Guest User
July 10, 2024
We left dreamlands yesterday after a 10 day all inclusive holiday. This was our 1st time to the Maldives and certainly won’t be our last. We had such an amazing holiday, we are booking again for the same time next year. On arrival: The sea plane was also a 1st for us. Landing at a pontoon out at sea and we then got collected by speed boat. Once we arrived at the islands jetty, we were given a fresh ice cold towel and welcoming drink. Reception check in went smoothly and once we were cleared, we were taken to our water bungalows, with cases being brought shortly after. Water bungalows: We had already upgraded when we booked the holiday as we wanted the full experience in our 1st Maldivian holiday. We had rooms facing the open sea side, which worked out perfect to go snorkelling each morning. The rooms are huge and kept real clean. Loved the outdoor shower. Snorkelling: We went everyday to different parts of the island. Never failed to spot turtles & reef sharks, which was our aim. But never failed to see different fish everyday. Always something new appeared. Admittedly the reef isn’t what it probably used to be, but that doesn’t stop the many thousands of fish swimming near it. Also, no need to bring snorkel masks with you, reception gives you them for free for the stay. If you’re not a strong or confident swimmer, there’s also a couple of life jackets in the rooms. Food: The food is just incredible. There is so much variety each meal time that if you can’t find anything you like, then it’s you that has issues, not the hotel. They cater for everyone. The 2 restaurants are the same layout and serve the same food. We always opted for the sea view side for obvious reasons. Nothing like looking out to sea eating breakfast and listening to the waves. Also a bonus when you see sharks, turtles & dolphins swimming nearby. Also, outside of the normal meal timings in the afternoons, there are toasted sarnies available from the Lakeview bar. This worked for us as we generally had a late breakfast, skipped lunch then had a toastie late afternoon. Staff: It’s just amazing how hard these work. They do the most incredible job and always do it with a smile on their face. Nothing is too much trouble for anyone we came across. They are so polite and cheerful, we built up a real good bond with many. Mainly the restaurant & bar staff. Great big pat on the back to you all. Excursions: We were offered a free excursion as part on all inclusive. We opted for the turtle snorkelling and wasn’t disappointed. Just amazing to see these beautiful creatures so gracefully swimming around us without a care in the world. We also paid to go in the dolphin spotting trip. This one is apparently a bit hit & miss. It’s called the ‘lucky dolphin spotting’ excursion. They do say beforehand that there’s a 50/50 chance you see them. However, we must have been the luckiest trippers alive that day. We saw hundreds close up and some even swam alongside the boat. Just incredible.