• Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa is on Thilamaafushi island. All photos: Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa
    Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa is on Thilamaafushi island. All photos: Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa
  • The hotel is about a 35-minute flight from the recently opened seaplane terminal in Male.
    The hotel is about a 35-minute flight from the recently opened seaplane terminal in Male.
  • The property is located in the Lhaviyani Atoll.
    The property is located in the Lhaviyani Atoll.
  • It offers several accommodation options, including sunrise and sunset overwater villas.
    It offers several accommodation options, including sunrise and sunset overwater villas.
  • The reception area of Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa is an open space, called the Hub.
    The reception area of Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa is an open space, called the Hub.
  • Lagoon villas come with endless watery views.
    Lagoon villas come with endless watery views.
  • All rooms feature king-size beds.
    All rooms feature king-size beds.
  • The fitting colour scheme includes pops of turquoise, mirroring the lagoon outside.
    The fitting colour scheme includes pops of turquoise, mirroring the lagoon outside.
  • Bathrooms feature his and hers sink, a free-standing bath and ocean views.
    Bathrooms feature his and hers sink, a free-standing bath and ocean views.
  • The Thilamaafushi Villa is the largest accommodation on the island, with three bedrooms.
    The Thilamaafushi Villa is the largest accommodation on the island, with three bedrooms.
  • The creative studio at Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa offers guests the chance to take part in painting lessons.
    The creative studio at Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa offers guests the chance to take part in painting lessons.
  • Children are well looked after at the Kids' Club.
    Children are well looked after at the Kids' Club.
  • Explore Spa at the resort.
    Explore Spa at the resort.
  • All treatment rooms offer sea views.
    All treatment rooms offer sea views.
  • The fitness centre at Waves Lifestyle Hub.
    The fitness centre at Waves Lifestyle Hub.
  • The resort has its own greenhouse, where organic produce is grown then used at the hotel's dining outlets.
    The resort has its own greenhouse, where organic produce is grown then used at the hotel's dining outlets.
  • Unwind with an al fresco film screening on the beach.
    Unwind with an al fresco film screening on the beach.
  • Deli-style bites and speciality coffee are served at Latitude.
    Deli-style bites and speciality coffee are served at Latitude.
  • All-day dining is available at Turquoise.
    All-day dining is available at Turquoise.
  • Part of the breakfast spread at Turquoise.
    Part of the breakfast spread at Turquoise.
  • Velaa Bar + Grill has a number of meat and seafood dishes on the menu.
    Velaa Bar + Grill has a number of meat and seafood dishes on the menu.
  • Riviera bar offers a wide selection of drinks and fantastic sunset views.
    Riviera bar offers a wide selection of drinks and fantastic sunset views.
  • Tabemasu is the property's Japanese restaurant.
    Tabemasu is the property's Japanese restaurant.
  • Guests can also opt for a private dining experience at Bodu Finolhu.
    Guests can also opt for a private dining experience at Bodu Finolhu.

Hotel insider: Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa is the ideal island getaway


Aarti Jhurani
  • English
  • Arabic

Deep blue seas, sparkling turquoise lagoons and sunny days spent on the beach surrounded by luxury — the Maldives has all the makings of a magical getaway. The island country in the Indian Ocean is renowned for its ultra-luxury properties, each offering a little slice of paradise.

The National checked in to Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, to see what sets it apart from the rest.

The welcome

Landing at Velana International Airport in Male, we meet Imadh, the hotel's representative who books us a spot on our seaplane transfer to Thilamaafushi Island. Before long, we're whisked away to Male's recently opened seaplane terminal, where we wait at one of the lounges (Le Meridien's lounge is expected to be completed in December) for a couple of hours, before we can board the plane to the island. Once in the air, the journey takes about 35 minutes, and when we land, a welcome party awaits.

The neighbourhood

Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa is the only property located on Thilamaafushi Island in the Lhaviyani Atoll. The nine-hectare isle has golf buggies, which are available on request to make getting around easy.

The room

The overwater villa at the property. Photo: Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa
The overwater villa at the property. Photo: Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa

We stay in an overwater sunrise villa, which at 100 square metres is incredibly spacious. The pink walls are complemented by pops of turquoise — mirroring the lagoon outside — by way of a window and the door to the walk-in wardrobe. There's a well-stocked mini bar and tea and coffee-making facilities. To minimise plastic waste, all rooms have glass bottles filled with purified and sparkling water, and these are refilled every day.

The toilet and bathroom face each other, with a dressing table separating the two. The bathroom features his and her's sinks, while a glass door divides it from the shower space, where there's a large free-standing bathtub that offers unobstructed sea views, with blinds for when you prefer privacy. Toiletries from Malin and Goetz are stocked in refillable bottles to minimise plastic waste.

The main living area houses a large television that can be swivelled around to watch from the bed, the chaise longue or the seating area in the corner of the room. The incredibly comfortable king-size bed faces the floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, which bring in lots of natural light and overlook the decking area and the sea beyond.

Outside, there's a sitting area, two sun loungers, an overwater hammock and steps that lead to the lagoon. Housekeeping service is provided twice a day — and comes with little personal touches such as a turtle fashioned out of towels and handwritten notes left by the staff.

There are a total of 141 villas across 11 categories on offer at the resort, including the base-level beach bungalows, lagoon villas (ideal for families with small children), beach villas with pools, sunrise and sunset overwater villas and the Thilamaafushi villa, which with its three bedrooms and private pool, is perfect large families and groups.

The service

The multicultural staff at the hotel are warm and friendly, swiftly taking care of all requests and checking up on guests intermittently, without ever feeling like they’re hovering.

The food

There are six dining outlets at the property offering varied culinary experiences. Tabemasu is the on-site Japanese restaurant; Velaa Bar and Grill is a beachside spot that offers meat and seafood options; the poolside Riviera offers a menu of refreshing drinks and light bites;Turquoise serves an international menu; Waves Cafe offers a selection of healthy meals and shisha; and Latitude’s menu features deli-style bites and speciality coffee.

There are also two private dining experiences: an exclusive experience at Bodu Finolhu — a private isle 10 minutes from the resort — and Harvest Table, located next to the on-site greenhouse where up to eight guests can have an intimate dinner.

Breakfast is served at Turquoise and is a truly international spread, with options including porridge, sausages, fish in black bean sauce, local options such as Maldivian masala and coconut lady finger curry, Indian options and a live egg station. There is also the option to make your own salad from fresh produce harvested from the hotel’s on-site greenhouse— one of the largest hydroponic farms in the Maldives.

Other than that, guests can also enjoy fresh fruits, juices, chia puddings, muesli, cold cuts, cheeses, breads, croissants, plus cereals and nuts, with non-dairy milk options available. Children have their own breakfast spread, which includes sweet treats such as cupcakes and sprinkles.

The food and ingredients at every restaurant are fresh and, as a picky eater, all my dietary requests are taken care of. My favourite dining spot is Tabemasu, where each dish in the five-course Omakase set menu ($120) is outstanding. Another highlight is our experience at Harvest Table, where the set menu ($80) ensures the locally grown ingredients from the resort's greenhouse shine.

The scene

Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa offers all sorts of amenities for families. Photo: Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa
Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa offers all sorts of amenities for families. Photo: Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa

The property has plenty of activities for all ages — for the little ones there is the children's club, where they can enjoy a number of activity sessions and free play. A babysitting service, which is chargeable, is also available if parents want a date night.

There are a number of activities for adults, too, such as film screenings on the beach, yoga and Pilates. Guests looking to do something a little less active can try their hand at art classes, learn how to make pizza or level-up their coffee game with a barista lesson, with sessions from $30 per person. We have the chance to try both the art and barista classes, and despite our negligible skills, the friendly, patient and talented instructors ensure it is enjoyable and informative.

Elsewhere, the Explore Spa offers a number of relaxing and rejuvenating massages. Treatment rooms offer sea views, while various blends of spiced oils are used for the services — I try the abhyanga massage, and was ready for a nap after a very relaxing experience.

To really enjoy the sparkling Maldivian waters and explore the marine life surrounding the resort, there's guided diving or snorkelling tours, and guests can also borrow snorkelling gear to swim in the lagoons and the reef beyond. If a dip in the ocean seems too daunting, there are two large swimming pools on the property.

Highs and lows

The hotel stands out for its incredibly friendly staff who always stop for a chat, its varied culinary offerings and having the option to step down directly into the lagoon from our private villa.

The overwater hammock, where I spend hours reading and spotting the occasional stingray is another definite high.

While it is beyond the property's control, if I have to nitpick, the only low is not being able to do any of the guided water activities due to unsettled weather while we're there.

The insider tip

Book your flight so that you arrive in Male early in the day — this will help cut down your waiting time for the seaplane, giving you more on-island time which can only be a good thing.

The verdict

Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa is an ideal destination for those looking for a luxurious getaway. There are enough options on the island to enjoy the holiday at your own pace — whether that means trying out several of the activities on offer, relaxing on the white sandy beaches, indulging in the various culinary experiences or exploring the sparkling turquoise waters.

The bottom line

Rooms start at $450, excluding taxes, for a beach villa, during the low season. Seaplane transfers are $495 for a round trip; www.marriott.com.

This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel during the global coronavirus pandemic. It reflects hotel standards during this time, services may change in the future.

UAE tour of the Netherlands

UAE squad: Rohan Mustafa (captain), Shaiman Anwar, Ghulam Shabber, Mohammed Qasim, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Chirag Suri, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Mohammed Naveed, Amjad Javed, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Fixtures:
Monday, 1st 50-over match
Wednesday, 2nd 50-over match
Thursday, 3rd 50-over match

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League, last-16, second leg (first-leg scores in brackets):

PSG (2) v Manchester United (0)

Midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M3%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%2FUSB-4%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206E%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%2F35W%20dual-port%2F70w%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%2C%202%20Apple%20stickers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C599%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Abu Dhabi GP schedule

Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm

Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm

Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm

Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
  • George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
  • Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
  • Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
  • Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills. 
Hunting park to luxury living
  • Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
  • The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
  • Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds

 

RESULTS

6.30pm Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Dirt) 1,200m

Winner Canvassed, Par Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer)

7.05pm Meydan Cup – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (Turf) 2,810m

Winner Dubai Future, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor

7.40pm UAE 2000 Guineas – Group 3 (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Mouheeb, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard

8.15pm Firebreak Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Secret Ambition, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar

9.50pm Meydan Classic – Conditions (TB) $$50,000 (T) 1,400m

Winner Topper Bill, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

9.25pm Dubai Sprint – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,200m

Winner Man Of Promise, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Duminy's Test career in numbers

Tests 46; Runs 2,103; Best 166; Average 32.85; 100s 6; 50s 8; Wickets 42; Best 4-47

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

The Way It Was: My Life with Frank Sinatra by Eliot Weisman and Jennifer Valoppi
Hachette Books

TRAP

Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue

Director: M Night Shyamalan

Rating: 3/5

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Who is Allegra Stratton?

 

  • Previously worked at The Guardian, BBC’s Newsnight programme and ITV News
  • Took up a public relations role for Chancellor Rishi Sunak in April 2020
  • In October 2020 she was hired to lead No 10’s planned daily televised press briefings
  • The idea was later scrapped and she was appointed spokeswoman for Cop26
  • Ms Stratton, 41, is married to James Forsyth, the political editor of The Spectator
  • She has strong connections to the Conservative establishment
  • Mr Sunak served as best man at her 2011 wedding to Mr Forsyth
Updated: November 12, 2022, 9:07 AM