Having slept one night in my beach villa, I feel I’m now suitably qualified to give you the lowdown :).
I am in beach villa 106 which is on the north-east side of the island next to the Ocean Grill restaurant. Just above the little windsurfer on the resort map below.
The beach on this stretch from Beach Villa 100 all the way around to 125 is sandbank quality. AKA picture postcard perfect.
I must profess to state that at this point and from my morning walk I am now certain that I have hit the beach villa jackpot.
If you have never been to the Maldives, you won’t necessarily know the ingredients that go into securing the perfect villa location. I certainly didn’t prior to coming. Another post to come on that - in fact… if it’s not linked please nudge me to write it in the comments!
Villa 106 - is located next to the Ocean Grill as mentioned. It has a small set of steps up to the entrance with double wooden doors to enter.
When you walk in, you walk in to the side of the king-sized bed.
The bed has bedside tables either side with lamps, main room lighting controls and UK style 3-pin plugs (this is standard in the Maldives). Interestingly, the main room light controls are on a detachable planel that you can take with you to different parts of the room.
At the foot of the bed is another set of steps that lead down into a seated lounge area and full length sliding glass doors. In this lounge area is the TV (wall-mounted), the mini-bar (included on dine-around all-inclusive, chargeable otherwise), coffee station with kettle and nespresso machine and all glassware.
When you open the sliding doors there is a terrace with a single sized day bed and the deepest, comfiest cushions to relax on. There is also a free standing chair and small table. The rooms are non-smoking so for any smokers there is an ashtray outside on this table.
Beyond the terrace is a full size table and four chairs on a free standing pagoda further down the beach. And beyond that still, two sun loungers.
Beyond all of this (realise I’ve said ‘beyond’ far more times than is acceptable!) - are uninterupted views to the ocean and the powderiest, whitest soft sand you can imagine.
I am rather a fan of an overwater villa, and on researching via YouTube prior to this trip, I was expecting to be wanting to get to the over water villas asap. However, this is really a special spot and I am extremely happy with the levels of privacy, the stretch of beach and access to the ocean. Also, the upholstery has had a facelift since even the most recent videos that I could find online and even from their main website.
Anecdotally, I find that when I am in a beach villa I am more likely to walk the island in the mornings. When I am overwater I tend to sit and stare into the water - mostly on shark watch which I take extremelt seriously.
Let’s face it, there’s no “bad” scenario. Wherever you are located - you’re in the Maldives!
Back into the room itself, up the stairs towards the bed and around to the left hand side of the bed we have two wardrobes with hanging space, plenty of hangers (more can be requested), life jackets for emergencies (the Maldives is 5-foot above sea-level at its highest point), robes and slippers. There’s also a hairdryer and scales should you feel the need. Each to their own… I’m more of an “island-hair-don’t care” approach myself.
Beyond the wardrobe, there is a space to lay open a suitcase for unpacking (or living out of if that’s what floats your boat). This is often overlooked and makes a world of difference. It’s one thing to have a mobile rack or even a large enough surface - and entirely another to have a space that’s intentionally for your case to be opened.
Continuing on with what perhaps could be considered la piece de la resistance… behind the bed we have another set of double wooden doors. When you open these it’s like opening the gates to The Secret Garden. What opens before your eyes is a huge circular bathtub that’s so inviting. And beyond - a private swimming pool in your own walled garden. 100% privacy.
It’s absolutely idyllic. On the other side of the swimming pool is a pagoda with a day bed underneath and two sun loungers. Plenty of options on how to utilise this space and enjoy a private moment. Honeymoon heaven for sure.
The bathroom itself is covered but open air. It has two sinks which are directly opposite from one another on either side of the bath. On one side there is a huge walk-in rainfall shower with Elemis products on the wall. On the other is a private cubicle for the toilet.
This is a great deal of space and feels indulgent on every level.
Often, the room is a base. you sleep there, come back to change and use the pool… and if you have a water villa, a spot of snorkelling. And then it’s out and about. I can really see how I’m going to be spending the majority of my time here at my room as it’s so versatile with so many different ways I can relax and enjoy the facilities, views, and amenities.
If you’d like a video tour of the room - CLICK HERE.
If you find anything missing that you’d like in your room you can simply send a message to your Thakuru (butler) and they will arrange it.
The beach villa is 200msq and can accommodate 2 adults and one child (up to 12 years old).
I will share more on the other room categories as I visit them.
What do you think? Is a beach villa for you?!