A Memorable First Visit to the Maldives – Thanks to the Incredible Team at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort This was our first visit to the Maldives, and despite the countless hotel options available, we chose to stay with a brand we trust — the Marriott. Our destination was the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, and we’re so glad we made that choice. Our journey began with a smooth arrival at Velana International Airport, where we were warmly greeted by Hassan, a kind and professional gentleman at the Sheraton counter. We mentioned our interest in exploring the city before heading to the resort, and Hassan went above and beyond to make that possible. He suggested we leave our luggage with him — promising it would be waiting in our room when we arrived later — and helped us plan our quick city visit. He advised us to return by 2 PM for the speedboat transfer. Hassan’s helpfulness and warm demeanor set a high bar for customer service, leaving a wonderful first impression of the Sheraton brand in the Maldives. The speedboat transfer took just about 12–15 minutes and was smooth and efficient. On arrival at the resort, we were welcomed by Mifrah, our personal concierge. While he was knowledgeable, we quickly felt that the role may not be the best fit for him. He didn’t exhibit the kind of can-do attitude typically expected of someone in a guest-facing role. Instead of offering alternatives, he often responded with a quick “no,” which stood in contrast to the otherwise excellent service culture we experienced. Our villa was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. The common areas of the resort were beautifully arranged, and access to the ocean was seamless and well thought-out. During our stay, we had the pleasure of meeting several staff members who truly elevated our experience. A few individuals stood out for their dedication and genuine hospitality: • Rasheed, the vigilant lifeguard, always kept a watchful eye on guests enjoying the water — a true professional who clearly takes pride in his role. • The culinary team deserves special recognition. They were the heart of our experience at the resort. From breakfast to dinner, their attention to detail, passion, and effort were unmatched. They not only served amazing food but went out of their way to ensure every guest felt valued and cared for. In particular: • Chef Chamara, the Sous Chef, consistently checked in with guests and made sure everyone was satisfied — a true leader by example. • Chefs Dinendra, Lasantha, Nalindra, Nalitha, Sandun, and Ruwan showed a remarkable level of dedication and professionalism. Whether it was a special request or simply a friendly interaction, they exceeded expectations every time. The chefs were not just skilled — they were warm, attentive, and committed to excellence. They are, without a doubt, the epitome of what makes a resort successful. Their work went beyond the kitchen; they built genuine connections with guests and created experiences we will never forget. • Birendra, who seemed to be everywhere across different restaurants, offered fantastic service with a cheerful attitude. • Anton made an unforgettable pot of masala chai — simple but perfect. And then there was Amirith — without a doubt, the star of the resort. Always warm, engaging, and present, Amirith consistently checked on guests, shared recommendations, and promoted delightful cocktails with contagious energy. We initially assumed he must be in guest relations, only to learn he’s a Bar Supervisor — a testament to his incredible dedication and hospitality. He embodied the spirit of the resort and truly made us feel at home. Thank you, Amirith, for everything — you made a lasting impression. One observation worth mentioning: apart from Sous Chef Chamara, we didn’t meet any members of the resort’s management team during our stay. More visibility and engagement from the leadership team would have certainly enhanced the overall guest experience and shown their appreciation for both the staff and the guests. The Anchorage Bar, located in one of the most stunning settings of the resort, has great potential. However, it lacked clear leadership. Different servers appeared to be working without defined sections, which led to a lack of coordination. On one occasion, our bill was incorrectly issued twice, and we had to request corrections — something that could easily be avoided with better supervision and training. Additionally, we noticed that the mini bar pricing was quite excessive. While we would have happily indulged more often, the pricing felt unjustifiable. A more reasonable rate would no doubt encourage more usage and enhance the overall guest experience. In conclusion, what made our first trip to the Maldives truly special wasn’t just the natural beauty or luxurious amenities — it was the people. The outstanding team at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort, from lifeguards to servers to the phenomenal chefs, made all the difference. To the chefs: thank you for being the heartbeat of this resort. Your dedication and warmth are what transform a vacation into a lasting memory. Thank you, Sheraton, for an unforgettable stay.