Escape to Paradise: Muladdu Inn Maldives - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Ditching Reality for a Maldivian Dream: My Unguided Tour of Muladdu Inn (and My Soul)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I just got back from a trip to the Maldives. Specifically, Muladdu Inn, which, let me tell you, is supposed to be where your dream vacation awaits. And… well, let's just say it mostly lived up to the hype. I'm going to spill EVERYTHING. The good, the questionable, and the moments when I nearly choked on a rogue coconut (metaphorically, of course. Though… you'll see).
First things first: Accessibility. This is crucial, right? Important for everyone, from the jet-setting grandma to the… well, ME, who occasionally feels like their knees are plotting a rebellion. Muladdu Inn, bless their hearts, tries. They’ve got an elevator, which is a lifesaver (especially after tackling that massive buffet at breakfast!). They supposedly have facilities for disabled guests, which is a good sign. I didn’t personally need them, but seeing them there gave me warm fuzzies. BUT, I need to get real: Maldives itself… might be a challenge for some. Think: sandy beaches, and sometimes, less-than-perfectly-paved paths. Airport transfer is available, which is a MUST, and they offer help, as the water transfers could be a bit tricky. So, while the Inn is trying, the overall accessibility of the experience is a mixed bag.
Right, let's dive into the real fun: Things to Do, Ways to Relax (or, how I became a puddle of bliss). Oh. My. GOODNESS. Where do I even START?
Spa. I’m talking Body scrubs, Body wraps, the whole shebang. I had a massage. And… I melted. Seriously. Like, became one with the fluffy towels kind of melt. The Pool with a View (we're talking the turquoise of your dreams) was the scene for many a lazy afternoon. There's a Fitness center with equipment (I may or may not have actually used it. Let's just say I spent more time in the pool). They have a Sauna, Steamroom, the works. A foot bath after a day of sun? Yes, please. Don’t underestimate that foot bath, people. It was the peak of luxury. And I'm sure there's a Gym/fitness area somewhere, although I might have missed it when I was looking for the bar.
Swimming pool…again, OUTDOOR. Let’s repeat again: you're in the Maldives. Need I say more?
Relaxation: I got very into it, I am not a meditation person, but damn, did I spent hours just gazing at the sky, and listening to the waves.
Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, this is where Muladdu Inn shines right now. They’re clearly taking the whole COVID thing seriously. And this is super important to me. I mean, a dream vacation is no good if you end up with a nasty souvenir, right?
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? CHECK.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Mostly, yeah. Although the buffet line… that was a free-for-all sometimes.
- They're doing the daily disinfection in common areas.
- Safe dining setup? Check.
- Sterilizing equipment? Yep.
- Individually-wrapped food options? Yup, mostly.
- Room sanitization opt-out available and Rooms sanitized between stays.
I never once felt unsafe. They're serious about keeping you safe and healthy.
Rooms and Amenities (aka, My Temporary Paradise)
Okay, my room. The room. It was… chef's kiss. Let's go through the details, because I'm a details person:
- Air conditioning? Essential. I mean, it's the Maldives, it's hot.
- Free Wi-Fi [in all rooms]? YES! Because, let's be honest, even in paradise, you need your Instagram fix.
- Air conditioning in public area, that works too.
- Additional toilet, never hurts.
- Alarm clock, to remind you to get your butt out of bed and enjoy the day.
- Bathrobes, Because, you know, luxury.
- Bathroom phone, I was never sure I needed it.
- Bathtub, Yes, a perfect spot to admire the sunset from your bathtub.
- Blackout curtains, to help you sleep off that post-massage bliss.
- Closet, Where I hid all my shopping.
- Coffee/tea maker, Essential, I did not want to go downstairs every morning for my coffee and tea.
- Complimentary tea, Yes.
- Daily housekeeping, which made me feel like a queen for a day.
- Desk, so you can pretend you're working (I didn't).
- Hair dryer, because you didn't want salty, wet hair.
- High floor, it was amazing to admire the view from above.
- In-room safe box, where I stashed my passport (and maybe, a little bit of cash).
- Internet access – wireless, so you can still spend time online.
- Ironing facilities, I did not use them.
- Laptop workspace, I did not use it.
- Linens, because linen is the best.
- Mini bar, a good spot for late night treats.
- Mirror, to admire the tan.
- Non-smoking, and so it should be.
- Private bathroom, you didn't have to share with strangers.
- Reading light, so you can read some books in the bathtub.
- Refrigerator, perfect to store your drinks.
- Satellite/cable channels, I just wanted to watch the ocean.
- Seating area, I could sip my tea and admire the view.
- Separate shower/bathtub, because who wants to shower on a bathtub?
- Shower, yes.
- Smoke detector, I was always careful.
- Sofa, to relax on.
- Soundproofing, perfect to sleep.
- Telephone, still works!
- Toiletries, smelling good.
- Towels, because you will get wet.
- Umbrella, because you cannot avoid the rain.
- Wake-up service, perfect to wake up early to admire the sun rise.
- Wi-Fi [free], finally!
- Window that opens, to admire the view.
The room was PERFECT. But what makes a trip, truly, amazing is the Dining, drinking, and snacking:
- Restaurants. There are, plural. Restaurants. And they are delicious!
- Bar. Yes, they got a bar. You cannot be in a paradise without a bar. They offer several special drinks.
- Poolside bar. Even better!
- A la carte in restaurant, that's an option.
- Alternative meal arrangement, is an option.
- Asian breakfast, the best breakfast I've ever had.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, yes, too.
- Bottle of water, is free.
- Breakfast [buffet], massive. Amazing!
- Breakfast service, if you don't want to go, they bring it to you.
- Buffet in restaurant, the best one.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, perfect.
- Desserts in restaurant, the best treat after lunch/dinner.
- Happy hour, yes!
- International cuisine in restaurant, all kinds of food, all the time!
- Room service [24-hour], that's excellent service.
- Salad in restaurant, a good treat from time to time.
- Snack bar, perfect to grab a snack after the pool.
- Soup in restaurant, a good option.
- Vegetarian restaurant, it's an option.
- Western breakfast, a good option too.
- Western cuisine in restaurant, yes!
The food was incredible. I'm talking Asian breakfast, it was a vibe. The coffee shop was a lifesaver in the mornings. And the poolside bar? Oh, the poolside bar. Imagine sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail while staring out at that turquoise water. Pure. Bliss. They had a wide variety of salads, soups, desserts and meals for everyone.
Services and Conveniences:
- Airport transfer,
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your perfectly manicured, Instagram-filtered travel diary. This is the REAL DEAL. My chaotic, often hilarious, and entirely flawed attempt at experiencing paradise, Muladdu Inn, Maldives style. Here we go…
Muladdu Inn: My Very Own Island Time-Warp (and Probably a Sunburn)
(Pre-Trip Anxiety: Level 10)
Let's be honest, planning this trip? A NIGHTMARE. Deciding between overwater bungalows and… well, whatever the budget-friendly version is (which is, let's be real, what I'm going for). Then the flight. Flying for hours is like a slow-motion test of your bladder control. And the packing? Oh god, the packing. I packed enough sunscreen to last a small village, mostly because I know I’ll forget to reapply and end up looking like a lobster in a sarong.
(Day 1: Arrival - Paradise Found (and Slightly Delayed))
- 6:00 AM (Maldivian Time - which, let's face it, is just "whenever"): Finally arrived at Velana International Airport (MLE). Jetlagged, slightly grumpy, and already regretting that extra coffee I had before boarding. Good start! The heat hits you like a physical shove of humidity. It's… intense.
- 6:30 AM: Scramble to find the Muladdu Inn rep. My initial thought was, "Easy. Just look for the guy holding a sign." WRONG. It wasn't a guy, it was a sweet, slightly bewildered lady holding a tiny sign with my name scrawled on it. Felt like I was in some kinda secret agent movie, but not a cool one. More like, “The Tourist Who Didn’t Pack Enough Bug Spray"
- 7:00 AM: Speedboat transfer. The turquoise water? Stunning. The wind in my hair? Glorious. The fact that I’m probably going to get seasick? … Questionable. But I powered through the waves like a champ (or at least, tried to look like one).
- 7:45 AM: Arrival at Muladdu Inn (after a slightly harrowing navigation of the waves). It's exactly as advertised: charming, simple, and with a view that could make even a grumpy old sea captain weep. The staff? SO friendly. Like, unreasonably friendly. Is this some kind of Maldivian mind control?
- 8:00 AM: Checked into my room. It was clean, comfortable, and the AC immediately became my new best friend.
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast! Fresh fruit, omelets, and the strongest coffee I’ve had in years. Fueling up for maximum relaxation (and sunburn avoidance).
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss. Swimming in the crystal-clear water. Snapping photos like a crazy person. Trying, and failing, to resist the urge to nap. The beach is ridiculously perfect. The sand? White and soft like powdered sugar. I’m fairly certain I squealed when I saw it. I'm not even that sorry.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch: I swear I’ve never eaten so much fish in my life. But I’ll tell you what - fresh, local fish? Absolutely divine. The spices? A symphony of flavor. I could happily spend the rest of my life eating Maldivian curry.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Attempted to snorkel. Emphasis on attempted. My mask kept fogging up, I kept swallowing sea water (delicious, by the way!), and I'm pretty sure I spent more time fiddling with my gear than actually seeing anything. But hey, I looked cool in my flippers. Kind of.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Sunset drinks on the beach. The colours of the sunset were insane. Pinks, oranges, purples… like nature's own art gallery. I think I almost cried. Okay, I definitely teared up. The cocktails? Strong. And delicious.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. More fresh seafood. More local spices. More bliss. Seriously, this place is dangerous. I’m going to have to be rolled on the plane home.
- 8:00 PM: Passed out in my air-conditioned room. Completely and utterly exhausted.
(Day 2: Diving Deep (and Possibly Dramatically Failing Again))
- 7:00 AM: Woke up after a solid 11 hours of sleep, feeling like a new person. (Except for the slight sunburn on my nose.)
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast. Repeat of yesterday's deliciousness. My stomach is officially happy.
- 8:30 AM: Diving excursion! I'd never been diving before, and I was both wildly excited and utterly terrified. The dive instructor, a calm and patient man named Ahmed, tried to be reassuring. "Don't worry," he said, "It's like breathing underwater." Famous last words, Ahmed.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: The equipment: I was so nervous I probably forgot how to inhale and exhale normally. The dive itself? Mind-blowing. The coral reefs, the fish, the feeling of floating weightlessly in the blue… it was like being in a completely different world. (I think I saw a turtle? My memory is a bit blurry.)
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Unfortunately, my air tank decided to be uncooperative. I also got hit by a huge wave. I had to surface, which was, to put it mildly, a complete mess. I had to hold onto a rope so I wouldn’t drift off into the middle of the ocean. I think I swallowed half of the ocean when I got back up.
- 11:00 AM: After the diving disaster, the rest of the day was spent on the beach, nursing my bruised ego and contemplating my life choices. Clearly, I am not destined to be a scuba diver.
- 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Ate lunch (more curries!) and spent the rest of the afternoon chilling on the beach. Read a book (finally!). Felt the sand between my toes (again and again). Watched the waves. Enjoyed the absolute peacefulness. This is what I needed.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and drinks. Met some fellow travelers. Shared stories, laughed a lot, and felt a sense of connection to the world. It's amazing how quickly you can bond with people when you're all basking in paradise.
- 8:00 PM: The sky was clear and full of stars. Watched the stars. Had a quiet moment. Realized that even the "disasters" are part of the adventure.
(Day 3: Island Hopping (and Almost Getting Lost))
- 9:00 AM: Island hopping! Visited a local island. We spent the morning exploring the local village and getting a glimpse into Maldivian life. It was humbling and beautiful and a lot of fun.
- 10:00 AM: I was walking on a road and got a little bit lost (as per usual). But, that’s how you find all the little hidden gems.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch and drinks
- 2:00 PM: Was so surprised to see one of the best sunsets I've ever seen.
(Day 4: The Grand Finale and Goodbye)
- 7:00 AM: Last breakfast! A sad, delicious moment.
- 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Last swim, last sunbathe, last attempt to soak it all in. Bought some souvenirs. Tried to memorize every detail of the view, because I know I'll miss it terribly.
- 1:00 PM: The dreaded check-out. Said goodbye to the incredibly kind staff. Felt a pang of sadness.
- 2:00 PM: Speedboat back to the airport. This time, I handled the waves like a pro (ok, maybe not, but I didn't get seasick!).
- 3:00 PM: Waiting at the airport. Reflecting on the trip. Sunburnt, slightly sandy, and utterly, completely happy.
- 4:00 PM: Time to fly home
(Post-Trip Reflections: Messy but Memorable)
This trip wasn’t perfect. I botched some things. I got a little lost. I nearly drowned once. But it was real. It was raw. It was unbelievably beautiful.
Lee Nova Place Bangkok: Your Dream Thai Escape Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Muladdu Inn Maldives - Your Dream Vacation Awaits! (Or Does It?) - FAQs That Actually Tell You Something
Alright, let's get real. You're scrolling through dreamy photos of overwater bungalows and turquoise water. Muladdu Inn's website probably promises heaven on Earth. But before you empty your bank account, let's get down to brass tacks. I’ve been there (or, you know, *tried* to be), and I'm here to spill the tea – the salty, fishy, sometimes-slightly-disappointing-but-ultimately-amazing tea that is a trip to the Maldives.
1. So, is the Maldives *really* as stunning as the Instagram photos? Because... filters, you know?
Okay, deep breath. Yes. And no. The water? Unreal. Like, retina-searingly blue. The sand? Powdery white. The sunsets? Spectacular enough to make even the grumpiest person tear up (I may or may not have shed a few tears - don't judge me). *However*... Instagram paints a perfect picture. It's not *always* sunshine and rainbows. One day, the tide brought in a whole bunch of… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly pristine. A fisherman's net got tangled up on my beach, and some of the coral... well, let's just say things weren't always postcard-perfect. But even on a slightly rough sea day? Still breathtaking. Still worth it. Just…manage your expectations. You're not living in a magazine spread; you're in the real, slightly imperfect, but utterly gorgeous, world.
2. Alright, *Muladdu Inn* Specifically. Is it actually good? Or just another generic Maldives resort?
Okay, here's the deal. Muladdu Inn isn't the Four Seasons (and thank goodness, because my wallet would *scream*). It's a charming, locally-owned guesthouse. Think…cozy, not opulent. The rooms are simple but comfortable. The staff? Absolute gems. Always smiling, helpful, and genuinely wanting you to have a good time. They remembered my name. My *weird* drink order. That's the kind of personal touch that makes a difference. Were there a few minor hiccups? Sure. My shower pressure resembled a gentle drizzle on some days (first world problems, I know!). But the pros *massively* outweighed the cons. If you're looking for authentic Maldivian hospitality and aren't expecting over-the-top luxury, Muladdu is a fantastic choice. I found it to be a truly special place with a soul, not just a place to crash.
3. What's the food like? I'm a picky eater. And a vegetarian. And probably going to be jetlagged. Help.
Oh, the food. Okay, so, the Maldivian cuisine is… well, it's a bit fish-heavy. But Muladdu Inn does a *really* good job catering to different dietary needs. As for being a vegetarian, they absolutely got me. The curries were *divine*. Seriously, I dream about those curries. And the breakfast buffet (yes, even though it's a guesthouse, there's a small but decent buffet!) had fresh fruit, bread, and eggs. I even discovered a new obsession: mashed sweet potato with coconut! My advice? Just let them know your preferences in advance. The chefs are super accommodating and willing to adjust dishes to your liking. And even if you *are* jetlagged, the aroma of freshly cooked food will snap you out of that post-flight stupor. Trust me.
4. Diving and Snorkeling? Is it actually good? Or just… coral-colored disappointment?
Snorkeling? Spectacular. Seriously, if you don't snorkel in the Maldives, you're missing out on half the experience. The reefs around Muladdu's island are teeming with life. I saw turtles! (And immediately started crying – I get emotional around turtles). I saw every color of fish imaginable. I even (briefly) swam with a manta ray! (Okay, I mostly panicked, but still, *a manta ray!*) Diving? I don’t dive (too chicken), but I talked to several divers who were *raving*. They said the dive sites were incredible, with clear visibility and an abundance of… underwater stuff. So, yeah, the underwater world is a massive selling point. Just remember your sunscreen and a waterproof camera - you *will* want to brag.
5. Activities, activities, activities! What is there to DO besides lie on a beach and cry from happiness?
Okay, so, yes, beaching is *highly* encouraged. But if you’re the type who gets antsy after, like, an hour of sunbathing (guilty), there are options. You can go snorkeling (duh!), diving (if you have the guts), take a sunset cruise (romantic!), go fishing (catch your dinner!), visit a local island (which is actually fascinating), or try some watersports. I, on the other hand, decided to dive headfirst into the world of *relaxing*. Let's just say, I took a *lot* of naps. I also read about six books, which is pretty much a record for me. Sometimes doing nothing is exactly what you need. But if you need more, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
6. What's the deal with getting there? Sounds complicated. (Because it probably *is*.)
Yep, it's a bit of a process, but don't let it scare you. You'll likely fly into Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. From there, you'll either take a domestic flight or a speedboat to the island where Muladdu Inn is located. The Inn can arrange all of this for you, which makes life *much* easier. The domestic flight was pretty efficient, though the tiny plane did make me a little nervous (I'm not a fan of small aircraft). The speedboat ride was a blast! Just remember your motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness. And be prepared for the sheer, unadulterated *joy* of seeing those turquoise waters get closer and closer. It's worth the travel hassle, trust me.
7. Okay, let's talk money. Is this a budget-friendly paradise? Or am I going to need to sell a kidney?
Muladdu Inn is definitely on the more accessible side of Maldivian resorts. You won't have to sell a kidney. But it's still not *cheap*. However, compared to those overwater bungalow palaces? It's a steal. The prices are reasonable, especially considering you're in the Maldives. Factor in the cost of flights, transfers (see question 6), activities,Trip Stay Finder
