The Maldives is a choose-your-own adventure kind of paradise. Thrill-seekers can plunge into the depths with reef sharks, kids can while away sun-soaked afternoons crafting castles from sugar-white sands while honeymooners can lose themselves in the romance of overwater villas perched above crystal-clear lagoons.

For those craving an escape that blends a little of everything — adventure, relaxation and a careful focus on wellness — there’s The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. Located in the country’s only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this fish-shaped island is a sanctuary of restoration set against a dazzling marine backdrop, with graceful manta rays and gentle whale sharks frequently spotted gliding through the surrounding waters.

Sleep, exercise and healthy eating are three of the resort’s core tenets — rooms come with cloud-like Heavenly Beds and bedside snoozing guides, while menus brim with options designed to nourish without scrimping on flavour or portion size. Fitness enthusiasts can meanwhile break a sweat in the resort’s cutting-edge gym — an airy, sunlit space with arguably the Maldives’ most impressive lineup of gear.

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Click to jump to…

• The Arrival
• The Room
• The Service
• The Activities
• The Restaurants and Bars
• Why Stay?
• The Essentials

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Opened in 2018 and part of the Marriott portfolio (meaning you can cash in those Bonvoy points for a room), The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort feels wonderfully intimate, with overwater villas stretching gracefully into the lagoon and beachside retreats – starting at $400 per night in low season – cocooned in lush greenery for maximum privacy.

Days slip by at your own pace. Start early with sunrise yoga on the sand, drift between infinity pool dips and quiet nooks perfect for reading, or snorkel among the Baa Atoll’s kaleidoscopic reefs. For a pinch of adventure, the resort’s team can whisk you away to Brother Island, a postcard-perfect strip of untouched sand just five minutes by boat.

Focusing on wellbeing without sacrificing indulgence, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo is where you come to reset, recharge and fall into step with the rhythm of the ocean. If balance at a very reasonable price point is what you’re after, this might just be the Maldives at its best.

Middle East Traveller checked into a Family Beach Pool Villa at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

The Arrival

After touching down at Velana International Airport on the Maldives’ main island of Malé, we’re greeted by the cheery Westin team, who usher us to the check-in desk for our quick 30-minute Trans Maldivian Airways flight hop to the resort.

Formalities are a breeze – the team handles everything while we wait in air-conditioned comfort – and soon we’re on our way to the seaplane terminal, zipping across the tarmac in a sleek shuttle van.

After a leisurely hour spent grazing on croissants and watching planes skip across the lagoon from the Westin’s private lounge, we’re called to board. Two barefoot pilots steer us into the skies, where sands and sandbanks shimmer below, fringed by iridescent coral reefs and every shade of blue imaginable.

After a quick pit stop at a neighbouring resort, we’re off again, this time heading straight for the Westin. We’re welcomed with waves and grins from a small army of staff gathered on the jetty.

After a moment to sink into cushioned sofas and scribble our details on a couple of forms, we’re whisked away by buggy to our villa. Waiting inside, a chilled bottle of champagne.

For guests preferring a different route, the Westin can also organise a domestic flight to a nearby airport followed by a speedboat transfer to the resort.

The Room

Tucked between jungle-thick greenery and the shimmer of the lagoon, the hotel’s 69 villas are perched on stilts above the water, their decks dipping into the turquoise shallows, or hidden among lush foliage just a barefoot stroll from the sand.

For families or groups, the sprawling Heavenly Beach Residence is roomy enough for four adults, two kids and even the nanny, with everyone enjoying their own space to unwind.

Our Family Beach Pool Villa feels like a private oasis, tailor-made for those who value a little seclusion. A sun-drenched plunge pool calls for refreshing dips, while the shaded terrace invites lazy afternoons with a good book in one hand and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice in the other — a perk made even better by the daily-stocked juice station waiting in the pantry.

The open-plan villa’s breezy, clean-lined interiors feature smooth stone floors, plush linen-soft sofas and sweeping, curved canopy roofs that pay subtle homage to the island’s turtle heritage.

Slide open the double doors to reveal a bathroom with a freestanding tub perfectly placed for indulgent soaks with leafy garden views, while the outdoor rain shower invites you to rinse off under a natural canopy of swaying palm fronds.

The Service

From the moment we step into the Westin’s seaplane lounge, where local Maldivian staff greet us with warm smiles and cool towels, to the heartfelt farewell on the jetty, each interaction feels like a gentle nudge further into paradise.

It’s the smaller gestures, though, that stay with you, like the goodbye banner unfurled on the jetty as the team waves us off, or the way they orchestrate unforgettable moments.

For example, an intimate celebration dinner can be set up in a quiet corner of the island with golden lanterns casting their glow against inky skies and glittering water.

The Activities

The Westin may have wellness at its core and a relatively compact island footprint, but make no mistake — it’s brimming with activities for all ages and interests.

Each day kicks off with a busy schedule of complimentary classes, from sunrise yoga at 7.15am to Zumba, aqua aerobics, CrossFit, water volleyball, pétanque, and tennis on the resort’s court, all rotating throughout the week.

Snorkelling gear is free to borrow from the aquatics centre, and the shallow house reef — teeming with more than 250 species of marine life — is just a short swim from the shore. For deeper explorations, guided excursions start at $80 for an hour, offering the chance to discover even richer underwater worlds.

Adventure seekers can head to Hanifaru Bay, the jewel of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where manta rays spiral feast on plankton together in spectacular cyclone formations between June and November.

Complimentary ocean kayaks are available for up to two hours, while other excursions range from jet skiing and parasailing to sunset dolphin cruises, fishing trips, and castaway picnics on nearby Brother Island.

On Thursdays, join the resident marine biologist for hands-on coral planting, frame maintenance and underwater photography sessions — or stop by a complimentary evening presentation every Tuesday to uncover the secrets of the fascinating creatures that call these waters home.

At the spa, tucked at the quieter end of the resort, treatments take place in five tranquil rooms, each with glass panels in the floor that let you watch tropical fish glide beneath as you sink into a massage.

The menu draws on influences from Swedish, Balinese and local techniques, with the signature Maldivian Bliss Ritual bringing together the greatest hits from across the list. It begins with a coconut-infused exfoliation that leaves your skin silky smooth, followed by a soothing steam session, massage, and magnesium-rich bath soak.

For something simpler, restorative facials are perfect for reviving dry skin and tackling signs of ageing, leaving you with a healthy, dewy glow. If you’re short on time, the 30-minute head and scalp massage is a quick pick-me-up that works wonders.

Next to the spa sits the 24/7 Westin Workout Fitness Studio, kitted out with full-sized power racks, battle ropes, TRX suspension ropes, plus all the usual dumbbells, kettlebells, treadmills, bikes and cross-trainers.

The kids’ club nearby as younger guests covered with a packed daily schedule of games and educational activities, giving parents the perfect excuse to sneak off for some well-earned downtime.

The Restaurants and Bars

Three restaurants (all serving drinks) – plus an open-air rooftop bar with oversized wicker chairs, happy hour cocktails and views that stretch endlessly over the water – are clustered around the Westin’s main pool area. The top option is The Pearl, a sleek Japanese spot perched dramatically on a pier that hovers above the ocean.

While you can go à la carte, the all-inclusive meal plan is where the real value lies. It covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner (with a supplement for The Pearl) and comes packed with perks: a 30-minute couples’ massage, a dolphin cruise, a non-alcoholic minibar restocked daily and unlimited drinks from a curated menu of tropical cocktails and chilled wines.

For something more laid-back, Hawker brings the buzz of Singapore’s street food scene to the Maldivian coast. Its open kitchen dishes out pan-Asian favourites all day – from steaming bowls of Vietnamese pho and fragrant Malaysian laksa to smoky Indonesian satays and wok-fried Thai classics. Add a table shaded by swaying palms, and you’ve got a recipe for blissed-out dining with toes in the sand.

At the heart of the resort is Island Kitchen, a breezy 70-seat hub that dishes up breakfast, lunch, and dinner in effortless style. Mornings kick off with sprawling buffet spreads (don’t miss the bottomless mimosas), while later meals let you choose between à la carte favourites and a rotating lineup of regional specials.

Bold flavours shine here — creamy mattar paneer, tangy Goan sea prawn curry, and perfectly charred tandoori chicken that hits all the right notes. For younger guests, the thoughtful ‘Eat Well’ menu steers little ones toward healthier picks without losing the fun.

For those missing the comforts of home, the global dishes deliver in spades — especially the pizzas. The Classic is a standout, with its herby tomato sauce and crisp crust, while the Arabic hummus is unexpectedly top-notch.

During our stay, we’re treated to a themed Maldivian evening featuring freshly grilled reef fish infused with aromatic spices, velvety coconut broths, and kulhi boakibaa fishcakes — all coming paired with warm, flaky roshi bread.

Breakfast is just as indulgent, with something to satisfy every craving. For the health-conscious, there are vibrant smoothie bowls piled high with fresh fruits and crunchy nuts, while egg enthusiasts can dive into a lineup of dishes cooked to order. International touches nod to the resort’s global appeal, with fragrant Indian curries and classic Chinese dishes adding a dash of adventure to the morning spread.

Perched at the end of its own pier, The Pearl takes full advantage of the surrounding waters, delivering bold, inventive dishes that are as indulgent as the setting.

Kick things off with the namagaki no oroshi — plump, briny oysters topped with a tangy daikon salsa — or the perfectly caramelised, miso-glazed black cod that melts at the slightest touch.

Sushi aficionados will want to zero in on the matsu platter, a pristine selection of sashimi and nigiri, while teppanyaki ups the ante with sizzling theatrics and smoky aromas.

While dining at The Pearl comes with an extra charge beyond the all-inclusive plan, it’s worth every penny. There’s a certain magic to the experience — dining above the water, surrounded by the soft lap of waves and the glimmer of moonlight reflected on the sea.

Why Stay?

For a good night’s sleep and a deeper sense of wellbeing, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Days here flow effortlessly, from nourishing menus that spotlight fresh, local ingredients to spa treatments inspired by the island’s natural beauty.

Glide alongside gentle whale sharks, marvel at manta rays as they sweep gracefully through the water, or while away the hours simply soaking in the endless turquoise horizons.

The Essentials

• Rates: Villas start at USD400 per night during low season, and USD600 per night during high season, both excluding taxes but including breakfast.
• Phone number: +960 660 4444
• Website: marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mlewi-the-westin-maldives-miriandhoo-resort/
• Address: Miriandhoo Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives, 6060

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