JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa: A Bucket-List Escape For All Ages - Forbes

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa: A Bucket-List Escape For All Ages  Forbes

Set on blissful Vagaru Island hugged by the cerulean waters of the Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a five-star, multi-generational haven that focuses on every aspect of a guest’s well being. Here, time seems to stand still as you and your loved ones are invited to get back in touch with your authentic selves and fully embrace the present moment. Find out what makes a stay at the JW Marriott Maldives so transformative.

The Property and Setting

The setting at the JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa is piercingly beautiful, offering not just pristine, soft sand beaches, but also a verdant swathe of tropical trees and flora. The lush jungle canopy peppered throughout the island really accentuates the sensation that you are on a naturally-formed, idyllic island where sand and surf exist in harmony with Mother Nature’s green spaces.

While the resort certainly pays homage to its gorgeous natural surroundings, it puts an equal emphasis on opulence. The overall design of the property mixes natural island elements with contemporary sophistication, creating a sense of luxury that’s grounded in nature. Well-maintained pathways cut gently through lush greenery, connecting the various parts of the resort and villas, while still inducing a feeling of seclusion. The use of stone, wood and thatch showcase a welcoming Maldivian aesthetic, while modern architecture evoke an atmosphere of understated elegance.

Underpinning the personality of the property is a welcoming ambiance that prioritizes solicitous, genuinely friendly service that makes the resort feel upscale yet accessible.

The Rooms

With pristine beaches, cerulean seas and achingly gorgeous sunsets, is there a reason to ever stay indoors for long when in the Maldives? The accommodations at the JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa are certainly up to the task of tempting you to linger inside.

There are 60 thoughtfully designed villas with a beach or overwater setting, as well as a sunrise or sunset option. Each of the airy, sophisticated villas features sky-high ceilings and plenty of floor-to-ceiling windows so you’re never long without your jaw-dropping view. The expansive, modern interiors have plush, comfortable furnishings that will tempt you to curl up with a good book. Though it’s likely that the unobstructed ocean view will succeed in drawing you outside — after all, the warm embrace of the aquamarine waters is just steps away.

Adding to the elevated allure of the villas is the evocative Maldivian design — note how the thatched roofs resemble inverted Dhoni boats used by local fishermen? Inside, warm wooden touches and hues of white and ecru evoke the unspoiled beaches and lush landscape, while hits of gold mimic the playful dance of sunbeams and gossamer, blossom-shaped pendant lights float overhead. Elegant marble bathrooms feature a separate bathtub and shower, a bidet, double vanities and bespoke amenities from Aromatherapy Associates. Come nighttime, pour yourself a glass of bubbly and enjoy a soak in your deep bathtub as you listen to the soft call of the waves. Each villa also comes complete with large wooden decks, private pools and outdoor showers. Committed to ensuring you make the most of your stay, all guests get a personalized Thakuru (butler).

Dining

The JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa has clearly made it a mission to ensure guests relish the very best culinary offerings.

Shio

Is it possible to have the best steak meal of your life on a remote island in the middle of the Indian Ocean? Treat yourself to a meal at carnivore-oasis Shio and discover the answer for yourself. Meat lovers should consider ordering the Butcher’s Block, which features a succulent Gold Label Black Angus filet, Sher Wagyu tenderloin (never has meat melted so tenderly on your tongue) and 150-day grain fed striploin with your choice of two sides. To ensure that diners experience an unforgettable meal, the restaurant even offers a selection of different meat knives, salts and six different varieties of butter. The restaurant has an impressive wine list but consider trying an off-menu but highly recommended gin and fresh passionfruit cocktail with your meal — it sets off the richness of the meat beautifully. Nearby bar Wabi-Sabi also has plenty to tempt you with, including unique smoked and Japanese-inspired cocktails.

Hashi

Feast on an array of indulgent and painstakingly prepared Japanese dishes at Hashi. The sushi and sashimi platter (with a side of Ebi shrimp tempura) will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. The “problem” comes at dessert time: tangy yuzu cheesecake, rich matcha cream brulee or a black sesame parfait — what to choose? Do yourself a favor and order all three.

Wine Room

Looking for an epicurean evening that you’ll never forget? Then book a private meal in the Wine Room. This is not your average food and wine pairing. In an opulent private room surrounded by some of the world’s finest vintages, knowledgeable sommelier Lahiru Fernando will regale you with captivating tales of winemaking and intriguing insights into the noble grape. You’ll enjoy expertly prepared dishes like lobster salad, pan-fried foie gras and luscious lamb rack, each paired with a thoughtfully chosen wine from around the globe. As you eat and sip, Lahiru explains — with infectious enthusiasm — what makes the pairing such a captivating combination. If you can only splurge on one meal, this is it. Kosher and Italian wine pairings are also available.

Aailaa

This all-day beachside restaurant has an incredible spread for breakfast, including live cooking stations, gluten-free and special kid-friendly offerings, as well as Maldivian, Western, Indian and Asian fare (note that unlike some resorts, there is no free-flowing bubbly on offer which can be a small bummer if you’re a die-hard mimosa fan). The selection of fruit and fresh juices alone is dizzying — trust me, you’ll want to wear your stretchy pants. The restaurant also serves lunch, as well as an a la carte dinner (complete with vegan options) that also showcases Maldivian, Western and Asian delights.

Kaashi

Featuring what is possibly one of the most enchanting restaurant locations in the whole of the Maldives, this relaxed Thai eatery is actually perched in the trees, hovering serenely above a powdery sand beach on the island’s southern tip. Sous chef Narawat Laksanayame, lovingly known as “Mama,” creates flavorful, home-style Thai fare that will warm your spirit — and your belly. The standouts are the can’t-stop-eating Kao Suey and the refreshing Som Tam salad. The restaurant’s bar, Rum Baan, highlights Thai-inspired rum drinks and boasts a collection of over 90 rums from around the globe.

Fiamma

Sit by the pool and enjoy freshly made Italian food at this laid-back al fresco restaurant. Chow down on beloved Italian dishes like risotto, bruschetta, pasta and pizzas cooked in a wood-fire oven. The classic tiramisu is the ideal end to a tasty meal. Still have room for more? Grab a swing seat at pool-side Horizon bar and sip on a zesty tropical drink.

If the five restaurants and three bars aren’t enough to sate your hunger, the resort also has dining options designed to make your stay extra special, including a Maldivian favorite: the floating breakfast. Is there anything more indulgent that munching on avocado toast and eggs Benedict as you toast the morning with champagne from the comfort of your private pool? The resort also offers BBQ beach diners and Maldivian dinners complete with traditional drum song.

Activities

The JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa prides itself on offering guests an abundance of adult and family-friendly activities. The overwater fitness center is small but modern and looks out over a lagoon in which small blacktip reef sharks are often seen. There are also two large pools overlooking the ocean, as well as a kids’ pool at the resort’s Little Griffins Kids Club.

Arguably the most essential activity to add to your must-do list while at the resort is the Spa by JW. Serenely elegant and luxurious, the spa (which also houses a salon for hair care) has large treatment rooms that overlook the ocean and have some of the best views on the island. Each one is designed as a separate island-inspired cabana so you have complete privacy. If you’re feeling indulgent or are celebrating a special occasion, try to book the deluxe treatment suite that has its very own plunge pool, steam room and large rain shower that comes complete with a unique sound library of things like birdsong or rainforest harmonies.

The extensive list of spa treatments promises respite for tight muscles, skin in need of hydration and a spirit longing for relaxation. The Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience is a winner for guests who want to be completely pampered with a restorative full-body aromatherapy treatment that uses a customized mix of therapeutic essential oils. The effects last long after you’ve returned home. The spa also offers daily complimentary activities like sunset yoga, Pilates and meditation classes as well.

Sustainability is a priority at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. Not only does the resort have its own on-site water bottling plant to prevent the use of plastic, it also offers eco-conservation activities and even recently introduced JW Garden. The bountiful garden and greenhouse (which can be toured) grow an impressive selection of herbs, fruits and vegetables which are then used at the resort’s restaurants and bars so you can have a genuine Maldivian farm-to-table experience. Guests can also sign up for a Garden to Glass cocktail class where they’ll harvest herbs and fruit from the garden and then learn how to make a refreshing cocktail and mocktail with the delicious, fresh ingredients.

As you might expect, the resort’s Dive Center has a striking selection of water-based activities to keep guests entertained. Try your hand at scuba diving, day and night snorkeling, dolphin cruises, sunset fishing cruises and more. A nice extra is that non-motorized activities like kayaking and paddle-boarding are free, as are the use of snorkels and fins.

The resort is also very serious about ensuring kids have an equally as unforgettable stay as their parents and boasts one of the biggest kids’ clubs in the Maldives — complete with kids’ pool and a giant wooden boat just dying to be climbed and crawled through. The Little Griffins Kids Club is truly a energy-filled oasis where parents can send their children for the whole day to enjoy unique daily programs that include over a hundred distinct fun activities like handicrafts, pizza making, nature discovery, beach Olympics, kite flying and more. Best of all, children under 12 eat free, enjoying curated menus just for the little ones. Traveling with a teenager? No worries! The resort even has that rarest extra of all: a Teen Lounge devoted to the needs of those 12 and above. It features Play Stations, pool tables and even a teen-only plunge pool. The resort really does its utmost to help kids of all ages feel like VIPs.