Some islands are blessed with everything: natural beauty, refined design, and a sense of place that feels at once elevated and effortlessly grounded. Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is one of them. Set on the beautiful island of Thilamaafushi in the Lhaviyani Atoll, this five-star retreat from Marriott Bonvoy is a celebration of European style, Maldivian soul, and conscious luxury.
Spanning lush tropical vegetation, pristine beaches and coral-rich waters, Le Méridien Maldives has created a destination that feels both curated and carefree. It’s a place for design lovers, foodies, and couples looking for a serene escape with a sense of story. And with its thoughtful architecture, sophisticated dining, and warm service, it offers an experience far greater than many might expect.
Arrival & First Impressions
The journey begins with a 35-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport in Malé — an unforgettable experience as you soar over turquoise lagoons and untouched reefs. Upon landing at the island’s arrival jetty, you’re welcomed with cool towels, tropical drinks, and the kind of breezy hospitality that sets the tone for your stay.
The resort’s aesthetic is clear from the start: contemporary with mid-century flair, blending island textures with European detailing. The entire property feels artfully layered — both in design and spirit.
Villas: Space, Light, and Style
Le Méridien offers both overwater and beachside villas, each with a clean design that reflects the brand’s European heritage and island location. Whether you’re waking to the sound of the waves from a Sunset or Sunrise Overwater Villa with Pool, or watching the sunrise from your Beach Garden Pool Villa, there’s a strong emphasis on natural light, openness, and understated elegance.
Each villa includes a king-sized bed, curated mini-bar, custom furnishings, Malin+Goetz bath amenities, and a private deck or terrace with direct access to the beach or lagoon. The Sunset Overwater Villas, in particular, offer floor-to-ceiling glass, and wide decks with steps into the turquoise shallows and a super, elevated infinity pool with gorgeous views – perfect for enjoying a glass of fine champagne watching the sun set in a blaze of gold.
For families or those wanting more space, Two-Bedroom Beach Villas are available, offering ample room and privacy while keeping you close to the island’s soft, family-friendly shoreline.
The rooms are designed not just for relaxation, but for lingering — with espresso machines, smart TVs, sustainable details, and thoughtful design touches that make you feel connected to the environment and to the art of slow travel.
Dining: A Culinary Discovery
With six dining and drinking venues, Le Méridien Maldives takes food seriously — and imaginatively. Whether you’re dining on authentic
Japanese omakase or enjoying grilled seafood under the stars, the resort’s culinary concept is rooted in global inspiration with island ingredients.
Turquoise is the all-day dining venue, offering breakfast buffets and à la carte menus that span Asian, European, and local Maldivian favourites. With indoor and al fresco seating, it’s the heart of the culinary experience.
Tabemasu is the showstopper: an elegant Japanese restaurant featuring omakase dining and teppanyaki. From melt-in-your-mouth sashimi to flame-seared wagyu, it’s the kind of place where each bite tells a story. I thoroughly enjoyed an excellent mixology experience and also one of the most fantastic, not to mention delicious Tappanyaki dining experience I’ve had in the Maldives.
Velaa Bar + Grill, located by the main pool, is ideal for grilled seafood, steaks, and casual lunch options. As the sun sets, it becomes one of the most social and stylish corners of the island.
Waves Café is the resort’s wellness-inspired venue — serving plant-based cuisine, cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, and healthy light fare. Designed for post-spa meals or casual beachside dining, it’s a hidden gem.
Riviera Tapas & Bar brings a splash of the Mediterranean to the tropics, with sharing plates, sangrias.
There’s also private dining, beach BBQs, floating breakfasts, and Destination Dining options for couples or special occasions.
Spa & Wellness
Located over the turquoise sea is the Explore Spa by Le Méridien is a tranquil retreat offering a full menu of treatments including aromatherapy massages, facials, scrubs, and rituals inspired by the Indian Ocean. Each treatment room is set in an overwater pavilion with large windows — allowing you to watch reef fish drift by as you sink into bliss. Yoga sessions, wellness classes, and a fitness centre with lagoon views round out the offerings, ensuring you can stay as active or as indulgent as you choose.
Experiences & Discovery
Le Méridien Maldives encourages curiosity and exploration — both above and below the water. The house reef is easily accessible and teeming with marine life, and the resort’s Marine Hub offers complimentary snorkelling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Excursions include dolphin cruises, sandbank picnics, local island visits, sunset sails, and diving expeditions with trained guides. The resort is committed to marine conservation, with coral planting and sustainability programs integrated into the guest experience.
For children, the Le Méridien Family Program offers a creative and eco-conscious activity calendar — from marine biology workshops to beach art and storytelling.
Service & Sustainability
Service at Le Méridien Maldives is refined but never fussy. Staff are warm, intuitive, and genuinely enthusiastic about sharing their island with guests. From the front desk to the restaurant teams, everyone seems invested in making your stay feel effortless.
The resort is also one of the more eco-forward properties in the region. It features renewable energy initiatives, water bottling on-site, and a focus on local sourcing and reef preservation. Its commitment to sustainability is woven into the design and daily operations without compromising luxury or comfort.
Final Thoughts
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is a triumph of design, experience, and soul. It’s a resort that doesn’t just show you the beauty of the Maldives — it helps you feel it, through art, cuisine, nature, and slow, thoughtful luxury.
Ideal for couples, solo travellers, creatives, and families alike, this island hideaway offers a unique take on Indian Ocean hospitality — where European sophistication meets island ease, and where every sunset feels like a private show.
For more information and to book:
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mlemd-le-meridien-maldives-resort-and-spa/overview
By Lisa Curtiss
