We have just returned from the most incredible 7 nights at Milaidhoo. Living in the South Pacific, we are so used to resorts that are pretty average in the service and food department, resting on the fact that they are located in idyllic settings. However, Milaidhoo completely smashed it out of the park in ALL areas. The setting is like a picture postcard of turquoise water, white sand, beautifully maintained greenery and marine wildlife everywhere you look. The rooms are beautifully appointed with everything you could possibly wish for. They are well maintained, spotlessly clean and serviced twice daily to the highest of levels. Crystal clean swimming pools, constantly raked beaches and paths, everywhere you look is perfection. Where Milaidhoo truly excels is service and the Milaidhoo ‘family’ philosophy. Absolute attention to detail and a desire to constantly exceed expectations in every area of the resort. Our stay began with our butler Abdulla meeting us at the sea plane jetty to accompany us to the resort. Abdulla was the most incredible host, available constantly to arrange things for us, always thinking about how to improve our stay and surprising and delighting us with his amazing artwork, bubble baths, champagne gifts and buggy rides when time was short between excursions; Abdulla truly made us feel fully relaxed and welcome during our stay. Our villa attendant, Qasaan did a superb job of keeping our villa in top condition morning and night, even making up the room (at Abdulla’s request) on the day we were checking out. We were allowed to stay in our room (at no extra charge) until 4pm on checkout day so we could have the latest possible shower and pack up time. The food at Milaidhoo is beyond excellent. Every single meal was delicious, and some exceeded many top restaurants we have been to around the world. The food and beverage staff were so friendly, and the service was exceptional. We were visited by the loveliest staff at every meal and without fail, they all greeted us by name. We loved getting to know them all and had the most attentive service from Shippe, Alfie, Murey, Lakshitha, Saika and Amko. Our final night dinner at Shoreline Grill was outstanding. Shiaz and his staff made us so welcome, treating us to the ‘best sushi in the world’ (not exaggerating – it was!) from chef Ron, followed by perfectly char-grilled steaks and beautiful desserts. Miyuru, the sommelier hosted a fabulous wine tasting session then generously gave us the leftover wine to take to dinner. He then helped us out on future nights from his unbelievable wine list and extensive cellar – also gifting us a wine match for the sushi on our final night dinner. The true Milaidhoo experience began and ended at Male airport. Aneez (the Milaidhoo airport representative) insisted on taking our bags on and off the scanners and scales, fast tracking queues and hosting us in the beautiful sea plane lounge for as long as we needed. The snorkelling around the resort and on boat trips further afield was amazing, the highlight being a session swimming with an enormous crowd of manta rays at Hanifaru Bay. We snorkelled with turtles, reef and nurse sharks and stingrays as well as endless colourful fish. Before we came to Milaidhoo I wondered why everyone wrote such long and glowing reviews. Now I understand. Milaidhoo is absolute paradise to anyone lucky enough to stay there. We will most definitely be back.