Finding inner balance in the Maldives

Nestled in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO biosphere reserve, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is a haven for those seeking to retreat, reset and refresh

I always feel a wave of guilt when arranging a luxury holiday. Sure, there is excitement, but underneath is a niggling about the environmental impact my holiday will have. The Maldives, where devastating coral bleaching has occurred in recent years, is a destination in which its resident resorts cannot afford to do nothing. It is a relief, then, to find that my home for the next few days, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, has implemented various measures to cut its carbon footprint and energy consumption. Its recently completed solar panel project is proof the resort’s team values its surroundings and are dedicated to cutting their diesel consumption. I”m also pleasantly surprised to find out that not only do they compost and create fertiliser from food waste, but they also recycle glass and bottles to create the umbrella stand bases for the villas.

The Villas

Guilt somewhat quashed, I can turn my attention to our overwater villa – one of 69 at the resort, and breathtakingly beautiful. It has modern, minimalist interiors that allow the water view to be the star of the show – even more so when all the doors are open to take advantage of the abundance of natural light. I can get up close and personal with the teeming sealife, too, thanks to glass panels in the floor that practically transport us to under the sea.

The seclusion of the villas truly makes you feel like you are the only people staying there, and creates the perfect environment for reconnecting with yourself or your loved ones. One of my favourite parts of the trip is the floating breakfast service, where we are brought a beautifully crafted breakfast in our villa pool. Our incredible host arrives on cue at the exact time we had requested, and indulging in delicious pastries and a cooked breakfast while soaking up the early morning sun makes the perfect start to our day.

Working on wellness

In my day-to-day life as a wife, mother and business owner, I find it difficult to find time for myself and am often left feeling out of balance. Despite knowing that rest and nourishment are two of the most vital human needs, at home I’m guilty of running on little sleep and microwave meals because time is a commodity I rarely have a healthy supply of. It’s no surprise, then, that I was attracted to The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo, whose focus on individual wellbeing is woven through every part of the resort’s offering. I arrive at the resort on a mission to go home feeling restored.

As I lay on the treatment table at The Westin’s signature Heavenly spa, with the glass floors offering views of the tranquil sea life beneath us, the scent of the aromatherapy oils surrounding me, and skilled hands working on my tensed muscles, I let go of the stress of daily life and actually start to feel well for the first time in an age.

I take full advantage of the fitness studio and outdoor gym, too, because how often can you say that your morning workout took place under the Maldivian sun? And for the times when a quieter pace is needed, there’s our private villa pool and main resort pool to do laps or simply wade around in.

It is such a treat to end each active day with a long soak in our villa’s gorgeous bathtub – replete with a view of the sea and the night sky – before sinking into The Westin’s cult-status ‘Heavenly’ bed, scented with lavender sleep balm, before drifting off to a full, uninterrupted night’s sleep to the sound of lapping waves.

Dine fine

The food on offer at The Westin is beyond anything I have ever experienced. All day dining restaurant, The Island Kitchen, focuses on the resort’s Eat Well philosophy, offering a menu that is both nutritious and delicious. The Pearl restaurant is a feast for all the senses – not only the stomach, with traditional Japanese recipes making the most of the abundance of freshly caught seafood. The personalised service ensures we felt truly cared for, and the views from the gorgeous over-water location mean meals at The Pearl are about as memorable as they can get.

That is, until we experience destination dining for our wedding anniversary. After a detailed discussion with the staff to work out exactly how we would like to celebrate, a single table is set on the beach for us, surrounded by the ambient light of fire torches. We receive incredible, personal, and attentive service to accompany the expertly plated and decadent dishes, and it is such a romantic and relaxing experience to reconnect with each other with the cooling sand beneath our feet and the waves lapping beside us.

Upon returning to our villa we find that the resort’s bath butler has drawn a romantic bath complete with fresh floating flowers, and a glass of champagne to sip on while taking in the night sky. Needless to say, it will be practically impossible to ever top this wedding anniversary.

Location, location…

The Westin’s location on the Baa Atoll means we have a world of magical experiences right on our doorstep. One that stands out the most is a guided excursion to swim with the manta rays. Although initially apprehensive , watching these beautiful creatures swimming around us turns out to be a magical experience.

The PADI diving center also arranges a scuba diving excursion for us to observe sunken shipwrecks, and sharks, as well as just soaking in the sights of the coral and marine life waiting just below the surface.

This is a trip that has created memories that will last long after our suntans fade.