OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

It is the people that make this resort so wonderful. Each villa is assigned a butler who is always available to help but never obtrusive. we were greeted each day by every member of staff who did everything possible to make our stay exceptional. Nothing was ever too much trouble and all services delivered with grace and charm. Beautiful resort, well maintained and delightful. Warm clear sea and many water sports and equipment available. Five different places to eat. The food was varied, different cuisines from around the world and the presentation was fantastic. An underwater restaurant which was an amazing experience. Drinks selection was vast and unstinting. we had an over water villa, large and spotlessly clean with direct access to the sea. the spa was excellent. we were all inclusive using the Ozen Indulgence Plan. Pretty much faultless.

This is the second time we have had the pleasure of staying at Ozen, most recently for our 5-year wedding anniversary, having had our honeymoon there. I would be lying if I didn’t admit that my wife and I were slightly anxious as to whether it would be as good as what we remembered however it was – it really, really was. Whilst the greeting was excellent as soon as we stepped off the plane, we were amazed that the staff knew who we were as soon as we entered the lounge. Before we had even given any information, they welcomed us back to Ozen and this was echoed again by our butler who greeted us as soon as we stepped off the yacht, welcoming us back as if we were old friends. Having stayed at other resorts in the Maldives, the personal touch that Ozen adds is really what separates the exceptional hotels from the very good ones. We stayed in a wind (water) villa with private pool and they kindly put us in the exact same villa that we stayed in during our honeymoon. Again, it is these little personal touches that they instinctively think of which makes this place truly special and unique. The facilities at Ozen are incredible, including the spa, tennis court and gym. We enjoyed 3 massages each during our stay and I swear the masseuse possessed some sort of magic hands and I was left each time feeling like a new man, utterly convinced some sort of sorcery was afoot. We thoroughly enjoyed the daily snorkelling trips, often going twice a day and the dolphin trip where we saw huge numbers of dolphin amidst the backdrop of a delightful sunset. The fishing trip was also very enjoyable albeit you do need to have some patience. The quality and range of food and drink on offer at Ozen is truly second to none. All of the restaurants, including the “buffet” (calling it a buffet is one of the biggest injustices I’ve witnessed to date), are very good and there is simply no superior or better option. Where you decide to eat can just be made solely on what cuisine you prefer that day, rather than on the quality or variety of dishes. A special mention however must be made of the underwater restaurant (M6M) which is an absolute pleasure to eat at and it is a surreal experience fine dining 6m below the Indian Ocean, eating incredible food and drinking the accompanying wine, whilst watching sharks and a variety of colourful fish pass you by in front of your table. No matter how high your expectations are, you have no right to be eating a steak 6m under the Indian Ocean whilst looking at a shark and swirling a lovely glass of Cloudy Bay. Lastly, I would recommend visiting the underwater restaurant whilst it is light outside as from what we have experienced you do see quite a lot more sea life than you would if you dined in the evening when it’s dark – even though there are lights to make the sea life more visible. Aside from the food and drink the service is 10/10, if there is anything you need there is always someone very close at hand who is more than happy to assist. On the beach and by the pool we frequently got asked if we wanted anything, which is always a pleasurable experience and much better than being left and having to scout out the nearest bartender, and pounce before they go missing. Overall, this remains by far the best hotel and destination that we have ever visited. The pictures you see on websites and on social media reflect real life – the water is that blue, the food is that good and the place that looks like paradise does exist.