Some Maldivian islands feel designed for romance, others for adventure, and a handful feel purpose-built for renewal. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, belongs beautifully to the third category. This is a resort shaped by Westin’s wellness-first philosophy — a place where spaces breathe, the sea dominates every horizon, and days unfold with a quiet, nourishing rhythm.
From the moment the seaplane descends over The Westin’s elongated, crescent-like island, the resort’s striking architecture comes into view: airy, sculptural villas and pavilions inspired by marine forms. There is a sense of composure to the design — calm, contemporary, clean-lined — that immediately sets it apart from more traditional island resorts. This is a place built not just for beauty, but for balance.
Our Villa: Overwater Villa with Pool
Suspended above the lagoon at the island’s edge, the Overwater Villa with Pool offers one of the Westin’s most cinematic vantage points. With uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, these villas feel both expansive and deeply private — the kind of place where mornings begin with sunlight spilling across the deck and evenings dissolve into gentle waves and soft pastel skies.
Inside, the design is unmistakably Westin: light, spacious, and geared towards wellbeing. Soft, natural tones counterbalance the vast ocean views, while high ceilings and wide sliding doors blur the boundary between indoor comfort and outdoor living. The villa’s generous bathroom, complete with freestanding tub and walk-in shower, opens onto the sea-facing deck for those long, breeze-filled afternoons.
Outside, your large private infinity pool anchors a large wooden terrace with steps descending straight into the lagoon. It’s the sort of space where hours drift easily — swimming, reading, dozing, watching water shift from turquoise to deep marine blue as the tide moves. The soundscape here is equally therapeutic: uninterrupted sea, soft wind, and the occasional rustle of palm leaves from the island behind. These villas are incredibly special and among the best you can find in the Maldives for space, design, practicality and comfort – plus stunning views.
A Resort Sculpted by Space and Light
The Westin’s design is one of its most striking qualities. Inspired by the natural forms of turtles and ocean waves, the architecture relies heavily on curves, airflow and natural textures. This creates an atmosphere that is contemporary yet warm — refined but never sterile.
Pathways wind beneath palms, sandy stretches catch the late afternoon light, and villas are set thoughtfully apart to preserve privacy. It is a resort that feels both intentionally designed and intimately connected to its surroundings. Because the island is relatively long and narrow, every turn reveals another sea view: wide-open, horizon-stretching and intensely calming.
Wellness at the Heart of the Experience
As a Westin resort, wellness is not an added feature — it is the foundation. From thoughtful room amenities and nourishing dining to the restorative setting itself, everything subtly supports relaxation and reset.
Guests can follow the Westin’s signature wellness pillars: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well and Play Well — all woven naturally into the island experience. There are yoga sessions, fitness facilities, and opportunities for gentle movement throughout the day, whether swimming in the lagoon or walking the shoreline. But it is the spa that becomes the heartbeat of The Westin.
Heavenly Spa by Westin — An Overwater Sanctuary
Set above the water, the Heavenly Spa feels wonderfully removed from the rest of the island — a quiet, floating world where treatments unfold to the rhythm of the sea. The spa’s design channels light and horizon, with views stretching across the ocean and treatment rooms arranged to catch the softest breezes.
Every ritual here is crafted to restore equilibrium, from deeply soothing massages to revitalising body therapies, all guided by Westin’s wellness ethos. The experience is sensory without being overwhelming — gentle scents, warm oils, calm therapists who seem to move at the exact pace your body needs. It is easy to spend longer than intended here: resting on the deck after a treatment, sipping tea as the lagoon shifts below, letting the world fall into a slower cadence.
Dining: Nourishing, Refined and Full of Character
The resort’s dining reflects both the island’s location and Westin’s culinary approach.
Island Kitchen, the resort’s all-day restaurant, serves elegant dishes in a bright, breezy setting. Breakfast becomes a highlight here — long meals overlooking the water, fresh fruits, warm pastries and made-to-order dishes that suit luxurious, slow mornings.
The Pearl, the Westin’s signature venue and our absolute favourite, offers Japanese cuisine in an overwater setting that feels atmospheric and serene. Soft lighting, polished service and delicate dishes create one of the island’s most memorable evenings.
Hawker brings street-style vibrancy to the beachfront, with sharing plates and relaxed dining perfect for afternoons and golden-hour meals.
Sunset Bar, as the name suggests, offers one of the best vantage points on the island when the horizon turns molten gold.
Across all venues, the dining feels modern, health-conscious and quietly elevated — in keeping with the resort’s wellness-forward spirit.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: One of the World’s Richest
Marine Regions
Being located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve places the Westin in one of the most ecologically significant marine areas in the Maldives. The waters surrounding the island are rich with coral reefs, vibrant fish life and seasonal manta ray gatherings.
Snorkelling and diving excursions reveal underwater landscapes that feel remarkably alive: reef walls, coral gardens, and the mesmerising ballet of colourful marine life that the atoll is famous for. The resort also offers water sports for guests who want to explore the lagoon at their own pace, from paddleboarding to kayaking.
Service: Gentle, Warm and Consistently Personal
Despite the resort’s sophistication, the service at the Westin Maldives remains warm and refreshingly grounded. Staff take time to learn preferences, make thoughtful suggestions and guide guests through the resort’s wellness-led experiences with sincerity. It’s a style of service that feels polished but human — gently attentive rather than performative.
Whether arranging a private dining experience on the beach, a curated snorkelling outing, or a perfect-time spa appointment, the team moves with generosity and warmth, contributing to the island’s calming atmosphere.
In Summary
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offers a version of Maldivian luxury that stands slightly apart: contemporary, wellness-centred and architecturally striking, set within one of the richest marine environments on the planet. There is space to breathe, time to slow down, and an atmosphere that unravels tension from the moment you arrive.
It’s a firm favourite resort of ours – represents fantastic value for money, is wonderfully peaceful with outstanding overwater villas and we long to return.
Visit: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mlewi-the-westin-maldives-miriandhoo-resort/overview/
By Lisa Curtiss
