Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa

These were the words a lady said to us as we stepped off the seaplane onto the boat that took us the short journey across the reef to the Island. Boy she wasn’t wrong, so where do I start after 24 hours travel door to door. Forget those heels ladies – you will take your shoes off on arrival and put them back on when you leave. You walk on sand everywhere except decking that is laid outside the bars and restaurants whose floors inside are also sand. Our check in was as expected, everything was explained about our All-Inclusive Plus package. It’s surprising how much is included. The sunset cruise is a must, it was lovely and saw plenty of dolphins. I had already been told that if anyone does anything for you, they expect a small tip in USD. Our cases were brought off the boat by two gentleman who both waited with them until we had finished our check in. One then explained he would walk us to our beach villa and our cases would follow. Once he had secured his tip and left and our cases arrived again for a small tip. I now realise why they split up. The villa was spotlessly clean, air con cooled the main room, you opened a door into the open-air bathroom, all you would expect but with no outside wall, opening out into a small sand covered garden. To say this place is idyllic is an understatement. The views are amazing from the villa, through the 5 yards or so the clear blue sea and beyond where the sea changes from dark rich and light clear blue in the deep and shallow areas of the reef. We took masks, snorkels and flippers. Snorkelling is a must to appreciate the reef that is about 20 yards out on the south side of the island. The fish and reef sharks are amazing, they swim not really interested in what’s swimming around them. Wait until you see the bats flying into the trees. They are huge and will pose for a photo. Food – OMG – I found myself having to try small amounts of everything it was so good. Each night had a theme, Maldivian, Asian, Tex-Mex, Mediterranean etc. It was rare you got a dish repeated throughout the holiday. There are curries of various heat, for every meal if you want and all the ingredients you need for those that can’t do without a full English, even real HP Sauce. I can’t fault any on the food it was all fantastic. The staff at the bars are lovely, some quiet with not too much conversation and others who will chat all night as they work. No complaints about the drinks, nice fresh cocktails, beers, wines and local spirits which are all good quality. We were told the island was virtually full while were there although you wouldn’t have known it, it didn’t seem crowded at all. You have an allocated table in the restaurant, you use for every meal with an allocated waiter, keeps it simple for tipping at the end of your stay. You also have the option to eat outside where you allocated waiter will also look after you. Outside is on a first come first served basis but there are plenty of table so you won’t have any issues. After your evening meal relax on a two-seater spotting the sea life lit up by the under decking lighting as you gaze out into the night. We weren’t all nighters, the latest we got to bed was 11pm and were up between 6 and 7 in the morning to appreciate the long hot sunny days. Although the temperature didn’t change much when the sun was out it gets hot and the shade of the trees is appreciated. We did see some cloud and an hour or so of rain for a couple of days, but you can hit the bar, it soon clears and your back to red hot sun. The pools are also good if you need to get some clean fresh water instead of salty sea. There were plenty of recliners and fresh towels but the sunset bar and pool can get busy, again staff great. So – food, accommodation, service, all amazing - would I recommend – most definitely. Have good look at the website before you book to get a good understanding of what to expect. A big thank you to all staff, we hope to see you again.

Very great Island with beautiful house reef and several direct accesses to the lagoon. Staff, service & food are realy good and absolutely nothing to be complained. Lovely personal at the dive center and perfect for families and couples.