The Sheraton also offers ‘destination dining’ options – a.k.a. bespoke foodie experiences that feel ultra special – including a ‘lagoon lunch’ set in the ocean shallows. My husband and I had to pinch ourselves as we dined, feet in the cool water, at our secluded table – as we were plied with everything from grilled lobster to fresh prawns with garlic, watermelon and halloumi (a big winner combo, FYI).
The surroundings
I knew the Maldives would be beautiful, but I wasn’t prepared for the abundance of wildlife on every corner of the resort. While the Maldives’ tropical waters are home to endless colourful fish species (best witnessed by grabbing some snorkelling gear at the hotel’s dive centre), I was often joined by countless other creatures on my daily strolls around the island. In the evenings, fruit bats swooped in and out of the trees, while sweet geckos and garden lizards scrambled amongst the gardens – I spotted a sea snake in the shallows during one of my morning walks, too.
Furanafushi Island has been the Sheraton’s home since 1973, when it became one of the first islands used by tourists in the Maldives – though of course, it lay uninhabited for many years prior. As such, the island is overflowing with just as much flora as fauna – and arguably, the resort’s centrepiece is the majestic Banyan Tree which marks the entry point to the hotel amenities, decorated with glittery trailing fairy lights during the Christmas season. Every night, as we walked to dinner, I fell a little more in love with the sparkling canopy above us (which, side note, also makes for a beautiful backdrop for pictures, if you’re so inclined).
Courtesy of Fiona Ward
Courtesy of Fiona Ward
Experiences
Undoubtedly, the Maldives is set up for peak relaxation. On every corner of the resort there was somewhere to sit and take in the sights and sounds – be it on a cushy sunlounger, our own terrace or one of the many shaded seating areas around the island – and I could have happily spent my days moving leisurely between each of them.
If ‘fly and flop’ is your aim – and it’s an entirely justifiable one – I can vouch for the hotel’s Shine Spa, which offers everything from massages to facials and body treatments. Found on its own private island, accessed via a footbridge from the main resort, we snoozed off our jetlag with a couples’ massage within hours of arriving. There’s also regular yoga classes held in the outdoor pavilion, overlooking the ocean, for those that like to stretch out after a long flight like I do.
Rather naively, I hadn’t considered that a trip to the Maldives can actually be as action-packed as you want it to be, too. Whether you prefer to be above the water or below it, the extraordinary marine life is there to be experienced. One of our favourite evenings was spent on the hotel’s sunset dolphin cruise, watching huge pods of dolphins leap and flip in front of the orange skies – and there are plenty of scuba diving and snorkelling experiences on offer, too. We even had the opportunity to build our own coral frame to contribute to the rebuilding of the local marine reef, which has massively suffered due to rising sea temperatures and coral bleaching.
Courtesy of Fiona Ward
The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa: my verdict
When I describe the Sheraton Maldives as ‘low-key luxury’, I really mean it. The welcoming, relaxed vibe was palpable around the resort – and while it’s certainly not the swankiest of hotels on offer in the Maldives, it’s nowhere near the most expensive, either. There was something down to earth about the Sheraton that just felt charming and unpretentious.
With its close proximity to Malé, the ease of travel was a bonus for me, since I’m not the happiest of flyers – but those looking for a more secluded escape in the Maldives might want to venture further via seaplane to one of the more further-flung atolls. It didn’t bother me, but it’s perhaps worth noting that you won’t always get an endless sea view here like other resorts; since the busy capital city island can be seen between the trees surrounding the hotel’s lagoon.
The Sheraton won me over with its warmth – and that includes the climate and the hospitality. In fact, the one thing I didn’t expect to feel about the Maldives was surprised – but as it turns out, there was a lot more to the Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa than I ever could have imagined. I’m already planning my return trip.
After more Maldives content? Discover the best family resorts in The Maldives and the best affordable hotels in the Maldives, and read Fiona’s Westin Maldives review.