Just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa offers a refreshing take on island luxury – one where ease, accessibility and comfort shape the experience. We stayed in one of the resort’s ocean villas to discover a large, leafy island where holiday mode begins almost immediately.
Hotel
Not every Maldivian escape needs a seaplane and a long wait before the first sense of calm arrives. At Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa, tranquillity begins almost as soon as you touch down. A short private speedboat transfer delivers guests from Velana International Airport to the island in around 15 minutes – a rare advantage in a destination often defined by distance.
That immediacy has real value. After a long-haul flight, arriving so swiftly allows the Maldives to feel restorative rather than demanding. Shoes are slipped off, a cool drink appears, and within moments the rhythm shifts. The island feels far removed from the airport, yet refreshingly easy to reach.
First impressions are of a generous, green island framed by calm lagoons and gently curving beaches. Sandy pathways wind through dense tropical foliage, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming rather than hushed or ceremonial. Sheraton is not positioned as ultra-exclusive luxury in the style of some other much more expensive resorts; instead, it offers a more informal, accessible version of island elegance – polished, comfortable and reassuringly familiar.
Room
Staying in one of the resort’s ocean view pool villas highlights a different kind of luxury – one rooted in privacy and retreat rather than overwater drama. Tucked away in a secluded part of the island and deliberately set apart from the busier areas of the resort, these villas are designed for guests who value peace, space and uninterrupted downtime – with the most incredible ocean views.
Our villa felt quietly cocooned within its own tropical enclave, surrounded by lush greenery and removed from passing foot traffic. That sense of separation is immediate and deeply reassuring – particularly on a resort of this size – and it gives the villa a genuinely intimate feel.
Inside, the design is elegant and island-inspired, with soft tones, natural textures and a layout that prioritises comfort and relaxation. A plush king-sized bed anchors the space, while large windows draw in light and frame sweeping views of the Indian Ocean beyond. The atmosphere is calm and restorative rather than showy – very much in keeping with Sheraton’s approachable, unfussy style of luxury.
The bathroom is particularly generous, featuring a freestanding bathtub alongside both indoor and outdoor showers – ideal for unwinding after a long flight or a day spent by the sea. It’s a space designed for slowing down, not rushing through routines.
Outside, these villas have large gardens with a generous sized private pool on a spacious deck with a seating area perfect for morning coffee and also ample space for sunbathing. They really feel like a peaceful personal sanctuary for cooling dips, sun-warmed afternoons or quiet evening swims. Whether starting the day with a refreshing plunge or ending it watching the sky soften over the ocean, this outdoor space became one of the villa’s most rewarding features. Watching and listening to the waves crashing just over our garden wall was mesmerising!
While these villas do not offer direct lagoon access, they more than compensate with their elevated position, sweeping ocean views and exceptional privacy. It’s accommodation that feels deliberately removed, peaceful and well judged – particularly appealing for couples, honeymooners, those needing extra privacy for cultural reasons, or solo travellers seeking calm rather than connectivity.
In keeping with the resort as a whole, the ocean view pool villas favour ease and comfort over spectacle. They are refined without being theatrical, private without feeling isolated – and perfectly suited to a Maldives stay where relaxation begins almost as soon as you arrive. In our opinion, even though the over water villas with pools at the resort are perfect for many, the ocean view pool villas really are the resort’s lesser known highlight.
Food and drink
Dining at Sheraton mirrors the island’s easy-going spirit, offering variety, flexibility and an unforced sense of occasion.
Feast, the main restaurant, delivers abundant international buffets and themed evenings designed to suit longer stays. It is lively without being hectic, and consistently popular for its range and approachability. Beachfront Sea Salt is the natural choice for sunset dining, serving grilled seafood and meats just steps from the sand. The atmosphere is relaxed and romantic, with palms silhouetted against softly glowing skies. The lobster served here was fantastic!
Baan Thai provides a more intimate experience, with fragrant, well-balanced Thai dishes served in a warmly styled setting. For something a little more casual, Chopstix offers Asian comfort favourites, while Masala Hut brings Indian flavours in a pretty setting. Daytime dining often centres around Kakuni Hut, ideal for light bites, pizzas and easy lunches, while evenings frequently end at Anchorage Bar, where cocktails, live music and a gentle social buzz draw guests together.
The emphasis throughout is on choice and flow rather than formality – dining that fits naturally around the day, rather than dictating it.
To do
Set on its own small island, Shine Spa feels deliberately removed from the rest of the resort. Reached via a wooden walkway, it offers an immediate sense of calm, with treatment rooms overlooking the water and a focus on restorative, unhurried therapies. Do allow time after your treatments to enjoy the spa’s beautiful garden and pool area – here you can relax with the sound of waves in the background.
Beyond the spa, days unfold at an unforced pace. Guests swim, snorkel, stroll shaded paths or settle into loungers with a book. The atmosphere is sociable yet unintrusive – relaxed rather than programmed.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa is a large resort with a wide range of accommodation and facilities, and its appeal lies in that breadth. It is not designed to feel secluded or rarefied, but open, welcoming and comfortably luxurious.
The atmosphere is polished without formality, stylish without intimidation. Guests move easily between spaces, from beach to bar to restaurant, and the island carries a sense of ease that encourages repeat visits.
This is luxury that feels accessible – both physically and emotionally.
In a nutshell
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa offers a compelling alternative to the Maldives’ more remote island experiences. Its proximity to Malé, combined with a relaxed, well-run approach to luxury, makes it particularly appealing for shorter breaks, last-minute escapes or travellers who value ease as much as beauty.
The ocean villas provide privacy and calm, the dining offers variety and flexibility, and the spa delivers genuine tranquillity. Above all, Sheraton understands that for many travellers, the greatest luxury is time – and here, more of it is spent enjoying the island rather than getting to it.
Factbox
Address: Furanafushi Island, North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Phone: +960 664 2010
Reservations email: [email protected]
Website: marriott.com
Images courtesy of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa
