If you want to experience paradise on earth, there is one place to visit, the Maldives. Choose to stay at the Taj Exotica Resorts and Spa for the experience of a lifetime. This is a luxurious one-island-one-resort destination featuring a collection of beach-front pool villas and breathtaking overwater villas. We had a fantastic stay at the Deluxe Lagoon Villa, on the reef with a private pool. It’s a picture-perfect place of unrivaled luxury, white-sand beaches, blue water and tropical bliss.
A mere 20 minutes by speedboat from the Male airport, it sits on the Emboodhu Finolhu Island. On arrival at the jetty, we received a grand welcome in local Maldivian style with customary musical instrument played. A front office lady garlanding one with a necklace made of seashells, while yet another staffer clicked our photos, it was then placed in a handmade album decorated with leaves and presented at the time of check-out.
From the first moment right until the end of our five-day stay, we were overwhelmed by the kindness and hospitality of the entire staff. They go above and beyond to make you feel welcomed, and help you relax and enjoy your time there. I chose the Taj Exotica because it is globally renowned for its exquisite lagoon, superlative food, romantic location, impeccable butler service and authentic Jiva Spa, and because the property has received numerous accolades on global platforms.
Deluxe Lagoon Villa with Plunge Pool (Photo source Taj Exotica)
Marvelous Accommodation – Deluxe Lagoon Villa with Plunge Pool: We stayed at the Deluxe Lagoon Villa with Plunge Pool. Stepping into the 1,000-sq-ft suite, we found Ploh bed linen, a colossal bathroom, a sundeck with a freshwater plunge pool and of course steps leading into the beautiful turquoise lagoon.
The part of the villa that slowly became my favourite nook was the bathtub against a glass window overlooking the expanse of the lagoon; the view was stunning. Premium Molton Brown products cover every space in the bathroom while the finest wooden furnishings adorn the rest of the suite. Butler Naddem was assigned to us for personalised service and took care of us through our entire stay. The butler service is among the resort’s ultra-luxe features. Of course, with the tag of the Taj, you know you will get unsurpassed service throughout. While the resort offers 64 accommodation options, including beach villas and two-bedroom suites, I’d recommend the Deluxe Lagoon Villas with Plunge Pool.
The Rehendi Presidential Suite (Photo source Taj Exotica)
The Rehendi Presidential Suite: Those who are keen to absolutely live it up at the Taj Exotica, Maldives, can opt for the Presidential suite, a one-of-a-kind space spread over 500 square meters and tastefully appointed. The presidential suite has won awards and been occupied preferred by the who’s who of the world and leading Bollywood celebrities.
Suite Amenities: The Presidential suite boasts of a grand living room; a master bedroom with attached his and hers bathrooms, and a guest bedroom. The elegant glass bathroom features a bathtub with spectacular view of the blue lagoon and its coral plates. You can enjoy hours of blissful relaxation in the enticing 15-ft infinity edge swimming pool with spacious private sundeck, furnished with sun beds and umbrellas. The swimming pool and deck are in permanent sunshine from dawn until dusk offering you tanning opportunities if you wish to, throughout the day. Even in the monsoon, the pool remains warm and inviting, and in fact, taking a swim in a downpour is an experience not to be missed.
There are two ‘salas’ for relaxing and dining, and a beautiful suspended deck filled with powder soft sand and a hammock suspended over the beautiful lagoon. This suite comes with a host of extra amenities and services that includes a personal bar featuring organic foods, organic amenities, a personalized in-room butler service, Ploh bed linen and bathrobes, and rain showers in the bathrooms.
Exceptional Food & Beverage options: I am a diehard fan of Taj’s food and beverages. When I saw seasoned Master Chef Sheroy Kermani as head of the culinary brigade, I was immediately reassured that I was in for a delightful culinary experience. To be precise, I loved every dish prepared in Taj hotels across the globe. Those who are foodie will certainly endorse my view.
Traditional “KanduKukulhu” Maldivian fish curry served at 24 Degrees Restaurant at Taj ExoticaMaldives overlooking Indian Ocean (Photo: Mewati Sitaram).
24 Degrees Restaurant: This restaurant offers one of the greatest views of the island and waves of water gives soothing natural sound. You can relish classic delicacies from local to global. It is divided in a ground level touching the sand and upper platforms. Every guest from both levels has an uninterrupted ocean view.
The poolside bar: The poolside bar and restaurant is a classic place to unwind as you watch the sunset. Drink in the romance and delicious cocktails and mocktails by the resort’s infinity pool. You can trust bartender Bala, who creates the classics with ease and can curate cocktails for your choice and mood.
Food unlimited: There is a wide range of dishes to choose from at the a la carte breakfast. At lunch, they serve a buffet with live counters at 24 Degrees. It’s an amazing spread, from soups to desserts. Each table has a supervisor and our supervisor was Sirisena, who was polite, well-informed and quick to serve our food, always with a smile. Those who are vegetarian, they have wider selection of Indian to global delicacies to choose from.
Sheroy Kermani,Executive Chef displaying Madivian delicacies with Author Mewati Sitaram (Photo:Ahaan).
About Master Chef Sheroy Kermani: Highly skilled Chef Sheroy Kermani is a jewel in the crown here, with more than two decades of experience in leading Taj properties, including the Taj Buckingham in London. He has been at the Taj Exotica in the Maldives for nine years. No matter what dish you crave, from whichever part of the world, I’d wager that Chef Sheroy could deliver in spades. Every dish served is authentic. One of my favorites was the Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Soup infused with Coconut, at 24 Degrees. Chef Kermani’s every dish is a master piece in itself. He is a magician of culinary arts and always taking rounds in the restaurants interacting with guests. His simplicity and in-depth knowledge of dishes and smiling face makes every guest happy.
Excursions / Water Sports: Surrounded by the calm and stunning waters of the Indian Ocean, the Taj Exotica Dive and Snorkeling Centre offers a plethora of options, including snorkeling and deep-sea diving. My snorkeling excursion was one of the most beautiful experiences. A highly experienced marine biologist accompanied us while we scoured the waters for a glimpse of the vibrant corals. Other activities Seaplane Tour, Sunset Cruise, Windsurfing, Jet Ski, water-ski, wakeboard, Boating, Banana joyride and Kayaking. Every evening sting ray feeding makes you feel happy as all the sting rays approaches sea shore at fixed timing.
Stingray feeding held daily at Taj Exotica and Resorts Maldives (photo by Mewati Sitaram)
Padi Scuba Diver Certification: you can get your PADI license in 2-3 days with the Scuba Diver program. You will learn all the basics about safety, marine life and equipment. The class includes – 3 Theory Lessons, 3 Confined Water Lessons (Pool), 2 Ocean Dives to max. 12m. Total duration of certificate course is 2-3 days.
The Spa: The beautifully appointed Jiva Grande Spa at the Taj Exotica is perched in the brilliant waters of the Indian Ocean, on the far end of the island. It offers a blend of ancient Indian wisdom and contemporary therapies, including aromatherapy massages.
Author MewatiSitaram with Samrat Datta, GM Taj Exotica Maldives (Photo: Ahaan).
“We call it a paradise Island because experiences on this island are no less than divine…” says General Manager Samrat Datta. “It is a long and narrow strip in the middle of Indian Ocean. We have one of the largest and most beautiful turquoise-blue lagoons around us which is full of ocean flora and fauna including dolphins, black tip sharks, stingrays, endless species of fish and a range of beautiful corals”.
Datta added, “At Taj Exotica you get to see the best views of sunset, a different play of colors every day. We are also very proud to showcase our delicious food which depicts the soul of the resort. Be it Indian, Maldivian, Mexican, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Korean or Continental…. Guests find our cuisine most delightful.I firmly believe what makes us very special is “Tajness” which is our personalised service philosophy. Our staff and entire team is very driven and committed. They are truly the magicians who make every dream come true for our guests”.
Datta further elaborated:“Being a globally acclaimed luxury resort, guests have high expectations from us. In my opinion, luxury is when one can get exactly what they want, when they want and how they want it even before they have actually asked for it…..We guarantee that every guest who visits this resort leaves with fond memories.”
My View – The Verdict: From its plush accommodations to its scrumptious culinary selections to the renowned Taj service, the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives, has absolutely nailed it. Of course, given that the property dwells in one of the most exotic and exclusive locales in the world. For me it was a great stay and in future too, I would certainly visit and I would advise everyone to visit and have lifetime experience.
Marks: 10/10
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
