When:
Jan 2004
Comments:
Our first trip to the Maldives,& the island was stunning. All the bungalows are well hidden and you really feel like you have arrived in paradise. The food and service is first class, lots of choice even on the all inclusive option. Two free boats a day take you out to the nearest snorkelling. Also lots of other fishing trips etc to keep you busy! had the holiday of a lifetime and are going back to Maldives this christmas for 2 weeks - this time to Filitheyo staying in a water bungalow! can't wait to get there and take off our shoes for two weeks.
Author:
Jo Stovell
Reethi Rah & WhiteSands
2002 & 2003
Reethi Rah, I believe has now closed for major re-furb and is due to open again in 2005. We visited for sun sea and diving...loved the relaxed atmosphere. (Would like to know what it will be called when it re-opens)
White Sands, visited for the same reasons. I had the most wonderful massage I've ever had..beaten about for 90mins with hot stones...fantastic. Would recommend this island bar staff friendly and make the most wonderful long island iced tea.!!!Food was of the buffet style served most everywhere and a tad samey over 2 weeks but it really didn't matter.
Great weather soft white sands and amazing sealife.
Sarah
Baros
Xmas 2002
16 days of total relaxation. Our first visit to the Maldives and many people seemed to return year after year to Baros.
The house reef is just beyond a breakwater that keeps a shallow sandy stretch of water very calm on one side of the island.
Diving school was well organised and friendly. All staff were lovely and very helpful (I suspect this is same for everywhere in these islands). We went for just B&B which means more choice and more restaurants for lunch or evening meals but net cost is obviously more. Food was very good at every meal.
The Captains Bar is a large wooden structure that seemed to encourage people who wanted to chat and get to know others and had plenty enough space for more romantic times. There weren't any All Inclusive deals as far as I could see which is fine by me. Nothing worse than listening to someone whining about how they couldn't take drinks back to their rooms or that their favourite spirits weren't part of the deal!
The island is oval (the most popular picture of the island is a wide angled shot that makes the water bungalows dwarf the rest of the island). Comapred to some other islands we visited on a day trip by boat Baros's vegetation is lush, clean and very well 'manicured'with plenty of shade from the trees. You can walk around the island at the waters edge in about 10 minutes and swim around in about 40 mins. Rooms are spacious, all within 10 yards of the beach.
Try the spa - although prices were a bit steep it was worth it
People: A real mixture when we went. About 40% Brits, 30% German and the rest from all over the place. Not a huge amount for children although they put on a great show for the Kids at Xmas. There is a TV room, a little cubicle with a PC if you can't do without the internet, a ping pong room and not much more.
Canoes, a hobycat and several windsurfers with a fair variety of sail sizes.
Would we go again? Absolutely.
Phil
Eyriado, Filithayo 2000
Filihio 2001
Hakurra club 2004
Eyriado was honeymoon and was great staff food accommadation, welcome everything it made our wedding.
Filitho out of this world. better class of island food better,beach a bit coarse as is land just opened. Bunglows stunning. Our fav came next.
Filihio ( going again 2005 ). 2 weeks were not enough, fab reef, as I dont dive and not confident in water,but will attempt snorks.
HAKURRA CLUB ugh!! If any island could be I think this is it. Staff lovely (but they have a staff party that goes on until 6AM in Jan so be warned.VERY NOISY). Food is out of this world a real weight gainer. Lagoon good for paddling but sharp coral. Loin fish hide under bunglows. OK for 1st timers, but not if you have been before and seen the bueaty that is really there. Can't wait for Feb 2005 .
Yvonne Evison
Summer Island
2004
Wonderful people greeted us, very friendly and helpful. Water Bungalow although basic was comfortable.
Restaurant was lovely and food was varied and enjoyable. We have been 3 times now and are going again next year. It may not meet everyones taste as there is only one shop and very quite but it is one of the most beutiful places we have ever seenn
PAUL & GWEN JARRETT
BAROS RESORT
2003/2004
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC, QUIET, PEACEFULL,
ROMANTIC, EXCELLENT STAFF, EXCELLENT CUISINE,OUT OF THIS WORLD, ARE GOING AGAIN FOR THE 3RD YEAR RUNNING IN 2005.
MR AND MRS A. RULE
Kuramathi Village /Atoll Explorer & Nakatchafushi / Meerufenfushi
2000/2002/2003
The Maldives is one of the most heavenly places on earth.
Kuramathi was our first trip and was a real WOW, excellent service, wonderful staff, clean and the food excellent.
Atoll Explorer and Nakatcha, again wonderful, the Explorer was a delight visiting 7 different islands in a week - a good chance to get an idea of whats available - Nakatcha a tiny little paradise (service was the best).
Meerufenfushi - at the beginning it was wonderful, at the end it was hell -happended to get salmonella poisoning for the last 4 days...perhaps the safest place to go these days.
January 2005 we're off to Hakuraa Club
Kay and Eric Armstrong
Summer Island Village
I am afraid did not enjoy this island one bit, badly in need of updating, and feel that if this was a first impression of the islands for somebody it was not a good one.
Mrs. Iris Fairbrother
Meedhupparu
Had a fabulous holiday in March. Accommodation, food, location fantastic. I'm not a diver but the snorkelling was superb, also saw dolphins every day at 4pm!! Lovely pool which was never crowded - but only every went there last thing in the day for a drink at the swim up bar and to watch the bats wake up. Highly recommended, going back again next year.
Christina
Olhuveli Beach & Spa
Xmas 2003
Absolutely loved the Maldives - going back for Xmas 2004 - to Ranveli. Beaches on this island were superb we absolutely loved snorkelling and just lying on the beach. Our beach bungalow was fine, right on beach, not worth paying £50/day for water bungalow in my opinion. We went half board and think that's best option (or B&B).
Wouldn't go back to this resort - think the management have got it wrong, the food is ok, lack of fresh fruit, less quantities and better quality is better in my opinion. The food in the cafe was much better than buffet. The Scottish rep Dianna is very unprofessional - it appears she wrote a glowing review on holidaysuncovered to lure guests, very underhand.
Anyway enough waffle - Maldives is a dream, this resort could be so much better. Will let you know thoughts on Ranveli in Jan 05!
Liz
Kuredu
Very relaxed--take your shoes off when you arrive and put them back on when you leave. Good food. Delightful accommodation. Fabulous diving. And it does have a house reef.
Suzy Hime
Ranveli
This island is great! The staff are excellent and it is truly paradise here. If you are looking for an island to go to make it this one. It may be small in size but it definatly made a BIG impression on me!
Maria
2001
Location wonderful. Water bungalow a disappointment and very expensive, prices have now been reduced drastically by the travel operator. The accommodation spoilt our silver wedding to a point, we did not have the privacy we wanted. Our balcony was like any other hotel room directly next to our neighbour and for £500 extra we felt this did not justify the cost.
Food was not to my husband's taste.
Jacqueline Chance
Hakuraa Club
January 2004
GREAT! GOOD ACCOMMODATION EXCELLENT FOOD AND WONDERFUL STAFF. THERE IS A SMALL REEF THAT IS FAIRLY SHALLOW (ABOUT 5FT DEEP) JUST OFF THE DIVE SCHOOL JETTY.DIDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH MOZZIES AS THE ISLAND IS SPRAYED REGULARLY.NO INTERNET BUT YOU CAN RECEIVE E-MAILS FROM RECEPTION.
GREAT FOR A LAID BACK HOLIDAY!
Debbie
Going in October 2004
Could someone help please? Going to Hakuraa Club end October All Inclusive - wondered if beach towels provided? Other AI holidays beach towels were provided but no info. re Hakuraa. Any further information about the island would be appreciated.
Thanks
Glenn
Glennydd Howells (Mrs)
Vilu Reef
June 2003
My wife and I went to Vilu reef for our Honeymoon. This was our first time in the Maldives and I have to say, up to now it has been best and most relaxing holiday we have ever had. The only down side to the experience was the flight with Monarch airlines which was awful! We are glad to say we have caught the bug and are going back in November 2004 This time to Vilamendhoo. We can't Wait! and this time we are travelling with Emirates!!
Mark & Sonia
Kandooma
I am going to kandooma island but to my dissapointment have not had great feedback on the island! is there anyone out there who haqs been here ?if so what was it like?
lucy
spent our 36th wedding anniversy on this island nice but would not go back, charged 10% on everthing + you were expected to give tips 15/20 dollars for room boys and waiters and 1 dollar for porters, food not great but plenty of it got a bit fed up of pasta and colslaw every meal time, the swimming pool was kept nice and clean one of the best pools i have seen on my travels, on the jetty at night everyone was feeding the fish during the day we went snorkeling saw lots of different fish.
maureen watkiss
Velavaru
Excellent. I've put a full review up on a website with pictures - please refer people to : http://uk.geocities.com/xboshx@btopenworld.com/velavaru.htm
Matthew & Sarah
Biyadoo
Excellent housereef, excellent snorkelling. No need to scuba dive in order to see fish - plenty in the shallows around the reef. Room perfectly adequate, breakfast/lunch buffets excellent, pre-set dinner OK. Has sister island (Villivaru)a short distance away whose facilites are available (and free transport). Diving school on Villivaru. We went in February - excellent visibility and weather. We intend to return Feb 2006.
Phil and Penny
kuredo
We are supposed to be going here in August 2004. After travel agent messed up this are 2nd choice, suppose to be going to Lily Beach. Can you tell me if it is a great island and quiet.
Bev
Olhuveli
2003
Hello there,
I and my better half went to Ohluvelhi last December. No surprise that it is stunningly beautiful, very bright (take your shades) and very peaceful. Life slows right down. Apart from the views, the best thing is the staff, who are all extremely professional and helpful. The food is excellent and plentiful. Be aware that guests are allocated a waiter and a specific table on arrival and stay with that waiter and that table for the entire holiday - great if you get a table with a beach view - not so hot if you are in the middle somewhere. Also, because it is a small resort with a lot of guests, couples have to 'double up' with other couples. This could be horrendous, depending who you get (could be us!) but we were fortunate to have been placed with a charming couple (hello James and Helen)who were very good company.
We have booked to go again this November 2004 but have chosen Lily Beach for a change. This is the first time we have ever gone straight back which says something about how memorable it is. Do not pack glitzy evening wear, you really will not need it. Also avoid anything with sleeves - short or long - its way too hot for them, actually for clothes in general!
If you are going, have a fantastic holiday.
Roni and Keith
Reethi Beach, Baa Atol
Sep 2002
Utterly, utterly wonderful. My (then) girlfriend and I had been long overdue for a decent holiday, having been mucked around by our respective jobs, so I booked a 4 night stay in Dubai, followed by a 12 night stay at the Reethi Beach. For completeness, we went through Kuoni, who I cannot recommend enough, and who looked after us from start to finish, but never intruded on our own privacy and business. Neither of us had been to the Maldives before, but we're both fans of beach holidays, and we were certainly not disappointed. The island is, quite literally, tiny - we were able to circumnavigate it within twenty minutes, but we never felt crowded or intruded upon, by staff or other guests. Further to that, we stayed in one of the water bungalows (there's something about sleeping over water), which was grand, although I would recommend some form of flip-flop, as the boards can get incredibly hot underfoot! But that didn't detract from the holiday one iota. And nor did the weather - in the twelve days that we were there, it rained on about five occasions. But the showers were sudden and sharp (good monsoon rain) and, when the sun popped out again, everything was dry within minutes. Furthermore, the main rain was at night, so it didn't detract from the chance to bronze ourselves at all, and if anything, made it that little more romantic. The food was great as well - a buffet affair in the main restaurant, which went some way beyond traditional impressions of limp lettuce and stagnant stews, and the fish evening, complete with an entire grilled swordfish was particularly worthy of mention. Further to that, there was also a BBQ restaurant which was open four nights a week, that tested the strength of my shorts somewhat. We went B&B, which we think, on the whole, may have been the best option. Some folk that we met out there were All Inclusive, but that tied them to the main restaurant and bar, whilst we were able to choose our restaurants and drinking holes without feeling like we were seeing ourselves off having paid to drink elsewhere for "free". My better half also learnt to dive whilst out there - the dive school and staff are fantastic; encouraging and educational in equal measure, allowing her to get over her initial concerns about the whole 'breathing underwater' thing. Indeed, once she was qualified, we spent most of our mornings under the water. On that note, the diving was incredible. I've dived around the world, but the underwater life in the Maldives takes the biscuit. The only thing I was concerned about was the fact that, on her first dive, we saw and were circled by a school of five manta rays (who weren't shy), which made me worry that when we go diving in the future Karen may be disappointed when we don't see similar again! Overall, the staff were fantastic and we'd recommend the Maldives to anyone. Indeed, so enamoured were we by the Maldives, that I proposed to Karen on a deserted island (having bought the ring in Dubai), where we were dropped for the day, complete with a picnic hamper, and collected after about five hours. To that end, we're off to the Laguna Beach Resort this August on our honeymoon.
Tony
Coco Palm, Baa Atoll
Went there on honeymoon, words can't describe how beautiful it was. The bungalow we had by the beach was fantastic, the food was of a very high standard and there was soo much to choose from breakfast, lunch and dinner. The spa was like something only the superstars could afford and all the staff where very polite and friendly. Only down side was the very limited variety of alcholic drinks that were included in the all inclusive package, as a result we ended up spending an additional £800 on these. If you want total and I mean total luxury and exclusiveness then save hard, but you will never regret going to coco palm. P.s. I cried as I left the island to go home.
Samantha
1998
For up to date news on the Maldives have a look at www.ilovemaldives.com and think about joining The Friends of the Maldives www.friendsofmaldives.com and do your bit to help improve the lot of Maldivians in these 'paradise islands'.
(the friends site has disturbing images..)
David Hardingham
Bolifushi
March/Apr 2004
Great for snorkelling - saw new/different things every day - good beaches - accommodation comfortable + aircon - lots of Italians though! v friendly staff - good music at times - dolphins passed by nearly every morning (great photos to be had), baby shark came to say hi at 10pm exactly every night! great sunsets/sunrises/moonrises
Has house reef and water bungalows (not shown in your table of islands on website)
Emily
Hudhuveli, Kuredu, Meerufenfushi, Meedhupparu
1997/2000/2002/2003
Hudhuveli, visited from India, where I was in hospital suffering from alsorts whilst backpacking, ab fab, great but bland food, just what I needed, no reef, but trips twice daily to reef which was only O.K. no pool, only 30 rooms,very quiet, very peaceful loved it, then went back to India, ahhhhh. (I mean ahhhh in a bad way) Great for a short stay,only 45 mins from male in dhoni.
Kuredu, meant to be going to Cuba, but got cancelled due to plane crash! Great Island, fantastic house reef, swimmable from shore, still haven't found better. sooo many fish, did night snorkeling with our own torches (strapped to head)highly reccommended (if you haven't seen "Jaws")very spooky in the inky sea. Food pretty good, but better in the other not included restaurants. BIG DRAWBACK sand flies on the beach, came out at 6pm and ate everybody alive, giant leg blisters that weeped like burns, had to take piriton 3 times a day to survive. Maybe this is why I liked it so much, I was gone, man.overall very good holiday, all inclusive, so wine and piriton made the bites bearable, great bunch of people, except for a few nutters, but you get them everywhere now eh? good evening entertainment, whether you joined in or not, good pool party late one night after a disco, with everybody fully-clothed going in. Not normally my sort of thing, but at the time it was fun, (maybe the piriton???)
Meeru, well, cheap, cheerful, NO sand flies, food good, especially on HB as we had king prawns for lunch, and smoked salmon pasta and a bottle of wine and this worked out the same price as all inclusive, but with better food, so recommened HB. No house reef, so had to take boat trips, which were very dissappointing, more of a swim in the pool and eat stuff sort of place. spent 21 nights there and just chilled out, no good for snorkellers though.
Meedhupparu, food very good, steak, fish, pasta, salads etc, good ice cream, all because it's an Italian resort and they insist on it. Italians were very friendly, but the evening entertainment was all in Italian, and if you didn't speak it fluently,(I speak to get by) you were out of it.House reef close enough to snorkel to drop-off but after Kuredu was soo dissappointing, with a great drop-off and wall but very little in the way of fish. Did a few night snorkels but again, not worth getting wet for. nice pool, but the early morning italian aerobics in it were quite honestly a pain in the arse, as was the late afternoon vollyball . (all in the pool) where I was trying to sleep. a bit too lively for me, more of a club med sort of feel to the place, and also pub singers in the bar, which was just too much, so spent most of the evenings at our room with a deck of cards and a bottle of wine,
Going to Filitheyo in October 2004, so if anyone has been, please let me know how it was, and any hints or tips?
Jude
Dhoonidhoo
This is a prison island that is notorious for torture of political prisoners. Please can you inquire from your tour operator the situation in the Maldives regarding Human Rights abuses and the persecution of the peaceful members of the Maldivian Democratic Party.
www.friendsofmaldives.com
Lily Beach/Olhuveli
Honeymooned on Lily Beach in May 2001 and had the time of my life. It is such a beautiful island with fantastic food, outstanding service and tranquility. I would go back in a flash but unfortunately the prices have gone up since then ! I'm off to Olhuveli Beach in May of this year (2004) and can't wait. All of the islands are fantastic so I'm sure I will enjoy this island just as much. If anyone has been to Olhuveli I would be grateful for your experiences.
Can't wait!
Rach Taylor
Filitheyo & Velavaru
2004 & 2003
Helpful corrections to your web page info.
Filitheyo (2004) does have a house reef. In fact it has an excellent reef, easily accessible with abundant fish life. Can be booked via Thomas Cook and Cresta Holidays.
Velavaru (2003) does not have an accessible house reef, but they provide 2 free boat trips every day to different parts of a nearby reef.
Jan
Fesdu Island, otherwise known as Paradise
Thatched huts fantastic, huge, good air conditioning. Beach, water, reef, great. Food, well we didn't starve but could be better, but we are going again as soon as money allows it! Need a rep from AirTours ? Forget it. Staff will sort any problems and organise for you to visit next island for a doctor as we did. Marks out of 10? 55.
Louise Spencer
Bandos
2002
Stunning - snorkelling at its best.
Meeru not so pretty but great dive team.
Wendy
Thu(n)dufushi
2000(I think (the european footy was on))
Cracking little island.
Managed to walk around it in about 10 mins on the 1st evening there (and I wasnt rushing). Food was cracking as was the diving school.
Only REAL disruption was the fumigating for the mossies just about every afternoon.
Evenings were spent consuming the occasional beer in the bar,or watching the laid on entertainment (err, if anyone has the pics of me, the Italian doctor, two other lads and Georgina doing that "Best of days" song from "Cabaret", in full drag, get in touch and I`ll buy the negs)!!
Was thinking of going back this year, but Dhiggiri looks interesting (OK, and cheaper) too.
All in all, a top place to relax!!!!
Mark
Bandos, Rannalhi, Eriyadu,Villi Varu (3)
1990,1991,1995,1997,1998,1999
Bandos was great for snorkeling, poor food. But this was very long ago, it`s ruined now.
Rannalhi and I suspect,Eriyadu have been similarly ruined in my opinion by "updating" the facilities and adding more rooms. Both have a very good house reef.
Best of all though, if you are a snorkeler is the reef surrounding Villi Varu, you can swim all around the island easily on a calm day. I have seen manta rays right on the reef edge and dolphins swam in the channel between the islands every morning.The staff are friendly and the food excellent. The centre of this very small island is "out of bounds" to the tourist, but this is no problem, all the rooms are arranged on a circular path that runs around the island. Most people are there to dive anyway, and this leaves the house reef almost deserted for snorkelers.
Chris
2000
Fantastic house reef - sharks, rays etc. Expensive restaurants. Lovely chalets. Food good.
Rebecca
Embudhoo
Visited Embudhoo in November 2002. The staff was very helpful. The all inclusive food was good. The island is beautiful and snorkeling is very good. I do not recommend the water bungaloes, since everyday in the morning (about 5:30/6:00 AM) they release the content of the sewer pipes a few meters away from them, and depending on the tide, all this mess comes floating down under the bungaloes. Probably this is one of the reasons why 99% of the corals around the island are dead (even though they blame it to a change in water temperature).
Ted
We have just come back from our honeymoon this week(20/10/03) after visiting Hakuraa Club. What an excellent resort. Water bungalows with un-interupted views of the lagoon and Indian Ocean. Rooms absolutely spotless with cleaning twice a day. Fridges in the water bungalows filled up daily with soft drinks, so you didn't need to leave your veranda all day! Food absolutely fantastic with plently of choices. Diving school great and watersports available when high tide. Staff couldn't do enough for you and the resort itself was 1st class. Our first visit to the Maldives, would definately go back.Lagoon did empty at times but this did not spoil our time here. Favourite part of the day - sunset over the uninhabited island just left of Hakuraa.
Only negative comment would be the appalling journey from Gatwick to Male and back on Monarch, where no additional space for longhaul and despite travelling through the night for 10 hours, not even an offer of a wake up flannel or toothpaste to freshen up - shame on you Monarch!
Natalie & Kelvin Smith
Laguna Beach
I am considering Laguna Beach for next year's holiday - your site lists this resort has not having a house reef. I have read another guide which says it has. Please could someone advise. Also any comments about this resort?
Julie Benge
Kuredu Sept/Oct 1998; Fihalohi Jan 2000; Maayafushi Nov/Dec 2002
Like many people, I have become a bit of a Maldives addict. Anyone planning a holiday there will not be disappointed.
I went to Kuredu in 1998 for three weeks, before it underwent major refurbishment. Although I liked it at the time, in retrospect it was not the best island. It was too big, the 4 hour boat journey from the airport was horrendous, the all inclusive food was disgusting (I lost 1/2 stone!) and gave me a dodgy tummy for most of the trip. The accommodation did not have air conditioning (advisable) and we counted 82 mosquito bites on my body! On the plus side, Kuredu's house reef was fantastic for diving and snorkelling with a lot of good dive sites in the area.
Fihalohi was a much smaller, more friendly and a prettier island, with better standard accommodation. It is a traditional, rustic island, it does not have any bells and whistles, but that is not something I particularly want from the Maldives. The food was also much nicer than on Kuredu. Diving was also fab and there were no nasty mosquitoes!
Maayafushi is my favourite out of the three. Again, it is a rather traditional island, with a lovely beach, good snorkelling and diving and a lovely atmosphere. It is predominately an Italian resort and they have their own unique brand of night time entertainment! The food was very nice and plentiful (I think i put ON about 1/2 stone this time). The weather was also stunning which helps. Loved it.
My boyfriend and I are thinking of going to Lohifushi in 2004 so I can dive and he can surf. Can anyone tell me a bit about it?
Caroline
Feb 2002
It was our honeymoon following 2 weeks with 25 people for our wedding in Sri Lanka! Although extremely beautiful, quite boring (bit of an anti-climax to a group holiday) and snobbish clientele (to be expected I suppose from the Maldives). Lovely fish & sharks (not to eat, to snorkel with) but shame about the service; it seems the employees had taken on the mood of most of the people they were serving.
Clare Larden
Kuramathi Village (twice) Velidhu, Filitheyo.
1998,2000,2002&2003
First visit to Kuramathi was WOW WOW & thrice WOW, 2nd visit they'd put in more modern features(didn't need them ) & greeted us with Bucks Fiz in a glass instead of the much preferred coconut with a straw.(125 cocktails on A/I list) Still thought it was fabulous( even when sober!)snorkelling great & close house reef. 3rd to Velhidhu WOW again, much smaller & more intimate, beach bungalow for a few days (lovely) water bungalow for remaining 11 days, FANTASTIC. Food was great,snorkelling v.good. Not all cocktails were on A/I though. 4th last month to Filitheyo, best of all, beach rooms D/XE were fantastic. Food very special, really superb. Again limited A/I cocktail list. Snorkelling superb, very close house reef. Desperately trying to decide for Feb next year. Have a budget to stick to, but never want to go anywhere else now!!! We are quite ancient, but romantic, had to wait for the kids to leave home before we could afford it, now we're spending their inheritance!!
Keith & Ro Cliff
Lily Beach/Lohifushi
Went to Lohifushi first week then Lily Beach for the second week - no comparison really, Lily Beach was great! Going back again this Christmas to Meedhupparu
Pip
Thudufushi
1995&2001
All inclusive. well looked after,us i mean. simple - first class bungalows;47. friendly staff, always kept us up to date with footy results.son had birthday 14th;95. lunch on desert island and birthday cake with table decorated.2001 the islands coral around the jetty has been lost due to el nino, which is sad, but the staff are still great, and i would love to see it again.
Diane
Hakuraa
Dec 2002
Great relaxing atmosphere. Slightly disappointed with the lagoon as it completely empties at low tide so was unable to do much snorkelling. Diving is excellent though and much of it is virgin territory due to lack of resorts in the atoll. Great dive team and the dhoni boys can't do enough for you!
Kathy
food was awfull, diving - because of the crew - GREAT, accomondation was better then expected on a 2-star resort. I will not visit this island again. (this year we will be on Dhiggiri. by the way - any information about the dive center there ? )
Marcela
Hi Andy, I've been told Giravaru is nice but you have not given it a 'beauty rating'. Is that simply because you haven't had any feedback on it?
Paul
Kuramathi(twice)
96,97
Excellent site tells it how it is.if you read the travel agents reports every island is fantastic which isn't the case.i agree with you about star ratings.some of the islands might be 4 or 5 star ratings but they are getting away from the theme of what the malldives is about which is"no news no shoes".when i went to kuramathi six years ago all it had was a couple of restaurants a bar and a diving school.now there's a swimming pool a gym thai and indian restaurant and whatever.all i can say is please don,t spoil the maldives as it is a beautiful place.i'm going back next year to a small basic island with a good house reef for snorkelling.i'm going to get off my soap box now!
Richard
Hi Andy, Can you help? My girlfrend and I are getting married early next year and want to honeymoon in the Maldives and as we have a eight month old boy a good nights sleep is far and few between. We like the look of Dhiggiri as its not big, quiet and seems very good value. We like the idea of the water bungalows but the only pictures we can find of them make them look as though they are at the edge of as opposed to entirely over the water. As you have not rated Dhiggiri I asume you have not been there yet but do you know of a website that shows beter pictures.
Ian Henderson
1996,1997
found your page excellent,witty and down to earth.kuramathi was beautiful and it was very stange how relaxed you were after just a day.snorkelling was great,in fact i've just come back from australia where i snokelled on the great barrier reef and in my opinion it's nowhere as good as the maldives.thinking of going back to the maldives next year with the wife.maybe you could recommend another island?
Dhidhoofinolhu
Hi
I am looking at booking a holiday to Dhidhoofinolhu and was just wondering if you have been there or have any more specific info on it. My main concern at the moment is the cost of food. We are looking to book at the Whits Sands Resort but it will be on a B&B basis so I need to know roughly the cost of food and drink. I have seen som ereports of up to £45 for a meal on some sites but then as cheap as a few $'s on others. Any helpd or info would be much appreciated.
Craig Basham
Vilamendhoo
July 2002
lovely relaxing holiday, no children. Perfect hot weather very pleasant. Beautiful island our first time here
Heather & Dave Rowe
Hakura Club 2001 Meedhuppra 02 Villamendhoo 03
see above
Hakura Club, lovely, not much good for swimming, lagoon very shallow, bungalows very good. Meedhuppra, liked it very much, pool, beach, food, rooms if you get one not in the jungle all good, only trouble noise from italian guests and their own theatre so evenings not much fun.Villamendhoo, all good, swimming diving food servie rooms, very vegitated beach extremely narrow, felt clostrphobic.
Nicola Honeyball
Kuramathi
Absolutely fabulous place and march was a time to go. We stayed in the Blue Lagoon and the quality/service was great. There's a spa on Kuramathi but it didn't make it the most expensive island in the brochure, far from it. The spa is one in the Serena Spa group and it was amazing - I think it's the biggest Serena Spa in the Maldives. Treatments start at around $20 and I would highly recommend the Adam & Eve in Heaven special - designed for couples. It's a one hour massage then a 1 hour herbal bath, complete with champagne and fresh fruit! The thai restaurant is great if you're not all inclusive as is the Laguna Grill, which is set on the beach with a great view of the sharks and crabs (if that's what you're into!) Didn't go on honeymoon but it would be an ideal place. You're right about going there if you're into swimming - if you're not you'll be completely bored unless you're an avid sun worshiper and nothing else! On life in general am completely depressed about being home but at least the weather in Ireland has been decent for the last few weeks, which makes a pleasant change! Will definitely go back to the Maldives.
PS - you're site is great. Pity I didn't see it before I went as your tips are good. Did a search on MSN but this site didn't appear. One thing that you got wrong - there are mosquitoes in the Maldives, got eaten alive over there and I wasn't the only one. You could put a note about watching out for jelly fish - bloody sore if you're stung (I speak from experience...)
Didn't manage to do any night fishing. Had great plans to do a few trips like that but the holiday was just too relaxing!! We saw loads of reef sharks, octpusses but no turtles! Like you the sun was very hot for my fair skin - had factor 50 (people don't believe you can get this). Just got my back sunburnt one day but apart from that did very well!! Came back looking "healthy". People seem to expect you to come back with a suntan but I won't be a slave to fashion or peoples expectations!!!!! Hadn't realised I got stung by a jelly fish so by the time I did the wound was infected (and my ankle the size of a melon)! So I can recommend the medical centre on Kuramathi!! Have made everyone I know very jealous with my photos of the island and have a lovely sunset photo as wallpaper on my pc so that cheers me up every day!
Claudine