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“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” Ibn Battuta

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Stretches of pristine white sand beaches, coconut-tree-lined shores and luxurious villas scattered across the swirling turquoise blue waters, welcome to the Maldives so known for their undisputed beauty.

Cast far away from any unwanted disruptions each resort is set on its own, secluded private island where you can enjoy the luxury retreats, exquisite spas and divine dining in total peace. Overwater villas come as standard and privacy is a given.

The moment we stepped off the plane, the Maldives welcomed us with gorgeous blue skies, lush greenery as far as the eye could see, and gentle ocean breeze… it looked and felt like paradise.

It’s not an easy task to pick your perfect resort with such an abundance of choice. Before you spend days or even weeks searching and deciding have a cheeky peak at the Taj Exotica Resorts and Spa, one of the best 5 star luxury resorts in the Maldives, spread across one of the largest coral-rich lagoons, the Emboodhu Finolhu Island.

The resort is only 15-20 minutes by a luxury speedboat available 24 hours, from Velana International Airport and Male’ City.

We had the most wonderful holiday staying at this Maldivian resort. We’ve travelled the world and stayed in a lot of luxurious hotels but what made this holiday a once in a life time experience was warm and welcoming staff all the way. It’s the little chats, smiles and time that everyone had for us – invaluable.

The 64 postcard-perfect ocean-view villas and suites, the beautifully decorated rooms (equipped with infinity pools), the breathtaking views, the amazingly helpful hotel personnel, it all seemed like a fairytale.

Best time to travel

The Maldives experience beautiful hot weather all year round thanks to its location near the equator. With this tropical location comes the chance of rain at any point throughout the year, with a higher chance from May to October, however this is likely to clear up very quickly and be replaced by the sun in no time. Rain or shine, the Maldives is always a hot and beautiful place to visit.

Endless instagrammable spots

I’ve visited many different places but I don’t think I’ve ever experienced such incredible views, delectable meals or vivid sunsets all in one place.

Dazzling Beach

I don’t usually tend to spend a lot of time on beaches because of the poor cleanliness and availability of facilities.

However, I was very impressed how clean and well equipped the beach facilities were in Taj, from an attendant continuously doing the checks, floor mats to make you feel at home to molton brown products adding a touch of luxury. Also, they were perfectly positioned alongside the beach and just a stone throw away.

Hidden gems

The resort has so many hidden gems peering through the palms, from comfortable hammocks, lush swings to little piers with breathtaking views of the infinite stretches of the Indian ocean.

Impeccable suites and villas

Forget about the choice between garden, pool or ocean front, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa’s all 64 villas and suites treat you to views of the turquoise lagoon. The villas are palm-thatched, built of finest natural wood finishes on the exteriors and the interiors are delightfully appointed in classic Maldivian style.

All rooms have butler service.

Lagoon Villas

Overwater Villas built on stilts are the starting point of Taj Exotica accommodation and feature decadent rooms with views of the aquamarine sea.

A private sundeck, bedroom and bathroom boast a lavish design that promotes comfort and relaxation amidst a high-end finish.

Deluxe Overwater villa with Pool

Panoramic views watching the sunset is just one of the many blissful moments enjoyed from this charming villa with a direct lagoon access.

We stayed at this villa and what a treat that was!

With the direct lagoon access, you just climb down the steps from your private deck into the turquoise waters or choose to stay in your own indulgent freshwater plunge pool enjoying mesmerizing Indian Ocean with its reach marine life.

Premium Villa with Pool and private outdoor area

These 3 newly designed Premium Villas are located on a private stretch of beach and come with a master bed and bath combination, extravagant round bathtub, oversized plunge pool, verandah with sun beds, a tropical outdoor shower in a private walled garden and an infinite view of the lagoon. What else would you need!?

Deluxe Beach Villa with Pool

Just a few footsteps from the lagoon, this deluxe villa is set on the fine white beach sand with its private walled garden and outdoor shower and a fantastic plunge pool.

One Bedroom Ocean Suite with Pool

The One-bedroom Ocean Suite signature feature is a bedroom attached to a glass walled bathroom overlooking the lagoon. No more needs to be said!

One Bedroom Beach Suite with Pool

Boasting a luxurious design, each villa has a spacious living room, private courtyard, sunset balcony to soak in the views and tropical outdoor showers in a walled garden. Just five meters from the lagoon!

Two Bedroom Beach Suite with Pool

Features the same plush design as the one bedroom suite with a few little extras and it’s a perfect choice for families requiring.

Situated over two floors with a very large en-suite connected to the master bedroom and an attached spa room for therapeutic treatments, it’s a dream come true.

Rehendi Presidential Suite with Pool

The Rehendi Suite located at the end of the private pier is the ultimate Taj exotica luxury.

This two bedroom suite comes with a generous 18-metre private pool on the spacious sundeck and hammock suspended over the water.

24-hour butler service is included, as well as daily newspapers, housekeeping, and turndown service.

Private personal pools

I love the privacy and freedom that the private pool offers. Without a doubt I spend most of the holiday splashing in the pool away from crowds. These are also so perfect for some outstanding Instagrammable photography.

Sumptuous wining and dining

Chic ambiance and stylish design combined with the most enchanting of settings takes the dining experience in this beautiful resort to the next level.

At the crossroads of Asia, India and Africa, the resort offers a huge array of international cuisine, from Japanese teppanyaki to gourmet Italian, so there will always be something to float your boat.

It’s all about divine a la carte dining with exquisite cooking from all over the world.

24 Degrees

The all-day dining restaurant with unparalleled views over the lagoon and a display kitchen, offers a variety of delicacies ranging from Pan-Asian cuisine to international favourites.

Price $$ – $$$. Included in half and full board packages.

Deep End Restaurant

Poised on stilts above the waters of the lagoon is Deep-End, an atmospheric restaurant which provides the perfect venue for a romantic dinner.

The Deep End oozes elegance and romance with a Mediterranean fine dining cuisine coupled with creative presentations. There is also a chance of spotting a shark or two as you enjoy each and every ingredient on the plate.

Price $$$. It requires prior booking.

24-hour In-Villa Dining

When you feel a bit lazy and fancy a day in the comfort and privacy of your own villa, the dining is only a call away.

Make sure to check the delivery charges and don’t forget about tax and service charge.

Floating Breakfast, in-pool indulgence

Forget breakfast in bed, floating food is the latest luxury trend to have taken over our travel bucket lists and what’s a better way to sip on fresh juice and immerse yourself in the exceptional views of the Indian ocean.

Price $$$

Dining options

Bed & Breakfast, Half board and Full Board options include a-la-carte Breakfast and dinner at 24 Degrees Restaurant. Lunch is served at 24 Degrees or Poolside Restaurant.

Guests are also entitled to US$ 30 per person meal credit at The Deep End for Dinner in lieu of Dinner at 24 Degrees.

One thing to note is that soft drinks while are free at a breakfast become chargeable at a dinner and this includes water. This is definitely one thing that the resort should consider changing to include free soft drinks in their all dining options.

Bars

Poolside Bar and Restaurant

What a better way to enjoy your day than beside the resort’s fabulous infinity pool overlooking the Indian ocean with a selection of healthy snacks and tempting cocktails.

Equator Bar

A fabulous balance of ambience, music and vibrancy.

It’s a perfect place for a pre-dinner drink while you enjoy watching a spectacular sunset, the Maldives are so famous of.

The bar offers a wide selection of wines and champagnes, cocktails, cigars & shishas. The cocktails are incredible and I definitely recommend trying a one or two.

Price $$ – $$$

Wellness

Nestled in its own lush courtyard garden overlooking the lagoon, Jiva Grande Spa, an authentic Indian spa, offers a range of signature wellness experiences from Indian aromatherapy massages, wellness treatments to yoga, and meditation.

This is a truly great place to relax and unwind, helped by the ever-friendly Spa staff who can never do enough for you.

Prices $$-$$$

Gym

Located over water at the far end of the island, close to the Jiva Grande Spa and it’s open until the last guest leaves.

Activities & Entertainment

Taj Exotica has everything from sunset and dolphin cruises, PADI-certified diving & snorkeling, various courses for beginners and certified divers, parasailing, water skiing, inflatable rides, to trips to a sandbank and excursions including tours of Male Island and fishing trips.

Prices $$$

Complimentary

– Billiards and indoor games

– Living Room with library & Lifestyle Boutique

– Catamaran Sailing, Sea Kayaking, paddle boat/board and windsurfing.

Celebration Events

Whatever the occasion, Taj take on an extra layer of glamour in this idyllic resort setting.

Wedding pavilion – renewal of vows & private dining

This overwater pavilion is a perfect place from engagement to a renewal of vows ceremony and all the important milestones in between.

It’s one of the most unique and romantic venues on the island and a perfect place to enjoy breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.

Price $$$ – $$$$

Ocean Pavilion dinners

Located in the heart of the lagoon, the unique Ocean Pavilion, can be reached by a 3-minute small boat ride. The pavilion dining option is incredibly romantic with its secluded yet charming structure of antique wooden columns with a thatched roof over-water and magnificent sunset view.

Price $$$ – $$$$

Personalised beach dining

Mesmeric settings, with handcrafted menus and impeccable service.

Sunsets

There is no other way to describe the sunsets of the Maldives but magnificent.

The evening is the time when everything seems to stop for a few moments when mesmerizing skies come alive with infinite colours.

Equator bar

This is the place where most guests would gather to watch the stunning sunset views while enjoying a range of drinks such as traditional vintage wines, cocktails, cigars and shishas.

Infinity Pool

I personally preferred less busy pool area (or a villa) with equally incredible views of sunsets and occasional visits from herons, sting rays and sharks.

Little touches matter

Interesting facts

Prices

Prices at Taj Exotica are quite hefty and it feels like a mission impossible to prepare for it since the website shares a very limited information about $$$ especially when comes to menus and excursions.

Here are a few pages for you to get an idea of what budget is required and don’t forget about taxes and service charge.

I would recommend bringing a lot of snacks with you. Taking a boat back to Male is not cheap ($$$) and you may as well spend that money on your very expensive mini bar.

Noise of planes

You can see and hear aircrafts heading to/from the nearby airport but this should not put you off this great resort. I personally hardly noticed the planes but I would still recommend to have ear plugs just in case, especially if you are a light sleeper.

Overwater villas & currents

It can occasionally get a bit noisy at nights with the waves hitting the stilts so make sure you have your ear plugs with you.

Drinks

Alcoholic beverages are not included in any packages so prepare for some hefty prices ranging between $$-$$$. An all-inclusive package is not available.

What I found quite surprising, is that also soft drinks and water are not included in full/half board packages at dinners.

Overall, I really enjoyed the stay at the Taj Exotica Maldives. It is a beautiful private island retreat and a stunning example of luxury holidaying with the finest array of services and leisure facilities. I would definitely recommend it.

If you have any questions about the Maldives or the resort please let me know in the comments below.

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