For someone that lives in Midwest, “Middle of the US” a trip half way around the world, sounds quite daunting. I won’t bore you with all details but 5 flights, a sleep mask, and some ear plugs made the 28 hours pass with ease. (Things to take on a long flight) But we still were not at the Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa, we had one more flight.
The Male Airport is a mid-size airport but very easy to navigate. After collecting our bags, we are greeted by a resort representative. The Centara representative was most helpful in getting us over to catch our Sea Plane to Centara. If you have never been on a sea plane, the Maldives might be the best place to experience this. It is a unique experience. On a side note while waiting for our sea plane I tried to buy fresh lemonade and to my surprise I was served a Sprite. 🙁
Welcome To Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa Maldives
You step of the sea plane on to a small floating doc that is still away from the island. Don’t worry as you will soon be welcomed by a tradition Maldivian Dhoni boat. You, become accustomed to these boats as you will use them for many of the resorts activities. Once you and your luggage are aboard it takes you about five minutes to finally reach Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa.
Upon arrival, we were greeted but smiling staff that escorted us over to reception. The check in went smoothly. They went over our reservation, gave us the standard layout map, and activates handout. Before we knew it, we had boarded the Centara Taxi “A nice golf cart” and where off to water villa #52.
Room
A room that sits over the Ocean is nothing short of amazing! The room was nicely a-pointed with a big four post bead, and a huge tub with ocean view. Some of the smaller touched that I found. Sandals, life jackets, and many other small amenities that I was surprised to find. They clean the villa twice daily and to a very high standard. Our fridge was replenished each day. The deck with built in loungers and a net over the water made it hard to leave the room.
To wake up each morning to the amazing view we had was inspiring. The ability to go snorkeling off the steps of your room felt like a dream. A private pool isn’t necessary. The main pool is great and you have the ocean a few steps away on every side of the island.
Dinning
The food was wonderful. The Reef Restaurant, is the resorts buffet. It is a lovey sitting overlooking the pool area and ocean. Breakfast and lunch where the same each day, but for dinner each night they would do a different theme.
Azzuri Mare (Italian) was lunch and dinner but only reservation. It like the other restaurant is an open-air concept and sit over top of the wat. This gave way to some amazing view of the aquatic life. We found the dishes here to be very good. Yet, from someone who has traveled though Italy I would not call it true Italian food. But it was still great. I would recommend the brick oven pizza.
Span Buas (Thai) was my favorite of all three. It was only open for lunch and dinner by reservation but was well worth it. Span Buas does not sit on the water, but in the lush part of the island sounded by lots of vegetation. The service here was over the top, even the Chief came out to talk to use and see how we enjoyed our dish. She even would bring around sample items that might make it into future menus.
Activities
The sunset fishing was a unique experience. They take you out to a deep reef in a Dhoni boat and you fish over the side. The catch is that it is not with a traditional road and real. It’s a hook attached to line and a spool. At first I did not like the idea. After the first fish was caught everyone really started to enjoy themselves.
One of my bucket list items always has been to snorkel with whale sharks. I was extremely exited that this was an included excursion. But, I struck out once again as we did not spot any. It was a nice trip and they let us get out on a nice reef and snorkel. A few sea turtles where in the area and a bunch of dolphins. Over all was still time well spent.
On our last night, we did the sunset cruise. This was a great way to enjoy our last evening. We sat on the top deck of the Dhoni went for a nice cruse. As the sun painted the night sky every shade of orange you could think of the crew brought wine and took pictures.
The all-inclusive spa treatments were a real treat. I figured it would be a quick 30 minuet massage and then a hard upsell. But this was not the case. We got to pick from 6 different services that where done to perfection.
If you are into scuba diving the included dives are worth it. They have a sunken ship right out from the dive shop. The ship has amazing aquodic life both small and large. I also went for two boat dives, and got to get up close to both sea turtles and rays. My only regret was that I only got 5 dives in.
Just for Fun
Every night at the Coral bar they have a fish feeding. At first I thought this sounded a little hokey but I soon found out it was well worth the walk. Every night for 5 years they have been feeding these fish. Now, it includes 4 very large sting rays, an eagle ray, and several nerf sharks that get up to 4 feet long. During this time, a local band stops by and set a great mood for the show.
Final Thoughts!
I would have to rate this experience and Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa, 5 out of 5 stares. Amazing room, great amenities and a wonderful staff. Many times, it was like we were the only two on the island. The work they do to grow and preserve the coral is amazing and provided a great experience. The only thing I can give as a negative is the return flight. They send you to the airport about 5 hours before international flights. This was not ideal as the airport would not let you in any sooner than 3 hours before your flight.
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