The Maldives has just opened its doors to a new resort, taking the all-inclusive concept to an entirely new level. Part of the Accor Group of hotels, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa – situated in the south of the Maldives – is the epitome of hedonist luxury without the exorbitant price tag. We were lucky enough to enjoy a stay at the resort and take full advantage of what the resort has to offer.
The hotel might not be the smallest, but its certainly not the largest either, giving plenty of space to its guests. Set amidst 18 hectares of lush tropical flora and fauna on the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort features 122 perfectly appointed villas (the images don’t lie here!).
This includes two Instagram-ready Aqua Villas featuring bedrooms submerged beneath the turquoise waters (below), for a truly memorable experience of the region’s marine life up close.
While still having the final touches applied, The Royal Suite is a resort within a resort and provides complete privacy and indulgence, including a high degree of personalised services including personal butler.
Much like the Park Hyatt Hadahaa, which is situated on the same atoll, the resort benefits from being situated on one of the largest and deepest. lagoons in the Maldives, which provide it slightly cooler water temperatures than many other islands which increase the richness of the marine life. For example, this is the only place where divers can spot up to 13 species of sharks in the water.
But it’s not just about the sea. Featuring a range of over-water and beachside villas, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is surrounded by lush vegetation, a natural lake and sun-kissed beaches. While it takes a one hour domestic flight, followed by a 15 minute speed boat ride, the connections are certainly worth the wait.
On arrival you are greeted by an enthusiastic team who will go out their way to ensure a memorable stay. Once checked-in in the Junction, the hub of the island, you are guided around the large, lush island on the way to your villa.
You are escorted by a range of facilities, from gyms to kid’s clubs, but the stars of the show are the dining and drink outlets. Considering this is one of THE most generous, all-inclusive offers in the Maldives, there’s little you could actually ask for that would actually cost you anything. When it comes to dining, the go to main restaurant Mélange, caters to most needs with an all-day dining restaurant that includes live cooking stations a plenty.
Beside the main restaurant, which flanks the resorts two large main pools, The HUB is an alternative dining location, as well as serving the pool with a range of cocktails both on and off the main menu. Certainly worth a visit is Saffron Affair for a sophisticated evening of tapas and crafted cocktails with its over-water nets for relaxing on and watching the sea-life up close.
There are two signature outlets too, including Souq Oven for Middle Eastern dishes (in the evening) and the most incredible Italian food during the day. The Souq Oven features a wine cellar too, with a wine list featuring over 80 wines from around the world (yes, all included).
For something more casual, guests can enjoy healthy café treats and alchemy experiences at Sol Rising; or the other of the impressive outlets can found in the island’s gardens. One of the region’s first organic, vegetarian and vegan restaurants, Phat Chameleon delivers flavourful, refreshing dishes to cleanse and excite the palette. For those on the go, there is also the playful Bites on Wheels food cart offers refreshing sorbets and light snacks throughout the day.
It’s not just hedonist food and drink on offer though. Children and teens are well catered for at Playground and Skillz Sports Centre, with a range of entertaining and educational activities including table tennis, various board games and an indoor golf simulator. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy complete restoration of the body, mind and soul at the resort’s spa.
Choose from a selection of signature facials, body treatments and massage therapies available at the resort’s Spa by Phytomer, which features six treatment rooms perched over a shallow, white sand lagoon. We had excellent massages by Rahul, Jessica and the team.
When it comes to accommodation, whether you are opting for an overwater villa or one of the beach villas, both offer swathes of space, privacy and luxuries. Whether that’s the complimentary mini-bar, massive beds, fully stocked indoor/outdoor bathrooms or swimming pools, the villas will make you feel like you are in a home away from home.
The best views and peace can be found on the sunset side, which benefit from calm waters over the lagoon, and for those wanting to splash out, the 2-bedroom villas are a hedonistic paradise, with large swimming pool, grand living room and increased privacy found from being at the very tip of the island.
One of the lovely additions to the villas is the outdoor Sala which becomes the perfect to enjoy the sunsets prior to heading to dinner or a nightcap before bed.
But it’s not just the usual perks that make this resort special, its the small additions that make a difference. Whether it’s the outdoor cinema, private BBQ on the beach (chargeable) or overwater pavilions, or all-inclusive additions for guests staying over 5 nights, including either a complimentary 60-minute massage, 30-minute jet ski or even a free scuba dive, this resort has cleverly positioned itself as a maximum-pleasure, minimum fuss affair that has had us missing our time there only a week after departing.
It’s certainly worth the price, and with it being a relatively new resort, at least for now, there are some great deals to be had. Would we go again? In a heartbeat.
pullmanmaldivesmaamutaa.com
The Big Picture
THEDESIGNAIR STAYED AS GUESTS OF PULLMAN MAAMUTAA BUT THE VIEWS EXPRESSED HERE ARE OUR OWN.