Taj Exotica and Spa

We initially stayed at the Taj Exotica in February 2006 just after the re-opening of the resort, the island at that time still needed a lot of work. However we are pleased to advise that the resort is now well deserved of it's 5 stars. If you want peace and tranquilty this is the place to go. The staff could not be more helpful if they tried, they bend over backwards to ensure that all is in order. If you are a diver or are even thinking of learning, the dive school is the best we have visisted to date. The staff are professional and helpful and the dive locations are as you would expect. We will definatley be going back.

We were honeymooners along with 95% of other guests. The place was amazing and we'd highly recommend a Deluxe Lagoon Villa (which are over the water). I had read previous reviews about asking for a villa not facing Male and there were 2 sides of the argument - some said that it did not matter and that the twinkling of lights was a far distance away and others said definitely do not face Male. After being there and experiencing it for myself, I would also recommend to ask for a villa not facing Male. While it is a distance away, at nightime it is not a major issue however during the daytime, the buildings are quite apparent and it just ruins the endless horizon especially when you are paying so much money to go to such an exotic place. The best tip that I got out of reading other reviews before I went was this and I'm glad I requested a villa on the side not facing Male. Everything else about this resort was spectacular - the the food was to die for. The only 100% A-La-Carte resort in the Maldives. ie when you book 1/2 board (which means dinner, not lunch), every meal is served to you and you can have as many as you like eg 6 entrees, 4 mains, 5 desserts - no problem. There is no buffet!!!!! We'd recommend a day trip to another remote island to get another perspective and do the snorkelling trips - they are worth it. Also, get on a sunset cruise - 100s of Dolphins will swim along with the boat - right beside the bow. It's service with a smile and I'd recommend it it to anyone!!!!! Indulge yourselves.

Myself and my new husband have just returned from a two week stay at the Taj Exotica resort for our honeymoon. The resort truly is paradise. From the minute you step off the speed boat and see the wonderful lagoon views you feel like you're in heaven. It is the staff however, that make this resort so special. From the minute you arrive they know you're name and refer to you as this through-out your whole stay. Nothing is ever too much trouble, night or day there is always someone around to pander to your every need. We did have a few days of rain, but due to the time of year we expected this so it didn't come as a disappoinment. When it wasn't raining, hovever, the weather was beautiful and often very hot. When it did rain, the DVD library was perfect for snuggling up on your sofa and watching a film. We stayed in a deluxe lagoon villa and the rooms truly are lovely. I've never known such proficient house keeping staff, the room was cleaned thoroughly every day to a very high standard. One particular house keeping assistant even decorated our room one evening with scented candles and flowers as a surprise for us! One thing I have to mention however, is the cost. It is the only thing that I felt spoilt the holiday for us because at times we really felt like we were being ripped off. The 10% service charge is charged on everything...even the produce out of your mini bar! We even had to pay a service charge on the trips we booked and the cost of keeping our room on until we left for the airport. We were charged a ridiculous $400 to keep our room but we had no choice being as we had an evening flight. This stings a little when you've paid so much for the holiday anyway. The drinks and snacks again are very expensive..we paid £6.50 for a bag of maltesers!! But, we do however, except that thats what comes with staying at a luxury resort and we really did get luxury...just be aware of it before you go. Being so close to Male airport also has its draw backs. Many people say the flights didn't bother them but at times they got on my nerves. We stayed for two weeks which is longer than most so maybe we just tired of it a little after a while. Some days five or six planes can be going over and they are certainly very loud, but again just be aware of this before you arrive. I once read on this site that someone said there was no fish in the lagoon. Which lagoon they were in baffles me as the lagoon at Taj is simply brimming with fish of every kind. The snorkelling there is amazing, you will see all sorts including sharks, clown fish, lion fish, sting ray, puffer fish but to name a few. We were determined to go diving before we went but when we got there were more than happy with what we could see with our snorkels. As honeymooners we also received a few extras as part of our package. We had a sunset cruise which was amazing...our boat was surrounded by jumping dolphins following us which we were apparently very lucky to see. We also received an hour long massage and a private dinner, each of which were equally lovely. We also did a fishing trip, and eventhough I'm a real girly girl who hates anything like that, I actually really enjoyed myself...probably because I caught the biggest fish!! All in all you'll have a wonderful time at Taj. It is pure paradise and we returned home as relaxed as we could have wished for. It is perfect for honeymooners who simply want to enjoy breathtaking views, fabulous food and total relaxation...just be aware of how much paradise costs!!! A huge thank you to the staff though, they truly were super!

My husband and I have been to the Maldives a few times. We decided it had to be the Maldives again for our honeymoon - we started our honeymoon in another resort (will be named and shamed if issues are not resolved), but after 4 days called our travel agent and asked he move us quickly, Taj Exotica was one of the options he gave us, and so we transferred to this resort. After a poor start to our honeymoon we did not know what to expect from Taj, but WOW all our expectations were exceeded. The moment we stepped off the boat (short 15 mins speed boat ride from Male) we were welcomed like royality. The staff who make this resort so very special are all fantastic, nothing is too much trouble, and your every wish is granted, with a smile and total professionalism. We started our 9 day stay in a Water Bungalow, then moved to a beach bungalow with private plunge pool and ended our stay in a Delux Water Bungalow - all rooms were beautifully presented and equipped, the Delux Water Bungalow being our firm favourite as they are a little more private, but all room types are luxurious. We stayed on a half board basis and expected the usual buffet style meals, but no - every meal has an extensive a la carte menu, with exceptional choice, and superb quality and presentation of food. We happened to mention we loved the range of curries on offer, and the next day the chef arranged a special thali meal for us both - we were delighted! Also mention you would like any of the chef's recipes and it will be hand typed and presented to you the next day. Expect to be spoilt rotten, and its the small touches that make this resort so fantastic, all the staff know your name, all the staff including maintenance staff speak and smile, ladies have cushions placed behind their backs at meal times for additional comfort, you light a cigarette and an ashtray is instantly placed on your table, want something not on the menu - no problem, in fact nothing is a problem for the staff at taj. The restaurant, bar , and rooms are built to an exceptional quality and finish. In fact the whole island is just perfect. One thing to note this is a true 5* resort and quality does not come cheap, if you are looking for a cheap Maldives holiday, then book an all inclusive resort. However if you are looking for an exceptional, high class resort, where your every need is taken care of, and you want for nothing then Taj Exotica cannot be beaten. Please dont be put off by the islands location (close to Male), you can see Male in the distance, and we heard a handful of planes going over the resort but this was nothing to concern us even slightly and did not affect our honeymoon at all. If we ever return to the Maldives - it would have to be Taj Exotica every time! We cannot thank them enough for making our stay so very memorable and special!!

We stayed 11 nights in an OWB (room #417) at the Taj Exotica for our honeymoon in early Aug 2006. After a lot of deliberation and a strong recommendation from our travel agent we finally decided on the Taj. We've stayed in various 5 start resorts throughout Asia and the Taj was without doubt, overall, one of the best places we've been. I had read some reviews that the service in the Maldives was below par but we found all of the staff to be extremely friendly and the level of service outstanding! Also, we heard that food in the Maldives was not very good, BUT the food at the Taj Exotica was REALLY GREAT (especially the LOBSTER and REEF FISH). The Taj is famous for its food. I think that in the Maldives, good food is a MUST because there is just one resort per island. We recommend you check with your travel agent for a package that INCLUDES breakfast and dinner and a spa. We really loved our package and skipped lunch (snacked on the limitless fresh fruit the staff gave us at the pool and in our room for lunch). There is a healthy menu as well, if you are a picky eater, like us. The Taj has no buffet style menu. They pride themselves on catering the PERFECT meal to each guests requests. If you are a gym-goer, the gym was really special. The equiptment was old (but that is to be expected for ANY resort on an island), BUT the room was AMAZING. 100% engulfed in GLASS over the ocean. We actually ENJOYED running every morning....like we were running on the ocean. There are free weights, treadmill, bike, ecliptic trainer, a few machinges, so you can give yourself a good work-out if you truly desire. On the downside (hardly ANY downside, but just so you have an honest feedback) : Spa at Taj=OKAY, but WAY overly priced for what it was (I think they jack up the prices during the busy seasons for Japanese guests. The enviornment=excellent, but quality of massage... could have been much better). Shopping=don't even think of it and DON'T waste your time on a "shopping/culture" trip to Male Island. Stay at the RESORT. Male is too much of a trip back to reality. Better to duty-free shop. Maldives is ONLY for relaxation and marine sports. Get a package that INCLUDES one spa visit and then stick to sea activites, exercise, and beach time and you will be VERY HAPPY. A lot of young couples. Everyone happy because half of the guests are newlyweds. If possible, TRY TO travel outside of the Monsoon season (check your calendar: June/July... this year it extended into August). It rained half of our trip, BUT even then the rain only lasts an hour or so and doesn't get cold or humid.. so if you must travel during monsoon, not too big of a worry). This last paragraph of feedback is probably just general caution areas for anyone traveling to the Maldives. Back to the upside: Snorkeling and Kayaking were very nice. You can see reef sharks (not dangerous) from the beach. Clear water and NO BUGS. If you go to the Maldives and want quality and great food, go for the Taj. Just don't plan on shopping and plan on a pretty penny for the spa and laundry service (as most resorts charge anyways...). Also, it is close to the airport! That's our feedback. I hope it was helpful.

We have just spent 7 nights at the Taj for our Honeymoon and we were not disappointed. The Taj is the ideal place for a honeymoon - the place is quiet, peaceful and pure paradise. The majority of people on the Island are honeymooners (which is not a bad thing). We stayed in a Deluxe Lagoon Villa which is highly recommended. You have the most amazing view of the Indian Ocean from the bathroom and the bedroom is furnished well. You also have your own 42 inch TV and DVD system if you wish to chill out. There are stairs leading from your balcony to the Lagoon. I think 7 days is enough time on the Island - any more and you may begin to get itchy feet. The food is fantastic and the drinks are different. There are two restuarants on the Island - and both are very very good. It is pricy though, so be prepared to spend! There are loads of opportunities to go diving or snorkelling. The Jiva Spa is highly recommended for all those treatments. We went on the fishing trip which was really good fun and the Island hopping experience which involved a stop off at a local Island to see local life and then an extended stop off at a private deserted Island for a picnic and snorkelling. Both are recommended. Overall the ambience of the resort is magnificent; the staff are extremely helpful and friendly. If you are a honeymooner you will not be disappointed. The worst part is leaving!

My Husband and I have just returned from our 2 week honeymoon at the Taj Exotica. What an amazing place....the island is beutiful (and tiny), the weather - even though it was monsoon season, was lovely, and the staff un-faultable. Really the staff are what makes this place so special. Nothing is too much trouble. They even go out of their way to make you welcome. We were given (free) iced tea, fruits and sorbets by the pool, and always had cookies or fruit in our room. They were so helpful, we started to feel very lazy by the end of 2 weeks - having not even needed to lift up a teapot! The food was fantastic, reportedly the best in the maldives, and we were certainly impressed - with both the main restaurant, and especially the deep end. We arranged to have a private 6 course dinner on the beach, it was amazing, we had little lanturns all around us. Unfortunately it started to rain half way through, but the poor waiter got soaked bringing all our things inside, they even knocked some money off the bill and provided us with complementary desert wine, even though they had no control over the weather - and even the chef came out to appologise! They were all lovely the whole 2 weeks. Yes, it was not cheap, and a 10% service charge is added to everything (even the self service mini bar!!!!)....but we would have wanted to tip at least that anyway, as the service was impecable. The cheapest wines are actually $34-35, and were very drinkable, as we managed a bottle per night! Don't go looking for busy nightlife, we were the only ones in the bar on most nights, and everyone tends to keep to themselves, but it is so relaxing, and a wonderful place to spend your honeymoon. We didn't get bored of the food, there was plenty of variety, and all of very high standard, no buffets! The spa had just opened and was amazing (but quite expensive), though we got a free 50 minute massage each as honeymooners, it was delightful! All in all, I wish all my holidays could be this amazing, we cannot fault the taj exotica, and i would recomend it to everyone! I wish i could afford to go back soon!!!!!

Just missed the 10 - a few simple touches would have made it! Lets start with what was good. Location, near (15 minutes by speedboat) to Male airport is excellent, and despite being in the flightpath to the airport you are not really bothered by the noise of planes coming in to land. The staff are all polite and friendly. The food in the main restaurant 24Degrees is excellent and varied - most of the 'package deals' include food at this restaurant only! The Villas are well decorated, and i would advise going for a 'private plunge pool' - it makes all the difference. Now the downside! Wine prices are out of this world - the cheapest wine on the menu is $55(£33) a bottle. Food in the other restaurant is not included if you are on an inclusive deal, nor is any room served in your villa. Beware the restaurant manager in 24Degrees!!! He will try to get as much money out of as possible. When ordering a $60 bottle of wine one evening, he suggested an alternative wine which 'was better' - only $125 a bottle. When asked if we could have a table on the beach outside the restaurant (which are free and available) he tried to sell an 'outdoor' meal - which start at $350 a couple. He continually tried to sell us 'in-villa' dining - which is all extra. When will these resorts realise that over-charging for drinks - actually means less profit. Very few diners, most of whom are young honeymoon couples were drinking - no surprises at these prices. A 1.5 litre bottle of Evian will set you back $5(+10% service) whereas a small 300ml bottle of Perrier will also set you back $5. We spent the least on drinks ever at this resort - 2 bottles of wine in the week - simply because of the prices. The resort is not paradise. Reminders of the Tsunami of 2004 are everywhere along the beach as the beaches on one side of the Island are made up of sandbags. The Infinity swimming pool is great, and there the water, plates of fruit, and soft drinks brought round (not ordered) are free. Beware the 'complementary' coffee in the room - which is actually $12(+10% service charge) - sorry I dont understand that yet!!!!! Overall this resort is aspiring to 5 star luxury. It is not there. A few simple touches would have helped. I would suggest cold towels at reception as guests are leaving, and for early morning departures(many are) - try having coffee and pastries at reception. Again the restaurant manager tried to sell us a basket of pastries to eat on the 15 minute boat trip back - all at an extortionate price (+10% service of course). The sandbags around the beach really need covering up. A good effort - but 9/10 could so easily have been a 10!

We have just returned from 6 nights at the Taj Exotica and can honestly say we loved every minute. A truly blissful place - attention to detail fantastic. Nothing is too much trouble and the staff go that extra mile from bringing a dry towel when you get out of the pool to delivering extra home made cookies to your room because you said you liked them. We stayed in a deluxe lagoon villa which was fantastic. The snorkelling on this side of the island was much better than from the main beach - the current there makes the water very clear and there are plenty of fish and rays to look at. The food in the main restaurant was so good we didn't feel the need to dine at The Deep End or on the Pavillion. Our only complaint was the cost of the wine - cheapest bottle was about £50.00 and a glass about £10.00 - it made the beer and cocktails seem cheap in comparison. The Jiva Spa was still being built so we did have a bit of noise from that but all in all a fabulous place with views to die for and superb staff - go there you won't regret it.

We spent a week there for our honeymoon. Its one of the closer islands to Male which we were thankful, 15 minutes and we were there by speedboat. We were met off the speedboat and given a quick tour of the island. We were then shown to our villas, we had opted for a water lagoon with plunge pool and it was stunning, exactly how we dreamt it would be! We felt that it was more secluded than the beach villas as anyone can stroll past those. My only complaint is that they were renovating a couple of the villas and building their presidential suite when we were there. Unfortunately this meant a lot of hammering and sanding going on either side of our villa, a building site in other words! I have to say though that after we complained the management were very good and went out of their way to compensate us. We definatly felt our complaints were dealt with as opposed to being fobbed off as you often are. However i have to say after this initial hiccup we had a glorious stay doing very little. The beach is beautiful, we spent our time snorkelling, getting burnt and lolling about. The staff are very friendly without being over the top. We were full board and after a week of eating in the same restaurant I got a little stuck for choice, if you do spicy food then you'll be fine! The breakfasts are the best meal of the day-they are fantastic! There isn't a lot of interaction with other couples so don't expect to make too many pals, we found that people tended to stick to themselves. On the whole this was exactly what we wanted for our honeymoon a bit of class in a beautiful location and thats exactly what we got-only make sure you visit once they have finished their renovations!