Resten Inn Maldives: Your Dream Maldivian Escape Awaits!
Resten Inn Maldives: My Maldivian Dream (Almost!) - A Raw & Real Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from the Resten Inn Maldives, and let me tell you, it was a journey. This isn't your polished, PR-approved review; this is the REAL deal, warts and all, complete with sandy toes and likely, a lingering whiff of sunscreen.
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- Meta Description: My honest, unvarnished review of Resten Inn Maldives! We dig into the accessibility, the food, the fun, the (inevitable) hiccups, and everything in between. Is it paradise? Find out! Accessibility, Dining, Relaxation, Kid-friendly options, WiFi, and more!
Getting There & Getting Real (Accessibility & Arrival)
First off, my expectations were sky high! The photos? Gorgeous. The promises? Endless bliss. The reality? (cue dramatic music) Well, it started with the airport transfer – thankfully, they were on it. Smooth sailing from the airport to the island. Now, the word "accessible" is bandied about. And here's the first (and maybe biggest) reality check: While Resten Inn claims to be accessible, it's… nuanced. The main areas – the lobby, restaurants, and some of the paths – were manageable for someone with mobility issues, but definitely not flawlessly smooth. Imagine slightly uneven sandy pathways, sometimes a bit tricky with a wheelchair, which is a total letdown for accessibility. The staff, however, were AMAZING. Super helpful, always willing to assist. You could tell if you need assistance, they were there. This is where they absolutely nailed it – the service was genuinely outstanding and made sure you were comfortable, even if the infrastructure wasn't ideal.
Rooms: Paradise (but with a few kinks)
We sprung for a room with a view (of course!), and the view was… breathtaking. The room itself was well-appointed, with all the usual suspects: air conditioning (thank the heavens!), a coffee maker (essential!), and free Wi-Fi (even better!). I dove straight into the "free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" - and it really worked. Finally, a hotel that doesn't hide a decent, albeit slow, internet connection. The bed was comfy, the shower was hot, and the little touches (robe, extra slippers, the little local sweet treat on arrival) were appreciated.
Now, the minor niggles. (Because, again, reality): The room décor was perfectly fine, nothing groundbreaking. The soundproofing? Not the best. You could occasionally hear the excited squeals of kids from the family rooms next door. At one point I swear I heard someone ordering room service at 3 am.
Dining, Drinking, & (Mostly) Bliss
Let's talk FOOD! We had breakfast, lunch, and dinner there many times. The Asian breakfast was divine, and I mean DIVINE. The buffet was a feast with a range of cuisines, including a decent vegetarian selection. They had an international cuisine restaurant, plus a poolside bar (which saw a lot of my time.) One of the restaurants served Asian cuisine, and it was awesome. Coffee and tea flowed freely. I could order a la carte and I did. Room service was available 24 hours. They had a buffet in the restaurant always there. They had a snack bar. The desserts were to die for. The breakfast service was excellent! If you are lucky enough to get it, you get a bottle of water. However, and this is important: The food options felt ever so slightly repetitive after a while. You're on an island, so, sure, limited menu options are expected. But after a few days, I found myself fantasizing about, like, a good burger.
Relaxation & Recreation: Spa Day & Some Pool Time
This is where Resten Inn truly shines. The spa was phenomenal. I went for a body scrub with a body wrap and a massage. I think I spent at least three hours in the spa. The pool itself had a poolside view. Swimming in the outdoor pool was one of the things to do. The sauna, steamroom, and spa/sauna were wonderful. The fitness center exists, and I'm sure some of you used it. I, however, mainly focused on the pool and the water view.
Cleanliness, Safety, & The Dreaded C-Word
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: the post-pandemic protocols. Resten Inn was meticulous with its hygiene. They had anti-viral cleaning products for sure. There was daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff were trained in safety protocols. They were also very serious about hand sanitizer. They had sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Staff were trained in safety protocols. They had a safe dining setup. They had a hand sanitizer. All of this was reassuring. I saw that they also had hygiene certification. They have a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit.
Things to Do (Besides, You Know, Being in Paradise)
This is where Resten Inn almost lost me. While the island itself is breathtaking, the activities could feel a little… sparse. There's snorkeling, diving (which isn't my forte), and the usual array of water sports. But beyond that, options were limited. While there were things to do, sometimes you had to look really hard.
For the Kids.. and the Rest of Us
The resort is, generally, family/child-friendly. They had kids facilities, but I didn't have kids so I wasn't exactly paying attention.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Touches That Matter
The staff were incredibly attentive. The concierge was helpful. They offer laundry service, dry cleaning (thank God!). There's a convenience store for those essential sundries and treats. They have daily housekeeping.
The Bottom Line: Would I Go Back?
Yes. I think so. Despite the minor imperfections, the Resten Inn Maldives delivered on the promise of a beautiful escape. The staff were amazing. The food was at least good, the spa was heaven. Yes, it could be more accessible. Yes, the activities could be more vibrant. But the raw, natural beauty of the Maldives, combined with the genuinely caring service, made it an experience I won't soon forget. It's a dream escape, just with a few real-world bumps along the sandy path.
Overall Score: 4 out of 5 Stars (Lost a star for the accessibility and slightly limited options, but gained it back for the AMAZING staff and the overall feeling of paradise.)
Indonesian Paradise Found: Unbelievable Thani Villa Awaits!Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary for the Resten Inn Maldives isn't your cookie-cutter, perfectly-planned, Instagram-filtered fantasy. This is real travel. The kind that leaves you sunburnt, slightly delirious, and clutching your heart with a mixture of joy and "did that actually happen?"
Resten Inn Maldives: My Possibly-Not-So-Perfect Paradise (and the chaos that ensued)
Day 1: Arrival - Holy Guacamole, THIS is the Maldives?
10:00 AM (ish) - GAH! Arrival in Malé. Okay, first impressions? Holy airport, Batman! Packed like sardines! Finding the Resten Inn rep was a minor miracle. Found 'em though, bless their patient souls. They shepherded us (me, my perpetually-lost-in-thought partner, and a suitcase that clearly identified as a sentient boulder) onto a speedboat. Which… whew. The ocean, in that shade of blue? Seriously, someone needs to copyright that color.
11:30 AM - Speedboat Blast & Initial Impression. The ride was… a little choppy. Let’s just say I discovered my sea legs aren't exactly synchronized with the ocean's. Briefly considered praying to Neptune, but then… the view. Islands popping up like emerald jewels. Mind officially blown. Arrived, slightly green around the gills, and finally made it to the actual Resten Inn. Cozy, clean, not the over-the-top luxury but charming in its own way. The staff? Ridiculously friendly. Already feeling the "island time" vibe. And the air, even smelling of the frangipani, already so much better than London.
1:00 PM - Lunch (and a Moment of Panic). Lunch was supposed to be this delicious grilled something-or-other. The reality? A slightly spicy curry that made my nose run and my eyes water. Okay, maybe I panic a little in new situations. I didn’t realize how spicy it was until after I took a huge bite. The waiter was too polite to laugh, thank god. We then went out to explore the island itself.
3:00 PM - Beach Bliss (with a side of sunscreen-related disaster). Ah, the beach! White sand, turquoise water, the works. Attempted to apply sunscreen. Failed. Spectacularly. Ended up looking like a lobster after about an hour. Lesson learned: reapply religiously. I think I did about the best I could. My partner? He's off snorkeling. I can't blame him - I'm just not a huge fan of water.
7:00 PM - Sunset Dinner (and a near-miss with a coconut). Dinner at the Inn's restaurant. The sunset? Breathtaking. The dinner itself? Pretty good. The near-death experience involving a falling coconut? Let's just say, I'm keeping a wide berth from coconut trees for the rest of the trip. I swear that thing came out of nowhere!
Day 2: Underwater Adventures and Unanticipated Drama
- 9:00 AM - Snorkeling (and my near-drowning experience). My partner was in heaven snorkelling the day before so I thought "alright, let's give this a try". I'm not going to lie, I panicked. I was expecting some clear beautiful waters full of fish and all I saw was murky water. It freaked me out, I ended up choking on water, and the whole thing was a disaster. I am just not built for the deep blue. My own near-drowning was so dramatic the staff made me tea and gave me a hug. They were very sweet.
- 12:00 PM - Island Hopping (and a surprisingly delicious detour). Time for a little island hopping! First stop (planned). A small local island. This was the best part of the plan. Walked the main street, saw some cute souvenir shops, and had the best lunch of the trip! I had a tasty fish dish that was surprisingly delicious. The whole experience was great.
- 3:00 PM - Back to Resten Inn. Spent the afternoon in my room reading, which was a nice change of pace.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner and Conversation. We decided to try another restaurant further away. The food was great and the staff were very friendly. I was a little unsure about going out but it was a great experience.
Day 3: Farewell (and the Bitter-Sweet Symphony of Departure)
- 9:00 AM - Last Breakfast (with extra mangoes). One last delicious buffet breakfast. Okay, maybe I went a little overboard on the mangoes. Don't judge me! My last hurrah for the best tasting fruit I've had in a long time.
- 10:00 AM - Packing and Reflecting (with a side of existential dread). Packing up, staring at the ocean, and realizing I have to go back to reality. Ugh. The Maldives? They're magical. But the thought of leaving? Not so magical. I'm already missing the sun, the slow pace, the utter lack of responsibilities.
- 12:00 PM - The Goodbye. One last look at the blinding blue. Said a sincere farewell to the amazingly kind staff. Speedboat. Malé. Airport. The long haul flight home. Honestly, I'm already planning my return.
Final Thoughts:
The Resten Inn Maldives? It's not flashy, it's not perfect, and it's definitely not without its bumps. But those imperfections? They're what made the trip real. It's the laughter, the near-disasters, the moments of sheer, unadulterated beauty that will stay with me. And hey, the tan lines? They're a pretty good souvenir too. So, go. Go to the Maldives. Embrace the chaos. And for the love of all that is holy, wear sunscreen! You'll thank me later. And be nice to the staff: they're lifesavers.
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Resten Inn Maldives: Your Dream Maldivian Escape (Maybe!) - Let's Get Real
Okay, so, Resten Inn... is it actually *dreamy* dream-worthy? Or is it just Instagram-filtered perfection?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause I'm about to give you the unvarnished truth, sprinkled with a few salty tears (and maybe some sunscreen). The Maldives? Yeah, the images are stunning. Resten Inn? It *can* be stunning. Let's just say, my expectations, fueled by far too many glossy travel mags, met reality with a slightly bruised ego. Picture this: I'm thinking turquoise water, perfect white sand, like, pristine. And… it *is* turquoise. And the sand *is* white. But, and this is a big BUT… things get a little… real. Like, the sand occasionally has bits of shell and the waves aren't *always* postcard-perfect. But, like, is that a bad thing? Nah, it’s what makes it feel, you know, *real*. And honestly, sometimes you just need to realize that perfection is a lie anyway.
Location, location, location! Where is Resten Inn actually *located*? And is it a pain to get there?
Okay, the location: It's on Thulusdhoo Island. Which, in non-Maldivian-expert speak, means you'll probably fly into Male (the main airport) and then… well, the fun begins! You might take a speedboat, which is awesome and exhilarating until your stomach decides it's not a fan of the ocean's bumpy side. Or a ferry – cheaper, but it moves at the glacial pace of a particularly lazy sea turtle. The speedboat? Fast, cool, can be a bit rocky! The ferry? Chill, slow-paced, you get a good tan, but plan an entire day. I took the speedboat. My stomach wasn't thrilled, but hey, at least I made it alive, right?
The Beaches! Tell me about the beaches! Are they all like those perfect Pinterest photos?
Alright, beach time. The beaches at Thulusdhoo (and by extension, at Resten Inn) are pretty darn good. Seriously good. The sand is soft, the water is clear. But here’s the real talk: You’re not always guaranteed that *perfect* postcard shot. Sometimes there's a little seaweed, sometimes there's a bit of, shall we say, "beach detritus" (mostly natural, don't worry!), and sometimes the tide is just… well, rude and refuses to cooperate with your desire for that Insta-worthy photo. There ARE gorgeous stretches, though. And that's where the magic happens. Finding *your* perfect spot, feeling the sun on your skin, listening to the waves… That's the real dream, right? It certainly was for me, I spent HOURS (and sunburned a few times) just wandering around the beach thinking: "This is it, this is the life".
The Rooms! What are the rooms at Resten Inn actually *like*? Cozy? Luxurious? Or just… adequate?
Okay, ROOMS! Now we're getting down to it. The rooms are... comfortable. Let's start there. They're not the over-the-top, opulent suites you might see at some of the ultra-luxury resorts (and honestly, good riddance, that kind of makes me nervous!). They're clean, air-conditioned (bless!), and have everything you *need*. Think: a comfy bed, a decent bathroom, often a balcony or a little outdoor space to sit with your morning coffee. Don't expect a jacuzzi or a personal butler (although, wouldn't that be nice…?), but the real beauty is outside. You won't be spending much time hiding in your room, anyway. I was so content just sitting on the balcony drinking coffee and just watching the waves.
Food Glorious Food! What's the food situation like? Local cuisine, or just the same old touristy fare?
Ah, the FOOD. This is where things get really interesting. Resten Inn usually offers a mix. You'll find some international options, which can be a bit of a relief when you're craving something familiar, and, more importantly, local Maldivian cuisine! Think fresh seafood, curries, rice, and all sorts of flavorful goodness. My advice? Embrace the local dishes! They're delicious, flavorful. The breakfasts are usually pretty standard, but the dinners... Ah, the dinners. I remember one particularly amazing grilled fish. It had been caught that morning and then grilled to perfection. I ended up eating there every single night. It became my "thing". Just amazing! And the local fruit, oh my gosh, the mangoes were the best mangoes I've ever tasted. Get ready to try something new! And bring antacid. Just in case.
Activities, Activities! What is there to *do* besides… you know… lie on the beach?
Okay, so, you *could* spend your entire trip just lying on the beach (and honestly, I wouldn't blame you one bit!). But if you wanna do *something* more active, options abound! Snorkeling is a must – the underwater world is seriously breathtaking. Diving is another great option. You can go surfing (Thulusdhoo is a popular surf spot!). You can take boat trips to nearby islands. You can even try your hand at fishing. I was utterly useless at the fishing. I spent the entire time getting seasick and it was pretty embarrassing, actually. One time I saw a couple swimming with manta rays, and I had to sit that day, and a few days after, out, I just wasn't up for it. But you can do so many things! Just don't pack your schedule too tight. You're on island time, baby! Embrace the zen.
Can I get Wi-Fi? And is the internet *reliable*? Asking for a friend... (who is me).
Wi-Fi... the modern-day curse and blessing! Yes, Resten Inn usually offers Wi-Fi. But let's be real. You're in the Maldives, on an island. Don't expect lightning-fast, fiber-optic bliss. It's… variable. Sometimes it’s decent. You can check your emails, maybe scroll through your Instagram feed. Other times… well, you get to embrace the digital detox, which might actually be a good thing. Be prepared for the occasional buffering, or the total outage. Trust me, it’s a small price to pay for the sun, sand and absolute beauty that surrounds you. That being said, if you *depend* on the internet for work, consider purchasing a local SIM card when you get there. It's often much more reliable.
