It's impossible to deny, I am very lucky.
Living in Dubai, the Maldives are no longer a postcard destination pinned on a manifestation board, the dreamy, paradisiacal islands are within reach, and are now just a short flight away. Offering the work weary (me) refuge, and a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life - and that dreaded Teams notification - the idyllic islands of the Maldives leave an unforgettable impression.
The Maldives, with the seemingly unending selection of islands and private resorts, each surrounded by turquoise waters and stretches of pristine beaches, have captured the hearts of the wanderlust worldwide, myself included.
Location & Getting There
A relatively quick four-hour, direct flight from Dubai, and just over five-hours from Riyadh and six from Jeddah, you'll arrive into the open-air Male Airport. As soon as you step on board your private yacht transfer, the whirring inner thoughts of emails, your unending to-do list, household chores and daily stresses will fade into the distance, only to be replaced by the tranquility and relaxation of the island paradise.
From the moment you arrive until the second you leave, you'll be mesmerised by stunning, sparkling shades of turquoise, aqua, and sapphire blue, which only seems to be found in the Indian Ocean. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor, I can promise you, the islands of the Maldives will leave you with an indescribable sense of wanting more.
OZEN Reserve Bolifushi
Time in the Maldives both stands still and moves all too quickly, all at once: we blinked and our time at OZEN Life Maadhoo was over, and it was time to move on to our next destination - OZEN Reserve Bolifushi.
Similar to OZEN Life Maadhoo, the family-friendly, indulgent all-inclusive OZEN Reserve Bolifushi allows you to have the holiday you want, whether that be action packed, at the spa, on the beach or cosied up within the sanctuary that is your own villa.
Meet Your Hyani
Refreshed and ready to discover a new resort, we arrived by deluxe motor yacht and were welcomed by the reception team with a refreshing coconut water, a handmade traditional necklace and a flurry of petals. Clapping to the beat of local musical instruments and the melodic sounds of the conch shell, we were introduced to our Hyani, Shujau.
A private butler or concierge taking care of everything, from restaurant bookings, exciting activities and boat transfers back to the airport, Shujau’s expert knowledge of the region and the resort, his recommendations and help allowed us to truly unwind, enjoy our vacation and focus on creating lasting memories and lounging in paradise.
Accommodations
Although a larger, sprawling resort when compared to its sister destination of OZEN Life Maadhoo, OZEN Reserve Bolifushi still offers visitors an equally exclusive, secluded tropical experience. With 90 private villas, the accommodations range across eight different categories — including that famous overwater, two-storey villas with a slide — each accommodation option at OZEN Reserve Bolifushi promises unmatched privacy, uncompromised luxury and a guaranteed slice of paradise.
Our Earth Pool Villa on the sunset side of the island is decorated with dark wood accents, a large bedroom meets the private back patio with floor to ceiling sliding doors, the bathroom is substantial in size, and the outdoor bathtub is secluded should you be that way inclined. It’s the wraparound outdoor pool, with glimpses of the sparkling blue waters of the lagoon that steals the show – perfect for small families, couples or a group of friends to enjoy. Of course, like all land-based villas at OZEN Reserve Bolifushi, there is direct access to the beach beneath the shade of the palms and foliage.
Even the entry-price accommodations at OZEN Reserve Bolifushi are substantially larger than most other resorts. And the all-inclusive aspect of the resort means that from the moment you step onto the island, until the moment you leave is stress free.
All Inclusive (Including the Spa!)
The most popular package at OZEN Reserve Bolifushi is the RESERVE Plan, a bespoke, and indulgent vacation all-inclusive plan that includes more than any other all-inclusive we’ve come across. The package includes breakfast, lunch, dinner in the resort’s five distinct restaurants, alongside a wide variety of beverages (including alcohol) throughout your stay, a daily replenishment of the in-room, complimentary ‘maxi’ bar, the ability to try non-motorised water sports such as snorkelling or glass-bottom kayaking.
But the most unique aspect of the RESERVE Plan is the that it includes an indulgent spa treatment on the house, something we have not experienced before in as part of any other all-inclusive destination.
Don’t expect to have to lower your expectations due to the all-inclusive nature of the resort, the dining options are top-notch. Explore flavours of Thailand, France, India, Spain and dishes of the Levant just footsteps from your villa. With various relaxed offerings alongside more fine-dining options, the restaurants and the staff across all the restaurants at OZEN Reserve Bolifushi maintain a high quality of service and a superb selection of international and local flavours.
Unmissable Moments
Discover the resort as you cycle around on your bike with a personalised ‘licence’ plate, grab a refreshing beverage at one of the restaurants, add your personalised love heart to the island’s “Love Lane” and catch the sunsetting at the edge of the boardwalk.
Trust me when I say nothing will match the awe-inspiring feeling of a Maldivian sunset.
Grab yourself an ice cold beverage and sit with your loved one, or your family as you watch the sun set behind the resort's iconic, overwater bungalows. If you have a sunset villa, you are sorted, but, if you're looking for somewhere to watch the sun set, head to The Ozar Bar early and nab yourself one of an overwater netted seat and, enjoy.
In Short: Paradise is redefined at OZEN Reserve Bolifushi: sprawling luxury, private pools, unrestricted beach access, pampering spa treatments – this is all-inclusive indulgence like you’ve never experienced before.
Prices starting from USD$1200 per night, minimum 4 night stay required
Bolifushi Island, Kaafu Atoll, South Male Atoll, Maldives 20222
