REVIEW: Visit literal Paradise in the Maldives

Imagine an island with shimmering teal waters and perfectly white sand. Imagine an island you never want to leave.

Then imagine unlimited fresh seafood, impeccable service, contemporary styling, endless cold beer, and sumptuous cocktails.

Actually, stop. You don’t have to imagine any of this because we found it.

Yes, it does exist and true to its name, it is Paradise on earth.

Fortunately for us, Travel Weekly was recently invited to experience this stunning property.

Paradise Island is situated a short 20-minute speed boat trip from Male atoll and affords its guests absolute waterfront luxury villas – all with private pools – and overwater bungalows.The property is currently undergoing a complete refurbishment so it feels modern and fresh. The décor is a perfect mix of traditional Maldivian thatch finishes combined with crisp white interiors and luxe fittings.

Beside the shimmering water, alabaster sand and glittering skies, the place seems ‘at one’ with its natural environment.

Native birds happily nest between the villas as their chicks’ forage for food, geckos scale the coconut palms while water birds, tropical fish, manta rays, turtles and sharks abound.

This makes for a wildly exciting experience for adults and children alike.We stayed in the newly built deluxe pool villas which offer direct beach frontage and access, a delightfully discrete plunge pool, no less than four sun loungers (two in the shade, two in the sun), an outdoor shower, oversized European bath and a well-stocked mini bar.

With a total of 282 rooms, Paradise resort is one of the Maldives’ larger properties however never feels ‘busy’. The widely paved paths and endless activity options mean that most guests can find a quiet place to relax and unwind when not in the comfort of their own private terrace.One of the most impressive things about Paradise Island is the sheer volume of water sports on offer. We took part in snorkelling, jet skiing, a ‘submarine’ excursion, shark feeding and more.

Keep an eye out for an article specifically on these activities in next week’s newsletter.

Another standout experience was the resort’s spa offering. Situated in the centre of the island, as you enter this blissful space, it truly feels like you’re in the middle of the jungle.Each private spa suite features couples’ massage tables and an outdoor stone bath (if that’s your thing). The staff at the Araamu certainly know their craft and offer a full menu of heavenly treatments, all of which are of international renow.

Paradise Island offers a number of superb dining options to guests. From a buffet full of some of the most indulgent sweets and freshest salads I’ve encountered through to an elegant seafood restaurant, Italian dining destination and of course ‘dinner under the stars’ right on the beach. At this resort, there is no limit as to how best to please your palette.The buffet offers a combination of Maldivian, Indian and western cuisines while the Farumathi– situated right on the water – is a 5-star a la carte Maldivian seafood experience, tailor-made for couples and families. Ristorante Al Tramonto serves up high-end, sumptuous pastas, salads, and pizza ensuring all tastes are catered for.

Drinks lists at all venues are carefully curated and the menu includes a combination of fresh, regionally sourced produce and an international selection of wines, cocktails and beers that pair perfectly with the food offering.

In short, Paradise Island afforded a luxury – a truly Maldivian experience we will always cherish. Suffice to say, our advice would be don’t visit the Maldives without a stay at this glamorous resort.

You’ll never forget it.

You can book your stay HERE.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Hotel Review maldives Male atoll Paradise Island resort review