Having done all the research and chosen OZEN Life Maadhoo, how did it meet our expectations? Let’s just say, it more than exceeded them and the Maldives remains one of our most cherished trips. If you find it hard to pick which resort for your dream holiday in the Maldives, we hear you! Check out this blog to find out how we picked our resort out of hundreds of options. We are absolutely happy with our choice, and it was one of the best holidays we’ve experienced. Here’s how we rate OZEN Life Maadhoo in a few key areas after our magical 5 nights. (Please note all opinions are our own and we hope you find it helpful!)
Check In Experience – 5 ⭐️
The check in experience starts at the arrival hall. You’ll be greeted at the airport lounge and offered refreshments while porters handle your luggage. I made a Nespresso but didn’t have time to enjoy it, as they quickly whisked us away to the speedboat (which I didn’t mind!). Once on the boat, the crew offered more refreshments, and within 45 minutes, an arrival party welcomed us at the pier with drums and necklaces. It was such an amazing atmosphere listening to the sounds of waves and music blended together as we walked into the paradise land. We chose a resort in Male which can be reached by speedboat as opposed to sea planes, check out our full blog on how we picked our resort in Maldives.
They served us champagne as we checked in at the lobby, while our butler walked us through the Indulgence Plan and asked when we’d like to book our dinners and activities. As we relaxed, a gentle foot massage and wash began, and our butler even offered to take a few photos of us in the stunning lobby. We felt so welcomed and pampered already – which was the perfect start to our stay!
Service – 4 ⭐️
Everyone is very friendly and helpful. We made friends with Danielle at Joie De Vivre and Rizky during gin tasting at Gin is In, and left them glowing reviews. Our butler was on hand and available to help with any queries, but presumably had other guests to help so his attention wasn’t always forthcoming. I also shared feedback with the resort, praising how warmly the service staff greeted us with smiles and hellos as we passed. However, I pointed out that the same friendliness didn’t always come from the maintenance team, like the gardeners.
The housekeeping at our wind villa was also impeccable. The maxi bar and Ausprey bathroom amenities were always refilled. We ordered the dine in floating breakfast as an add on, and the in-house spa service, and both were presented promptly and beautifully. There was a buggy available on call to transport you to different parts of the area but given we like to walk, we didn’t use this service.
The Indulgence Plan was a perfect choice as it includes full board, unlimited drinks including the premier ones, daily refilled fridge of beverages and snacks. As we were on our honeymoon (with marriage certificate dated within the last 12 months at the time of booking), the resort also kindly offered us extra benefits:
- Romantic bed decoration
- Turn down service with aromatic bubble bath (which was such a sweet surprise as we returned from dinner one night)
- Romantic candlelit dinner by the beach
Rooms – 4 ⭐️
Our overwater villa with a private pool was everything we imagined it to be. There are glass panel sections in the floor so you can see into the ocean beneath and a window nook gazing through to the pool and patio. On the deck there is an overwater hammock, outdoor table and chairs, and stairs leading into the ocean for direct snorkelling access. Life jackets are provided in the wardrobes with floor to ceiling windows enhancing the bathroom aesthetic. A standing shower and separate marble bath tub complete the look, with a two person mirror and wash basin providing ample room for getting ready.
The villa was stunning, although the exterior was a bit dated. The bar fridge was a standard size but there were wine coolers providing extra room for alcoholic beverages. The TV was quite small and wasn’t compatible with Screen Mirroring, so bring a chrome cast if you plan on using streaming services. Umbrellas are also available at the front of each villa in case it does rain.
Facilities – 5 ⭐️
OZEN has a wide variety of facilities that will ensure your stay is full of wellness and exhilarating fun. The activities centre is where you can book fishing and snorkelling excursions. Complimentary snorkelling trips are available twice a day to supplement not having its own house reef. We took the snorkelling boat to a nearby reef. I saw lots of fish and had a great time (though in our honest opinion we’ve seen better marine life). You can also book sunset fishing trips here—on ours, we were lucky enough to watch dolphins playfully frolicking nearby. Make sure to check out the wide range of aquatic experiences available for purchase directly at the centre, for example you can book to see turtles and manta rays in private groups.
We are regular gym goers, and were happy to see it stocked with plenty of cardio machines, free weights and cable crossover machines. There is a weighted bench for chest press and enough weights for a light dead lift. With floor to ceiling windows, it maximises the stunning view and looks out onto the ocean and beach. There is also a schedule of complimentary classes where you can do yoga and fitness classes, run by the attendants on site. If you are into yoga, it’s a perfect place for doing sunrise yoga if you are also an early person! It also has an outdoor salt water and fresh water pool, with steam and sauna facilities to help cleanse the toxins and regenerate the soul.
The spa at OZEN Life Maadhoo boasts breathtaking ocean views and a wide range of massage therapies. With the Indulgence Plan, guests can enjoy a complimentary spa treatment or a diving experience (T&Cs apply). We decided to upgrade our treatment and were guided to a serene overwater massage suite with glass floor panels. It was one of the most tranquil experiences, accompanied by the soothing rhythm of waves and vibrant marine life. Sherry chose a hot stone massage, while I went for a deep tissue. We both left feeling completely recharged and at peace.
Additionally, there is a tennis court and free equipment available for use. It is on the far end of the island, but there are complimentary bicycles to help transport you. So plenty of options available for you to fill out a 5 night stay in the Maldives!
Dining – 4.5 ⭐️
OZEN has many restaurants with top quality food for you to enjoy. The Palms, sitting on the beach, offers a stunning open-air venue with all-day buffets and made-to-order stations. Every Friday, they host a magical gala dinner by the ocean, where they also give guests Maldivian sarongs. It was such a wonderful experience dining in a romantic setting with the sea breeze and sound of waves; let’s also not forget the fun of dressing the Maldivian sarongs in our own way!
One of the biggest draws for us was the incredible perk of dining at M6m, the spectacular underwater restaurant. For guests staying more than four nights, this unforgettable experience at Minus 6 Metres comes included. The experience also has complimentary wine pairings with either lunch or dinner sittings. Eager to capture the magic of both daylight and evening views, we were delighted when the staff accommodated us. They graciously allowed us to take photos before lunch, and then welcomed us back later for a magical dinner. With friends raving about the underwater dining experience in the Maldives, we knew it was a must-do for our resort choice. Needless to say, this underwater dining experience truly became a highlight of our stay.
Dining at OZEN Life Maadhoo is a journey in itself, with a variety of exquisite options to suit every craving. From the exquisite flavours of Traditional Peking and Indoceylon to the authentic Maldivian tastes at Lonu, every meal felt magical. Whether indulging in the laid-back beachfront charm of Hudhu Bay or the elegant poolside ambiance of Joie De Vivre, dining was unforgettable. Thanks to the Indulgence Plan, we dined at Traditional Peking, enjoying a breathtaking evening by the water, the sea breeze setting the perfect mood.
Our butler also thoughtfully arranged a lunch at Lonu, where we experienced bold, unforgettable Maldivian flavours. Though the warm island air had us glistening under the shade, the tranquil ocean setting more than made up for it. Each meal felt like a postcard-perfect memory.
Check Out Experience – 5 ⭐️
Our flight from Male was at 9pm, for which we were scheduled to board the speedboat back at 6pm. With checkout at noon, we asked our butler if we could leave our luggage and enjoy the resort. We read in the terms that a late check out was possible but fees may apply.
Not only did OZEN allow us to leave the luggage (a formality with hotels), they extended our plan to 6pm! This meant we were able to dine and drink by the pool all day! This was a real treat which put the icing on the cake and elevated our experience with OZEN much more. When it was time to leave, our butler met us at the port with a thoughtful souvenir gift. As the boat gently drifted from the island’s shores, the warm smiles of staff waved in the golden light. The breeze carried whispers of memories, and Sherry’s tears fell—proof that leaving this paradise was incredibly bittersweet.
Overall – 4.6 ⭐️
After countless hours of research to find the perfect resort, we couldn’t have been more thrilled with our choice of OZEN Life Maadhoo. It was everything we dreamed of—relaxation, luxury, and a worry-free escape where we were pampered beyond belief. So much so, that when we returned to London, I was hit with gout from a little too much indulgence! OZEN Life Maadhoo truly offers a magical experience that we can’t recommend enough. If you’ve had the chance to visit, we’d love to hear your own unforgettable moments in the comment section below!
