Ozen Life Maadhoo – Embracing the Elements of Luxury & Paradise in the Maldives

Arrive via speedboat and heralded by the blowing of a conch shell, as you step into this ultra luxury Maldivian resort inspired by nature’s elements. Half of the accommodation is beachfront, the other is set on stilts overwater with villas offering a peek into the marine life below via glass panels. Dive further into the ocean with the M6m dining experience, a restaurant set six metres below the sea, scuba lessons, snorkelling the reefs, or via a sub expedition, riding just one metre beneath the surface. The resort also has a spa (with over-water treatment rooms and therapies based on the principles of earth, wind, water, fire and wood) as well as a beach club, bars, an infinity pool and multiple other dining experiences. The Luxury Editor recently stayed at Ozen Life Maadhoo, so read on to discover more about this incredible resort.

Embracing The Elements

With a setting so entwined with its surroundings it stands to reason that Ozen Life Maadhoo should have built a philosophy based on the natural elements. Aspects of earth, wind, water, wood and fire are found throughout the resort, but most notably through its spa and villas. The resort is part of the Ozen Collection, a portfolio of two properties in the Maldives (with a further property earmarked to open in India) Ozen Madhoo and Ozen Reserve Bolifushi both allowing guests to immerse in the most luxurious surrounding and experiences; think champagne breakfasts, a personal butler service, a complimentary mini-bar, topped up daily with wines and champagne, and unlimited food and drink, the list of luxuries is endless.

Your Entry To Paradise

One of the many benefits of booking an Ozen Collection holiday is that the minute you land at Male airport and step into the arrivals hall you can switch off and let staff think for you. The hotel team are waiting to greet you, take your bags and escort you to the Ozen lounge in the airport where refreshments and cool air conditioning await! The Ozen Life Maadhoo airport team will then take care of everything and coordinate your boat trip to the resort.

Found in the South Malé Atoll, Ozen Life Maadhoo encapsulates the kind of ultimate paradisical experience you’d imagine in the Maldives. You’ll be transported to the 900 metres island from Velana International Airport, via a 45-minute luxury speedboat ride.

On arrival at the hotel, a cold towel and glass of champagne are ready and waiting for you, along with a special Maldivian welcome in the form of the blowing of a conch shell and drumming. A hand-crafted palm leaf necklace will be placed around your neck, as you’re invited to follow the rose-petal-covered pathway into the resort.

Indulgence Plan

The beauty of a holiday in the Maldives is that most hotels work on an all-inclusive basis meaning can you can have what you want, when you want. Ozen Life’s own take on the all-inclusive experience, the Indulgence Plan incorporates a daily minibar replenishment, “Dine Around” the resort, underwater dining at M6m, premium spirits, champagne, 80 varieties of wines from the world’s best vineyards, snorkelling, non-motorised water sports, adventure excursions and spa treatments or discounted dives for those on a longer stay (these increase incrementally, beginning at a minimum of four nights, with five 60 minute spa sessions or five discounted dives for those staying 17 plus nights).

Earth and Wind Villas

94 villas at the resort are categorised as either “earth” or “wind” (plus there’s a one-of-a-kind Ozen Residence – more on that shortly). Earth villas are located on the beachfront on either side of the island, with half offering sunsets and half offering sunrise views and many with private infinity pools. While wind overwater villas are set on stilts, with hues of blue and ocean motifs. Some have glass floor panels to observe the reef activity below, stand-alone ellipse-shaped bathtubs facing the lagoon, private infinity pools and fibre-optic mood lighting.

Earth Villas

During our stay, we were hosted in an Earth Villa with a pool. Combining all the amenities of the hotel’s Earth Villa in addition to an 8-metre infinity pool. Underwater lighting in the pool sets the perfect ambience for a late-night dip, while the villa covers an expansive 20 square metres, meaning there is plenty of space to relax.

From the villa, you have access to the beach and an unobstructed front-row seat to the Maldivian sunset, while strategically planted foliage means you have complete privacy from other guests, so it feels like you have the whole island to yourself. These standalone villas boast high-pitched roofs and a generously sized sun terrace as well as an indoor/outdoor bathroom including a shower and bathtub which I fell in love with!

Signature Hiyani Service

Being a guest at the hotel means you receive a Signature Hiyani Service. Your personal Hiyani (the word means “shadow”, but is best understood as a butler in this context) will offer a round-the-clock service taking care of everything during your trip and a handy Whatsapp service means they are only ever a call or message away from them.

Villa Bedroom

Outside

Beach

Pool

Bathroom

Indoor

Outdoor

Minibar

Each day your mini-bar is stocked up with fine wines, champagne, soft drinks, tea and coffee and snacks, which will keep you going between breakfast, lunch and dinner if you need additional sustenance!

Welcome Table

Turn Down

Each night your room is turned down with fresh water, and I loved the message they spelt out each day on your bed using leaves and the final see you soon, on the day we checked out was a lovely little touch,

Bikes

Complimentary bikes are a fun way to get around the island, and if you don’t feel like cycling or walking, use the WhatsApp number to call for an electric buggy which can whisk you to any part of the island in minutes.

Wind Villas

Situated along the lagoon in the northern part of the island, are 24 romantic Wind Villas spanning 112 m2. Perched on stilts above the water. Step inside and you’ll find elegant interiors adorned with chic tropical decor, creating an inviting and comfortable living space. Bathrooms feature free-standing elliptical bathtubs that provide uninterrupted views of the horizon, offering a wonderfully sensual experience. Each villa is infused with refreshing and vibrant colour tones, and some villas also have an 8-meter-long infinity lap pool complete with fibre optic mood lighting. This private pool area overlooks the immaculate lagoon and guarantees a soulful sunset view that will leave you mesmerized.

The Ozen Residence

Providing the ultimate in refined elegance, the three-bedroom Ozen Residence is situated furthest away from the island. Offering breathtaking panoramic views, this lavish overwater accommodation boasts a master suite, junior master suite, kids’ room, private gym, personal bar, and a separate maid’s room with its own entrance. Additionally, there is a convenient small kitchenette and a central living room that leads out to a spacious outdoor dining pavilion.

The outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed, including a stunning 35 sqm overwater pool with fibre-optic mood lighting, sunbeds, a private artificial beach, and two overwater hammocks, all contributing to an unparalleled sense of indulgence.

Dining Around

Of the resort’s six dining venues and two bars, the highlight has to be M6m, a restaurant set six metres beneath the ocean. Reserved for those aged 12 and over, this offers lunch and dinner, lit by the glow of the deep blue. It focuses on seafood, with an exquisite degustation menu. You may prefer to dine over the water, on Indian and Sri Lankan food at Indoceylon and indulge in Chinese cuisine at Traditions Peking. Lonu (meaning “salt” in Dhivehi) is the place to sample a range of classic local dishes in the form of small plates, while Hudhu Bay is for those times when you don’t want to leave the beach and fancy tucking into snacks with your feet in the sand. Finally, The Palms is the resort’s beating heart; the main restaurant with soaring ceilings.

M6m

M6m is one of those pinch-yourself moments, it’s incredible you can see more pics of our experience and a full review here

Lonu

Embodying the essence of ‘Lonu,’ meaning ‘salt’ in the Dhivehi language, this eatery artfully crafts each dish around this essential element. Immerse yourself in the authentic Maldivian ambience, enhanced by sustainable clay ware and handcrafted wooden plates.

Here you can discover an enticing array of small plates that breathe new life into age-old traditional recipes, reflecting a fusion of tradition and sophistication. Complementing these delectable dishes is a carefully curated selection of organic rose wines, as well as locally inspired beverages and mocktails infused with indigenous spices, ensuring a truly elevated Maldivian taste experience.

Traditions Peking

Every evening, Traditions Peking invites guests to embark on a delightful culinary expedition to the heart of China, chef’s masterful creations skillfully blend traditional cooking techniques with carefully chosen ingredients, resulting in the enchanting taste of authentic Chinese flavours.

Immerse yourself in the diverse culinary landscape of China as you savour dishes inspired by the rich traditions of Peking, Cantonese, Sichuan, and Hunan regions with classics like Wok-Fried Tiger Prawn With XO Sauce and succulent Dim Sums, artistically presented with a modern twist.

Indoceylon

Housed in the same building as Traditions Peking IndoCeylon allows you to savour the authentic flavours of India and Sri Lanka, expertly crafted and beautifully presented. From delectable Kebab Platters and succulent Tikkas to flavourful Slow Cooked Lentils and aromatic Biryani, as well as creamy Coconut-Based Curries make sure you try the paneer curry out, that was my favourite, so good I asked for seconds!

The Palms

The Palms, is the resort’s all-day-dining restaurant offering a delightful culinary journey from sunrise to sunset. Nestled amidst picturesque lagoon views, their open-style architecture allows you to savour gourmet meals while being captivated by the beauty of the island. The lavish buffet boasts an extensive selection of international cuisines, including sushi, live cooking stations, and a diverse range of à la carte options cooked to perfection.

Gala Dinner

Every Friday night the cooking goes outside for their Gala Dinner. Live cooking stations offer a diverse range of food options, while the live DJ provides the music to watch the sunset and dance into the night.

Breakfast

Start your day with an indulgent champagne breakfast by the beach at The Palms, where you can breathe in the refreshing morning air, chose from a huge range of options from the buffet selection or choose something cooked to order at one of the many live cooking stations.

Breakfast in the Villa

if you want to have breakfast in the privacy of your villa this can be arranged the night before and delivered at a time of your choosing.

The Bar

Indulge in the delectable offerings of Joie De Vivre, the pool bar and pizzeria, while watching the sunset views of the South Malé Atoll. From 9 am to 1 am, this venue in the centre of the island serves an array of cocktails and delights like calamari sandwiches, snacks, and light meals.

Relax on poolside sun loungers or in the romantic, shaded cabanas.

Hudhu Bay

Hudhu Bay is the latest addition to the resort, their Chic Beach Club which embraces the essence of island living, Treat yourself to delectable gourmet bites and savour signature cocktails throughout the day.

Dive into Ozen Life’s Experiences

The ever-present Indian Ocean is your playground. The resort offers a range of watersports on-site, coral reef snorkelling excursions and a PADI-certified dive school. Or you can stay fully dry, with a trip on a semi-submarine, SUB-ZEN, which sits just a metre under the water, allowing you to spy some incredible marine life, either by day or at night. After dark, you can settle in with a glass of fizz and watch movies snuggled beneath the stars.

There’s also a kids’ club with a natural saltwater pool, a main infinity pool and an artificial grass oceanside tennis court to keep guests of all ages active.

The hotel can also tailor private experiences for you too, one night we were treated to a private wine tasting on the beach.

Ele | Na Spa and Wellness

The elements of nature shine through at the resort’s Spa and Wellness centre. Eight over-water treatment rooms with glass bottom floors allow a uniquely relaxing view while indulging in specialist spa treatments. Therapists here operate on the value of the “joy of giving”. Try some Kāshi Nāshi Therapy, a sand bundle, bamboo or shell massage, Tibetan cupping, a cooling wrap, or a serenity bath. The wellness centre also comprises a fully equipped gym, a salt pool, a steam room, a salon and a boutique.

Final Thoughts

Ozen Life Maadhoo took my breath away, it was everything I was expecting from a trip to the Maldives and then some. Its laidback approach to luxury hospitality means there is a chilled vibe on the island while offering a 5-star service. The staff are incredibly friendly and nothing is too much trouble, I cannot recommend this property enough, put it on your list for your next holiday in the Maldives.

Ozen Life Maadhoo is included in our guide to the best luxury hotels in the Maldives