Though we’ve explored most of the Maldives’ lovely islands, my husband Peter and I felt referred to as again as soon as once more. This time, we determined to expertise Mirihi Island Resort. The attract of its pristine seashores, luxuriously rustic lodging and famend coral reefs felt irresistible. Little did we all know this journey would redefine our understanding of luxurious and produce us nearer to nature and one another.
A Desert Island of Customized Luxurious
Stuffed with expectation and pleasure, we landing at Malé-Velana Worldwide Airport and are promptly picked up, checked-in and brought by a non-public luxurious automotive to a strictly Mirihi Island Resort lounge on the seaplane terminal the place we fill out an in depth questionnaire about ourselves. As soon as arriving on the resort, we’re greeted by identify and given coconut water as we’re whisked by means of reception barefoot. Mirihi is a no-shoe island and all the primary areas are coated in a positive coral sand that seems like heaven between our toes.
Mirihi is likely one of the smallest resorts within the Maldives. This tiny jewel, simply 350 meters lengthy and 50 meters vast, consists of 6 seashore villas and 30 water villas. As we’re guided to our water villa, we cease by the diving middle and study that the resort has entry to top-of-the-line reefs within the Maldives. Being part of the South Ari Atoll protected space additionally makes it the most effective place to see whale sharks all year long. Steven, the top of the diving middle, tells us concerning the endemic underwater constructions, together with Thilas, that are primarily submerged mountains.
Our names “Mima and Peter” are proper on the doorways of our villa, a beautiful contact. Every villa has a Maldivian identify, ours is Miyaru which suggests “shark” and above the mattress is a portray of 1 chasing after the college of fish. The villa is good and comfortable, constructed out of wooden and wearing heat tones. It presents all of the luxuries, aside from televisions, as visitors are inspired to go offline and discover bliss within the surrounding nature.
Rustic Reconnection
There’s a Robinson Crusoe feeling right here. The entire idea of Mirihi revolves round calming the thoughts and redefining luxurious. Right here, you’re meant to rediscover the country methods and reconnect with nature and self, all of the whereas having a five-star expertise. As an alternative of flashy infinity swimming pools, there’s real pure magnificence, experiences and wellness. Comprised of all wood constructions, the eco-friendly island is totally plastic-free, proper right down to the wood toothbrush and toothpaste in a glass jar.
As day turns into evening, we head to the à la carte restaurant and bar Muraka, or “coral” in Maldivian language, to get pleasure from a number of signature cocktails developed by Julia Momosé, one among Chicago’s finest bartenders, who introduced 20 recipes right here a couple of yr in the past as a part of Mirihi Island Resorts’s twentieth anniversary celebrations. The Blue Ocean and Chile Ardour Fruit Daiquiri are necessities. The cocktails are adopted by a personalised, three-course tasting menu ready by Swiss govt chef Felix Bamert. Black risotto with tempeh and the truffle ravioli stood out as our favorites. The restaurant has a central opening the place gentle is projected onto the ocean so one can observe all types of sea creatures and sharks whereas having fun with the meals.
A Seaside Bounty
Sturdy winds precluded us from occurring the signature whale shark journey which resort is known for, so we resolve to get pleasure from a lazy day on the seashore—sipping coconuts and studying. There’s an excellent library subsequent to reception for these in want of a ebook. Within the afternoon, the resort stunned us with non-public one-hour energy yoga session with Danushka. As a yoga instructor myself, this was the most effective yoga session I’ve had out of the 5 I’ve skilled within the Maldives. So far as wellness goes, our class is simply the tip of the iceberg—there’s Ashtanga yoga, Jin yoga, aerial yoga, Pilates and therapeutic meditation on the each day schedule. The resort additionally presents thematic well being weeks the place they invite Reiki and Qi gong masters to help Danushka.
For this night’s dinner, we enter a big rotunda for a prepared buffet. On the grill station, you possibly can select from yellowfin tuna, tiger prawns, reef fish, ribs, steak, lamb or rooster. For desert, the mango crumble with roasted almond ice cream was a delight. After, the leisure begins. Within the Anba Bar, the resort presents an training evening and a presentation about manta rays from the native marine biologist, Linn. The bar additionally boasts the biggest choice of rums within the Maldives, together with the resort’s signature rum, Muraka.
Coral Reefs and Coral-coloured Sunsets
The following sunny day, we stroll across the island and cease by a handwoven hammock and a few sunbeds which make the proper spot for rest. The day passes quick, as we benefit from the surroundings, hearken to the sound of the wind and rolling ocean tide. Later within the afternoon, we placed on our snorkelling gear and uncover the magic of the Maldives’ coral—it’s teeming with fish, sharks and all types of marine life.
As sundown approaches, we’re greeted by employees who’ve organised a non-public sundowner on the seashore. As we watch the sky change colours and the moon brightens, we predict this should be heaven. The set-up is surrounded by lanterns and there’s a heart-shaped palm leaf in the back of the mattress. After, we enter the Dhonveli Restaurant and are welcomed by Felix who has ready some unforgettable cuisines, together with crimson and inexperienced curries and a number of the freshest sushi.
Mirihi Island Resort is a definite type of luxurious. We felt relaxed and detoxified from our fast-paced lives again in Europe. This secluded sanctuary’s tagline “… as distinctive as you might be” is true—Mirihi is really one-of-a-kind.
