Travel restrictions being lifted weekly, now was the chance to get away for that long-awaited sunshine destination. What’s in the holiday fund? You haven’t got one!! First piece of advice…get one. These opportunities are life changing, well deserved and facilitate those special memories.
Arrival into Male with a quick transition from air to ocean: a 45-minute exhilarating speed boat ride ensued, Sun Siyam Olhuveli rises out of the ocean to greet you. As drums play and leys are placed around our necks, we are escorted down the pontoon to the island’s natural outdoor check in area. A short time after following the simple ‘get your bearings’ tour (lots of time to explore in the coming days) we are welcomed to our sunset jacuzzi water villa, which is nothing short of spectacular.
What strikes most is the spacious layout that has an authentic local feel to it. A large dressing room leads to an equally large wet room and a free-standing bath The main bedroom looks out to the most incredible view and sliding doors allows the cool breeze inside. The outside decking area has a stunning view with our very own private steps down to the sea and if that is not enough…..an outside jacuzzi bath…..is this heaven with the sunset view?
The beaches are stunning, white glistening sand and clear blue sea, it really does look like the pictures you see in brochures. The “Adult Only” area at the Dhoni Bar was a personal favourite enhanced with dark wood comfortable sun loungers, cushioned circular beds and swing seats that that overlook a magnificent infinity pool. With the aqua sea and a palm tree lined beach, this setting is absolute paradise. The orange bean bags scatter the sand which are perfect for watching the sun set with a cocktail in hand and if you are lucky, a wonderful display from the kite surfers, something you would love to try but leave it to the experts. This incredible sight provides a rare opportunity to test your photography skills as they jump over the surf like exotic leaping salmon in flight.
There is oodles to do here with water sports a plenty, tennis courts and an array of excursions day and night. From diving, snorkelling with turtles to a relaxing star gazing cruise. So, you really can be as active as you like or just relax and enjoy the tranquillity.
Talking of tranquil, my experience at the Ocean Spa was incredible. As I looked down at the ocean, I had the best Balinese massage I have ever had. 60 minutes of pure bliss was followed by delicious ginger tea.
In terms of food, the main buffet Sunset restaurant is where most of our meals were enjoyed. A good selection with a different choice each day, for me it was quality over quantity. A highlight for us was the Lobster BBQ, a sumptuous 5 course buffet dinner by the waters’ edge in a very romantic setting. The sound of the waves and a brilliant 3-piece band gently serenading us as we ate exquisite food, the best of which was freshly cooked the traditional Maldivian way over hot coals, just yards from where we sat. We also had dinner at Namaste which is an up market Indian restaurant. It is an open kitchen and food is taken in a cabana or on the sand. I would fully recommend as must do experiences.
The resort itself is made up of three bridge connected Islands, Olhuveli, Dream Island and the soon to be finished adult only island called Romance. All of which are within walking distance of each other to work off some of those sumptuous meals or simply stretch the legs, you are on holiday after all. It is recommended to explore the differing bars and pool side activities including water sports on offer across the resort in all the
amazing locations.
The thing that has bowled me over the most about Olhuveili, is the team. Every single team member you pass whether they bring you a cocktail, cook your meals, cut up your fruit at breakfast, wait on you at the various restaurants each one is friendly, polite, happy, and exceptional at what they do. I think to have this throughout an entire service community is very special and I take my hat off to all at Olhuveli.
So, who doesn’t want to start a holiday fund now?
