Thilamaafushi Hotels with Free Breakfast

Maldives was on our bucket list to travel to. My first experience taking the seaplane, 35mins ride from MLE. The welcome that we received once we reached the resort was spectacular. We were upgraded to the sunset overwater villa, initially booked the sunrise overwater villa, it was much appreciated, being able to sit outside on the platform to watch the sunset. Booked a table at Tabemasu for dinner to celebrate my birthday and the staff in Tambemasu were lovely, creating such wonderful memories for us. We were the only table at the veranda, it was truly a private dining experience with the sunset as the backdrop, although the wind was not very kind to us. My poor server - Ali baba was fighting a losing battle in trying to Light the candle for my birthday cake. We visited all the 5 restaurants in the resort - Turquoise, Velaa, Riviera, Tabemasu and Waves over the week. If we had to choose which restaurant was our favourite, it was a tough fight between Velaa and Tabemasu, not forgetting Waves (we were there everyday for lunch) not because of the healthy choice of meals, but more for the lovely in-house Barista - Sanal. His passion towards coffee was such a delight, sharing his knowledge and even coming up with daily special drinks just for us. That was personalised service with a heart. The couples massage at the spa was also so relaxing, looking at the fish swimming by. We loved the walks to and fro from our villa to the restaurants. There wasn't a need for buggy service as we took pleasure in strolling around the resort. Each staff that we met over the course of the stay added a special memory to the trip. If I were to summarise it, it was like having a little family on the resort that you look forward to seeing, be it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, these relationships built over such a short time were truly precious. Interactions with GM Thomas and Executive Chef Asaf was intimate and engaging during the cocktails get together by the beach for marriot elite members as well. Saying goodbye was hard, I have never felt so emotional, seeing the lovely staff waving goodbye from the jetty while we were taking off in the seaplane. I do hope our paths will cross again with all the lovely staff (below are the names of the staff that we managed to catch their names/interact with) Turquoise restaurant Chef Devin Chef Sanchit Mauch Suraj Abby Aappa Nazim Velaa restaurant Chef Pradeep Xanyf Thallu Gerryd Waves Restaurant Sanal Tabemasu Restaurant Chef Robert Ali baba Agus Bertha Riviera Suvia Faith