The dazzling destination offers sun, sea and snorkelling.
When I first imagined going to the Maldives alone, I felt this knot in my stomach. I’d be in one of the world’s most romantic destinations, surrounded by couples holding hands, tables for two and names in the sand. And then there would be me – flying solo.
It was only when the plane descended that my worries changed to wonder. Home to 1,193 coral islands, the Maldives is ready for its close-up. I could see island after island coming into glorious focus; lush green dots surrounded by bright blue sea. Pictures do not do the country justice, as it is filled with more Instagram-worthy moments than an influencer’s feed.
In 1983, the Centara brand was born in Thailand and now has hotels across the world. Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is a 25-minute plane from Male’s Velana International Airport. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any more adventurous, the seaplane made us feel like heroes in an action film as it took off and landed on the sea à la Tom Cruise. And the barefoot pilot sent a signal of what was in store: Maldives Says Relax.
Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives’s Cristina De Guzman explained: “Our reef is amazing for snorkelling. When we welcome guests, the sharks are coming into the shore. We are close to nature – you learn that things you may have been afraid are harmless.”
Rooms and suites
Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is home to 112 beachfront suites and overwater villas. We checked into the Club Sunset Overwater Pool Villa, which was so secluded nobody could see us, and we couldn’t see anyone else. The layout is the stuff that sweet dreams are made of – the bed faced the floor-to-ceiling windows, the terrace included a pool, sun loungers and direct access to the ocean.
The room was large enough to contain a sofa, table, chairs and four-poster bed with curtains. The bathroom was one of the best we’ve experienced, and included two sinks, a rainfall shower and freestanding tub. While there was a bottle of bubbly on arrival, we loved that the bath was filled with water and flowers – anticipating the guest’s needs, I upgraded a post-flight shower for a luxurious bath. Note to other hoteliers: bubbles were also provided. Also, each night, there was spectacular sand art and more spectacular sunsets.
Restaurants and bars
The mornings at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives started with a floating breakfast in the room or Reef’s beachside restaurant. Catering to different tastes, dishes ranged from an Asian to Western corner and options for food intolerances. Don’t miss the live stations – the smiling staff are on hand to make crêpes and omelettes.
At night, Reef transformed into a dining destination. The fun-filled Teppanyaki Night saw guests sit around the open kitchen. The theatrics ranged from sky-high flames, to the chef taking aim at throwing food into mouths. Spoiler: he succeeded.
At Azzuri Mare’s Italian restaurant I had the sharks for company. The dishes ranged from a spicy Penna Arrabbiata to an indulgent Lava Cake. Suan Bua’s Thai restaurant boasted tables on the water, and dishes ranged from Gai Pad Prik to Som Tam Thai.
The Club Lounge is for members, and provided plush privacy. The amazingly attentive staff remembered my name, and were one step ahead of my requests. The space included a pool, indoor and outdoor dining, and themed food nights – The Lobster Night was a highlight.
Facilities
Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives facilities make you rethink wellness and water sports. Whether you’re after peace or play, the hotel makes the most of its sensational spot. Water activities include kayaks, seabobs, semi-submarines, a sunset cruise, and snorkelling with manta rays and whale sharks.
At SPA Cenvaree, I dashed from playing sports to the spa. I arrived flustered but left feeling fabulous. The treatment took place in a hut with high ceilings, and Jen’s aromatherapy massage relieved my tension.
The staff felt like an extended family. As I had never snorkelled before, I was given the local guide, Fittey, who knew the waters. He was calm and confident, and took me to the lagoon. The moment I submerged into the sea, I felt like I entered a magical world. The rainbow of colours was spellbinding, the swirling fish were hypnotic, and the marine life ranged from endangered turtles to coral reef – we even found nemo. Once I swam back to shore, I asked: “When can we do it again?” And we did.
Travel can be many things: an escape, educational and experiential. At its best, it’s transformative. Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives was all of this and more. It’s rare that a trip is life-changing, but this was romantic, after all, as it made me fall in love with the sea and solo travel.
GO: Visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com for more information.
