Maldives - recommendations gratefully received
Discussion
Been twice, to Veligandu and Eriyadhu
Both are the more basic, earthy, traditional island type destinations. We had a water bungalow in Veligandu 20 years ago and by the looks of it they've added more. A lovely island, a [bare foot pilots] seaplane's ride from Male whereas Eriyadhu had a speedboat race between us and another islands new holidayers - that was fun
Honeymooned on Veligandu in 2005 and it was remote, but had a few decent trips - we went to a inhabited island to see how the Maldivians lived, seeing their school, hospital and boatbuilders yard, all were very very good. We did a dolphin chase on an old schooner, and some night fishing, eating our catch on the beach BBQ afterwards.There was a lovely restaurant, tennis court / basketball court / 5 a side court, Spa, space for 'crab racing' and more space to just relax and do what honeymooners do....
Eriyadhu was even longer ago, a smaller island with a beach hut right on the seafront. Very lovely and quaint, but not much to do for your age groups. We did a skip over to Male, the main island, on this trip and that was cool, even took a quick trip in an old Russian military helicopter - you think the GMA T50 has bad panel gaps, sheesh....... -
Both, being islands, were fish-heavy at the restaurants so bear that in mind if you aren't a fan, and there were a few other English couples but mostly Germans there at that time
What I would say was that the inhabitants and workers were lovely people, very very chilled and super cool.
Both are the more basic, earthy, traditional island type destinations. We had a water bungalow in Veligandu 20 years ago and by the looks of it they've added more. A lovely island, a [bare foot pilots] seaplane's ride from Male whereas Eriyadhu had a speedboat race between us and another islands new holidayers - that was fun
Honeymooned on Veligandu in 2005 and it was remote, but had a few decent trips - we went to a inhabited island to see how the Maldivians lived, seeing their school, hospital and boatbuilders yard, all were very very good. We did a dolphin chase on an old schooner, and some night fishing, eating our catch on the beach BBQ afterwards.There was a lovely restaurant, tennis court / basketball court / 5 a side court, Spa, space for 'crab racing' and more space to just relax and do what honeymooners do....
Eriyadhu was even longer ago, a smaller island with a beach hut right on the seafront. Very lovely and quaint, but not much to do for your age groups. We did a skip over to Male, the main island, on this trip and that was cool, even took a quick trip in an old Russian military helicopter - you think the GMA T50 has bad panel gaps, sheesh....... -
Both, being islands, were fish-heavy at the restaurants so bear that in mind if you aren't a fan, and there were a few other English couples but mostly Germans there at that time
What I would say was that the inhabitants and workers were lovely people, very very chilled and super cool.
Edited by hurstg01 on Wednesday 17th December 09:53
We went to Veligandu 21 years ago, so before the tsunami. They only had about 70 villas, of which only 14 were water bunaglows. It was idyllic back then. I'm assuming it was the same old wooden boat we had a trip on. They called us to reception, told us they were overbooked. We were in a bungalow, told them it wasn't our problem - so they said if you want a free trip out on the boat for one night, we'll upgrade you to delux water bungalow for the rest of your stay.
Bliss.
Bliss.
Been once. Loved it.
We did Huvafen Fushi. Staggeringly good without being O&O pricing.
One of the big pulls for us it was uber luxurious but only a 25 min speed boat from the airport - after a 14hr flight, convenience is attractive. Some places are so far you have no option but to get the seaplane.
We did Huvafen Fushi. Staggeringly good without being O&O pricing.
One of the big pulls for us it was uber luxurious but only a 25 min speed boat from the airport - after a 14hr flight, convenience is attractive. Some places are so far you have no option but to get the seaplane.
Been 3 times and would love to return.
We always chose small islands without water bungalows by preference, horses for courses.
Stayed on Nakatchafushi when it was much more basic and loved it. These days it is renamed Huvafen Fushi and is much posher, now including the water bungalows you want. As mentioned it is a short boat ride from the airport.
Lovely part of the world, and wonderful snorkelling.
Extraordinary choice if you don’t like sand though!
We always chose small islands without water bungalows by preference, horses for courses.
Stayed on Nakatchafushi when it was much more basic and loved it. These days it is renamed Huvafen Fushi and is much posher, now including the water bungalows you want. As mentioned it is a short boat ride from the airport.
Lovely part of the world, and wonderful snorkelling.
Extraordinary choice if you don’t like sand though!
Been to Kuredu twice now, both times in water villas
https://www.kuredu.com/accommodation/sangu-resort/
https://www.kuredu.com/accommodation/sangu-resort/
Been a few times over the past 10 years, and should have been in NOvember but had to cancel due to a family bereavement.
First time was Hudhuranfushi - Relativley low rent, food wasnt great, but still lovely.
Then Kanifushi - fantastic, beautiful strip of wide sand, wasn't busy, great accomodation, food and beverage excellent.
Couple of years ago Kuredu - In the middle of these in terms of price and quality. We were upgraded for some reason to a water villa, which was great as it got us into the adults only restaurant, which suited us fine. However a massive storm one night in our villa was 'interesting'... Loads to do though, certainly more than the others.
We hope to rebook our missed trip to Raaya in the new year - just refurbished, good reviews.
Some islands have better reefs for snorkeling/diving than others, but watersports are pretty uniform. As said above a trip to a local island is interesting...
Basically, assemble your budget, decide if you want AI, whether you want a speedboat or seaplane and set filters on the booking sites. There isn't a lot to choose between them in those brackets.
First time was Hudhuranfushi - Relativley low rent, food wasnt great, but still lovely.
Then Kanifushi - fantastic, beautiful strip of wide sand, wasn't busy, great accomodation, food and beverage excellent.
Couple of years ago Kuredu - In the middle of these in terms of price and quality. We were upgraded for some reason to a water villa, which was great as it got us into the adults only restaurant, which suited us fine. However a massive storm one night in our villa was 'interesting'... Loads to do though, certainly more than the others.
We hope to rebook our missed trip to Raaya in the new year - just refurbished, good reviews.
Some islands have better reefs for snorkeling/diving than others, but watersports are pretty uniform. As said above a trip to a local island is interesting...
Basically, assemble your budget, decide if you want AI, whether you want a speedboat or seaplane and set filters on the booking sites. There isn't a lot to choose between them in those brackets.
Just back from Ozen Life Maadhoo. Bloody lovely resort. 40 mins by speedboat from Male, so no seaplane required.
Extremely high level of service, great food, fantastic underwater restaurant, AI package includes lots of different wine and real champagne. Villas were great. Not the cheapest but good value in my experience. Perfect for a few days of stress free luxury.
On a small downside it doesn’t have a house reef as such although there is plenty of snorkeling, and twice daily free trips to a proper reef. Would go again.
Extremely high level of service, great food, fantastic underwater restaurant, AI package includes lots of different wine and real champagne. Villas were great. Not the cheapest but good value in my experience. Perfect for a few days of stress free luxury.
On a small downside it doesn’t have a house reef as such although there is plenty of snorkeling, and twice daily free trips to a proper reef. Would go again.
ffc said:
We like Vilamendhoo. We had a beach villa (which we prefer) but there are some lovely looking water villas, a good snorkelling train and a dive centre if that's your thing. Reached by seaplane which for us is big part of the trip as the views are glorious.
I can appreciate wanting to get to the island asap, but for me the Seaplane is a key part of the Maldives experience - amazing views and feeling important as you approach the jetty and the staff come to welcome you!Constance Moofushi. Been twice in the last few years. Not new or refurbished but that doesn’t matter. All inclusive, great wines, good food, small enough to be quiet but a great house reef. They don’t have much in terms of kids stuff so it dissuades younger families…though it’s not adult only.
Senior water villas for the adults, put the kids in a beach villa LOL.
Senior water villas for the adults, put the kids in a beach villa LOL.
Edited by Steve Campbell on Friday 19th December 18:37
We went to Rangali which used to be Hilton, but I think is a Conrad now. It’s a fantastic seaplane flight from Male. You don’t need shoes, the lounge, hotel reception, beach is all sand which I loved 😀
We did a diving course which we loved. Awfully expensive now.
We also loved seeing the Japanese arrive, the Kmonos they wore were amazing!
Rangali was very international crowd. Two islands connected by a bridge. Beautiful place.
We did a diving course which we loved. Awfully expensive now.
We also loved seeing the Japanese arrive, the Kmonos they wore were amazing!
Rangali was very international crowd. Two islands connected by a bridge. Beautiful place.
hurstg01 said:
Been twice, to Veligandu and Eriyadhu
Both are the more basic, earthy, traditional island type destinations. We had a water bungalow in Veligandu 20 years ago and by the looks of it they've added more. A lovely island, a [bare foot pilots] seaplane's ride from Male whereas Eriyadhu had a speedboat race between us and another islands new holidayers - that was fun
Honeymooned on Veligandu in 2005 and it was remote, but had a few decent trips - we went to a inhabited island to see how the Maldivians lived, seeing their school, hospital and boatbuilders yard, all were very very good. We did a dolphin chase on an old schooner, and some night fishing, eating our catch on the beach BBQ afterwards.There was a lovely restaurant, tennis court / basketball court / 5 a side court, Spa, space for 'crab racing' and more space to just relax and do what honeymooners do....
Eriyadhu was even longer ago, a smaller island with a beach hut right on the seafront. Very lovely and quaint, but not much to do for your age groups. We did a skip over to Male, the main island, on this trip and that was cool, even took a quick trip in an old Russian military helicopter - you think the GMA T50 has bad panel gaps, sheesh....... -
Both, being islands, were fish-heavy at the restaurants so bear that in mind if you aren't a fan, and there were a few other English couples but mostly Germans there at that time
What I would say was that the inhabitants and workers were lovely people, very very chilled and super cool.
We went to Veligandu on our honeymoon in November 2005 too, great memories.Both are the more basic, earthy, traditional island type destinations. We had a water bungalow in Veligandu 20 years ago and by the looks of it they've added more. A lovely island, a [bare foot pilots] seaplane's ride from Male whereas Eriyadhu had a speedboat race between us and another islands new holidayers - that was fun
Honeymooned on Veligandu in 2005 and it was remote, but had a few decent trips - we went to a inhabited island to see how the Maldivians lived, seeing their school, hospital and boatbuilders yard, all were very very good. We did a dolphin chase on an old schooner, and some night fishing, eating our catch on the beach BBQ afterwards.There was a lovely restaurant, tennis court / basketball court / 5 a side court, Spa, space for 'crab racing' and more space to just relax and do what honeymooners do....
Eriyadhu was even longer ago, a smaller island with a beach hut right on the seafront. Very lovely and quaint, but not much to do for your age groups. We did a skip over to Male, the main island, on this trip and that was cool, even took a quick trip in an old Russian military helicopter - you think the GMA T50 has bad panel gaps, sheesh....... -
Both, being islands, were fish-heavy at the restaurants so bear that in mind if you aren't a fan, and there were a few other English couples but mostly Germans there at that time
What I would say was that the inhabitants and workers were lovely people, very very chilled and super cool.
Edited by hurstg01 on Wednesday 17th December 09:53
Been to 6 different islands, Veligandu is very nice, recently refurbished.
Probably our favourite was Emerald island - good everything and nice water villas.
its difficult to say where to go, its a personal choice in the end. So decide what is most important and do your research.
Prices differ wildly - but a seaplane trip is a number one in my opinion but is expensive- but often included these days.
All inclusive is next - prices are high and there is no big surprises at the end of the trip.
Business class flights - via Dubai, a mid price island Ai , water villa for 4 prepare for no change from £30K for 2 weeks.
Probably our favourite was Emerald island - good everything and nice water villas.
its difficult to say where to go, its a personal choice in the end. So decide what is most important and do your research.
Prices differ wildly - but a seaplane trip is a number one in my opinion but is expensive- but often included these days.
All inclusive is next - prices are high and there is no big surprises at the end of the trip.
Business class flights - via Dubai, a mid price island Ai , water villa for 4 prepare for no change from £30K for 2 weeks.
Kenty said:
but a seaplane trip is a number one in my opinion but is expensive- but often included these days.
Interesting. Personally I hate the seaplanes. Lots of extra time and hassle crossing over to the seaplane terminal after a 10 hour flight. Seaplanes only fly in daylight which limits arrival and departure times especially if inbound flights are delayed. Very weight sensitive so bags are the first thing to be left behind if the flight is full. Very expensive for a few minutes flying time.Speedboat every time for me, but then I like bouncing over the waves
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff