Zoe Louise Cronk

Zoe experienced the recently renovated Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa, Maldives.

Sheraton Maldives Review

Getting to the Sheraton Maldives

The Sheraton Full Moon Resort and Spa is a private island resort that, unlike others in the Maldives, is just a short 20-minute speedboat ride from Male airport. Less than 90 minutes after landing, you’re in paradise. No need to stay in Male overnight or pay for an expensive seaplane transfer.

Related: 5 Bucket List Hotels We Love

A beach all to yourself at the Sheraton Maldives. | © Richard Lagesse

A dreamy spot to say your vows. | © Richard Lagesse

Sheraton Maldives Renovation

The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa isn’t a brand-new hotel. It’s one of the more established hotels in the Maldives. However, after its recent $US20 million facelift, it certainly feels that way. The private island resort features 176 guest rooms ranging from beach cottages to the iconic Sheraton Maldives water bungalows.

Related: How to Plan a Luxury Holiday for Less

Stay in an epic Sheraton Maldives water bungalow. | © Sheraton Maldives

Sheraton Maldives Island Cottage 

Arriving early evening, we took our first stroll along the beach as the sun was setting. The sound came only from the waves gently lapping at the bottom of two slender wiggling tree trunks that emerged from the water, between which a single hammock had been strung. But that was it. No other people. No other sounds. We stood with our feet in the water, watching the sky turn to gold, then red and slowly it darkened to the deepest blue. The sand was soft and white with grains so fine that even the geologist I had with me can’t help but marvel at it.

Tearing ourselves away from the sky, dotted with more constellations than I knew existed, we headed to the Island Cottage that was to be our home. The spacious ground-floor lodge had a peaked thatched roof, super king-sized bed and private plunge pool, and sat in a secluded spot amongst the greenery, barely a minute’s walk from the beach.

My favourite part, though, was the bathroom. Inside, yet outside, with a roof covering one half (toilet, basin and bath), an open-air shower and an abundance of lush foliage, it was spectacular come nightfall as the pebble-topped floor spotlights set a romantic ambience and the stars glinted down from above.

Blue hues as far at the eye can see at the Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa Maldives. | © Sheraton Maldives

Sheraton Maldives Water Bungalow

When we moved to the water bungalow two nights later, it got even better. The villa was beautiful: decorated in chic neutral hues with all the tucked-away mod cons, a supremely comfortable bed and plenty of space. It, too, had a private pool, only this time it was raised above the ocean overlooking nothing but the waves.

Ensuring you’re never more than a glance away from a photo-worthy panorama, the villa’s bathroom was even more impressive than the last; complete with a huge picture window that showcased the oceanic view in all its glory. I can confirm this is best enjoyed with champagne in hand while soaking in a bath enriched with complimentary bath salts. I give you permission to hate me a little bit.

Over the following days, we spend many an afternoon alternating between plunge pool dips, ocean swims and lazing on the daybed on the water bungalow’s deck gazing out to sea.

The dreamy Sheraton Maldives water bungalows should are the perfect romantic getaway destination. | © Sheraton Maldives

Dream destination: The Sheraton Maldives Water Bungalow with a private pool. | © Sheraton Maldives

Sheraton Maldives Restaurants

The Sheraton has already ticked the boxes for views and accommodation. So, let’s talk about the food. There are seven dining destinations at this all-inclusive Maldives resort. Five restaurants and two all-day snack spots.

Our first evening took us to Anchorage Beach. Tables were set up on the sand in front of a huge array of what they called the ‘fish market buffet’, to which we were encouraged to help ourselves. We didn’t need to be told twice.

It was an exotic array of tantalising seafood; from whole grilled fish to melt-in-the-mouth sashimi, seafood salads, fish steaks and Maldivian specialities made (and served) by chefs from neighbouring islands. With the meal lit only by candlelight and live music from a Maldivian women’s drumming group, it made for a wonderful first night and set our standards high for what else was to come.

The next few days saw us enjoying meals at Baan Thai, the only indoor restaurant, where you can indulge in usual Thai classics plus lots you’ve never heard of. Then at Sand Coast, a spot surrounded by palm trees serving an eclectic list of Asian curries.

We also raved about T-For-Tea House. Living in Asia for a number of years has made us sceptical about Chinese restaurants where the fare might not be up to scratch, but the chefs here knew exactly what they were doing with their mix of Cantonese dim sum, Sichuan noodle soups and Mandarin dishes.

We stayed in a bucket list Sheraton Maldives water bungalow during our visit. | © Sheraton Maldives

Sea Salt Restaurant

For our final evening, we opted for Sea Salt. A handful of tables are perched on a raised pontoon above the water, and a warm sourdough loaf is soon brought to the table with four types of sea salt – hence the restaurant’s name. The waiter demonstrated how to mix the salts with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, then dip the warm bread into it. The result was salty, bready heaven.

I would have happily eaten only this for years to come, but I obligingly order the red snapper, which can be in four styles: Vietnamese, Chinese, Maldivian or Mediterranean. I selected the latter and it arrived filleted for ease of eating but still served whole (aesthetics are everything, after all) with a zesty lemon flavour, and topped with tomatoes and olives. My dining partner chose the steak and barely uttered a word the whole time he ate it; so incredible was its flavour, and we both sat in satiated bliss for some time after.

Undoubtedly, our favourite meal at the Sheraton however, had to be the Lagoon Lunch. This five-course addition is well worth forking out for as it was one of the most memorable two hours we’ve ever spent.

Picture a lone table set in water that’s crystal clear. No-one else is around, the table is topped with flowers and there’s a bottle of champagne on ice. Your waiter beckons you out to the table that’s being circled by small reef sharks. With a smile, he explains that they’re friendly.

Before pouring the champagne, he hands you both a cocktail and leaves you to marvel at your present moment for a few minutes before reappearing with an avocado and smoked salmon appetiser. Your taste buds are soon treated to a prawn, halloumi and garlic starter on a bed of watermelon, then a main course of tuna steak with coconut rice and salad. A mango sorbet comes next, and finally a delicate lime millefeuille for dessert. Halfway through the meal (and halfway through the champagne), we learn it was our waiter Patu’s first day.

His was the ideal level of attentiveness. He was there when we needed him and not pushy when we didn’t. All in all, the combination of service, food and setting made it the epitome of dining perfection.

Related: 5 of the Best Luxury Hotels in Singapore

Zoe enjoying and incredible lagoon lunch at the Sheraton Maldives.| © Richard Lagesse

Possibly the most romantic picnic spot in the world. | © Sheraton Maldives

Sheraton Maldives Activities

You’d be forgiven for thinking that all we did was eat during our stay. But, I promise we also took advantage of the many Sheraton Maldives activities on offer.

One pastime that we couldn’t help but indulge in is wildlife-watching. Lizards and birds meander past every now and then, and come dusk, the sky comes alive with fruit bats flitting in and out of the trees. Climbing down a few steps from your villa deck into the sea affords the chance to snorkel with rays and brightly-coloured fish bobbing between the coral, and you never know when a quick glance might reveal a flying fish leaping through the air. If you opt for the Lagoon Lunch (and you should) expect to have those friendly reef sharks for company as they circle your table waiting for any crumbs you let fall escape from your plate. 

Another must-do is a snorkelling excursion. Ours took us to a nearby sandbank via speedboat. Of the many sandbanks in the area, this is the only one that doesn’t disappear with the tides, and if you’re lucky you might even have it to yourself. Your guide will happily snap underwater photos of the fish, coral and you looking fetching in your goggles so you have some physical memories to take home, and also brings along a beach picnic for when you’ve had your fill of snorkelling. As lovely as this afternoon was, I’ll admit the evidence of coral bleaching and washed-up plastic on the bank was saddening to say the least.

Later that evening, we took to the water again for a sunset cruise. The staff know where the wild dolphins are likely to be and are skilled at spotting them from a distance. With the sun glowing fluorescent orange as it dips toward the horizon, and the dolphins keeping us mesmerised as they leap and jump alongside the boat, this two-hour trip was truly incredible.

Related: The Perfect Singapore Getaway

Snorkelling off a private sandbank is one of the many Sheraton Maldives activities on offer. | © Richard Lagesse

If I had to identify a single take-home thought during my Sheraton Maldives review stay, it would be about colour. The colour was something I thought a lot about during our trip, as it turns out that ‘blue’ is the least descriptive word in the English language.

It cannot convey the sparkling azure of the sunlight bouncing off the waves, nor does it conjure the rainbow of tones in this one colour that you can gaze upon in a single moment; from directly above your head to swimming around your toes.

There are more shades of turquoise and aquamarine than I knew possible, and to see them all glittering and glinting at you from across the Indian Ocean, tempting you into the water and making you revel in just how grateful you are to be taking all this in, is truly something to behold.

The Fit Traveller was a guest of the Sheraton Maldives for this stay. As always, the words and opinions are authentically our own.

Sheraton Maldives 

Website | Book

Life in full colour at the Sheraton Full Moon Resort and Spa Maldives. | © Sheraton Maldives

Zoe Louise Cronk

Zoe Louise Cronk is a freelance writer and editor who left the corporate world behind to spend her days crafting ideas into articles and exploring new avenues of health and fitness.

When not writing or daydreaming, Zoe can be found planning the next tick off her travel bucket list.

Melanie Duca

Coco Resort Bodu Hithi is just a 45 minute boat ride from Male in the Maldives. Image © Melanie Duca

Getting to our Maldives Honeymoon Resort

Coming from Sydney, Australia, we found a flight to Singapore with Qantas and then onwards to Male with Singapore Airlines. From Male airport, we caught a speedboat provided by the Island, which took around 45 minutes.

The 24 Coco Residences offer the ultimate in privacy and luxury at Coco Bodu Hithi, Maldives. Image © Melanie Duca

Overwater Luxury 

Once we arrived at Coco Bodu Hithi we were greeted by the Coco staff, who welcomed us and escorted us to our room, and what a room. At the tip of all the islands is the Coco Residency, which are enormous over-the-water bungalows. The bedroom looks directly out to the Indian Ocean, with your own private pool, a deck with direct access to the ocean – in addition to an enormous lounge room overlooking paradise. 

On the second visit, we choose to stay at the Beach Villa, which was equally as beautiful as the over-the-water residence. The main difference was the location of the villa and the view from your room. While the over the over-the-water bungalow is just that, this room has a view of the beach. The beach villa has a larger internal space, comes with its own private pool and has direct access to the beach. Despite being on the beach we rarely saw other people so you still felt like you have absolute privacy.

With 5 restaurants at Coco Bodu Hithi there is plenty of variety and opportunity for a new date destination, each evening. Image © Melanie Duca

Island Fine Dining

Coco had so many dining options that we felt like we were eating somewhere new with every meal. Even if we did eat at the same restaurant, Coco made sure to vary the menu options, especially in the buffet.

Air

The main buffet style restaurant was available for breakfast lunch and dinner. The Buffett offered a great selection of dishes including local Maldivian food and international cuisine.

Aqua

My favourite of all the restaurants is set out on individual pairs and dimly lite by hight of the stars and small outdoor lights. Here they offered fine dinning including fresh caught seafood.

Stars

Located towards the Coco residence side of the resort and open for both lunch and dinner. We really enjoyed Stars because it was the best spot on the island to watch the sunset.

Tsuki 

Coco resort’s very own Japanese restaurant which offers not only lunch and dinner but cooking classes too.

Wine Loft

Open on certain nights and catering to very small groups. Wine Loft features a degustation and wine pairing menu which we really enjoyed.

Wine Loft at Coco Body Hithi is the ultimate sundowners spot on the island. Image © Melanie Duca

Marine Exploring

Water Sports

On my first visit, I had only just received my beginners diving certificate which mean I could only dive up to 15 metres. The dive centre on the island helped me to complete by Advanced Open Water certificate. It was the most incredible experience and I got to be part of an underwater world filled with stingrays, manta rays, eagle rays, coral and lots of colourful fish. We dived almost daily. The visibility was often around 30 metres so it was also nice to snorkel around the resort.

Melanie mastered Advanced Open Water diving while at Coco Bodu Hithi. Image © Melanie Duca

Sunset Cruise

I really loved the sunset cruise for two reasons; I was able to watch the most incredible sunset out at sea; and we got to see almost 20 dolphins casually playing around our boat. The water was so calm and still that you could even see their eyes through the crystal clear water.

Sandbank Tour

By far, this was our favourite activity. Just 15 minutes away from the island is a small bank of sand. The staff take you over by boat and set up a little tent and picnic. We had an incredible time drinking champagne and snorkelling around the small sand bank. It was very romantic and a moment I won’t forget in this lifetime.

The pools are Coco Body Hithi are made for poolside relaxing while taking in all those blue hues. Image © Melanie Duca

Resort Relaxation

Lounge Poolside

It sounds basic, but honestly there is nothing like sitting in a deck chair, reading a good book and watching the day pass you by when you are in one of the most picturesque locations in the world.

Movie Night

Twice a week the resort holds a movie night out on the beach and under the stars. When it’s a beautiful steamy night and you’ve just finished dinner, there’s nothing like relaxing on a bean bag with a good glass of wine. I must admit I did find myself sleeping on occasion because of how relaxed I was, which, considering we were on holidays isn’t a bad thing.

Coco Bodu Hithi

North Male Atoll, Republic of Maldives

Check Prices and Availability

Related: Island Hotels in the Maldives

Melanie Duca

Melanie loves to travels extensively around the world and has visited some amazing countries. She started travelling at an early age and was instantly drawn to the world abroad.

When she travels she loves to discover the world through food, fashion, and photography.

She’s a self-professed drone junkie and loves to explore the world from above, because of the the incredible perspective.

Skye Gilkeson

Paddling out off our back deck at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Staying Fit at Centara Ras Fushi Maldives

One of the many hidden benefits of staying on a tropical island resort is that often simply the act of exploring involves a little exercise. For guests who have specific training goals, want to maintain their training routine or have a preference for training in a cooler, air conditioned space, there’s a well equipped fitness centre waiting for you. Yogis are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to practice – from the soft white sand, boardwalks or your private villa deck. Of course, there are personal trainers and yoga instructors available to lead you too.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

A water sports enthusiast’s playground, the Centara also offers endless other ways you can work off those delicious buffet meals during your stay. It’s just up to you to choose your own active adventure. The resort’s house reef is literally at your doorstep. The perfect spot to lose track of time admiring the tropical fish and colourful coral in their underwater playground, it’s just a short paddle from the sand (or your villa steps). You’ll most likely only be able to pull yourself away for a snack or sunscreen break.

Main pool at bar overlooking the beach at Centara Ras Fushi, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

For those who want to dive a little deeper, the PADI dive centre at Centara can arrange a Dhoni (a traditional Maldivian sail boat with motor) to take you a little further out to a number of stunning dive spots, within 15 minutes. Whether you just want to see meet the local marine life from fish to turtles and sharks, or you want to explore caves or wrecks like Giraavaru Cave or the Maldives Victory Wreck, the resort can help you plan your day of diving.

Trying to master the SUP without much luck at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

All the other usual water sports are available too from fishing to tubing, water skiing, windsurfing and sailing. We gave SUP a go just off the main beach. Only having tried it once before while staying in Langkawi with success you could say our confidence levels were slightly inflated wading in with our boards. The water was a little choppy the day we chose to head out and we were soon reminded that we are just beginners. Thankfully, falling into warm Maldivian water bruises nothing but a couple of super competitive egos. It was a lot of fun!

Guests to the nightly fish feeding near Viu Bar at Centara Ras Fushi, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

If you’re happier to see the marine life from the comfort of the wharf, the nightly fish feeding is a great opportunity. That’s when the fish come to you. Similar to the fish feeding at Centara Grand, you can enjoy the show with a cocktail in hand, just footsteps from Viu Bar.

Sunrise meditation on our private deck at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

If you’re bound for the Centara in search of a slower pace; some rest, rejuvenation and relaxation, you couldn’t dream of a better setting. We found the mornings one of the most magical times of the day. We sat and meditated on our deck as the sun came up. One of the many amazing benefits of island living is there is complete silence in the mornings. No traffic. No crowds. Just the sound of the water moving below us. Bliss!

A Maldivian sunrise at Centara Ras Sushi Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Centara Ras Fushi Maldives

Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.

Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

Read more about Skye’s story here.

thefittraveller.com/

Skye Gilkeson

The breathtaking beauty of the Maldivian atolls from the air.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa

A big part of any trip to the Maldives is the ‘getting there’. Generally, you’ll fly into Male airport. Many travellers will then jump straight on a boat, plane or seaplane out to the islands (depending on where your resort is).

Those who land in Male in the late evening with often check in to an airport hotel overnight and get up nice and early the next morning to head to their resorts. When we arrived we did the latter, catching a plane from Male to the Alifu Atoll in the early hours of the morning so we were refreshed on arrival.

Maldives from the air: Enjoying the view during our seaplane flight.

Maldives Seaplane Transfer

We opted for a seaplane for our transfer from Centara Grand to Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa. It costs a little more to take the seaplane, but it’s well worth the investment for the breathtaking views you get as you float above the atolls. It was our first seaplane ride and we were like two kids at an amusement park (again with the ‘Disneyland effect‘).

Seeing the Maldives from the sky makes you appreciate just how vast the area is. It’s such a striking seascape. The images (mental and photographic) will stay with me forever. We jumped in a speedboat from Male (which is how guests will normally arrive at Centara Ras Fushi. The short commute from Male is one of the many reasons guests are attracted to Ras Fushi; the speedboat from Male to the main wharf takes about 20 minutes.

One of the other big draws for Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa over other Maldives resorts is its adults-only policy (children over 12 are welcome). The resort really reflects the adults-only focus and that’s just one of the many ways it is an entirely different destination to its South Ari Atoll cousin.

Stunning Maldivian atolls from a seaplane.

Centara Ras Fushi Villas

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa has 140 villas on the property. The Ocean Front Villas are a few steps from the beach and if you want to pimp your villa you can check into a Deluxe Ocean Front Villa which has its own large, outdoor spa for star gazing over a couple of glasses of bubbles (a romantic option for couples).

The prized overwater villas are another ball game entirely. There are three types of overwater villas to swoon over – the Deluxe Water Villas, the Deluxe Sunset Water Villas and the Premium Deluxe Spa Water Villas.

The labels really speak to the different features of the villas – The Deluxe sunset villas are the same as the Deluxe villas but they’re in the best position to watch the sun go down from your own private deck.

The Premium Villas go one luxurious step further and have their own private outdoor spa on deck too.

Home sweet home. The stairs from our private deck lead directly to snorkelling heaven at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives.

Deluxe Water Villa

Being driven by buggy to our Deluxe Water Villa was a real pinch-yourself moment. You have a lot of those in the Maldives, in part owing to the inexplicable brilliance of the blue water that surrounds you all day. You never get used to it.

Having already experienced a few days in luxury, Maldivian setting at the Centara Grand, I thought I was prepared. But then we opened the door to our home on the water. It was stunning.

The private deck is the first thing that grabs your eye. Two sun loungers and a side table were sitting out on the half-moon shaped deck, calling us. Walking outside, a narrow wooden staircase leads directly into the crystal water.

Deluxe Water Villa at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives.

Surprise delivery of champagne & chocolates all in the name of romance at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives.

The room itself is designed so that you don’t miss out on the view no matter where in the room you’re relaxing. A large bathroom and wardrobe sat off the left as you entered the chalet.

To the right, you come to a table, minibar and armchair. The king-sized bed faces the floor to ceiling glass sliding doors to the deck, so you can go to sleep and rise with the sun while protecting your privacy from the guests in villas to either side of you. As we were unpacking the doorbell rang. A bottle of champagne and chocolates arrived.

This really is the Maldives honeymoon style experience you read about in those bridal magazines. What were we to do but pop the bottle and enjoy a glass on the deck as a quasi ‘villa warming’?!

Champagne on arrival: Relaxing on our private deck at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives.

Nourish 

There is a choice of a Half-Board Plus or All Inclusive when you book your stay at Centara Ras Fushi. The Half-Board Plus includes breakfast and dinner and some drinks, while the Centara Ras Fushi All-Inclusive covers everything.

I highly recommend choosing the All-Inclusive package and leaving your wallet safely locked in the safe in your villa.

International buffet breakfast at Oceans, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives.

Oceans

Everyone’s day begins with a breakfast buffet at Oceans. Follow the fine white sandy pathways to the grand bale-style restaurant. The buffet covers off international favourites from eggs on request, waffles, pancakes, bacon, Asian dishes, healthy choices from fresh fruit to smoothies, juices, muesli with nuts and superfoods.

Of course, there was a table stacked high with baked goods (including gluten-free options) for those who are having a cheat day. Lunch and dinner are also served at Oceans for clients who want the variety of an Asian and international style buffet. The culinary theme changes daily too so you are spoiled for choice.

Breads & pastries aplenty at Oceans, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives.

Al Khaimah

Al Khaimah was my favourite restaurant at Centara Ras Fushi. A Bedouin-style tent with low, cushioned seating and soft candlelight, created a restaurant that felt worlds away from our tropical island.

Al Khaimah serves Arabic and Middle Eastern-style grilled meats, hummus and vegetables so it’s the perfect pick for a health-conscious traveller (particularly the paleo crowd).

We ordered a handful of items and shared family-style; starting with homemade hummus, chicken kebabs, prawns. A number of marinated, grilled meats that were packed with flavour followed. You’ll be tempted by the very sweet Middle Eastern desserts too which I also recommend you share.

Flavourful Middle Eastern fare at Al Khaimah, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives.

Marinated lamb cutlets Al Khaimah, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives.

Traditional Middle Eastern desserts at Al Khaimah, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives.

La Brezza 

Plating up modern Italian fare and local seafood, La Brezza sits in prime people-watching position, by the main swimming pool. You’ll have the choice of a daily set menu or you can order a la carte. All the usual suspects are on the menu from delicious Caprese salad or paper-thin carpaccio, to creamy potato gnocchi, tender cuts of meat dishes and mouthwatering seafood platters. I’m a huge fan of Italian food, so it’s no surprise I loved La Brezza for lunch.

La Brezza delivers traditional Italian flavours & fresh seafood at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives.

Suan Bua 

Neighbouring La Brezza is Suan Bua, the Ras Fushi’s signature Thai restaurant. Utilising techniques, flavours and ingredients brought in especially from Thailand, the entire experience has been created to give you a truly authentic taste of Thailand.

Suan Bua serves authentic Thai cuisine poolside at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives.

Waves Pool Bar

Nowhere is the relaxed and laid back feel of Ras Fushi more obvious that at Waves Pool Bar. Guests can pull up the underwater stoop and enjoy a cocktail while catching some sun or even grab one of the in-pool beach chairs so they’re really close to the water and the action. Not surprisingly the pool bar is a favourite with groups that are staying at the resort, it’s a fun, central meeting point that’s also within metres of the sand.

Waves Pool Bar. A popular meeting & mingling point at Centara Ras Sushi Resort & Spa, Maldives.

Giraavaru Lobby Bar

Cocktails are Viu Bar. A relaxing spot to catch the sunset at Centara Ras Sushi Resort & Spa, Maldives.

Viu Bar 

Viu Bar is Centara Ras Fushi’s answer to Cheers. You’ll likely find yourself just ‘popping in’, a few times a day and by the end of your stay, everybody may just know your name. During the day, Viu serves snacks and coffees overlooking the lagoon with views back to the beach.

Complimentary afternoon tea is served at the bar and you might just find yourself sticking around for a cocktail or two afterwards. Unless you’re staying in a Deluxe Sunset Villa, an overwater net at Viu Bar is the ideal spot to listen to some live music, enjoy a drink and some canapés at the sunsets.

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa

Relaxing on the nets and waiting for sunset at Viu Bar, Centara Ras Sushi Resort & Spa, Maldives.

Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.

Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

Read more about Skye’s story here.

thefittraveller.com/

Skye Gilkeson 

Sunrise over the infinity pool at the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

/one-half-first]

Swimming with whale sharks during our stay at the Centara Grand Maldives was a once in a lifetime experience. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Centara Grand Maldives

You find yourself seduced by the waters of the Maldives. Blues from every inch of the spectrum reach out from the shore, warm water kisses the sand and small tropical fish swim curiously around your feet as you wade in. The environment is made for snorkelling, diving, SUP and floating, blissfully on the surface. But there was something even more special waiting for us when we arrived at the Centara Grand. We were going to get the chance to swim with a whale shark.

Swimming with Whale Sharks

When you head out on the whale shark tour the guides make it very clear; an encounter with a whale shark doesn’t happen every day, even in paradise. I’ve written about looking for turtles in the Gili Islands before, with no luck, so I was modestly excited and very hopeful we would have more luck when we went out in search of a whale shark.

Elation after swimming with whale sharks, stingrays & a sea turtle during our Centara Grand Maldives stay. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Whale sharks are filter feeders so we were warned the biggest risks they present to humans is an over-enthusiastic tail flip should or getting a nudge if you accidentally swim in front of them. Those risks should be negligible regardless. Our entire group was warned and reminded that we shouldn’t be close enough to be worried about either event as we were there to observe, not touch the shark. Knowing it’s safe to dive in doesn’t stop you from getting a little nervous about launching yourself into the water armed with only a pair of flippers and a snorkel. That said, the strangest thing happened when we were told the scout boat had spotted a shark. Like a big excitable child (The “Disneyland Effect” again), I literally ran to the front of the boat and hurled myself off with two of our guides, leaving the rest of the boat behind (those Maldivians can dive!). I put it down to a combination of adrenalin and the possibility that this once in a lifetime experience might slip through my fingers.

Diving deep, as soon as I dropped below the surface I saw him; a whale shark measuring about 5 metres, swimming just below my flippers. He was absolutely beautiful. Most of us are familiar with that funny feeling you get when you drop below the water’s surface. Silence passes over you and time seems to stand still. Watching the shark move so gracefully amid the silence was an almost indescribably calming experience for me. He was majestic and powerful and felt completely non-threatening. He knew we were there, but he didn’t seem to mind. We were like little children for the next 40 minutes or so, following him as he rose towards the surface and chased him again as he dived down effortlessly, almost flirting with the group of visitors eagerly trying to keep up with him.

After spending ample time with our new friend, we peeled off from the group to check out the reef below. We were treated to a show of coral, bright, tropical fish, a sea turtle and a stingray, making their way along the edge. The two of us spent our time between the surface for quick gasps and energetic dives down to the underwater garden. The entire experience was one I will never forget.

Pretty in Pink: A Centara Grand sunset in the Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Another must-do while staying at Centara Grand is the sunset cruise. Boarding the boat at about 5 pm, the group climbed to the upper deck – a flat  360 degree views of the islands and the horizon. Glasses of wine are handed out at about 5.45 pm, so you can relax and watch the sky’s mood change from sunny to sombre. The cruise was a relaxing way to end a day of exploring and romantic pre-dinner start to the evening.

Get moving out in the water while staying at Centara Grand in the Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Staying Fit in the Maldives

When you’re staying in such an inspiring place you’ll find it hard to resist the urge to rise with the sun. We got up to watch the sunrise over the water each day and I would encourage you to set the alarm for at least one Maldivian sunrise. Most of the other guests are still sound asleep, the temperature is mild and you have the pick of any private, quiet corner to sit and welcome the day. We did yoga on the sea wall one morning, meditated on a day bed by the infinity pool another. On each day, we still had time to walk over to the gym to watch the sun continue its dance on the glassy surface, all before breakfast.

The perfect poolside meditation spot at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The island to ourselves at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Whether you practice with the resident yoga instructor (classes are offered a couple of times per week), you have your own personal practice, you stop in to sweat out some of those cocktails in the overwater studio, hit the tennis court for a game of tennis or run the soft sand outside your front door, the beauty and the mood of the island will no doubt encourage you to get moving during your stay.

Fully equipped over water gym at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Spa Cenvaree, Centara Grand Maldives

The Ultimate All-Inclusive package includes a 30-minute spa session at the Spa Cenvaree each day during your stay. The staff book you in, you just need to turn up, choose the treatment (massage or mini-facial) you are in the mood for, or even add-on additional treatments, and leave the rest to their soothing hands. Treatments range from traditional Thai to healing Ayurveda.

The spa settles respectfully into the island’s natural environment with wooden furniture complimented by fabrics and decoration in earthy tones. Individual treatment bales are set among the gorgeous fig trees in, so you feel a world away from the other guests. Let the relaxation continue with a dip in the whirlpool in each change room or ease your way back into reality with a herbal tea in the lounge.

The Fit Traveller was a guest of Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts for this stay. As always, the opinions, words and images are authentically our own.

Spa Cenvaree relaxation lounge at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Centara Grand Island Resort, Maldives

Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.

Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

Read more about Skye’s story here.

thefittraveller.com/

Skye Gilkeson 

The perfect waterside lunch spot at Azzuri Mare, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Reef Restaurant

The main all-day dining restaurant, Reef serves buffet-style meals and it’s there you’ll start your day with a substantial breakfast spread. Dining alfresco in the thatched roof restaurant means you sit with toes in the sand, enjoying the sea breeze as the morning sunlight hits the water just metres from your table.

Waffles, pastries, eggs any style, tropical fruit, superfood smoothies, iced tea infusions, the menu goes on. Fresh and colourful culinary creations cover every corner of the buffet counter and anything that isn’t there, you can simply ask to have made. If you really want to hit the indulgence button (Hello, Honeymooners!) grab a glass or two of French champagne to set a celebratory tone for the day.

A very grand Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives breakfast. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Champagne breakfast with toes in the sand at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Teppanyaki Grill

For a casual and fun dining experience, the Teppanyaki Grill inside also inside Reef is a great dinner option. Seating times are set as is the menu, so the chef can wow the crowd with his skills on the iron hot plate and serve diners simultaneously. We ate fresh greens with seaweed, eggplant with a thick miso dressing, fresh fish, sea scallops and beef hot off the grill, egg vegetable fried rice, mushroom soup and a green tea brûlée for dessert. We waddled out of the restaurant after the meal but the experience was fun and interactive and the food was delicious.

The view of the overwater villas from Azzuri Mare restaurant, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Azzuri Mare Restaurant

Azzuri Mare was my favourite restaurant on the island, no doubt owing to my obsession with fresh seafood and clean, Italian flavours. We took a seat for lunch on the water’s edge and stuck with the set menu which hit every tasty note. We shared a fresh Caprese salad, beef carpaccio with rocket and parmesan, fresh salmon fillet with greens and a balsamic reduction, tuna with a sesame crust and a rich chocolate dessert. With cocktails included in your stay, you’ll likely find it difficult to say no to a tropical drink with lunch, as we did. Beyond the set menu, you can (at an additional cost) really splurge on seafood, but unless you’ve got lobster on your mind, you’ll probably be satisfied by the selection offered on the daily menu.

Waterside lunch at Azzuri Mare, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Ceviche at Azzuri Mare, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Beef Carpaccio at Azzuri Mare, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Simple, clean Caprese Salad at Azzuri Mare, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

The perfectly pink salmon at Azzuri Mare, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Decadent chocolate dessert at Azzuri Mare, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Suan Bua Restaurant

Suan Bua is the Centara Grand’s signature restaurant. It delivers traditional Thai cuisine with a modern twist. A great spot for a dinner date, tables are set in private wooden bales perched around a peaceful lotus pond. We were treated to a Thai feast at the restaurant and having just spent time in Thailand, I like to think we had a slightly more seasoned appreciation for Thai flavours. All the ingredients and even the chef have been brought in from Thailand to create the most authentic experience at the restaurant, incorporating flavours and traditions from each corner of the country.

We had Poh Pia Thord (Spring rolls served with sweet chili sauce), Som Tam Ruam (Green Papaya Salad with mango, coconut, palm heart and tomatoes), Satay Gai (satay skewers with cucumber relish and peanut sauce), Tom Yum soup (clear, spicy soup), Salmon Panang (Pan-fried salmon in a red curry sauce) which was the stand out dish for me, Phad Kraprow Gai (Stir fried chicken with garlic, ginger, chili and basil), Phad Thai Pak (stir fried noodles with vegetables), Goong Phad Med Mamuang Himmaphan (Stir fried prawns with chili paste, online, capsicum and cashews) and Sticky rice with mango and home made coconut ice cream. The setting was intimate, the meal offered a wonderful mix of flavours and it wasn’t super spicy which I appreciated as a bit of a wimp when it comes to chili.

Aqua sits on the western side of the resort in prime position for sunset cocktails or a pre-tour caffeine hit. Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Aqua 

You’ll spot the perfect sunset viewing seat on the island as soon as you arrive at the Centara Grand main wharf. You can’t help but notice the bright blue plush, padded swing chairs hanging off the edge of the boardwalk at Aqua. Facing west, the cosy cushioned chairs offer a very comfortable vantage point to laze away the afternoon and watch the sun go down over a few cocktails and afternoon canapes. Aqua is often used as a meeting point for activities during your stay on the island, so it’s the ideal place to grab a lounge chair and settle in for a pre-tour coffee, coconut or smoothie too.

Best sunset spot on the island at Aqua Bar, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Cocktails at Aqua, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Coral Bar & Lounge

Coral Bar & Lounge is more of the is where you’ll be tempted to grab a snack and afternoon cocktail as it’s positioned beside the infinity pool on the other side of the island (5 minutes walk away, don’t panic). There is a pool table and entertainment for teens or even bigger kids to play a few games out of the sun upstairs and downstairs, they offer complimentary afternoon tea and canapes delivered to your day bed. The lounge has a fun, relaxed feel with bright vibrant coloured soft furnishings, oversized wooden lounge chairs and staff are on hand for cocktail recommendations.

Playful furniture at Coral Bar & Lounge, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Every night the resort invites guests to a fish feeding activity which is something you must-do during your stay. I personally wasn’t that enthused when I heard we were going to watch fish being fed. But these weren’t goldfish we were talking about. A few stingray swam in, reef sharks and schools of colourful tropical fish all came in for a snack. I couldn’t stop snapping photos while watching them splash around just below our feet. It was incredible to watch. Little did I know, I was going to get up close and personal with another gorgeous creature the following day.

Beautiful stingrays came by for the nightly fish feeding off the resort wharf at Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa, Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Centara Grand Island Resort, Maldives

The Fit Traveller was a guest of Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts for this stay. As always, the opinions, words and images are authentically our own.

Reef sharks at the nightly fish feeding off the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa wharf in the Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.

Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

Read more about Skye’s story here.

thefittraveller.com/

Skye Gilkeson

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Centara Grand Island Resort

We’ve all seen those pictures that you’d assume were filtered and saturated beyond belief. I’m here to tell you, those blue hues; they’re the real deal Ladies and Gentlemen. Like Walt’s World, the Maldives is almost too good to be true.

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. Reception area and lobby bar. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Our magical Maldives tour began in the South Atoll at the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa. Pulling into the Centara Grand Resort wharf, I was fast and loose with the superlatives and the other guests in the boat, like us, struggled to wipe the childlike smiles off their faces (what I’ll now term, the “Disneyland Effect”). It felt in one moment like I was stepping directly into the pages of a luxury travel magazine, but at the same time, it felt like an intimate island home.

Barefoot luxury is the name of the game at the Centara Grand. From the timber board walks to the soft, white sandy walkways that connect the island’s restaurants, rooms and recreational activities, there is a feeling that every detail has been carefully considered to deliver luxury at its most unpretentious.

The island’s Ultimate All-Inclusive packages make it even easier to settle in to the idyllic island life. The daily rate covers everything from meals, to cocktails, a daily spa treatment, water sports, tours and even the in-villa mini-bar. The only extras you may want to splurge on are a longer, luxurious treatment at Spa Cenvaree, a Castaway style afternoon on your own private island, a picnic on a sandbank in the middle of the sea, or a little retail therapy at the island’s designer boutique. So the only thing you’ll carry around the resort is your camera, a little sunscreen and a satisfied smile.

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. The beach just footsteps from our villa door. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Accommodation at Centara Grand Island Resort

The resort has been designed to take advantage of the lagoon’s wash of vivid aqua. Whether you stay in one of the white weatherboard over water villas or a beachfront suite just footsteps to the sand, water views are there for you to enjoy, virtually uninterrupted and the outside is brought in through carefully selected soft furnishings in colours reflecting the tropical beauty the envelopes the resort paradise.

Inside all the accommodation there is free wifi access (not the case with all Maldives resorts), satellite TV, nightly turn down service, indoor or outdoor bathrooms (both in some cases) and pool villas also come with a villa attendant (a butler of sorts). So, whether you’re staying for a honeymoon, a tropical holiday, a working getaway or some family fun, you won’t lose touch with friends, family and the office back home, unless of course you want to.

Freshly renovated overwater pool villas at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Warm wooden furnishings finished with fabrics in earthy tones and bright accents in the newly renovated villas at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

One tail of over water villas sweeps out from the lobby bar and reception area and that’s where a major renovation projection is finishing up as I write. While all villas have undergone a complete renovation, some now have their own plunge pool. Yes, that’s right, if snorkelling off your deck from your villa wasn’t enough, you can now take a dip in your own plunge pool and watch the sun go down afterwards.

Your own private plunge pool at the over water pool villas at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Stairs from the back deck straight into snorkelling heaven. Newly renovated over water pool villa at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Unlike many other Maldives resorts the Centara Grand proudly accommodates families. There is a range of family accommodation, both over water and on the beachfront, so you don’t have to miss that Maldives over water dream if you’ve got the kids in tow. Of course, child proofing and safety measures are in place in the family accommodation and there is babysitting and a kids club on hand for when you want to book a romantic dinner for two at one of the island restaurants.

Family Beach Villa bedroom at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Private plunge pool at Family Beach Villa at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

We stayed in a beachfront suite, which had a mezzanine level, giving it the feel of a two-storey townhouse on the sand. White washed furniture, cosy pastel soft furnishings and casual beach inspired feel made it felt like an exotic home away from home. The downstairs living room featured a couch, coffee table and chairs, television (not that you need really need one in the Maldives), and sliding doors that open into a large dressing room and bathroom, open to the balmy Maldivian weather, with a huge tub where you can relax under the stars.

Our own beach entrance just footsteps from our front deck at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Just off the front patio and between the palms, the ice white sand and calm crystal waters were waiting. With the beach to ourselves, we could resist a quick dip on arrival, flushed with giggles at just what a magical place the Maldives is; it’s truly unlike anywhere else on earth.

Our bedroom in our beach villa at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

VIP Amenities

For those who like a little extra space and exclusivity, there is an option to upgrade to the Club category which gives you access to the Club Lounge, a fine dining restaurant, a separate pool and beach access.

Private pool for Club guests at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Exclusive pool, relaxation and dining area just for Club guests at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Centara Grand Island Resort, Maldives

The Fit Traveller was a guest of Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts for this stay. As always, the opinions, words and images are authentically our own.

The perfect spot for two on the sand at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. Image © Skye Gilkeson

Skye Gilkeson

Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.

She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.

As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.

Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.

Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.

Read more about Skye’s story here.

thefittraveller.com/