Meeru Island Resort & Spa

Waiting for Meeru's boat transportation at the airport might take some time due to the large size of the resort, since there are likely to be a slew of arrivals that need to be checked off the list. When the boat pulls up to the jetty, guests may get excited by the sight of the gorgeous white-sand beaches on either side. After disembarking, they are seated in a contemporary lounge area and offered a welcome drink during paperwork -- this is an opportunity to amend a reservation, as there are full-board, all-inclusive, and all-inclusive-plus packages. It's then time to identify luggage from the stack before the golf cart ride to the room.

The resort is divided into a few different areas, mainly one for adults, and one for families. Guests can get around the island by walking or hitching rides from golf carts passing by (some with friendly staffers and some not). Rain has created pot holes along these inner pathways, so rides are bumpy and there may be big splashes from puddles. Staff -- as is common in the Maldives -- lives full-time in the middle of the island and these facilities are often in plain view while en route from one area to the other. Meanwhile, on the prettier outer edges of the island, guests can be found walking along the beaches, particularly in the adult-only section where twosomes walk hand-in-hand along the shore. Ladies should definitely skip the high heels here.

Meeru has consistently attracted Europeans, but interest is growing from the Asian market; the Asian clientele tends to prefer the overwater villas. This change in guest demographics is causing a bit of a culture clash, and is not appreciated by some repeat European guests of a more traditional mindset. The island is big enough for everyone to spread out, though, and the only real mingling is during meals at the buffet restaurants. Post-dinner, Europeans tend to take advantage of the bars, while Asians tend to take advantage of their private rooms. Service is decent, if spotty, and members of management (the GM is Austrian) only seem to appear to reward repeat guests with extras upon arrival, such as an exclusive invite to the weekly manager's party. First-timers watching the party take place without them may feel excluded. Still, competitive rates and a broad choice for activities make this a solid upscale pick.

Meeru Island Resort & Spa is located on a private island in the North Malé Atoll, part of the Kaafu Atoll. After passing through customs at Malé International Airport, newcomers head to Meeru's airport kiosk, where a representative asks for a name and checks it off the list. More often than not, guests will be told to wait until everyone who is on the list has arrived, and since this is a bigger island with more rooms, the wait might be longer than for smaller resorts. There are a few different boats that will provide transportation -- some are slower and some are faster, but the ride usually takes about an hour. Bottled water will be offered for the journey, and a welcome drink is provided during check-in.

The Maldives is a distinct nation in the Indian Ocean consisting of 26 atolls and over 1,190 islands. Each resort (there are over 100 of them) is situated on an individual private island with easy access to the turquoise water and incredible marine life. Meeru is a bigger island than most neighboring resorts -- it is the third largest resort in the Maldives! -- and it will require more walking to get around. The resort offers a wide selection of land and water activities, as well as excursions off-shore. The house reef with the best snorkeling and diving spots, for instance, requires a boat ride to reach, but guests can also snorkel or take a scuba dive lesson in the lagoon surrounding the island.

There are 286 rooms split between the family-friendly and adult-only sections of the island. Decor is authentic, with wood walls and/or cathedral ceilings, wood furnishings, and colorful textiles. All rooms are equipped with bathrobes, free coffee/tea, free bottled drinking water, and stocked minibars with snacks and beverages, like soda, beer, wine and liquor. Higher room categories have Nespresso machines, and many rooms have private jetted tubs in open-air bathrooms.

Garden Rooms are the lowest category and have indoor bathrooms and tiled floors. Though not on the beach, they do have a wooden sun deck, and a privacy screen between rooms. Beach Villas are bungalows set back on the beach with a view of the lagoon. Each has a four-poster bed and open-air bathroom (some come with jetted tubs). A small deck leads to two beach chaise lounges (some chairs need replacing) and a shade umbrella. Water Villas are similar, but they're closer to the shore than the Beach Villas (these are not overwater, as the name might suggest). Over Water Villas sit along one of two jetties "overwater," and have a larger bedroom, espresso machine, huge closet, and spacious indoor/outdoor bathroom. There is a private deck in front, and a private walled-in area in back with a jetted tub. Two distinct Honeymoon Suites are located overwater in the lagoon (not on a jetty) just a short boat ride from shore. These have a separate bedroom and living/dining room, as well as a private pool. They come with a bottle of champagne on arrival. VIPs in any room category can expect a bottle of bubbly.

The resort has been known to overbook rooms, and guests might be asked to switch room types. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but some spots are more reliable than others.

In addition to the beautiful white-sand beaches and calm waters that surround this big island (great for those who like long strolls and swims), there two freshwater pools: one large but peaceful infinity pool for adults overlooking the Honeymoon Suites in the distance, and one large family-friendly pool -- which is much busier -- that sits closer to the resort entrance (this also has a children's wading pool).

There are two spas on the island: one that is inland next to the tennis courts, and one that is over water in the adults section. The overwater spa has five treatments rooms in purple and wood decor with inspirational messages on the walls. The land spa has four treatment rooms (without the water views), as well as a nail and hair salon.

Meeru's dive center is run by Euro-Divers with three classrooms as well as multilingual course materials and instructors. Diving is always done off-site, via boat, as the house reef is past the lagoon and can't be easily reached by swimming. The lagoon is good for basic snorkeling and diver training, but the house reef is worth the boat trip to see a wider variety of fish and coral. A water sports center offers windsurfing, catamarans, kayaking, and glass-bottom boats for rent. Land activities include tennis, badminton, beach volleyball, a fitness center, driving range, putting green, and 9-hole short golf course (great for learning). A football field is located near where staff members live and there are occasional Staff versus Guests football games.

A wide range of extra water excursions are offered such as big game fishing, dolphin cruises, and sunset sails.

There are also two receptions areas for guest services, as well as two main buffets that have similar menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The buffet restaurants are included in full-board and all-inclusive packages. The buffet lines change daily and include live action cooking stations where some food items are prepared to order. Friday night is Maldivian night with a themed menu, where servers wear traditional dress. During Sunday breakfast, sparkling wine is offered, otherwise alcohol (and quality of choice) ranges depending on the package. Other restaurants to choose from for an additional price include Hot Rock, where meat and seafood is cooked over hot rocks, and Asian Wok, a romantic restaurant on the far side of the island with low lighting and well-spaced tables. Reservations are required at both. For more casual cuisine, Meeru Cafe is next to the family pool and serves sandwiches, pastries, ice cream, coffee, and and tea. Snacks can be ordered at both pool areas.

While many neighboring resorts quiet down at night, this one has a bit more action, mostly due to the size and the number of bars. There is a 24-hour bar that seems to have a steady crowd throughout the day, as well as two lounge areas on the adult-only side. In particular, the lounge next to the adult-only buffet restaurant is low-lit with candles in the evening for a romantic scene. This is also where the weekly manager's party is held, but only VIPs (typically repeat guests) are invited.