About this Stay
I stayed at a resort hotel in the Maldives, floating in the Indian Ocean. The room was an overwater cottage, where you could look down into the sea through a glass panel set into the floor.
Spending time here while gazing at the white sandy beaches, the crystal-clear cobalt-blue ocean, and the endless blue sky made me feel as though I were in paradise.
As this was an all-inclusive stay, every meal was of a high standard in both flavor and presentation. The selection of drinks—including sparkling wine as well as red and white wines—was also of excellent quality.
Although the stay was only two nights and three days, it was filled with countless wonderful experiences.
Check-in
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Hotel Check-in
This is the desk used for hotel check-in. The check-in area is an open-air terrace, and since I arrived in the morning, it was cool and refreshing. The air felt incredibly clean—completely different from anywhere else I had been. Just breathing it in made me feel relaxed and refreshed.
I tend to get bitten by mosquitoes when I’m outdoors, but there are no mosquitoes in the Maldives. Even wearing short sleeves, I was able to stay comfortable and at ease.
Welcome Drink
This is the welcome drink served at check-in. I believe it was kiwi juice.
The staff member assisting with the check-in was assigned as my butler, who would take care of various requests throughout my stay.
Heading to the Cottage
The butler carried my luggage and guided me to the cottage where I would be staying.
One thing that caught my attention was that the butler was walking barefoot. Perhaps this is part of the local custom, or simply because there is nothing on the ground that could hurt your feet.
Overwater Villa
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Cottage Entrance
This is the cottage where I stayed.
Cottage Room (1)
This is my room. At the back, there is a jacuzzi, and there are also deck chairs where you can lie down and relax.
The open terrace is furnished with a sofa, and since there are no mosquitoes, it is truly comfortable both during the day and at night. Although it can be extremely hot during the daytime, the evenings at sunset and the early mornings are cooled by a pleasant breeze, making this a wonderful place to relax in comfort.
Cottage Room (2)
The indoor sofa and bed.
Placed on the bed is a cotton tote bag provided by the hotel for use at the beach. It is a colorful fabric beach bag, and it looks very practical for many occasions.
Indoor Jacuzzi
This is the indoor jacuzzi. The hot water, floating bubbles, and even the red flowers had all been prepared before I entered the room.
I truly felt the warmth of Maldivian hospitality.
Terrace Jacuzzi (1)
This is the outdoor jacuzzi. Being able to soak in a bath while gazing at the sea and sky outside, and also having an indoor jacuzzi, makes this place feel like paradise.
Terrace Jacuzzi (2)
The jacuzzi extends toward the ocean, allowing you to relax while enjoying uninterrupted views of the sea. It was an incredibly blissful experience.
Glass Floor Panel
A glass panel set into the floor, revealing the sea below your feet.
When I was in elementary school, I once saw a TV program featuring the Maldives and other tropical destinations, and I vividly remember feeling excited when I first saw a glass floor like this. Being able to experience it here in real life made me extremely happy.
Cottages
Other cottages as seen from my room.
Lunch (Day 1)
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Heading to the Restaurant (1)
I headed to one of the island’s restaurants for lunch.
Heading to the Restaurant (2)
Traveling from the cottage to the main island area.
Heading to the Restaurant (3)
The white sand beach was dazzlingly bright.
Lunch Restaurant
This is the restaurant where lunch was served.
This resort has around six restaurants, all operating under an all-inclusive system. Food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are all included, making it a true paradise for anyone who loves eating and drinking.
For lunch, the course typically consists of one appetizer, one main dish, and one dessert.
Sparkling Wine
I enjoyed sparkling wine and sparkling water.
The sparkling wine was a proper, well-known brand, and the quality of the beverages was consistently high.Only carefully selected drinks of a certain standard are offered, which is truly impressive.
Bread
Bread was served to start the meal.
[Editor’s note: It appears to be a selection of delicious bread such as sourdough and Italian ciabatta.]
Bouillabaisse
I had bread with bouillabaisse.
[Bouillabaisse: A Mediterranean seafood stew made by simmering seafood with garlic, onions, tomatoes, olive oil, and saffron.]
Bouillabaisse (Close-up)
A closer look at the bouillabaisse.
[Editor’s note: Bouillabaisse is especially delicious when eaten with toasted French bread placed on top to soak up the soup.]
Main Dish
For the main course, I chose a sautéed seafood dish. It included shrimp, scallops, mussels, and other shellfish.
The quality of the food is excellent, with great attention paid to every detail—everything served is of a very high standard.
All of the dishes were truly delicious.
Dessert
Dessert was a cake. It was wonderfully delicious, and even the way the sauce was plated was elegant.
No matter what I ordered, everything was tasty and exciting.
Exploring the Island (Day 1)
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Back to the Cottage
After lunch, I returned to my cottage.
Sea Kayaking
In the Maldives, many guests visit as families or couples, but there were also groups enjoying activities such as sea kayaking.
Tropical Plants
The interior of the island feels like a jungle, filled with lush greenery including fan palms, coconut palms, and other tropical plants.
Sky, Sea, and Cottages
The afternoon view of the sky, sea, and cottages.
Inside the Island
I was deeply impressed by the contrast between the pure white sand and the deep blue sea.
Tennis Court
There was also a tennis court on the island.
Pool
One of the swimming pools located on the island.
Photo Spot
Perhaps a popular photo spot for couples. The word “LOVE” is displayed here.
Pier
This pier is used by boats and small aircraft traveling to and from other islands.
Photo Spot
This also seems to be a photo spot, with an art object installed here. “THE SUN SIYAM” is the name of the hotel.
Walkway Extending into the Sea
There are several piers extending out into the sea around the island.
Beach Parasols
The beach and ocean scenery here are stunning. With beach parasols set up, this is a place where you could happily lie back and relax all day long.
Cobalt-Blue Sea
The transparent cobalt-blue color of the sea is simply indescribable.
Toward an Overwater Building
I was on my way to another building over the water.
Water Buckets
These appear to be buckets for rinsing off. After coming out of the sea, guests can likely rinse off here.
Seaplane Arrival
I walked around many parts of the island. In the distance to the left, you can see a small aircraft—it seems another seaplane carrying guests to this hotel had just arrived.
Flagpoles
Flags are flying here. On the left is the national flag of the Maldives, and on the right is the hotel’s flag.
Indoor Rest Area
This is an indoor seating area with sofas, where guests can also sit and relax.
Ceiling of the Rest Area
The ceiling as seen from the sofa seating area.
Beach Scene
Beach parasols and beach chairs. It is also lovely to come here from the cottage and relax quietly, enjoying the pleasant sea breeze.
Afternoon Break
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Drink Menu
This is the drink menu card. At the top, it says “All-Inclusive Beverage Package.” Even just for drinks, there is an impressive variety to choose from.
View from the Restaurant
I took a seat at the restaurant to enjoy something sweet as a light snack.
Sherbet
I had a sherbet.
Time to Relax
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Back at the Cottage
After enjoying a light snack, I returned to my cottage.
Sunset (1)
As the sun began to set, the room was bathed in a warm red glow.
Sunset (2)
The beach at sunset. Simply watching the colors of the evening sky made me feel genuinely happy.
Beach Volleyball Court
A beach volleyball court set up outdoors.
Sunset Glow (1)
The beach during sunset. It has a nostalgic, almost romantic atmosphere that gently stirs the emotions.
Sunset Glow (2)
Just before the sun disappears below the horizon.
Dinner (Day 1)
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Restaurant Exterior
The restaurant where I had dinner on the first evening.
Inside the Restaurant
The interior of the restaurant for dinner on Day 1. It was interesting that the floor was covered with sand, just like a beach.
Fruit and Dessert Section
This dinner restaurant was buffet-style. This is the section featuring fruits and desserts.
Cheese and Ham Section
The section with cheeses and cured meats.
Cake Section
Another dessert area, featuring a variety of cakes.
Lasagna
Lasagna.
Bread Section
The bread section.
Olive Oil and Dressings
This is the olive oil section. There are also various dressings and sauces available.
My Dinner Selection
This is what I chose for dinner.
- Appetizers: Ham, curry, steamed vegetables, etc.
- Salad: Cucumber, chickpeas, tomatoes, watercress, cottage cheese, and walnuts
- Main dishes: Meatloaf and curry
- Drink: Sparkling wine
Sparkling Wine
This is sparkling wine—Spanish Cava.
[Cava is a sparkling wine produced in designated regions of Spain, made from approved grape varieties using the traditional method.]
Dessert
Fruits, cakes, and mango pudding for dessert.
Evening Illumination
The illuminated walkways over the sea and the cottages after sunset.
Morning (Day 2)
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Sunrise
When I woke up, the sun was just beginning to rise.
The Sea
The morning view of the sea.
Blue Sky and Clouds
The clouds against the deep blue sky were incredibly beautiful.
View from the Cottage
Another cottage seen from the outdoor deck in the morning.
A Toast to the Sun
Inside the room, I poured sparkling water into a wine glass and raised a toast to the morning sun.
Morning Walk (Day 2)
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Boat on the Beach
A small boat placed as a decorative object on the sandy beach.
Even as an amateur, I could take a photo that looks like it belongs on a calendar page. The scene was simply too beautiful—the sky-blue sky, the cobalt-blue sea, and the white sand all glowing under the sunlight.
Beach Scene
Beach chairs and tables lined up along the shore.
Beach, Sea, and Sky
A stretch of white sandy beach under the open sky.
Lunch (Day 2)
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Restaurant Exterior
The restaurant where I had lunch on the second day.
View from the Restaurant
I took my seat at the restaurant. The view was absolutely wonderful.
Table Setting
After the table was set, bread was brought to the table.
Appetizer (1)
An appetizer dish. It appears to be grilled shrimp and mushrooms. The dark sauce is likely balsamic, and the way it was drizzled was very stylish. The overall quality was truly impressive.
Appetizer (2)
A close-up of the grilled shrimp dish. The presentation of the food was excellent.
- Ingredients:
- ・Shrimp
- ・Mushrooms, with watermelon underneath
- ・Lime on the side
- Sauce on the shrimp:
- ・Likely a red bell pepper and tomato-based sauce
Main Dish
The main course.
- ・Beef steak
- Served with broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, king oyster mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes
- ・Saffron rice
The way the two sauces were arranged on the plate was almost like a painting.
Dessert
A tropical mango pudding for dessert. The contrast between the dessert and the plate decorated with red sauce was beautiful.
Tea
Tea served after the meal.
Afternoon Walk (Day 2)
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Cluster of Cottages
Cottages photographed while taking a walk around the island after lunch on the second day.
Sky, Sea, and Walkway
Walking around the island. The contrast between the sky, the sea, and the pathway was truly beautiful.
Handrail Leading into the Sea
This handrail allows guests to enter the sea below.
Note on tide levels:
- The sea level changes significantly with the tides.
- ・Low tide (morning or evening): about 20 cm deep
- ・High tide (late night or daytime): around 1 to 1.5 meters deep
- At high tide, entering the water can be dangerous for both children and adults.
- When a red flag is raised, as seen in the photo, swimming is prohibited.
Sunset
The sun was beginning to set on the second day as well.
Dusk
Heading toward the restaurant for dinner.
Dinner (Day 2)
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Restaurant Atmosphere
The restaurant where I had dinner on the second day. The interior was decorated with what appeared to be traditional tableware and ornaments from regions such as India, Sri Lanka, or the Maldives.
Menu
The menu was displayed on a tablet. It clearly showed “ALL INCLUSIVE,” meaning that dinner was fully included in the hotel rate.
Bread
Bread was served.
View from the Restaurant
I took my seat and waited for the dishes to arrive.
Bread (Close-up)
A close-up of the bread.
Appetizer and Sparkling Wine
The appetizer. Although we were in the Maldives, this dish felt similar to traditional Middle Eastern mezze. There was minced meat placed in the center.
For the drink, I chose a rosé sparkling wine.
Appetizer
This dish seemed similar to mutabbal, a Middle Eastern appetizer made from roasted eggplant mixed with yogurt, olive oil, and spices, topped here with minced meat. The red sauce was not chili-based but rather used spices similar to Indian cuisine, giving it a noticeable level of heat.
Night Falls
While enjoying the appetizer, the sky gradually darkened, and the atmosphere became more and more romantic.
Main Dish
A meat-based main course.
- Side dishes:
- • French fries
- • Onion rings
- • Asparagus
Dessert
For dessert, I had New York cheesecake and vanilla ice cream. Raspberry sauce was drizzled over the cheesecake, with the ice cream served on the side.
Evening Illumination
Another restaurant area at night. The lighting created a warm and elegant mood.
Morning (Day 3)
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Dawn
The scene on the morning of the third day.
The Blue of the Sea in a Wine Glass
Just like the previous morning, I poured sparkling water into a wine glass and took this photo from the deck of my room. When the glass overlaps with the view beyond, you can truly feel the deep blue of the sea.
Horseshoe Crab (1)
While looking out at the sea in the morning, I noticed a horseshoe crab swimming by.
Horseshoe Crab (2)
The horseshoe crab swimming right in front of me.
Morning Walk (Day 3)
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Sunrise
I stepped out of my room and went for a morning walk.
Sunrise Over the Sea
The beach in the early morning light.
White Sandy Beach
In the morning, unlike the intense heat of the daytime, the walk is refreshing, wrapped in a gentle breeze.
Beach Chairs
The beach illuminated by the morning sun.
Pool
The pool in the morning.
Beach Tables
Tables set up along the beach.
Breakfast (Day 3)
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Inside the Restaurant
The breakfast restaurant on the morning of the third day.
Bread and Dessert Section
The bread and dessert section. The variety of breads was truly impressive.
Cheese and Ham Section
The section featuring cheeses, hams, and other items.
My Breakfast Selection
The dishes I enjoyed for breakfast.
- • Sushi (California rolls)
- • Scrambled eggs
- • Salad
- • Curry
- • Croissants, and more
Back to the Cottage
After finishing breakfast, I returned to the cottage where I had stayed for two nights.
Check-out
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From the Cottage
I was taken by cart from my cottage to the check-out area.
Check-out Building
This is where I checked out. The joyful, almost heaven-like time I spent here seemed to pass by in the blink of an eye.
Check-out Table (1)
I sat at this table with a member of the hotel staff to complete the check-out procedures.
Check-out Table (2)
Another view of the check-out table.
