Top 5-Star Hotels in Kandolhu

This was our first Maldives holiday in over a decade so we wanted to make sure that we chose well. I can say wholeheartedly that we did! There'd been a few less than glowing reviews in the weeks leading up to our visit and this did make us a little concerned, but the reality was that the resort fully lived up to our expectations....and more It's not one of these Dubai-style hyper-luxury resorts where everything is buffed to within an inch of its life and the staff are hot and cold running minions. It is however, extremely well maintained and lovingly looked after by a team that genuinely seem to care about the place and its guests. The staff (all of them) managed to maintain a balance between being friendly and engaging, and remaining professional. That is one heck of a balancing act. Our first names were used by some of the staff, but weren't 'worn out' from over-use like you get in some places. Again, the balance was just right (in our opinion). Also, as others have stated, some of the management team do use the bar and restaurants, but I just see it as a way of them engaging with guests, so a positive rather than an issue. On arrival we were told that our Duplex Villa (113) wasn't looking it's best due to erosion of the beach in front of it, so were offered a Pool Beach Villa (102) as an alternative. After 20+ hours of travelling we were a little put out by this, but the team couldn't have been more helpful in making sure we got the best option from our perspective. We weren't pressurised into moving and several other options were discussed. As it turned out 102 was the perfect room for us. I should also say that the conversations re the room situation were had with Monica, the General Manager, not delegated to other staff to deal with. No shirking of difficult conversations, just a willingness to work for the best outcome for the guest. Great management style. I think anyone who has been to the Maldives has probably experienced the issues that these (more natural) resorts have with erosion. It's an ongoing battle. Whilst we were there the maintenance teams were working hard to complete the sea defences to protect the beach on that side of the island. It didn't look great, I'd much rather that approach than see an island with a concrete seawall around it. Anyway, once settled into our room it became a daily round of eating, drinking, reading and snorkelling. We were on the Ultimate All Inclusive tariff and very glad we were, as it removed the 'bill shock' at the end of our stay. As others have said, there is a well stocked minibar (actually a full size wine fridge) plus another full sized fridge for soft drinks, beers etc. The range of wines was good across white, red, rose and prosecco. We didn't feel the need to go for the 'paid for' upgrades such as champagne as the choices included were perfectly adequate. The food was on the whole very good. We were particular fans of Sea Grill and ate there whenever it was ope