Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort

We have just returned from the perfect holiday at Halcyon. We came as a family of 5, including 3 young kids, travelling from the UK. The main thing that made us choose this resort over others is that I heard the reef is easily accessible from the beach and that the reef itself is in good condition and full of life. We were not disappointed at all! The reef was incredible with so much to see including turtles, rays and small (not dangerous) sharks. Every time we went Snorkeling we saw something new. You can access it very easily from the beach by the water sports center. Even for young kids is so easy and safe for them to access and see the wonderful marine life. In fact you can also see so much just from the jetty looking into the water it was great fun seeing what we could spot on the way to breakfast. We were even incredibly lucky to see dolphins passing through the resort on our way to breakfast! The coral is in good condition and plenty of life and colour. So much better than where we have snorkelled in the Caribbean where basically all coral is dead. On arrival we were greeted by the team with drinks and cold towels. We also met our butler (Mia) who was always on hand to help us with any questions and show us around. We spent half of the holiday in a beach villa on the main island and the second half on the over water villa. I would encourage anyone to do the same as you get both perspectives and both accommodations are equally special in different ways. Both are extremely private, comfortable and to a high standard. The bed is huge! The rooms were always kept super clean by the team. Also we had some nice surprises from them along the way. It’s worth noting that the beach villa has a seperate room where the kids beds were initially set up. This is right next to the main villa but not joined. Since our kids are so young and often need us in the night, we asked the team if they could move their beds to the main villa where we were sleeping. This was no issue for the team and we felt much happier knowing the kids were in the room with us so we could hear them if there was a problem. The service was impeccable. We were always treated so well and the kids always made to feel welcome. I am hesitant to mention names as I cannot remember all names and perhaps not completely fair to those staff who made an impact on our stay but are not seen so much. But I do have to mention Ali for showing our kids all about coconuts and their different textures and flavours. All staff were so friendly and kind. I also wanted to mention the poolside bar staff for always being so kind to the kids, showing them how to make mocktails even when it wasn’t planned. The food was always delicious with a good selection of different things to try. Always fresh fruit and juices which were lovely. The kids food was also perfect, nice and simple but tasty. They also got to decorate Easter eggs which was a fun activity to get them out of the sun for a while. Getting from the over water villa to the main island takes 1 minute by boat and is a small adventure in itself. It never takes long to arrive. The staff are super helpful getting the kids on and off the boat. The resort was so quiet, it felt like our own private island! Thank you to all staff, it was so amazing! It was our best holiday ever. The only down side is that it has completely spoiled all other beach holidays for us! We cannot wait to return! A few small tips: Sea plane is very loud so with young kids bring ear plugs and proper ear defenders. Obviously it’s super hot so bring long sleeve swimming tops to protect kids. If you don’t have a go pro, bring a waterproof case for your phone. Ali was kind to lend me his and we got some amazing shots!

The environment here is absolutely stunning. You can spot dolphins, sharks, turtles and manta rays right around your accommodation, and the underwater coral reefs are breathtaking too. The island is very private with few guests, making the entire experience incredible! A special thanks to our butler Zaha, who was extremely attentive and responsible. When we wanted to go out to see clownfish, he arranged a private boat just for us immediately, and we set off right away. We still miss this trip deeply. If we visit the Maldives again, we will definitely choose this place once more.

A vacation in The Halcyon Maldives left an exceptionally positive impression. This is a place where every detail is thought out to the smallest detail: from a secluded villa overlooking the ocean to a high level of service and an atmosphere of complete tranquility. I would like to mention Mia Butler's work separately - her professionalism and attention to detail made our stay truly comfortable. She was always one step ahead of our wishes, helped with the organization of all activities, promptly resolved any issues and at the same time maintained sincere care and warm attitude. The service, cuisine, privacy and natural beauty of the island are all at the highest level. This is the perfect place for those who are looking for a combination of luxury, privacy and impeccable service. We will definitely come back again.

The Halcyon Maldives really stands out for how peaceful and untouched it feels-there’s nothing around you, just ocean in every direction. Staying between the overwater and beach villas was a highlight; both were incredibly private, quiet, and designed to make the most of the surroundings. The food was consistently great- fresh seafood, local Maldivian dishes, and breakfasts with amazing tropical fruit and juices. The staff were genuinely warm and attentive without ever feeling formal. The sandbank experience was unforgettable, completely secluded and beautifully done - seeing dolphins swim with us was amazing. Mariyam, my butler, made everything feel effortless- she contacted the doctor for me when I was feeling poorly and even remembered I loved coconut water and surprised me with some, which was such a thoughtful touch. Thank you for the five star service! If you’re looking for a calm, remote escape that feels both luxurious and very personal, The Halcyon cannot be beaten.

My wife and I spent four wonderful days on this island. Raaish provided excellent butler service, and it’s truly my dream island. We went on a dolphin cruise, saw nurse sharks, and did snorkeling with sea turtles. We also enjoyed a spa treatment. It was really an unforgettable experience, and I hope I can come back to this island again someday.