OZEN LIFE MAADHOO South Male Atoll — Hotel in Malé Atoll

We did a huge amount of research before choosing the exclusive 5-star Ozen Life Maadhoo resort for our once-in-a-lifetime 10-day holiday to the Maldives. Anyone planning to holiday in the Maldives will have similar problems in refining down hundreds of options into a final selection. The more we researched the more confused we became. There were simply too many options and huge amounts of information to digest from different sources (reviews, YouTube, friends etc). Artificial Intelligence came to our rescue. We typed in dates, budget, flight journeys, types of accommodation (beach and over-water villas) and what we wanted in terms of package (e.g. genuine all inclusive (AI) as so many resorts had packages-with-caveats). We were there to relax after all and didn’t want the sting in the tail bill when it came to checking out. Being able to eat and drink when and where we wanted without being told: “Sorry, this is an additional charge” was a key criterion. We asked artificial intelligence for a shortlist of three 5-star resorts. Having never heard of the Ozen resorts we were initially surprised to find this resort was included in the results.||With this information we narrowed down our research and were quickly assured that the Ozen Life Maadhoo was the closest to our needs by ticking every box. These included: Premium All Inclusive with top shelf drinks, massages, diving, snorkelling and non-motorised water sports, a mini bar in the villa, over-water and beach villas with private pools and sunset views, a wide range of dining options and premium alcoholic beverages in our room. Our preference was also to find a resort that didn’t require an air transfer from Male airport but fast-boat. This would overcome the 20Kg baggage limit on the sea planes.||Ozen Life Maadhoo is a medium sized resort with fewer than 100 villas, roughly 50 beach and 50 over water. Approximately half had their own pool, fortunately almost all sunset facing villas. For early risers some of the sunrise villas had private slides into the aquamarine water below. We decided to split our holiday between 5 nights in the beach villa and 5 overwater. This worked perfectly as gave us the best of both worlds and we would recommend anyone spending 6 nights or more to do the same. The resort never felt busy, there was no need to rush for a lounger or to be first at the bar or restaurant to guarantee service as it was always available and stocks of everything were extravagant.||Focusing on all aspects of this holiday, we will score each section out of 5.|Ozen Life Maadhoo was fantastic in almost every way. We did everything we wanted except dive, as sea conditions were sadly poor due to the lovely monsoon weather and high winds, which we loved. We couldn’t have everything, and this omission gives us the perfect excuse to return in the winter months to guarantee idyllic diving and snorkelling conditions. One point of note, this resort doesn’t have its own house-reef and there is little reef within easy reach of the beaches. The resort offers twice daily snorkelling trips within the package which we tried out early during our stay. Unfortunately, visibility was poor at the location we went to, and although one of us saw a Manta Ray, there was little else to see. The lack of a house reef and the poor sea conditions at this time of year result in 3 out of 5 for underwater activities. We are certain that when we return in March this number will jump up.|Service was outstanding throughout. Every member of staff would innately go above and beyond to ensure that we wanted for nothing. Everyone smiled all the time, greeted you in the most genuine way possible, right from the moment we came into the arrivals hall at Male airport, to the boat and then the magical Ozen arrival experience when we moored at the jetty. Ditto on the way back at the end. ||Communication between staff was seamless and our butler, Shamoon, was always on the end of a WhatsApp should we need anything at any time. He arranged our meal schedule, which was ready on arrival, but flexible enough to adjust as we went along. This is a nice touch as takes the pressure off trying to work out where to eat and when. Service – 5 out of 5.||Great service continued in every restaurant where we experienced world-class catering. Every meal was personalised with senior staff (such as Calvin the head chef, Sunny a senior chef or Shazeen the restaurant manager) seeking us out at either breakfast or lunch to ask what we wanted for dinner. They were all exceptional and clearly took pride in ensuring that our every need was met. It could have been easy to forget there were other guests at the resort, such was their personalised attention to detail.||We simply didn’t have a bad meal, but some were exceptional; the once-per-visit M6M underwater restaurant was the best and most luxurious dinner we had ever enjoyed, coinciding with our 28th wedding anniversary. We were literally eating lobster, prawns, beef tenderloin etc, looking out at a magical underwater scene of marine life that included black tipped reef sharks, trevally and various other colourful fish. A genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience made all the better by the immaculate attention and service of Muskan, our delightful waitress. We also loved the whole Peking duck on our first night – this was an amazing way to start our holiday. Catering 6 out of 5 (that’s not a typo!).||Our villas were elegant, beautifully designed, and luxuriously appointed including high-end London toiletries from Asprey with sun-cream and insect repellent (which we did not need). We had two excellent cleaners, Sharmin and Furugaan, both who ensured our environment always remained immaculate. Sharmin, in the beach villa, would use initiative whilst beaming with the biggest smile we’ve ever seen. We loved the private pool in both villas, especially in the water-villa as could float on our inflatables watching the sun set over the ocean. Truly beautiful and magical. The beach villas had their own private bit of beach and as the resort feels so quiet, we never felt that we were overlooked or invading anyone’s privacy or special time. The water villas were truly extraordinary with glass cuttings in the floor so you could look down into the ocean below, a gorgeous stand-alone bath, a shower facing out to sea with no fear of being overlooked, a deck, double lounger facing the sunset and direct access to the sea below by steps. Truly exceptional and will be extremely difficult to beat in the future. Mini bars were well stocked and refilled daily (at least) whilst the wine and champagne fridge ensured we always had bubbly on the go. Personal villa bikes are available for beach villas only as it could be dangerous to cycle on the walkway to the water villas. Villas 5 out of 5.||The all-inclusive package genuinely was all-inclusive. We had more than enough top-quality alcoholic beverages throughout, including any cocktail our imagination could come up with. The Gin Bar, run by the young, bright and knowledgeable Samrat was well worth the experience. All the staff at the Joie-de-Vivre bar and hotel pool were attentive, friendly and ensured our glasses were never empty; pina coladas and long-island iced teas were especially wonderful. The AI included every restaurant except the Crab restaurant which we decided not to frequent as didn’t feel the need. Sea food was plentiful everywhere. Non-motorised water sports included the usual suspects (kayaks, wind surfers, paddle boards), as well as a couple of catamarans which were great fun in the high winds. We took some cheap kites with us and enjoyed flying these during a brilliant wind and rainstorm – bringing back some of our youth. This novelty also attracted some of the staff who had last flown a kite as children themselves. Sunjeewa, the head gardener, was hugely enthusiastic and great at recovering wayward kites – so we left ours with him. The AI package included three vouchers per person which could be exchanged for diving, motorised sports and/or spa treatments. As diving was out, we concentrated ours on three very relaxing one-hour massages that covered the head, shoulders and back. We certainly felt that we got our money’s worth. Our two therapists, Amon and Jaya were fantastic at ensuring we enjoyed every second of these experiences. Combined with the villas, restaurants and service, this AI package was genuinely all-inclusive, and we felt that it was well-priced for the Maldives. There was no sting in the tail when we checked out. All-inclusive 5 out of 5.||Management cannot be faulted. They were ever-present, always checking how we were and looking for ways to make our experience even better. It was abundantly clear that they manage their staff brilliantly as everyone was naturally happy, always keen to help and very friendly, no matter when or how you came across them. Vipin, the resort manager, was exceptional throughout our stay and deserves special mention. Aditiya, the spa manager, should also be highlighted for his initiative and empathy. Elisabeth, the general manager, was away for the first half of our stay but it was immediately obvious when she was back. She was everywhere, chatting to everyone, ensuring that guests were looked after with everything they needed to relax or be provided for. She is also exceptional, and it is obvious that she has the perfect pedigree for this role. It is very clear that everyone is very happy at Ozen Life Maadhoo as most staff have been there for years, some since it opened 7 years ago. Management a strong 5 out of 5.||The resort itself was modest in size. Nothing was too far but spread out enough to ensure that privacy existed in every villa. The beaches were lovely, with contrasting experiences on each side of the island. The prevailing wind was from the West, so the sunset villas had a more typical ocean experience to look out over, with waves and even white caps throughout most the day. The more adventure seeking guests would love sailing in these conditions, and it was a refreshing place to lie and watch the sunset, cooled by a refreshing breeze. On the sunrise side of the island the beach and sea were completely idyllic, the epitome of anyone’s preconceptions of the Maldives. Calm waters made this the perfect spot for paddle boarding and kayaking. A common criticism of the Maldives is that you will run out of things to do and get bored. Obviously, everyone is unique and prefers different things so it’s impossible to speak for them all. We spent 10 nights, and 11 full days at Ozen, and can honestly say we were never bored. We could manage our routine to suit our needs. Plenty of relaxation on our sun decks or in the villa pools, day and night, whilst enough things to do on those occasions when we’d burst with unexpected energy. With two snorkel boat trips and a sunset boat trip away from the island every day, this is not a resort where you would go stir crazy or feel claustrophobic. The AI package also includes a sunset fishing experience on a boat which is another opportunity to get off the island. In terms of aesthetics, Ozen Life Maadhoo is authentic rustic charm at 5 plus star level. Whilst some reviews have commented on the water villas looking a bit tired on the outside, villa interiors are modern and beautifully decorated. This is where you spend most of your time, and you’re looking out at wonderful views day and night. Renovation work is ongoing across the resort, as leadership manages improving the overall feel of Ozen Life Maadhoo with the challenge of keeping it open all year round. The resort 4 out of 5.||Tipping is often an area of confusion and sometimes even a bone of contention, especially when holidaying in other parts of the world. It is testament therefore that the Maldivian way does not expect a tip, let alone demand one. This sums up their beautiful nature. We usually tip, but not in an ostentatious way, but tailored to those who go above and beyond to make our experience as good as it can be. Our dilemma at the end of this wonderful 11-day holiday was that we found it almost impossible to isolate one member of staff from another. They were all brilliant! Whilst we would have loved to give everyone a personalised tip this wasn’t practical. We decided, therefore, to leave some money to be put behind the bar or kitty box at the staff accommodation on an adjacent island. This way, everyone could benefit from our appreciation and thanks. We hope this worked.||Overall, this was a perfect holiday in every way. It is probably the best resort and holiday experience we have ever had, and we have been fortunate to have lived in the Caribbean for 4 years where all-inclusive resorts are the norm. What separates Ozen from these is the innate feeling that you are being looked after by the most attentive and genuine staff we have known. Maldivians have that beautiful charm that separates them from almost everyone else in this world. We loved our time there and can’t wait to return in the winter and to add to these experiences with some world class diving and snorkelling.|Thank you Ozen Life Maadhoo for a once in a lifetime experience. It was so good we’re coming back for...

Our recent stay at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO in the Maldives was truly unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we were met with warm, attentive service—especially towards our adult son with special needs. Every staff member made an effort to ensure he felt included, safe, and valued, and we cannot thank them enough.

A special highlight of our stay was the extraordinary care from Executive Chef Alok Verma, who ensured our son had avocado sushi for every lunch and dinner, regardless of which restaurant we visited. He even prepared Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes and gravy, just for him—a heartfelt gesture that meant the world to us.

Each of the resort's restaurants offered something unique and wonderful:

The Palms is the heart of the resort’s dining, offering a lavish selection of international dishes in a relaxed, beachside setting. The buffet features live cooking stations and an abundance of fresh ingredients, many of which come from the resort’s own hydroponic garden. The team here was always welcoming and accommodating, and every meal felt like a feast. It was a perfect place to start and end our days.

M6m (Minus Six Meters) is the resort’s breathtaking underwater restaurant, where we dined surrounded by a vibrant marine world. The experience was both magical and serene, with exquisite seafood dishes beautifully paired with wine. Watching the reef life while enjoying fine cuisine created an unforgettable evening. It’s truly one of the most unique dining experiences we’ve ever had.

Traditions IndoCeylon brought us on a flavorful journey through South Asia, with dishes rich in spice, color, and cultural depth. Each plate was a celebration of heritage cooking, crafted with care and authenticity. The ambiance was intimate and elegant, enhancing the overall experience. We especially appreciated the balance of bold flavors and gentle hospitality.

Traditions Peking showcased the sophistication of Chinese cuisine with modern flair. From delicate dim sum to flavorful stir-fries, every bite was expertly prepared. The setting was tranquil, making it an ideal spot for a quiet dinner. The staff was knowledgeable and happy to guide us through the menu.

Joie de Vivre was our go-to spot for relaxed lunches and sunset cocktails by the pool. Their wood-fired pizzas were delicious, and the atmosphere was casual yet chic. It was also a great place to unwind after a day of activities. The views from the bar as the sun dipped below the horizon were just spectacular.

LONU is signature Maldivian restaurant, offering a modern twist on traditional island cuisine. Set along the serene beachfront, it presents beautifully crafted small plates using local spices, herbs, and sustainable ingredients. The flavors are bold yet refined, and the presentation is as stunning as the setting itself.

We also took part in several excursions: a dolphin tour, fishing trip, and snorkeling adventure. During the snorkeling tour, one of the resort’s marine biologists stayed by our son’s side, holding his hand throughout the entire swim—a deeply moving and thoughtful gesture.

At one point, we needed medical attention, and it was reassuring to know there’s a doctor on site who could prescribe antibiotics immediately.

Also our visit at the spa was a true experience.

Another highlight was visiting the resort’s hydrogarden, where they grow their own vegetables sustainably. This resort is proudly nominated for Best Sustainable Hotel in the Maldives and Best Executive Chef in the Maldives (2025), and they truly deserve to win.

The resort is run with precision and care under the leadership of Swedish General Manager Elisabeth Alleyne, whose professionalism shines through every aspect of the guest experience. Everything—from the food and service to sustainability and guest care—was flawless.

This resort is a place where luxury meets heart. Their staff go above and beyond, their food is world-class, and their commitment to sustainability is inspiring. We left with full hearts and beautiful memories that will stay...

The best 5 Star All-Inclusive Honeymoon we could have every imagined!

Trying to book a honeymoon during Covid-19 seemed like an impossible task. The need for a PCR test and the worry of how it would go was on my mind.

However, despite all my worries, the friendly staff in Ozen, provided me with all the details needed and once we arrived in Male airport until the very last moment, they took charge of organising everything for us.

The entire experience was literally unimaginable. Of course, there is the whole beauty of the resort that you expect on arrival, but it was everything else alongside this that truly made this a truly amazing experience.

When they say a 5 star all-inclusive package, honestly, at Ozen they really mean it. You may pay a little more than the lower star packages but compared to the experiences of family and friends at other resorts, in the end, you save more and get a lot more from your experience. There are no hidden costs but lots of additional extras; from a romantic dinner on the beach to an underwater restaurant and 5-star food every day of the week, there is really a lot you get from the all-inclusive package.

Finally, yes the experience was great because you are in a beautiful place, on a honeymoon, seeing dolphins, snorkelling, scuba diving and swimming with turtles but honestly the one thing that topped the whole experience was the staff at this resort. They really go to every length to make this experience for you.

Our personal butler Kunal, from the day we arrived until the day we departed, was there every day to help and support with the entire experience. Honestly, never did we see him not smile or use his own initiative in trying to make this the best experience from us. He organised our days, so we had something different booked in during the course of our stay, he gave us his contact number and was always on hand to help.

Majority of our days we went to the Palms for our lunch and dinner, and similar experiences continued there. Nabil and Inti, apart from providing an exceptional service, were always ready to provide some light-hearted banter (laughter) during the meals. We really enjoyed hearing about their journeys, future plans and and also the funny stories they would tell. Moosa would always join in to give us the insights to the true Maldivaiin experience. We were always warmly welcomed by Catherine and Denti which always gave us a great start to the day. Very often, the executive chef and Chef Rishab would come to our table to take our feedback from the meals. They would also be very open to discussions and ready to help make this experience even better. One evening, in the Chinese restaurant, I joked to Chef Rishab about how I really liked the Asian Desi breakfast. The next morning, he made that very breakfast for us even though it was not on the menu. That itself was alone a huge highlight of my experience. THIS IS WHAT I MEAN BY OVER AND ABOVE SERVICE!

My wife tried the inclusive massage services and really enjoyed the experience with fadet. Though I have mentioned a few names, everyone we met at the resort did everything they could to support us, including the scuba diving instructor Sandra and the entire staff on the boats, especially the young bangledeshi chap that could free dive and knew I was a little panicky on the water at first.

All in all, the experience was the best 5 star experience me and my wife could have ever imagined, yet the support, comfort and laughter provided by the staff, which I call the resort family really topped it over and above.

If you read reviews and your thinking whether I should go to this resort or the other, my advice is simple. Yes the Maldives is the Maldives and you will enjoy the views at lots of resorts, but what you get with the value of money (especially the food) and the experience from the staff is truly unique, so my advice is choose Ozen because that’s the only place I would...