From the moment my new husband and I arrived at Villa Park Sun Island Resort in Maldives, we were captivated. With its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, abundant sea life, and breathtaking scenery, we left with some of the best memories of our lives!
Villa Park Sun Island Resort offers a wealth of activities to keep you entertained. For those seeking adventure, snorkelling or diving in the crystal-clear waters is a must. Alternatively, if relaxation is your goal, lounging by the pool with a refreshing drink is perfect.
Beach, please! 🏝️
When I was searching for honeymoon locations, of course the Maldives came up. Not so much of a hidden jewel, it’s infamous for pristine white sandbars and beaches, pristine waters, and sublime sea-life.
To be honest, I had written the country off as I thought it would be way over our budget. One day curiosity struck, and I searched flights from Thailand to Maldives. I was pleasantly surprised with the price tag – $150 NZD each from Bangkok! Jono is a big fan of snorkelling and marine mammals. So I next went about finding the best area in the Maldives to see as many as possible. As who knows when we’ll ever get back there again!
Interestingly, the Maldives is a massive mountain range, but only 3-4% breaks the water’s surface! The visible tips form well over 1,100 low lying islands, in 26 atolls. These ring-shaped atoll reefs spread a length of 870kms, and lie out in the Indian Ocean, about 750km from India and Sri Lanka.
We chose the South Ari Atoll for our stay and snagged a fantastic deal at Villa Park Sun Island Resort: $1,150 NZD for 5 nights in a water bungalow over Christmas.
About the island
Villa Park Sun Island Resort is situated on Nalaguraidhoo Island, the largest resort island in the Maldives. Measuring 1.6 km in length and 440 m in width, the island boasts 462 rooms and 72 overwater villas.
Despite the large number of rooms, the island features plenty of recreation areas, pools, green spaces, and beaches, including a sandbar. I was also impressed with the resort’s eco-friendly initiatives, from reef conservation to waste reduction.
Exploring the Resort
We rented bicycles to explore the island, which allowed us to cover distances quickly while still enjoying a leisurely ride. Cycling to the restaurants was a highlight, making our tummies grateful for the quick access to meals! 😂 We only explored half of the island, so I look forward to cycling the other half on our next visit.
The resort features a beautiful pool with a swim-up bar, where we enjoyed cocktails and pizza while watching bats fly around in the evening – a unique experience! Additional amenities include sports courts for tennis and badminton (Jono loved beating me at the latter), a gym, mini golf, a children’s club, and a library.
Our Room
We spent 4 of our 5 nights in a stunning water villa. Waking up to the gentle lapping of waves beneath our villa and stepping onto our private deck with direct ocean access was surreal. The villa’s design and amenities were impeccable, creating a romantic ambiance that enhanced our honeymoon experience.
Honestly, the water villa had me jumping with excitement and asking Jono to pinch me—it was that extraordinary! It had Jono grinning too – trust me that’s a rarity, and is a stellar pass for the resort!
We rented snorkel kits and quickly took advantage of our villa’s direct access to the sea. Snorkelling right under our room revealed a vibrant underwater world filled with fish, octopi, turtles, rays, and reef sharks.
Dining Experience
During our Christmas stay, the resort had beautifully decorated the island with lights and festive ornaments. We opted for breakfast board only, knowing we’d likely sleep in and enjoy brunch. The breakfast buffet was substantial, often serving as our lunch too. We took advantage of the pizza delivery at the pool a couple of times too!
The resort offers a variety of dining options, each with its unique charm. We dined at several restaurants, from candlelit beach dinners to indulging in Maldivian specialties. Every meal was a celebration of flavours, with the staff’s warmth and attentiveness adding a personal touch.
Big Game Adventure tour
The main highlight of our trip was the Big Game Adventure tour. We rose early, eager to see and snorkel with whale sharks, manta rays, and turtles. As we left the inner part of the South Ari Atoll, into the outer part, we saw a large group of spinner dolphins showing off different tricks. I never expected to see them on the tour, and they had my heart pumping from the sheer excitement of seeing them flip in the air!
We ventured into the southwest area of the South Ari Atoll, searching for whale sharks and mantas. After an hour, we encountered a small group of mantas.
Swimming alongside them was awe-inspiring. One moment, I was so busy videoing Jono swimming with them, and I turned around only to see one coming right up to me with mouth agape catching plankton for its lunch! Knowing that they didn’t want to eat me, made me comfortable to swim towards them. Although their size is intimating – with their wingspan often being around 4-5 meters!
Snorkelling with Hawksbill turtles in the next area was wonderful, but the mantas were the unbeatable highlight. Unfortunately we didn’t see any whale sharks, but they’re a great reason to plan another visit.
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Our stay at Villa Park Sun Island Resort was magical, making our Christmas honeymoon truly special and memorable. If you’re searching for a romantic and luxurious honeymoon destination, this resort is an exceptional choice. Its combination of natural beauty, luxurious accommodations, delectable dining, and commitment to sustainability made our experience unforgettable.
Travel Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: December to April offers the best weather, with clear skies and warm temperatures ideal for beach activities and snorkelling.
- What to Pack: Bring light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and snorkelling gear. Don’t forget a camera to capture the stunning views and marine life.
- Dining Recommendations: Try the Maldivian specialties at the resort’s restaurants and enjoy the beachside dinners for a memorable dining experience.
- Activity Suggestions: Don’t miss the Big Game Adventure tour for a chance to see manta rays and dolphins. Renting bicycles is a great way to explore the island.
Have you stayed at Villa Park Sun Island Resort or another Maldivian resort? Share your experiences or any tips you have for fellow travellers!
This post was originally written in 01/19, but I’ve updated it now (12/23), to reflect the resort’s rebranding.
Lore & Tempo is where motherhood meets adventure. I’m Ren – storyteller, explorer, and single mum in Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been lucky enough to wander through 45 countries. 15 of them with my +1, Kaydes, either strapped to my front, on my hip, or running ahead on her own adventures. I created this space to share single parent life, travel tips, and the joy of exploring the world.
