The brand is very strong in Asia and so not surprisingly Chinese make up the largest percentage of guests, with quite a number of Koreans, Japanese and Russians too. Having said that, it is also popular with British guests and some other Europeans. The fact that the resort is just 15 minutes by boat from the international airport plays a part, as guests on the night flights to and from Asia can transfer straight to and from their resort rather than stay over a night in Male or Hulhule. Furthermore, when your holiday is just 3 or 4 days long, you want to spend as little time as possible in transit.
When Sheraton took over Full Moon a huge investment was made to an already good resort. The staff members were kept on, so all the many repeaters continue to be greeted and fussed over by their favourite personnel, but the staff skills and standards were raised considerably by the training and the systems that Sheraton bring with them. Now there’s a truly impressive level of attentive service.
The biggest structural change was the building of 20 new rooms on the east side of the island where there were no rooms before. These are the new prime rooms and by some way the largest and smartest. The interiors are contemporary and handsome but their real selling point is the large deck with plunge pool, hammock, dining area and seating. Even more to the point is the unfettered view across the breaking waves and out across the endless sea. Facing due east, there is nothing but blue until Indonesia. On the downside, the open ocean means being very wary of waves and currents. Indeed, this is the site of the acclaimed surfpoint Furanafushi. These rooms are for those who prefer to sit back, enjoy the luxury and look.
There are, it has to be said, a lot of rooms for a 5 star resort on a small island. The seclusion of the ocean villas contrasts with the more busy views of the beach rooms. Most of them face south for all-day sunshine but also views across lagoon walls to boats and the lights of Male and the airport. The water villas face north, which is not ideal for sun on their decks but the vistas are beautiful and uncluttered.
The room interiors are, without exception, lovely. The colour palette is full of the warm, earthy colours with turquoise highlights on a clean white base. The furniture and soft furnishings are modern, rich and comfortable. Every room has the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed and, most unusually and usefully, an iron and ironing board.
A number of the beach rooms are ideal for families, with interconnecting doors and the space for extra beds. The resort really puts itself out to be child-friendly by not charging for extra beds or the children’s food, under a certain age. The Adventure Club is also free for children between age 4 - 12 and is open all day with well thought-out programmes that reflect the preferences of the clientele. Children below the age of 3 need to be accompanied by one parent and babysitting is available at a charge.
Sheraton Full Moon is also for lovers. Honeymooners take up many of the over-water rooms and they are equally well catered for. The days are quiet and so too the evenings, except for Saturday when a DJ livens things up. There is also a wonderful beach party with a firepit, barbecue food, and a bodu beru band that draws the guests in and ignites a memorable evening.
Not surprisingly the restaurants are top class. There is not much in the way of snorkeling around the island, so this resort is really about the pleasures of the senses: the sun and water on your body, the spa treatments, the good food, luxurious surroundings and attentive service.