I learned this resort is a pioneer, opened in 1976 as one of the Maldives’ very first private island escapes, and nearly 50 years later it remains one of the country’s most beloved retreats.
In fact, Meeru Island Resort & Spa was honored with a 2023 Travelers’ Choice Award, placing it among the top 10% of hospitality listings worldwide.
Accolades aside, what truly makes Meeru special is the feeling that washes over you as you’re greeted with warm smiles and a chilled coconut in hand.
I came in search of an idyllic, luxury Maldivian experience; what I found was an island home I never wanted to leave.
First Impressions
After a thrilling 55-minute speedboat ride from Malé, my first glimpse of Meeru was of an emerald-green island surrounded by a halo of turquoise lagoon. Unlike many boutique resorts perched on tiny sandbanks, Meeru is large – about 1,200 meters long – yet it somehow feels intimate and untouched.
A staff member in a crisp uniform welcomed us with a melodic “Bula!” (the local greeting) and escorted us down the wooden pier. Beneath our feet, fish flitted in crystal-clear shallows; I even spotted a baby reef shark casually cruising by, a testament to the island’s thriving marine life.
Immediately I sensed a castaway vibe here, but one with creature comforts waiting in the wings. As we strolled under palm groves toward reception, I marveled at how lush and alive the island is – hibiscus and frangipani in bloom, banana trees and palms swaying.
It’s obvious the resort has taken care to preserve the natural vegetation even as it added villas and facilities; buildings peek out from behind tropical greenery rather than dominating the landscape.
The infrastructure is low-rise and crafted with local materials like thatch and wood, blending into the jungle. This balance of nature and design was my first hint that Meeru’s magic lies in harmony – an unspoiled tropical sanctuary seamlessly combined with thoughtful luxury.
We arrived midday, and the island was quiet except for birdsong and the distant laughter of guests at the pool bar. One surprise was that despite having 284 rooms, Meeru never feels crowded.
I would later learn the resort hosts around 500 guests at full capacity, yet because of the island’s size and clever layout, it often felt as if only a few dozen were sharing the whole place.
There are deliberately separate zones for families and adults, too – with the livelier Dhoni Bar and pool near reception attracting a family crowd, while the north end of the island remains an adults-only haven of tranquility.
Even during our check-in, this clever zoning was apparent: honeymoon couples were whisked off on golf carts toward the distant overwater villas, while families with excited children were guided to beach villas closer to the main area.
The mood everywhere, though, was unhurried and cheerful. As repeat visitors later told me at the bar, people come to Meeru to “relax barefoot, no shoes, no news” – the resort’s motto of casual comfort – and from the first moments I understood why so many travelers return here year after year.
Villa Life
Our home for the week was one of Meeru’s signature Jacuzzi Water Villas, perched above the lagoon on sturdy stilts. I’ve dreamt of staying in an overwater bungalow for years, and climbing the wooden jetty to ours felt like entering a postcard.
The villa was everything I imagined – and more. Inside, a cool hardwood floor led past a plush king bed draped in white netting, out to a private deck with steps descending directly into the gin-clear water. I dropped my bags and immediately walked down those steps; the lagoon was bath-warm and so clear I could see tiny fish darting around my ankles.
Talk about room with a view! In the corner of the deck bubbled our very own Jacuzzi tub-for-two, perfectly positioned for stargazing at night. One of my favorite memories became sinking into that hot tub under an ink-black sky freckled with stars – the ultimate Maldivian indulgence.
Thoughtful design ensures privacy too: the Jacuzzi area is enclosed by a thatched screen so you’re not overlooked by neighboring villas, meaning we could enjoy a midnight soak undisturbed except for the sound of waves and the occasional splash of a flying fish.
Inside the villa, the blend of tropical charm and modern comfort was spot on. The bathroom was partly open-air – a rainshower under the sun and a twin vanity under cover – letting us shower with a view of palm fronds and sky. Yet it felt completely secluded, walled off with coral stone.
I appreciated eco-friendly touches: instead of disposable plastic bottles, large ceramic dispensers held our toiletries, a small detail reflecting Meeru’s commitment to sustainability. The minibar was stocked with wine, beer, soft drinks and snacks (many included in our All-Inclusive Plus package), and a coffeemaker and tea selection waited on a rattan tray.
Every evening housekeeping performed turndown service, and we would return from dinner to find our bed freshly made with flower petals arranged in a new artistic pattern – one night a swirl of magenta bougainvillea, another night delicate yellow frangipani spelling out “Sweet Dreams” on the white sheets. Such personal touches made us feel truly pampered.
On our second day, I even found a handwritten note from the manager welcoming us, alongside a small coconut candy gift – a simple gesture that exemplified Meeru’s near-obsessive attention to detail and warm, yet unobtrusive service.
While our overwater villa was the showstopper, Meeru offers a range of accommodations to suit different tastes. During a island walk I peeked at a Beach Villa, a standalone wooden bungalow nestled among coconut palms with the front porch opening right onto the sand.
These beach villas boast gorgeous lagoon views and an open-air garden bathroom with a rainfall shower – imagine stepping out of your door onto soft powder each morning!. Families we met loved the interconnected Family Villas (two bedrooms under one roof, with plenty of space for kids to play) and the Garden Rooms, which are the most affordable option set in a lush courtyard near the pool.
For those who crave their own pool, Meeru recently unveiled new Beach Pool Villas on the sunset side of the island. One couple we befriended had booked this category: their villa came with a private plunge pool on the patio just steps from the beach – they enjoyed floating in privacy while watching the sky turn orange each evening.
The resort is even preparing to open a section of “Ocean Villas” by late 2025 – exclusive adult-only overwater suites facing the open sea, with uninterrupted sunset panoramas, sea-view Jacuzzis, and direct lagoon access. It’s clear that Meeru continually upgrades its offerings to keep loyal guests excited for each return visit.
No matter the category though, all villas share the island’s natural serenity and thoughtful comforts. We felt like we had our own little sanctuary – whether perched over water or tucked under palm trees on shore, every villa at Meeru is designed to immerse you in the Maldives’ beauty with ease and elegance.
Flavors of Meeru
If the villas tempted us never to leave our deck, the dining experiences at Meeru lured us out with equal pull. Our culinary journey began at the Farivalhu Restaurant, one of the resort’s two main buffet venues.
Upon arrival, we were graciously assigned a personal table and waiter who would look after us for the entire stay – a wonderful system that adds familiarity and a sense of being truly looked after. Our waiter, Abdul, greeted us by name each meal and remembered that we liked still water with lime.
At Farivalhu’s bountiful buffet, we found a dizzying variety of international and local dishes that changed every day. I piled my plate high with fresh tropical fruits, flaky pastries, and made-to-order omelets each morning, while my partner gravitated to the live grill for fish and Maldivian curries at lunch.
Despite staying for two weeks, we never grew bored of the selections – the culinary team ensured each day’s menu was a bit different from the last. One evening was an Italian theme with wood-fired pizzas, another featured an array of Asian stir-fries and noodle soups.
Friday nights brought a special Maldivian theme: tables were laden with local delicacies like mas riha fish curry and sweet bondi coconut rolls, and servers donned traditional dress as Boduberu drum music played softly in the background. We loved this weekly cultural immersion (and the banana flambé the chefs cooked up for dessert!).
On Sundays, Farivalhu even turned breakfast into a celebration by serving complimentary sparkling wine alongside the usual spread – nothing says holiday like a mimosa with your mango pancakes. It’s touches like these theme nights and bubbly breakfasts that remind you Meeru might be casual in style, but it certainly doesn’t skimp on festive flair or quality.
Guests staying on the north end of the island have their own mirror-image buffet at Maalan Restaurant, which is adults-only and equally well-stocked. We tried Maalan one morning and found the menu identical to Farivalhu’s – ensuring no matter where you stay, you enjoy the same variety and quality.
The open-air design of both restaurants (sandy floors, palm-thatched roofs) made dining relaxed and in tune with the island vibe. There’s something enchanting about eating barefoot in a dining room where the floor is literally beach sand, listening to the waves nearby.
And if buffet dining is included and abundant, Meeru also offers à la carte options to elevate your evenings. For a romantic change of pace, we booked dinner at the Asian Wok Restaurant, Meeru’s renowned over-the-water venue. Walking out on a lantern-lit boardwalk to a pavilion perched above the dark lagoon set the mood immediately.
We sat at a table open to the balmy night breeze, with nothing but starry sky and ocean around. The menu featured Thai, Chinese, and Indian specialties, as well as a teppanyaki grill counter where a chef dazzles guests by flipping shrimp into the air.
My partner’s eyes went wide at the jumbo prawns served – each nearly the size of his face – grilled to perfection in garlic butter. We savored every bite, from delicate sushi rolls to a fragrant Thai green curry, all while reef sharks occasionally cruised under the glass floor panels beneath us. Asian Wok was a highlight – the combination of gourmet flavors and that immersive ocean setting was unforgettable.
In addition to Asian Wok, Meeru has expanded its culinary repertoire with several other à la carte spots. Hot Rock Restaurant, for example, is set by the Pavilion pool and lets you sizzle your own steak or seafood on volcanic hot stones right at the table – a fun, interactive dining experience (and yes, the Maldivian lobster tail I tried there was divine!).
There’s also Meeru Café near Dhoni Bar, an all-day hangout perfect for an ice cream, pastry or a freshly brewed coffee when the afternoon sun calls for a cool treat.
Newer additions during our stay included The Reef, a beach grill specializing in just-caught seafood and juicy wood-grilled meats in a casual beachfront setting, as well as Vilu, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant under the palms, and A*mare, an Italian venue serving pastas and wood-fired pizzas with a contemporary twist.
It felt like each night we could choose a different atmosphere – one night toes-in-sand casual, the next night candlelit and intimate.
On our final evening, we indulged in one of Meeru’s Exotic Dining experiences: a private dinner on the beach. The staff set up a table for two on a secluded stretch of sand, ringed by torches and a carpet of tropical flowers. Under a canopy of stars and the soft glow of the moon, we feasted on grilled reef fish and champagne as the ocean gently lapped at the shore a few feet away.
It was an absolutely magical finale, like having our own little slice of paradise for the night. Whether dining at the bustling buffet or in utter seclusion by the sea, Meeru managed to delight us at every turn with its cuisine – a true triumph of variety, quality, and unforgettable settings.
Overwater Spa
No luxury island escape would be complete without a bit of pampering, and Meeru’s Duniye Spa delivered in spades. Tucked away at the very northern tip of the island, the spa occupies a cluster of overwater bungalows so tranquil that just stepping inside made me sigh with relaxation.
We arrived for our couples massage just before sunset. The spa receptionist greeted us with a chilled lemongrass towel and a cup of ginger tea as we selected our treatments from an extensive menu – everything from Balinese deep tissue massage to Ayurvedic herbal therapy and antioxidant facials.
I opted for a signature Maldivian Sea Shell Massage, intrigued by the idea of warm polished shells gliding over my muscles, while my partner chose a classic aromatherapy massage with local coconut oil.
Our therapists led us down a wooden boardwalk to a private treatment room hovering above the lagoon. Through the glass floor panel beneath the massage beds, we could see reef fish drifting lazily – an unbelievable view that we enjoyed until we closed our eyes, face-down and ready to be whisked into bliss.
As skilled hands worked away every knot of tension, I could hear the ocean gently sloshing under our bungalow and faint birdsong from the nearby grove. The combination of expert technique and the calming surroundings was intoxicating.
By the time we finished, we were so relaxed we could barely sip the fresh coconut water offered to us, let alone form words. Outside, the sky was a canvas of pink and orange streaks. We sat on the spa deck for a few minutes, just watching baby sharks swim in the shallows below and absorbing the serenity.
Duniye Spa uses a line of Healing Earth products that are 100% organic and locally inspired – our skin felt soft and nourished, scented with hints of frangipani and vanilla. It’s also heartening to know the spa’s products are eco-friendly, aligning with Meeru’s sustainability ethos.
For guests seeking wellness beyond massages, the resort offers daily yoga classes (I joined a sunrise yoga session on the beach one morning, stretching while the sun peeked over the horizon – pure zen!), as well as a fully equipped 24-hour gym for any fitness needs.
There’s even a steam room and sauna in the land-based spa facility near the pool, plus a salon for manicures and hair services if you desire a bit of glam on your island getaway.
One afternoon, feeling utterly rejuvenated from our spa morning, I wandered into Yoga Pavilion near the garden. A small group was practicing meditation with an instructor, the sound of wind in the palms as their backdrop. Wellness at Meeru isn’t just an afterthought; it’s seamlessly woven into the experience.
Whether it was a spontaneous jog along the beach at dawn or an indulgent couples massage at dusk, we found plenty of ways to care for body and soul. My partner, who initially claimed he wasn’t a “spa person,” ended up booking a second massage for himself later in the week after realizing what he’d been missing!
In the end, the Duniye Spa became one of our favorite refuges on the island – a place where time slowed down, and every sense was soothed by the rhythm of the ocean.
Floating out of the spa after our treatments, hand in hand, we felt not only closer to each other but also deeply connected to the gentle spirit of Meeru. The spa’s motto is “serenity, simplicity, synergy,” and after a few magical sessions there, I understood those words perfectly.
Snorkeling, Diving, and Beyond
Despite Meeru’s strong pull to simply do nothing and bask in paradise, the island offers a staggering array of activities and excursions – enough to thrill the most adventurous traveler.
Being a water baby, I was eager to explore the underwater wonderland surrounding us. Early on our second morning, we joined a guided snorkeling trip to the house reef.
One unique aspect of Meeru’s geography is that the vibrant coral reef isn’t directly off the beach, but a short boat ride out across the lagoon. So just after breakfast, a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat whisked a small group of us out beyond the shallows (the resort provides these snorkel boat transfers free of charge throughout the week).
The moment I plunged into the warm Indian Ocean was like entering a living aquarium – I was immediately greeted by schools of neon-blue fusilier fish, swaying forests of soft corals, and even a curious sea turtle gliding by in the distance. I floated in awe.
The marine life here is simply dazzling. Our guide pointed out clownfish peeking from anemones and a camouflaged moray eel nestled in a crevice.
At one point, a graceful eagle ray sailed beneath us like a bird flying underwater. Even in the lagoon’s shallower parts near shore we had spotted baby reef sharks and gentle stingrays during our swims, but the richness of the reef proper was on another level.
It felt like we had dropped into a National Geographic documentary – brilliant parrotfish chomping on coral, bannerfish and angelfish flitting about in every color of the rainbow.
Meeru actually helps guests appreciate what they see by providing handy fish identification cards and even hosting an evening “marine life” presentation at the dive center, so novices like us could learn the names of the creatures we’d encountered.
With that knowledge, each subsequent snorkel trip became a treasure hunt to spot new species (by the end of the week I could identify a triggerfish and distinguish a black-tip reef shark from a white-tip!).
In truth, snorkeling around Meeru was so absorbing we spent hours in the water every day, happily pruned and sun-kissed, marveling at the teeming ecosystem below.
For those who want to dive deeper – literally – Meeru’s Euro-Divers scuba center has you covered. As relative beginners, we didn’t scuba this time, but many fellow guests raved about the dive trips to nearby sites.
The resort is a certified PADI 5-star center, offering everything from Discover Scuba courses for newbies to advanced dives on coral-covered wrecks and shark feeding stations for the experienced.
One morning over coffee we chatted with a couple who had just returned from a two-tank dive; their eyes were glowing as they described encountering a manta ray cleaning station and drifting alongside a dozen gray reef sharks out in the blue. “It was the highlight of our trip,” they gushed, already planning a repeat for the next day. Meeru’s location in a marine-rich atoll means divers have a high chance of big sightings – sea turtles, rays, sharks, and dense schools of pelagic fish.
The dive staff, mostly locals who know these waters intimately, also organize specialty dives like a fluorescent night dive, where UV lights reveal the eerie glow of corals in the dark. Even though I stuck to snorkelling, hearing these stories convinced me to put diving at Meeru on my agenda for a future visit.
On the surface, Meeru offers virtually every water sport imaginable. The Water Sports Center near the Dhoni Bar was like a candy store for us. We kayaked in transparent canoes over the shallow lagoon, peering down at coral patches and reef fish below. We tried stand-up paddleboarding in the calm mornings when the sea was flat as glass – a supremely peaceful way to start the day, gliding past herons perched on the overwater villa jetties.
For adrenaline junkies, there were jet-skis roaring offshore (I wasn’t brave enough, but they looked fun!), as well as wakeboarding, water skiing, and kneeboarding behind speedboats. My partner took a windsurfing lesson – the steady lagoon breeze is perfect for beginners – and managed to actually sail a few meters before toppling in with a laugh.
We also joined a group on a catamaran sailing excursion: our skipper took us skimming across the waves to distant sandbanks, the sails snapping in the wind, while flying fish skipped alongside.
The feeling of freedom out there on the ocean, with Meeru’s palm-fringed silhouette shrinking on the horizon, was exhilarating. And because Meeru’s lagoon is expansive and boat traffic minimal, we could play and experiment with the water sports without worry.
Back on land, the adventures continued. To my astonishment, Meeru features a 9-hole pitch-and-putt golf course in the center of the island! Yes, you read that right: a golf course in the Maldives. One afternoon we traded flip-flops for golf shoes and played a round under coconut palms.
It was quirky fun hitting balls in paradise, and the course, though small, is beautifully maintained. We laughed as curious hermit crabs on the green tried to steal our golf balls. Next to the course we found tennis and badminton courts, a football field (where staff sometimes invite guests for friendly matches), and even an archery range.
There’s also a games room with table tennis, billiards, and darts for those rare rainy moments, and a small air-conditioned library if you fancy borrowing a novel for your hammock time. I was impressed that an island dedicated to laid-back relaxation could offer so many recreational options without feeling like a cheesy resort – everything was tastefully integrated into the environment.
One unique spot we loved was the Meeru Museum, a tiny thatched-roof building showcasing Maldivian artifacts and the history of the resort. Inside we saw traditional fishing tools, local textiles, and even the massive jawbone of a blue whale that washed up decades ago.
As a history buff, I appreciated this nod to local culture and Meeru’s heritage – it turns out the resort has been hosting guests since the late ‘70s and has quite a story of its own. Strolling through the museum was a pleasant reminder that there’s more to the Maldives than just pretty beaches; there’s rich culture and history if you take a moment to look.
Of course, one cannot visit the Maldives without venturing out on the water at sunset. Meeru offers a variety of excursions, from fishing trips to local island visits, but our absolute favorite was the Dolphin Watching Cruise. One evening we boarded a large motorized dhoni along with a handful of other guests (cocktails in hand courtesy of the all-inclusive plan) and set out into the open sea.
The sun dipped low, painting the sky in hues of lavender and rose as we scanned the horizon for dolphins. Just when I wondered if we’d be lucky, there was a shout – a pod of spinner dolphins had appeared off the bow! We watched, delighted, as these wild dolphins began to dance around the boat, leaping and twirling acrobatically out of the water.
They seemed to be having as much fun as we were, riding the boat’s wake and showing off with splashy jumps. Everyone cheered and clapped with each spin. It was one of those pure joy moments that will stay with me forever. As we headed back, the dolphins faded into the orange glow of dusk and the crew poured us each a celebratory drink – toasting to an incredible show put on by nature.
The fact that Meeru includes a sunset dolphin cruise (weather permitting) at no extra charge for guests is yet another example of its generosity and understanding of what makes a Maldives vacation truly special.
We also splurged on a seaplane photo flight one morning – a quick 15-minute aerial tour that gave us breathtaking views of Meeru and the surrounding atolls from above. Seeing the patchwork of reefs and sapphire lagoons from the sky, our island looking like a tiny green jewel in a vast blue ocean, was worth every penny.
For a first-timer to the Maldives, that seaplane perspective really drove home how unique and fragile this environment is. As we descended back to Meeru’s jetty, I felt an immense gratitude – we were experiencing the Maldives at its finest, both above and below the water, and Meeru’s array of adventures made it all possible.
Natural Wonders and Sustainability
Despite all the activities and indulgences, some of my most cherished moments on Meeru were the quiet ones simply reveling in the island’s natural beauty. Nearly every evening, I found myself drawn to the Uthuru Bar at the far north tip – an adults-only lounge perfectly situated for sunset viewing.
With a tropical cocktail in hand, toes buried in the cool sand, I would watch the sky blaze into color and the sun melt into the Indian Ocean. The sunsets on Meeru are transcendent; even the palms seemed to pause their rustling as if in admiration.
Often a heron would stand at water’s edge, silhouetted against the tangerine sky, patiently waiting for one last catch of the day. Those sunsets imprinted themselves on my soul. After darkness fell, the stars emerged in startling brilliance (with so little ambient light, the Milky Way often shimmered overhead).
We would sometimes walk the perimeter of the island at night, a 40-minute stroll along powdery beaches, encountering perhaps a couple of other wanderers at most. Bioluminescent plankton occasionally sparkled at the water’s edge, mirroring the constellations above – a phenomenon so magical I felt like a character in Life of Pi.
In these still moments, I understood why Meeru’s beauty has such a reputation: it’s not just the postcard-perfect lagoon or swaying palms, but an almost spiritual tranquility that envelops you.
Nature is not only cherished here, but actively protected. Meeru has made commendable efforts to preserve the very environment that makes it special. Just off the sunset side beach, I discovered the resort’s Coral Nursery Project – a labor of love launched in 2016 following a mass coral bleaching event.
In partnership with a Maldivian conservation group, Meeru staff and even guests help cultivate new corals on submerged frames in the lagoon. Snorkeling over these coral “gardens,” I was amazed at the growth: over 3,000 coral fragments from 14 different species have been planted and are thriving, growing around 7 centimeters per year in some cases.
The nursery has become a magnet for marine life. I spotted juvenile fish seeking shelter in the branching corals, and our guide noted that over 22 fish species now call the restored reef home – including rare creatures like the ghost pipefish and a colorful coral crab found nowhere else nearby.
If you’re lucky, you might even see turtles or baby reef sharks weaving through this underwater oasis. Meeru’s commitment to reef restoration isn’t just about ecology; it’s a wonderful educational opportunity for guests.
The resident marine biologist offers weekly presentations, and I joined a handful of other curious snorkelers in helping tie a few coral fragments to the frames one afternoon. It felt great to give back to the ocean that had given us such joy, and to know that Meeru is proactively investing in the reef’s future.
As one staff member told me proudly, the nursery here is “one of the most successful in the Maldives”, and indeed it’s a must-see spot if you care about marine conservation.
On land, Meeru continues its eco-friendly practices. I was delighted to tour the resort’s own vegetable and herb garden, a sprawling patch of greenery in the heart of the island where gardeners cultivate over 20 varieties of fruits and vegetables.
Here, under shade houses, grew lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, bananas, papayas, and fragrant basil and mint – all organically grown and destined for the resort’s kitchens.
Our guide plucked a ripe papaya and some lemongrass for us to smell, explaining how this garden supplies fresh produce for salads, juices, and garnishes every day, reducing the need for imports. The flavors certainly made a difference – the island’s papayas were the sweetest I’ve ever tasted, and knowing they were grown just a few hundred meters from our table gave a satisfying sense of self-sufficiency.
Meeru also has initiatives like glass-bottled water (we refilled reusable bottles with purified water provided, avoiding single-use plastics), a comprehensive recycling program behind the scenes, and energy-saving measures like solar panels discreetly placed on rooftops.
Even the bath amenities I mentioned, in ceramic refillable dispensers, reflect a mindful approach to minimizing waste. I noticed the resort had eliminated plastic straws entirely – our drinks came with biodegradable paper straws or none at all. These might sound like small things, but collectively they illustrate a philosophy that luxury here doesn’t come at the environment’s expense.
Walking around, you also get a sense of the island’s cultural respect and connection. The Meeru Museum we visited showcased the Maldives’ heritage, and near it stands a little mosque for staff and guests – a reminder that life here still follows the gentle rhythms of local culture.
Many staff hail from nearby islands and bring their traditions to the resort in subtle ways (we enjoyed a boduberu drum performance on a cultural night, watching the dancers sway under the stars as generations have done). Rather than being a sterile bubble, Meeru embraces its Maldivian soul.
The fact that it has a nearly 50-year history means it’s woven into the fabric of this atoll. Unlike flashy newer resorts that sometimes feel like could be anywhere, Meeru has an authentic island spirit – rooted in community and respect for nature.
As I learned about its coral restoration and saw how carefully the buildings are nestled amid the foliage (the resort was literally constructed around certain large banyan trees, rather than cutting them down), I gained a deeper appreciation: Meeru isn’t just basking in natural beauty, it’s actively stewarding it for the future.
The result is an island that feels alive – teeming reef, chirping birds, rustling palms – and invites guests to reconnect with the natural world in a meaningful way.
In those quiet moments, standing on the beach at dawn with pink skies reflecting on the water, I silently thanked Meeru for keeping this little paradise as pristine and magical as it was. It’s no wonder so many travelers, ourselves included, fall under Meeru’s spell.
The Meeru Service
All the beauty and amenities in the world would mean little without the people who make Meeru what it is. And oh, what wonderful people they are. From the very first welcome song upon arrival to the heartfelt “Goodbye, see you again” as we departed, the staff at Meeru made us feel like part of their island family. Service here is polished yet deeply personal – delivered with genuine warmth that doesn’t feel forced or overly formal.
Our room attendant, Arif, quickly learned our schedules and preferences. He noticed I liked extra coffee creamer, and the next day left a few additional packets by the kettle with a smiley face note. When he saw we had strung up some damp snorkel gear on the deck, he quietly dropped off a drying rack for us without even being asked.
In the restaurants, our waiter Abdul not only kept our wine glasses filled but also shared stories of his hometown in Hithadhoo atoll and taught us a few Dhivehi phrases to impress the bartender. These interactions went beyond mere service transactions; we felt a sincere connection with the staff.
One thing that struck me was how happy and motivated everyone appeared. Many employees have been at Meeru for years, even decades – a testament to the resort treating its staff well and fostering a true community. I chatted with a gentleman named Mustafa, a food & beverage supervisor who had been working at Meeru for 29 years!
His pride in the resort shone through as he told me about how he had started as a waiter in the 90s and grew with the team. It seems Meeru invests in its people, and in turn the staff’s passion and dedication spill over to the guest experience.
There is even a full village for employees in the center of the island, complete with their own cafeteria, mosque, recreation areas, and that football pitch where staff and guests sometimes play friendly matches under the afternoon sun.
I remember strolling past one evening and hearing laughter and cheers from a impromptu soccer game – staff vs. guests – and it warmed my heart to see that level of camaraderie.
Our spa therapist mentioned she and her colleagues do yoga together on Sundays and occasionally snorkel the house reef on their off days; “We are like a family here,” she said with a wide grin. Indeed, the resort often referred to itself as the “Meeru family” in the weekly events flyer we received, and it genuinely felt that way.
Crucially, service at Meeru is that perfect blend of attentive but unobtrusive. Staff were always around when you needed something – whether it was a buggy ride on a rainy afternoon or a fresh pool towel – yet they were never in the way.
The resort employs roughly 800 staff members (far more staff than guests!), yet you’ll seldom notice more than a handful at any given time as they go about their work quietly and professionally. It’s as if the team orchestrates an invisible dance, anticipating needs before you even voice them.
One day I absentmindedly left my sunhat by the pool; a attendant not only kept it safe, but later returned it to my villa, neatly dried and clean. When my partner had a minor scrape from a coral bump, the resident nurse at the on-site clinic quickly cleaned it and even followed up the next day to check the healing – an extra mile that we didn’t expect but deeply appreciated.
Little surprises popped up too: an invite to a Manager’s Cocktail for repeat guests and those celebrating special occasions, where we mingled with some of the management team over canapés and live saxophone music. Even though it was our first visit, we were made to feel valued and celebrated, especially after mentioning it was our anniversary.
The staff arranged a beautiful surprise on our last night – we returned to our villa to find a “Happy Anniversary” message spelled in palm leaves on the bed and a small chocolate cake waiting. It nearly brought tears to my eyes and certainly brought a huge smile to our faces.
One cannot mention service here without highlighting the genuine friendliness. The Maldivian hospitality combined with the international team’s training results in something truly special. Every “hello” came with hand over heart, every query was met with “of course, it’s my pleasure.” And you could tell they meant it.
A great example was our excursion guide, Shiyam, on the dolphin cruise. When a sudden rain shower passed through, soaking a few guests who sat on the upper deck, Shiyam personally brought out dry towels and hot tea for each of them, cracking a joke about liquid sunshine to keep everyone smiling. He didn’t have to – it wasn’t in any script – but that’s just how the Meeru staff are.
They treat you like a dear friend visiting their home. By the end of our stay, we knew a dozen staff by name and they knew ours. On our final morning, several of them gathered to send us off, with genuine hugs and well-wishes. “See you next time!” said Abdul, and I realized it wasn’t just a polite goodbye; it was an invitation.
Meeru’s service had made such an imprint on us that “next time” wasn’t a wish – it felt like a certainty. In all my travels, I’ve rarely encountered a place where luxury felt so warm and human. Here, it’s not about marble lobbies or white-gloved butlers; it’s about heartfelt hospitality – the kind that leaves a lasting imprint long after the tan has faded. And that is perhaps Meeru’s greatest luxury of all.
Why Meeru Guests Return
On our last evening, as we lingered over a beach cocktail trying to soak in every remaining second of our trip, we struck up a conversation with a British couple at the next table. They were on their fifth visit to Meeru. “We come back every couple of years,” the wife told me with a smile, “Whenever we think of a relaxing holiday, we just can’t find anywhere else that compares.” I
understood exactly what she meant. There’s a reason Meeru Island Resort & Spa enjoys such a devoted following of repeat visitors – it captures the heart in a way few places do.
The resort, I learned, even hosts a complimentary Weekly Repeater’s Cocktail Party every Saturday, where returning guests gather to reminisce about past stays and toast to making new memories.
At one such event (which we were kindly invited to join), I looked around and saw the happy faces of couples who had honeymooned here decades ago now back with their grown children, and friends who make Meeru an annual tradition.
The atmosphere was like a reunion of old friends – with staff and management greeting familiar guests by name. Meeru has that effect: you arrive as a visitor, but you leave feeling like part of the family, already daydreaming about coming back.
One key to this loyalty is consistency. Over the years Meeru has maintained a high level of service and experience, while consciously keeping its rates reasonable and its vibe unpretentious.
In a country known for ultra-expensive 5-star resorts, Meeru stands out as accessible luxury. It offers many of the same postcard Maldives pleasures – the stunning lagoon, beautiful villas, abundant activities – but without the ostentatious price tag or stuffiness.
The management has deliberately chosen not to overcharge, preferring to encourage repeat business and word-of-mouth recommendations. As a result, guests feel they get incredible value for money (indeed, I’ve rarely said “that was worth every penny” as sincerely as I did upon checkout).
This value, combined with continuous improvements like new dining options and villa upgrades, gives travelers a reason to return knowing they’ll find the Meeru they love and something new to discover.
The resort listens to guest feedback – for example, adding the Beach Pool Villas because returning guests wanted private pools – and thus evolves while keeping its soul intact.
Beyond dollars and cents, though, people return for the intangibles: the way Meeru makes them feel. I will forever cherish the sense of utter peace I felt floating in the lagoon at sunrise, the excitement of spotting dolphins on the horizon, the genuine laughter shared with staff and new friends at the bar, and the simple pleasure of walking barefoot from my villa to breakfast with the sand between my toes and zero worries on my mind.
Meeru excels at those small moments that etch themselves into memory – a surprise cake for your birthday, a favorite dessert appearing twice because the chef heard you loved it, a heartfelt conversation with your room attendant about island life. It’s those human connections and the island’s inherent magic that forge a loyal bond.
As the sun set on our final day, painting the sky in that familiar golden glow, I found myself already planning a return. There was still so much to experience: perhaps next time I’d get scuba certified to meet those reef sharks up close, or come in a different season to see baby turtles hatching on the beach.
Or maybe I’d do nothing at all except swing in a hammock under my favorite palm tree near the pavilion bar. And I realized, that’s the beauty of Meeru – it welcomes both adventure and idleness, old and young, first-timers and tenth-timers, with equal warmth.
When it came time to depart, the entire front office team and a few waiters we’d befriended gathered at the jetty to wave us off (a customary Maldivian song playing in the background). It was an emotional goodbye – in the span of our stay, Meeru had woven itself into our hearts.
As our boat pulled away, I watched the white beaches and swaying palms grow smaller, until Meeru was once again just a green dot amid a vast ocean. A feeling of calm and gratitude washed over me. We hadn’t just visited a resort; we had lived a dream.
Meeru Island Resort & Spa isn’t flashy or over-the-top; it’s something far more enduring. It’s the essence of the Maldives distilled – turquoise waters, gentle luxury, heartfelt service, and a spirit that keeps you coming back for more. No wonder so many travelers call it “paradise” and return time and again. As for me, I know this goodbye was truly “see you soon.”
Meeru has cast its spell, and I fully intend to return to this beloved island that already feels like a second home. In the end, the highest praise I can give is that Meeru delivered exactly what it promises: an unforgettable escape that stays with you long after you’ve left its shores – calling you, irresistibly, to come back and experience the magic all over again.
