The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, a Mix of Tranquillity, Innovation and Wellbeing

Set in the UNESCO designated biosphere reserve of the Baa Atoll, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is a mere 35-minute seaplane journey away from the main Velana International Airport or a 20-minute speedboat ride from Dharavandhooh domestic airport. Part of the Marriot Bonvoy portfolio, Westin brings its signature six pillars of wellness of Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move More, Feel Well, Work Well and Play Well, to the tranquil Maldivian archipelago making it the perfect place for those who want to relax and rejuvenate.

Featured Image: The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

Unique Architecture

Designed by Milan-based architects PEIA Associati, the unique architectural design is inspired by the surrounding sea life, with an innovative sustainability twist that makes it stand out from its more traditional counterparts. Each structure has its own distinctive curved and rounded design to depict the marine life that inspired it. The arrival area represents waves, the main reception roof illustrates the distinctive pattern and shape of a whale shark, whilst the children’s club takes its inspiration from fish. The marine theme continues in the all-day dining restaurant, where the spiral staircase to the upper level is inspired by shells.

The innovative and contemporary architecture encompasses environmental and socially sustainability, concepts, combining local materials, arts, crafts, and state-of-the-art invisible technologies whilst conserving power.

The resort is an oasis of calm, situated in a turquoise lagoon, surrounded by a vibrant coral reef and white sandy beaches. Nowhere on the resort is too far from each other, yet the island is designed in a way that gives the illusion of space. The sand path encircling the island is lined with trees and shrubs providing a peaceful, shady canopy interspersed with colourful flowers that connects the villas and leads you from the wellness facilities on the east of the island to the west, where the main pool and dining outlets are located.

Featured Image: Arrival Jetty, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

Spacious Villas

All 70 villas and suites are inspired by turtles and have a double roofing system that both lowers electricity consumption and creates natural ventilation. The eco-friendly designs provide deceptively large interiors which open to enviable, uninterrupted views of the ocean. The villas are well thought out with a good amount of storage, and plenty of space to work or relax. Each has a coffee machine, mini bar, and fresh juice press. The “heavenly beds” envelop you in a cocoon of restful softness, complimented by a vial of lavender balm which enhances a good night’s sleep in keeping with the Westin ‘Sleep Well” pillar.

The resort features 10 categorises of Villa, 41 on the island and 29 overwater. The over water villas are divided into those with, or without pool. All are open plan in design and at almost 200 square meters, provide enviable amounts of space, separated by cleverly designed Japanese styled sliding partitions to create individual havens of space, to relax, work or sleep. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the ocean through the vast expanse of glass that is the ocean side wall or watch the fish dart beneath you through the glass floor panel.

The one and two roomed Beach Villas and suites are similarly spacious, with easy access to the beach and uninterrupted views of the expansive Azur waters. Deluxe villas have private plunge pools, as do the two-bedroom suites. Similar styled partitions separate the bedroom and lounge area in the Deluxe Beach Villa.

Featured Image: Overwater Villa, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

Featured Image: Beach Residence, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

Dining options

There are three restaurants and a roof top bar to choose from. The Island Kitchen, the all-day dining option featuring an array of international cuisine with regular theme nights, the laid-back Hawker restaurant provides a fusion of authentic Asian street food and The Pearl, the elegant Japanese signature restaurant which is set over the water to give an unbeatable dining experience. All restaurants have indoor and alfresco seating.

The aptly named Sunset Bar is the perfect place to experience a colourful Maldivian sunset. Sample one of the signature “Crafted by Westin” cocktails whilst enjoying the panoramic views as the sun disappears over the horizon, to be replaced by a star filled night sky.

Eat Well

At first glance at the sumptuous menus of the three restaurants and you could be forgiven in thinking “Eat Well” means indulge, and it does, but from a healthy and nutritious angle, although there is plenty of choice for those who are craving more typical holiday food options. The booster corner offers an impressive variety of juices, immune boosting smoothies, metabolism wake up shots and innocent mocktails. Each menu has a dedicated Eat Well selection of dishes, including a dedicated Eat Well menu for kids.

The Eat Well concept is complemented by the infused water stations dotted around the island, and in the Popsicle shop, where you can choose from the spinach, cucumber, mint and spirulina concoctions or a fruitier flavoured pop, all are light and refreshing and can be dipped into more indulgent toppings of chocolate, coconut and nuts.

Featured Image: Coconut Drink, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

Marine Diversity

Set on the edge of the Baa Atoll, the resort is a perfect place for divers and snorkelers. Being at the edge of the atoll, the proximity to open water attracts more diverse marine life whilst the easily accessible flatter coral house reef, is home to some less-common species of fauna and flora.

The AQUA Dive Centre offers PADI courses and a variety of water sports and excursions.  A must do is the snorkel trip to Hanifaru Bay, where Manta’s can be found in abundance during the Manta season, and whale sharks make frequent appearances.

Facilities

Guests wishing to take it easy and simply relax will find plenty of places to lounge throughout the island. Bask in the heat on one of large day beds situated in the pool area or enjoy a cold beer, cocktail, or fresh juice whilst lazing on comfy bean bags at the water’s edge.

For those who want to be more active, there is plenty of choice in keeping with the Move More and Play Well pillars. The main pool provides an inviting space for an early morning dip or join a member of the management team for a resort run or tennis session. More tranquil pursuits can be found in the library area, where there is table football, snooker, an array of books and board games.

The 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio is a large TRX equipped gym. Spread over two floors there is plenty of space to work out on the upper floor whilst the lower floor houses a sauna, steam room, exercise, and yoga areas. A yoga instructor offers individually curated programs, and a Fitness instructor is in residence during high season.

Featured Image: WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

The younger generation are equally well catered for with a well-equipped spacious kids club for those between 4 to 12 years, which offers a wide range of supervised activities including coconut painting and learning about the ocean.

The Heavenly Spa by Westin completes the Feel Well pillar. Set above the ocean guests can enjoy the serenity and mesmerising views whilst being pampered in one of the five treatment rooms, two of which are spacious treatment suites for two with a Jacuzzi.

Featured Image: Heavenly Spa, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

Excellent Wi-Fi throughout the resort make it easy for those who wish to Work Well. Villas have large and functional workstations or there are two computer terminals in the library area.

The resort boasts two interconnecting meeting rooms that can accommodate between 10 and 50 people depending upon the layout and easily be adapted for corporate events, private functions, or celebrations.

Curated community experience

Local customs are showcased every Friday by craftsmen from the nearby island of Thulhaadhoo, who provide demonstrations of traditional lacquer work, illustrating the painstaking skill of making the pieces whilst explaining the process of creating the colours, all of which are made from natural flowers and plants. Guests are encouraged to try their hand at turning the laith to sculpt a traditional pot or vase before enjoying a Maldivian themed dinner, complete with traditional Boduberu performed by local members of the resort team giving a truly authentic Maldivian experience.

Featured Image: Private Dining, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort