JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa Review

Located within the enchanting Shaviyani Atoll, the JW Marriott Resort and Spa Maldives offers an experience that will linger long after you’ve left. Greeted by the rhythmic beats of the BoduBeru drums and the vibrant native dances, the resort offers guests a traditional Maldivian welcome. Guests are quickly whisked away to their villas by their personal Thakuru (butler), where the in-villa check-in ensures a seamless arrival process.

The resort is perfectly positioned on the natural island and surrounded by the azure waters of the Shaviyana Atoll, with a collection of luxurious overwater and beach villas to choose from. Each villa provides soft, comfortable bedding to leave you rested and refreshed, private pools and expansive decks with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The villas are thoughtfully scattered amidst lush tropical foliage, making each accommodation its own relaxing sanctuary. Guests are encouraged to forge a deep connection with the island’s natural beauty and become one with the elements around them.

Background and Concept

Part of the Marriott International portfolio of luxury brands, the JW Marriott Maldives is an exceptional choice for a luxury holiday. The brand’s core values are effortlessly presented throughout every intricate detail; from service, interiors, facilities and everything in between. The result is a sanctuary of scenic luxury with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The inspiration behind this idyllic retreat hails from founder J. Willard Marriott, who dedicated his life to promoting holistic well-being. This philosophy continues to shape the JW Marriott resort, offering a retreat where guests can find themselves fully present in mind, nourished in body, and rejuvenated in spirit. With a selection of thoughtfully curated programs and transformative experiences, each moment at the resort encourages guests to embrace their journey to wellness.

The JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa serves as an ideal escape for couples and families seeking connection and presence amidst the mesmerising offerings of the island. Whether indulging in a treatment at the luxurious Spa by JW or participating in an interactive cooking class that allows guests to handpick their own herbs and produce from the JW Garden, every activity is designed to immerse visitors in a life-enriching experience.

Location

Located 192 kilometres north of Velana International Airport, the 55-minute seaplane journey takes you across vibrant blue waters and stunning scenery. Upon arrival, the resort welcomes you with panoramic views of the captivating atolls and the unparalleled turquoise waters of the Maldives.

Food and Drink

The resort truly excels with its culinary offerings, which seamlessly blends creative gastronomy with authentic Maldivian flavours. Recently honoured with the prestigious Outstanding Dining Innovation award from Travel and Tour World TTM, it’s no surprise that guests are treated to an exceptional selection of dining options, elevating the dining experience into a delightful journey of taste and culture.

Restaurants

Fiamma

Fiamma offers a delightful Italian dining experience, featuring traditional dishes crafted with fresh ingredients. The menu showcases homemade pasta, risotto, and a selection of fine wines, all served in a warm and inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of Italy.

Aailaa: All Day Dining

With their vibrant and lively culinary options focusing on both international and local flavours, guests can enjoy a variety of dishes concocted with the freshest ingredients available, complemented by unique beverage options. The restaurant’s design creates a relaxed setting perfect for families and friends.

Shio

Specialising in grilled delicacies and fresh seafood, Shio Grill Room offers guests a unique experience. Known for its expert preparation and presentation, it features a variety of meats and fish cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet comfortable, ideal for both casual and formal dinners.

Kaashi

Set among the trees, Kaashi is an enchanting tree-top Thai restaurant that offers a serene dining experience. The menu features a range of authentic Thai dishes centred around aromatic herbs and spices. The stunning views create an idyllic backdrop for enjoying a flavourful meal in a magical setting.

Hashi

Combining culinary art with entertainment, Hashi provides a Japanese teppanyaki dining experience. Skilled chefs prepare dishes before your eyes, using high-quality seafood and prime cuts of meat. Guests can enjoy the interactive nature of the dining style, enhancing their meals with a unique show.

Bars & Experiences

Horizon Pool Bar

Guests can enjoy refreshing cocktails, light snacks, and breathtaking views by the pool, making it the perfect pit stop for a post-swim pick-me-up. 

Rum Baan

This laid-back beach bar is an ideal place to enjoy a drink while watching a beautiful sunset. Offering a wide selection of specially curated rums, the menu also includes a variety of small plates and snacks to complement the drinks.

Destination Dining

Guests are treated to a transcendent dining experience with RIHA. Set around a beautiful sunken outdoor Tandoor and Tawa, this intimate destination brings the vibrant flavours of Indian cuisine to the Maldives. Under the expert guidance of Chef Rohit Agarwal, the esteemed Chef de Partie at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, each dish is a celebration of both tradition and innovation. Chef Rohit pairs his mastery of the Indian culinary arts with the finest ingredients and inspiration from his cultural and family heritage.

Private Beach Dining

For an unforgettable experience, guests can book a private beach dinner and enjoy a delightful meal against the backdrop of the ocean and under a starlit sky. This intimate dining experience offers a personalised menu and service, making it a perfect choice for romantic occasions or special celebrations.

Rooms, Suites & Villas

The resort boasts 60 elegant villas situated along the stunning shoreline and perched over tranquil waters. Each villa features modern and inviting interiors, ensuring a luxurious and spacious retreat. These villas serve as personal sanctuaries, designed to offer unparalleled privacy and relaxation, complete with expansive private decks and shimmering pools. The resort provides luxurious amenities sourced from Aromatherapy Associates in all the villa bathrooms,  promising a rejuvenating experience. A tailored, personalised service is at your disposal, with each villa complemented by its own dedicated Thakuru, committed to fulfilling your every desire and ensuring a memorable stay.

Guests can choose between sunrise or sunset villa, allowing them to curate their experience to suit their needs and body clock. Awaken to the gentle glow of dawn in the sunrise villa or unwind in the evening with a glass of sparkling wine while enjoying breathtaking views of the sun setting over the horizon in the sunset villa. 

Our Villa

Our stay in the Duplex Beach Pool Villa was nothing short of enchanting, conveniently nestled just a few steps from the crystal-clear sea and mere minutes from the vibrant array of amenities and activities the island has to offer.

Spanning an impressive 3,067 square feet, the duplex villa was spacious while still maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere. The bathroom was truly a masterpiece—the largest we’ve ever experienced—complete with a luxurious soaking tub that beckoned to us after sun-soaked days. The lavish products from The Aromatherapy Associates added an extra layer of indulgence, while thoughtful touches such as delightful daily treats, artistic messages crafted from palm leaves on our bed, and fresh bath salts replenished each day made our experience feel truly personalised. Our attentive Thakuru was always just a WhatsApp message away anticipating our needs with an almost magical instinct. 

The private deck and pool were undoubtedly the pièce de résistance, providing an intimate outdoor space that created the perfect backdrop for lounging, swimming, and soaking in the lush tropical surroundings, it truly felt like a serene sanctuary where every moment was infused with blissful tranquillity.

Spa by JW

The resort’s tranquil spa is a true oasis consisting of seven treatment suites, each accompanied by breathtaking views of the ocean. Step into the serene lounge where a friendly member of the spa team will greet you with a refreshing drink infused with herbs handpicked from their own JW Garden, with their beautiful botanical smells lingering throughout the spa area.

The spa team will guide you as you choose an Aromatherapy Associates oil based on your desired post-treatment feeling. I opted for the ‘De-stress’ blend, a soothing infusion of black pepper, ginger, lavender, and rosemary. This gentle concoction worked wonders in melting away the tension from my travels, leaving me in a state of bliss.

Each treatment is meticulously crafted to address your individual needs. Guests can ‘Re-energize’ with an invigorating restorative massage that rejuvenates tired muscles and harmonises energy flow, or indulge in the ‘Jet Lag Cure’ that employs essential oils to awaken the senses and help you acclimate to your new surroundings. Each treatment offers a transformative journey with four distinctive benefits – Calm, Indulge, Invigorate, and Renew.

Colin and I enjoyed an intimate couples massage in the deluxe treatment suite, which provided us with exclusive access to a steam room, an invigorating ice room, and a refreshing plunge pool. Our private couples treatment room had stunning ocean views that enhanced the serene experience even further. 

In addition to its luxurious treatments, Spa by JW offers a modern, state-of-the-art gym perched over the water, along with an open-air yoga pavilion. Guests have the opportunity to join sunrise or sunset yoga sessions or partake in guided meditation with the resort’s wellness instructor, while surrounded by some of the island’s most breathtaking views.

Dedicated Kids Club and Teen Lounge

The remarkable staff is dedicated to ensuring that every guest, young and old, has an unforgettable holiday experience. The kids’ facilities here are as spectacular as the resort itself, leaving plenty of time for the adults to unwind while the kids are kept happily occupied. 

The expansive kids’ club and teen lounge rank among the largest facilities in the Maldives, offering an incredible variety of immersive experiences and engaging activities every day. One of the standout features is the impressive 13-meter-long pirate ship, designed to evoke the thrill of a shipwreck adventure. This captivating structure, paired with a refreshing splash pool, creates a vibrant playground where young guests can dive into a world full of excitement and imaginative play.

The FAMiLY by JW Little Griffins Kids Club is a beautifully designed, colourful space that buzzes with energy and creativity. It offers a daily itinerary packed with fun, enriching activities inspired by JW’s three pillars: Creativity, Activeness, and Culinary. 

Children can embark on delicious culinary adventures as they participate in pizza-making classes, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the JW Garden. The resort thrives on eco-friendliness and provides recycled materials to use when creating their stunning projects, combining the fun and creativity of the arts and crafts sessions, with education on sustainability and the importance of taking care of the planet. 

Watersports and Dive Centre

The resort boasts an exceptional watersports and dive facility, offering guests a remarkable opportunity to delve into the vibrant underwater world of the surrounding coral reefs on unforgettable diving adventures. This tropical paradise is a playground for adventure seekers, featuring a variety of exhilarating daily excursions that explore the stunning marine  biodiversity surrounding the island. 

Thrill-seekers can explore the beautiful coastline from a jet ski, or soar above it while parasailing; or make a splash with the banana boats and stand-up paddleboards.

We particularly enjoyed our time in the clear kayaks, gliding across the waters surrounded by stunning scenery and amazing views of the marine life below. Every moment became a picture-perfect opportunity, ideal for capturing those Instagram-worthy snapshots to remember our amazing adventures.

JW Garden

The 3,600 square foot garden is a new addition to the island, representing the resort’s deep passion for sustainability and natural beauty. Inspired by Alice Marriott’s love for gardening, it is a tranquil oasis where guests can wander through the surrounding foliage and fragrant herbs at their leisure, soaking up the serenity. 

The flourishing bounty of fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables are all thoughtfully incorporated into the resort’s food and drink offerings. The resort’s welcome drink named the ‘Vaguru Basil’ is expertly crafted with the garden’s signature basil, natural honey, and infused water, helping you wash away the travel stresses and refresh you for your stay

Unique Selling Points

The Thakaru (Butler) service adds a personal touch to your stay and ensures your needs are always met.

For those seeking a hands-on culinary experience, the JW Garden presents the ‘Garden to Table’ experience. Guests are guided through the garden, handpicking their own fresh ingredients, which they then use to create delectable dishes in an interactive cooking class.

The resort’s kids club is one of the biggest in the Maldives, with options for all ages. Their dedicated Teen Lounge is a vibrant space located right by the beach, featuring state-of-the-art game consoles, cozy chill-out areas, foosball tables, and even its own plunge pool. It’s the perfect haven for teens to unwind, socialise, and enjoy some much-deserved leisure time with their peers.

Dining options are abundant, but the Kaashi rooftop Thai restaurant and the Rhia sunken sand embankment dining experience are ones not to be missed

The luxurious spa is the perfect way to unwind and restore, while the world-class diving facilities are a great option for adrenaline-seeking souls.

TLE Top Tips

Start the day off right in the privacy of your own villa, and wake up with a delicious, delivered floating breakfast, set up in your villa pool. We had the most amazing experience with our floating breakfast. Avocado toast, eggs Benedict, delicious oats, fruit and of course some fizz made for the perfect start to our day. 

For those with a love for wildlife, dolphin watching provides a magical experience, while fishing trips allow you to reel in your own catch amidst the serene waters.

The JW Garden also offers a memorable ‘Garden-to-Glass’ cocktail-making experience. Their expert mixologist Rojina worked with our selection of fresh herbs from the garden in an array of bespoke cocktails tailored to our tastes. Each sip celebrated the sustainability of the garden. 

Final thoughts

The JW Marriott Resort and Spa provided us with an unforgettable, relaxing experience. From our first moment there, we were enveloped in luxury, with every detail thoughtfully curated for guest comfort. The stunning surroundings, combined with the top-notch amenities created a perfect oasis for rest and rejuvenation.

Each day brought new adventures exploring the vibrant local culture, and exciting activities on offer, and we cherished the tranquil moments together, whether that was in the villa pool or indulging in a dining experience. 

The memories we created here will stay with us long after our departure. JW Marriott Resort and Spa is not just a vacation spot; it’s a place that invites you to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with what truly matters – yourself and your loved ones.

This property is included in our guide to the best hotels in the Maldives