Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Le Méridien brings Marriott's recognisable touch to the Maldives, settling into the middle of the group's portfolio at a price point that places it in a competitive bracket.

The resort operates a shared lounge with sister property Westin at the Male seaplane terminal. The short flight across delivers sweeping views of a long, natural island -- 9 hectares of wide beaches and a deep lagoon that swimmers will love.

The 134 villas are a mixed proposition. Beach villas feel compact compared to rivals at this level -- no desk or dressing table to work from -- though it's thoughtful to have the WC separate from the bathroom, across from the dressing area. The overwater villas tell a different story: far brighter and roomier, especially the two-bedroom pool villa. Sun loungers lack cushions as standard, but these can be arranged on request.

Brand investment shows in the facilities. The overwater Explore Spa, Waves Lifestyle Hub (gym and wellness), new padel tennis court (chargeable), kids' club, health clinic, and boutique-art studio are all run with real enthusiasm. The dive and watersports centre, managed by Sub Oceanic, is top-notch, alongside the marine conservation hub. The Greenhouse hydroponic farm is a genuine point of difference -- over 20kg of hyper-fresh greens daily, marked on menus with a leaves logo. Surplus goes to local communities, neighbouring resorts, or back into compost.

Snorkelling is rewarding, both on the house reef and among the seagrass meadows where turtles and rays feed. But the reef sits a fair way out -- only strong swimmers would attempt it from the beach, so a chargeable boat trip becomes the practical option for most. Guests in the far-end water villas on the west side have better access in the right conditions; the resort has added steps at the jetty end to shorten the swim when the sea cooperates.

Dining is varied and enjoyable. Tabemasu, the Japanese signature, is a genuine experience. La Vie, the adults-only pool bar, is made for sundowners (ring the bell 5:00-5.15pm for complimentary rosé). Turquoise, the main restaurant, leans towards canteen-style but offers extensive choice with live stations, a kids' corner, and excellent homemade breads -- the sand-floor section and beachside tables add charm. Velaa Bar & Grill serves fresh, light dishes and inventive drinks (the homemade passion fruit and ginger soda is a standout). Riviera brings Spanish-style dining with ocean views, and Waves Café does wholesome, mindful eating. QR-code menus are the norm, but paper ones are available on request. Two All-Inclusive plans exist -- standard and premium, the latter covering premium spirits, wines, fresh juices, smoothies, and champagne by the glass.

The main pool near Velaa draws families, with a separate kids' pool alongside. It feels a touch undersized for a resort of this scale, but it's well used. Sun loungers (with cushions) are plentiful, including on the beach, and the beach service team are prompt and cheerful.

Le Méridien suits active families and couples, particularly those in the overwater villas, and is proving especially popular with Marriott loyalty members spending their points.

Nestled in the south-eastern corner of Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa occupies the natural island of Thilamaafushi -- meaning "island surrounded by a vast lagoon" in Dhivehi -- a 35-minute seaplane journey from Male.

The resort celebrates Maldivian culture, nature, and art, woven together through Le Méridien's European lens of savouring the good life, set against blue lagoons, white-sand beaches, and ocean breezes.

Accommodation
Each of the 134 villas follows mid-century design principles -- clean lines, muted tones, and natural materials that favour simplicity and openness. Choices range from one- and two-bedroom villas set among tropical foliage to overwater positions above the lagoon, spanning 82 to 280 square metres.

Facilities
Guests have access to a family swimming pool, an adults-only pool, a dedicated kids' hub, a fully equipped gym, a watersports and dive centre, and an overwater spa with private treatment rooms featuring glass floor panels offering ocean views during treatments.

Dining
Tabemasu -- Japanese dining where art, design, and cuisine meet in a playful, chic atmosphere.
Velaa Bar + Grill -- Poolside dining with curated drinks and light, fresh dishes.
Riviera -- A beachside venue bringing the spirit of Southern Spain with authentic Spanish-style dining and ocean views.
La Vie -- An adults-only bar with uninterrupted ocean views and a private pool, inspired by the French sentiment that life is too short to drink bad wine.
Waves Café -- Mindful eating and drinking, with wholesome ingredients simply and thoughtfully presented.
Latitude -- The social hub of the resort, evoking a cosy living room for Illy coffee and relaxed conversation.
Turquoise -- All-day international dining with Asian and Western options for every palate.