The Sheraton Maldives

Landing on the island airport just off Male, Maldives, is stunning. The plane circles and teases us as we get our first glimpse of the turquoise waters synonymous with the islands that make up the Maldives. After arrival at the small terminal, we’re escorted to the jetty of the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, from where the resort’s speedboat will ferry us to a private island. Considerate service, a theme throughout the stay, starts here where we’re offered a cool, moist towel and a bottle of cold water for cooling off in the sweltering heat. The staff makes small talk to keep us entertained during the short 15 minute trip from Male to Furanafushi Island.

Our home for the next two nights has two lobbies, the official one further within the property and the “welcome pavilion” just next to the jetty, where most guests check-in. Fringed by a white sand beach and turquoise waters, it marks one of the more spectacular welcomes of anywhere in the world. The property, originally privately-owned, gained prominence in the 90’s for its boutique style and stunning, yet accessible location. The age of the resort is apparent in the old thatched-wood design as well as the weathering it’s experienced over the years which actually lends it some character. The interiors retain a spartan tropical décor and deliver on all expectations.

The resort, located on one of the larger islands in the Maldives, is now partly owned and wholly managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts and has 176 rooms, from beachfront deluxe rooms to the coveted ocean villas and over water suites. After check-in we’re led to our water bungalow in a buggy, although the alternative fifteen minute walk is equally as pleasant. The 600 sq. ft. stilted thatched hut sits in a row of several bungalows that hug the island’s north side paralleling the coast.

It’s more than roomy enough for two with three main sections – a foyer with closet, the living space with king size bed and small sitting area and a large bath with a soaking tub that overlooks the sea. A private deck extends from the bedroom off floor-to-ceiling windows and includes two chaise longues and direct access to the sea via a small ladder. Being cubic in shape, the high ceilings lend an airy atmosphere. The view from the bedroom and deck is jaw-dropping, with shallow turquoise waters meeting the deeper and darker ocean and another island close by while in the evening the lights of Malé shimmer in the distance.

There are plenty of activities to keep guests entertained with watersports like snorkeling and diving requested by most. Guests are encouraged to borrow complimentary snorkeling gear from the Water Sports Centre, which also rents out wakeboards, banana boats, canoes and more. The house reef, easily accessible from the water bungalows, is lively with corals, small fish and rays just a stone’s throw away. My virgin snorkeling trip was an eye opener with a particularly close encounter with a large sting ray. The resort also organizes diving trips to nearby dive sites where the marine life includes clownfish, barracuda, angelfish, manta and sting rays as well as sharks. One of the more unique features here also is its appeal to children, rare in the generally couple and adults only Maldivian resorts, and I’d even venture to say it’s a playground for the young.

The Shine Spa, Sheraton’s flagship worldwide, is situated on its own mini-island and décorated with a nod to natural, incorporating wood and earth tones. The spa lets you calm both mind and body through simple and tranquil measures that rely heavily on Maldivian nature. Ocean breezes waft through the spaces and waves lap in the distance. Patrons can experience signature treatments themed on natural elements and massages that employ ancient techniques found along the old Silk Route.

As far as dining, there are a plethora of options, prime among them being Baan Thai, serving sophisticated Thai cuisine. However, our favorites were the resort’s more casual restaurants, Feast, Sand Coast and Sea Salt, which between them offer a mix of cuisines with an emphasis on fresh fish and seafood dishes. Even though their settings are more relaxed, they still exude romance. The Anchorage Bar is by far the most popular with guests thanks to nightly live music featuring local bands. They offer small canapés or sushi/sashimi to complement pre-dinner cocktails while post-meal the bar assumes a more romantic setting with the darkening sky. Day beds and cabanas are perfect for late-night sweet talk especially when accompanied by a glass or two of wine.

It’s all a suitably amorous setting for a dreamy stay, whiling away the night (especially if there’s a full moon) and wishing it would never end.