An adults-only anniversary escape in the Maldives

Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa is located in North Malé, Maldives | Photo copyright by Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa

For our 30th wedding anniversary, my husband and I went to Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, an adults-only resort in North Malé. The Maldives has been on our bucket list forever, and we finally carved out some space in our otherwise packed schedules. We have also been longing for some alone time to rest and enjoy nothing but each other’s company in a place we have never been before. We were looking forward to both adventure and relaxation. 

Between serene morning dips, sunset cocktails, dinners indulging in different types of cuisine, and an unforgettable swim with the sharks, we came home with a new chapter in our 30-year marriage.

Photo copyright by Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

We chose Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives because it is an adults-only resort and the setting suited the kind of holiday we wanted: lots of quiet time for rest, slow conversations, leisurely swims, great dining experiences, and some memorable adventures too. The possibility of focusing only on ourselves, with no set itinerary and no alarm clocks to wake up to for the next few days excited us!

Every couple is different, but for us, this trip made it easier to focus only on each other. We didn’t need a full itinerary or a grand romantic gesture. We just enjoyed this much needed time away from the daily hustle and bustle, and space to be together. For the first time in a long time, we loved just “being” rather than “doing.”

Photo copyright by Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

We could slow down. At home, even a day off can turn into a list of things to do. In the Maldives, we could wake up, look at the sea and decide what we felt like doing. Sometimes it was a swim or a late breakfast. Other times, it was just staying put and lounging in our villa balcony just a little longer, while soaking in the majestic views of the Indian Ocean.

We had room for conversation. We talked about what we loved about today and felt excited for the next day.  I particularly loved our talks while indulging in slow meals. We also had quiet stretches when neither of us needed to say anything. Sitting beside each other and watching the water felt like enough.

We found small routines that belonged to us. Breakfast at Oceans, a morning swim from our villa, and cocktails with a gorgeous view became little rituals. They gave each day a familiar rhythm and made the holiday feel like ours, all without a strict schedule pressuring us.

We could be present with each other. The resort’s adults-only setting gave us a calm and quiet place to relax and enjoy meals, the beach, and the spa at our own pace. With fewer everyday demands competing for our attention, we had more time to notice the small things: a funny story, a shared look, or simply how good it felt to be away together.

Deluxe Spa Overwater Villa | Photo copyright by Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

We got to see each other in a new way. Travel brings out different sides of us. We were curious about the food, had fun playing in the water, and we willing to try something unfamiliar. Even after 30 years together, it was nice to discover something new side by side.

We had time to rest and care for ourselves. Between swimming, the beach, and spa treatment, we both had time to slow down. Feeling rested made it easier to be present with each other and enjoy the days as they came.

Photo copyright by Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

We did something that scared us. We also wanted to explore beyond Centara and we were happy to know that the resort could make arrangements for an adventure experience. We weren’t planning to swim with nurse sharks and stingrays, but decided to go for it when we discovered that it was one of the activities being offered. Needless to say, it was frightening, even if our guides told us that nurse sharks do not eat or attack humans. It was no doubt absolutely surreal, being both in the water, and taking in the same incredible experience. It gave us a memory we’ll always treasure—and reminded me how reassuring it is to have someone beside you that you trust and love, when you’re outside your comfort zone.

We stayed in an overwater villa, and I loved that we could enjoy the sea without even getting out of bed. From our balcony loungers, we had a closer look at the view. The balcony opened straight onto the ocean, so we could step from our room into the crystal clear waters for our daily morning swim.

Deluxe Sunset Overwater Villa | Photo copyright by Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

That became one of my favorite parts of the trip. We would wake up, look out at the sea and, before long, be in it. No drive, no elaborate plan. Just the two of us and the water.

The resort’s white-sand beach and calm turquoise waters made it easy to spend long stretches of the day swimming or sitting by the shore. It was vitamin sea at its best. We didn’t have to turn it into an activity or plan around it. We could just be there, enjoying the water and the warmth.

Photo copyright by Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives

While my husband explored the resort on foot to get his steps in, I had the most soothing treatment at the award-winning SPA Cenvaree. Its healing huts with balconies facing the ocean and treatments inspired by Ayurvedic and Thai traditions truly made it my “happy place.” What a gift and luxury it was to put away my phone and immerse in nothing but the calming and healing energy of the present moment.

Photo copyright by Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa MaldivesDining is an adventure too

We loved having breakfast at Oceans. The highlight for us was champagne with breakfast during our last day at the resort. It was a lovely way to begin the final day of our stay and celebrate our anniversary. Known as the “culinary heart of the island,” Oceans is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring a rotating buffet including Asian, European, Middle Eastern, and South American cuisines, alongside meats from the churrasco grill.

As lovers of Thai food, we enjoyed Suan Bua, where we had the option to dine on a sand floor or poolside facing the ocean. Its chefs recreate recipes from Thailand’s four regions, and because I avoid beef and pork, I was happy that vegetarian and gluten-free options were also available.  

Suan Bua | Photo copyright by Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa MaldivesLa Brezza brought us Italian food with views of both the pool and the ocean. It serves Italian fare and specialty seafood, with vegetarian and gluten-free options as well. There is also a wine cave with a selection of bottles for a wonderful wine pairing experience.

La Brezza | Photo copyright by Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa MaldivesAt Al Khaimah, we enjoyed a delicious Arabic and Mediterranean dining experience and the setting transported us to a Bedouin tent, decorated with vibrant tapestries. The menu features delicious char-grilled meats and flavorful rotisseries seasoned with hand-crushed spices and homemade marinades.

Giraavaru Lobby Bar is a relaxed spot for refreshments, juices, and cocktails where we could stop by throughout the day and evening, while Waves Pool Bar combines a swim-up pool bar with a beach bar, serving tropical drinks, perfect when enjoying the sun, sea, and sand.

For a drink with an ocean view, Viu Bar has lounge seating and overwater catamaran nets. We enjoyed cocktails and light bites there, and while we were taking in the view, we spotted a large group of blacktip sharks swimming below us. 

Viu Bar | Photo copyright by Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa MaldivesAnd when you want to stay in, in-villa dining offers Thai, Chinese, and international dishes, with service available around the clock. It’s another way to enjoy a meal in the privacy of your villa. We will definitely have to try this on our next trip.

I am eternally grateful, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. Our 30th anniversary escape was literally a dream come true.