Life's a Beach: Three Days of Paradise at the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives
By Carsten K. Rath - a Taj-tastic adventure
Privileged Beach Getaway: Personal Butler Included for Your Leisure
I've been to some swanky spots around the globe, but the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives has me absolutely smitten. Here's my lowdown on three glorious days in paradise.
Straight off the bat, I'm greeted by a crew of twenty welcome angels, petal-bombing my arrival and showering me with warmth that's as genuine as it gets. A few staff members recognize me from previous stays - talk about extra credit! You feel it; the authenticity isn't fake.
The Taj hotels are definitely keeping pace with the big-league hoteliers like Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental. I nab a beach villa - my personal fave, spacious with direct access to the sea, and a lush garden before the terrace. Now, the water villas are fabulous too, but I'm all about the beach life. What impresses me the most about the Taj Exotica? The staff, hands down! Every employee is committed to making your life easier, happier, and yet, it feels like nothing is too much trouble.
A personal butler tends to each villa, managing timing to prevent any interruptions during conference calls or meetings, and the service? Absolutely top-notch. The spa team is another winner, offering a unique blend of Indian wellness culture in their treatments - a refreshing change from the typical Thai approaches elsewhere.
When it comes to gastronomy, the Taj Exotica does not disappoint. Each cuisine has its own dedicated chef - no watered-down dishes here! The fine dining restaurant, helmed by the talented Mario from Croatia, is simply incredible. You order your meal, and voilà - Michelin-star level deliciousness appears before your eyes.
One morning, I decide to skip the restaurant and grab breakfast poolside. Again, I'm pleasantly surprised: a heart-shaped tray laden with goodies floats onto my pool surface. It wasn't ordered, but it was a killer way to start the day. This little touch of Taj-ness pops up all over the resort, from the evening torches on the beach to arranging a private, romantic dinner on the beach.
The icing on the cake? The "Love the Ocean" evening. About 500 meters from the resort, a wooden pavilion stands like a tiny island in the water. You can enjoy a dreamy massage, blissful aperitifs as the sun sets, or my choice - a tasty three-course dinner amidst endless blue.
But what makes the Taj hotels truly exceptional? The employees. I've checked into 15 different Taj hotels over the past ten years, and I've never encountered a single miserable soul. Not once has a staff member been rude or grumpy - something I can't say about other hotel chains. The service is always world-class, and it's all thanks to the employees' happiness and satisfaction.
So why are the employees so content? Hotel Manager Hassan is a motivational powerhouse, going the extra mile to make sure his employees are motivated and equipped for success. His colleague, Nitin, who runs the second Taj hotel in the Maldives, the Coral Reef Resort, is equally on point. They help each other out in secret to ensure the guests receive nothing but the best service, effortlessly and unnoticed. It's simple: happy employees equal happy guests, and that means more revenue.
So if you fancy a slice of paradise with exceptional service, world-class dining, and a little Taj-ness thrown in - book your stay at the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives. You won't be disappointed.
About the Author: Carsten K. Rath is a former grand hotelier and the mastermind behind die-101-besten.com, the premier hotel ranking in the German-speaking world. As a globetrotter, he uses his own pennies to check out the hotels he writes about for ntv and shares his experiences with us.
Sources: ntv.de
Travel, Luxury, Destinations, Maldives, Resorts, Beach Vacation, Hospitality
- The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives has a community policy that prioritizes authenticity, evident in the welcoming and attentive staff members who recognize returning guests.
- The employment policy at the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives focuses on creating happiness and satisfaction among employees, leading to exceptional service for guests.
- The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives offers a lifestyle that encompasses luxurious beach villas, a unique spa experience, and world-class dining, making it an ideal destination for a home-and-garden or travel escape.
- During a visit to the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives, guests may receive unexpected surprises, such as a heart-shaped tray with breakfast delivered to their pool or a romantic dinner set up on the beach, as part of the resort's commitment to providing a truly memorable experience.
