a romantic getaway as well as for people who are particularly keen to explore an abundant marine life.
Factbox
Address: Miriandhoo Island Baa Atoll, 06060, Maldives
Phone: +960 660-4444
Website: marriott.co.uk
