There’s luxury.. and then there’s luxury The Ozen Collection way.
A week spent on the five star island of Maadhoo in the Maldives is anything but standard. From Maadhoo’s glass restaurant six metres under the Indian Ocean surrounded by marine life, to Ozen’s selection of over 40 wines available by the glass in every one of the resort’s all inclusive restaurants, it was clear from the off that we were about to experience a very special kind of holiday.
Getting There
We flew from London Heathrow to Colombo in Sri-Lanka with British Airways which took around 10 and a half hours, and then another flight from Colombo to Velana International Airport in Male took around 90 minutes.
At Velana Airport you’ll be greeted by Maadhoo’s concierge who will take you to the VIP lounge while you await other passengers. Then it’s a very swish 45 minute speedboat ride to the island in South Male Atol. This transfer is included in the price.
As you pull into the resort and see that pristine clear water and powder white sand that the Maldives is famous for, it really is breath-taking, and of course as you’ve probably seen while researching holidays in the Maldives, the traditional Maldivian welcome really makes you feel special. The whole team are there to greet you with conch shells, a palm leaf necklace and the bodu beru drumming in the background.
The Resort
Despite being close to Malé, the island feels wonderfully secluded – surrounded by turquoise lagoons and vibrant coral reefs that make you forget the outside world almost immediately.
The design across the resort at Ozen Maadhoo is contemporary tropical elegance done right. Think clean architectural lines softened by natural materials, with villas and communal spaces that blend seamlessly into the island’s lush landscape.
We settled into island life right away, sleeping in late, tootling around Maadhoo on our bikes and enjoying exceptional food and drink at every meal.
Rooms
The grades of rooms available vary, but our ‘basic’ Earth Villa with private pool was anything but. With earthy tones and natural fabrics punctuated with pops of vibrant red and yellow courtesy of the scatter cushions, the super king bed occupied the main room in our villa along with a TV, fridge (complete with champagne, fancy wines, spirits and soft drinks which are replenished daily), and a table and chairs.
Doors either side of the bed led into the bathroom and dressing room with a beautiful vanity area, several mirrors and two sinks, and plenty of storage and wardrobe space.
Our private courtyard offered up a gigantic open style monsoon shower and a handcrafted standalone bathtub with incredible soaking potential, while Asprey toiletries are included with shaving kits, sun tan lotions and lip balm.
We loved the private decking area with comfy lounge set which led down to our private stretch of beach – complete with two loungers under a straw covered tiki umbrella which was the most romantic setting to watch incredible sunrises. Our enormous private pool was tucked away to the side of our villa for secluded swims in the mornings and evenings.
Other accommodation on the island of Maadhoo includes the wind villas suspended on stilts which hover over the lagoon. With uninterrupted views across the ocean, hammocks built into the expansive terraces and glass flooring so you can see the sea below, they’re what you would imagine when you think of the typical Maldivian holiday.
The Ozen Residence – Ozen Life Maadhoo’s prestigious self-contained majestic suite meanwhile, is something altogether spectacular. This mansion offers up elevated luxury, along with monogrammed bathrobes, a kitchenette, full gym, outdoor dining pavilion, nanny’s room and dedicated butler.
The Restaurants
As part of the INDULGENCE plan, guests are invited to enjoy unlimited dining and drinks in Ozen Life Maadhoo’s restaurants and bars. Our two standout culinary experiences were at Lonu and M6m (Minus Six Meters), but there are several other restaurants including IndoCeylon (authentic Indian and Sri Lankan food), The Palms All Day Dining restaurant and Joie de Vivre’s poolside kitchen and bar – to name just a few.
Lonu
We adored our leisurely lunch overlooking the Indian Ocean, while being served the most incredible Maldivian cuisine. We started with a traditional coconut basil lemonade to wake up the palate, before being served a range of incredible dishes by the super knowledgeable and passionate Moothamin. Torched tuna with passion fruit dressing, spicy smoked tuna, rice and coconut cakes, and Finuhu Kukulhu – roasted aromatic chicken served in a fiery paste of chillies, ginger and garlic were some of our standout favourites, but honestly, every single thing we ate at Maadhoo was so good. We finished with Kanamadhu – otherwise known as sea almond cake which was deliciously sweet made with caramelixed banana.
M6m
Perhaps the restaurant we were most excited to visit, M6m is available to guests staying a minimum of four nights at Ozen Life Maadhoo. This panoramic glass restaurant is set six meters below the ocean surface and requires a lift (or stairs) to get down to it. A glass of crisp champagne is served on arrival as you’re guided to your table – every single one benefiting from the most incredible sea views which make you feel like you’re literally in the water. This immersive theatre experience is unlike anything else on earth and you’ll be captivated and completely mesmerised by the exotic fish on show along with sharks and stingray. While you take in the views, a tasting menu is served including pan seared bay scallops, white onion and truffle soup with crab mousse, miso glazed fish and baked lobster. The food is absolutely outstanding and the service, just so attentive but in no way intrusive or overbearing.
Wines and Spirits
As big wine drinkers, Ozen Life Maadhoo’s wine menus were one of the things I was most excited to sample. There are over 80 labels of wines kept here and they come from all over the world – every single bottle meticulously researched by Ozen Collection’s Executive Sommelier Rohit Salunke. With a cold glass of champagne offered up at every restaurant, Rohit was on hand to recommend and pair an excellent glass of red or white for every type of cuisine. His breadth of knowledge and unique delivery of some really complex wine processes kept us entertained throughout our entire trip. It’s truly the best wine offering I’ve ever experienced.
For whiskey drinkers, a 12-15YO selection is available and also included, as well as beers from around the world, cocktails and soft drinks.
Relaxation, Activities and Adventure
Ozen Life Maadhoo of course invites you to slow down and relax if you wish to do so, and the Elena Spa and Wellness Complex is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing massage. The ocean facing treatment room I was in actually had a glass panel located under the face cradle so you could drift off while watching the fish below. Incorporating an holistic approach, inner calm is pretty much guaranteed after a visit to Elena.
While the pristine beaches are a wonderful place to relax and recharge under the blistering Maldivian heat, you might wish to try something a little more adventurous and there are plenty options.
Included in the INDULGENCE package, the sunset cruise was a magical experience at sunset and we saw a pod of dolphins leaping gracefully in and out of the water. We were also lucky enough to head out on a snorkelling excursion where we swam with nurse sharks and stingray – a once in a lifetime experience.
Windsurfing, catarmaran, canoes and stand up paddle-boarding is also complimentary so you can head out on the turquoise waters any time you wish, there’s an on-site PADI dive centre and some diving is included in the INDULGENCE package.
Anything else?
Sustainability is important to Ozen Life Maadhoo and the resort operates on solar energy as well as housing hydroponic gardens which quietly support its eco-luxury credentials.
The island’s food supply is also sustainable with a hydroponics garden. This state-of-the-art indoor agriculture facility grows much of the restaurant’s fresh produce and herbs without soil resulting in organic ingredients and reducing the island’s reliance on imported food.
Travelling with children? There are several options to keep kids entertained including a full kids club and special restaurant menus.
Looking back on our stay at Ozen Life Maadhoo, it’s the service which really stands out. Ayush our private butler was available round the clock via What’s App to help with everything from restaurant dress codes to taxi-ing us around the island restaurant to bar to home. The staff here strike that rare balance of being attentive without ever feeling intrusive which in turn creates a relaxed, intuitive guest experience. Special experiences (and there are many) can be booked with ease. Whether it’s a private beach sunset dinner, a wine tasting, private bbq or floating breakfast.
When you’re somewhere as beautiful as the Maldives, the level of luxuriousness at your resort absolutely has to match and at Ozen Life Maadhoo, we can tell you it does.
Ozen Life Maadhoo is available to book via Best At Travel where you can save 15% when booking before 15th August 2026. (From £3869pp based on a UK departure on 3rd September, with a direct BA flight excluding LHR airport for 2 adults for 7 nights in a private wind villa *all inclusive. (*1 x sunset cruise, 1 x sunset fishing, 2 x 60 minutes massages or 2 dives, complimentary rental of non motorized water sports, complimentary snorkeling, food and drink.)