From specialist wine debuts to private dining, Ozen Reserve Bolifushi offers something a little different to the cookie-cutter Maldives experience.
I was sipping a glass of Bodegas Viñátigo wine as the owner of the vineyard, Juan Jesús Méndez, educated me on the house’s signature taste, achieved through a blend of volcanic soil and native grapes from the Canary Islands. The kitchen presented dish after dish of gourmet fare, each expertly crafted to pair with the wine, all enjoyed by the group in a striking 2,000-bottle wine library overlooking the sea.
But I wasn’t in a vineyard in the Canaries; I was at ORIGINƎ, an overwater restaurant at Ozen Reserve Bolifushi in the Maldives. The experience was curated by Nicolas Laguette, director of wines at the hotel’s parent group, Ozen Collection, and is just one of many exceptional gastronomic and wine journeys organised for guests throughout the year.
The previous month, the esteemed house Champagne Guy Charbaut had chosen the hotel for the milestone debut of its limited-edition La Crayère, a premier cru blanc de blancs extra brut. This particular release is especially significant as it marks the first launch spearheaded by Hélène Charbaut, the fourth generation of the Champagne Charbaut family.
The evening was an unexpected highlight of a stay already rich with exceptional dining experiences. A standout was the Asian dinner at Soyi, which offers a vibrant pan-Asian menu featuring recipes from Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian and Japanese cuisines. Unlike many international establishments, Soyi does not shy away from bold flavours and spices, providing a genuine taste of each region’s culinary traditions.
Another unforgettable experience was had at Saffron, where we were served a medley of traditional Indian dishes presented thali-style on a large tray—a flavoursome and memorable affair. The Middle Eastern dining at Sangu Beach was equally remarkable, with modern Levantine and Moroccan dishes enjoyed to the sound of traditional Arabic music and belly dancing.
Ozen Reserve Bolifushi has all the trimmings of a five-star Maldivian hotel—a beautiful private island setting, characterful villas overlooking the ocean, colourful coral reefs—but what sets it apart is the diversity of its all-inclusive culinary offerings. Guests booking the Reserve package can enjoy one dinner at each of the signature restaurants, depending on the length of their stay. They can also visit Vista Del Mar, the all-day dining restaurant, which offers live cooking stations, a buffet at breakfast and lunch, and an à la carte dinner menu that changes daily.
The hotel has thoughtfully arranged a host of Instagram-worthy private dining experiences, such as a beach barbecue, a floating breakfast in your private pool—which each villa boasts—and a cinema under the stars. The resort’s largest and most exclusive villa, the Royal Reserve, even has its own teppanyaki restaurant, located in a “boat” on the beach, providing a fun and unique experience for families.
Across the restaurants and the bar—the prime location for watching the sunset—guests on the Reserve plan can enjoy what is perhaps the most generous all-inclusive wine list I have encountered. Featuring 101 quality wines from 19 wineries around the world, it is a list that has become a significant draw for guests, including one couple of keen oenophiles who told me they return to Ozen Reserve Bolifushi time and again for this very reason. This extensive wine list is also available at Ozen Collection’s sister hotel, Ozen Life Maadhoo.
Both Ozen Collection properties are situated in the South Malé Atoll, just a short speedboat ride from the capital Malé, where all international flights to the Maldives land. This proximity to the mainland means there is some light pollution, but it also makes these properties an ideal stopover for a short trip to the Maldives or, indeed, a first base before venturing further into the more remote atolls.
Upon landing in Malé, guests are swiftly greeted and escorted to a private Ozen Collection lounge within the airport, where they can check in and complete the formalities before embarking on the 30-minute speedboat journey to the hotel. Upon arrival, the experience begins with a warm, traditional greeting on the jetty—complete with welcome drinks and Boduberu drumming—before guests are taken directly to their villas to commence their holiday.
Ozen Reserve Bolifushi houses 90 luxurious, standalone villas, each designed to maximise its prime island location, and perfectly positioned for sunrise and sunset; Earth Pool villas offer direct access to the beach; and overwater Ocean Pool villas, from which you can plunge directly into the Indian Ocean via your private slide. Each residence features contemporary design, equipped with all the comforts one could need, including standalone bathtubs, oversized beds, spacious living areas, and more. The larger villas, ideal for families, include game rooms, multiple living spaces for both adults and children, and dedicated accommodation for private staff and security.
Experiences at Ozen Reserve Bolifushi are centred around the tropical reef that surrounds the island, offering a wide range of water sports, snorkelling and underwater exploration via the hotel’s semi-submarine. The on-site PADI-certified water sports club arranges excursions such as scuba diving, Maldivian line-fishing expeditions and private yacht charters. The resort’s beachfront spa is the ideal stage for sunset yoga sessions, sound baths and rejuvenating treatments inspired by nature and performed to the accompaniment of the ocean’s waves. There is also a kids’ club to keep younger guests entertained.
Ozen Reserve Bolifushi’s promise is founded upon creating “unforgettable moments” which is evident throughout. Whether savouring fine wines, exploring the blissful waters, or simply enjoying the comfort of a luxurious villa, every second is crafted to deliver the ultimate in relaxation and indulgence.
