Poole J
December 1, 2024
2nd Island Visit to the Maldives There were many positives compared to another island holiday. This time, we stayed in an overwater villa, which was a significant step up for us. The villa was cleaned daily and turned down each evening with fresh towels. However, not all the external lights weren't checked, and we had to request replacements. Additionally, the two electric mirror lights, one in the room and one in the bathroom, were not working. The fridge didn’t cool effectively, and the minibar only offered fizzy drinks—no still or fruit juices. You had to pay extra for other beverages, even though we were on an all-inclusive package. The staff were very attentive and didn’t want us to do anything, such as tidying up after ourselves. They insisted on taking care of everything, which was a nice touch. Unfortunately, the water pressure wasn’t great. With two showers in the villa, water pressure during peak times was reduced to a dribble. I understand the challenges with power and solar energy, but it was still a bit frustrating. The main bar in the evening was very slow for service, so we often walked to the bar with our empty glasses. The waiters would quickly take the glasses from us, seemingly to avoid any appearance of poor service in case management was watching. Entertainment was challenging to cater to due to the variety of nationalities among guests. We were also turned away from the Sunset Bar when we wanted a drink. After checking with reception, I was informed that we should have been allowed in. This suggests that some staff training is needed. A major downside for me was the lack of marine life compared to our first island experience. The reef had shallow rocks, and I ended up cutting myself on them—though that was due to my curiosity. Water shoes are a must to navigate the water because of broken coral. One of the trips we took, the sandbank excursion, was disappointing. It cost $400 for two hours (ouch), and much of the sandbank was littered with debris. If the hotel is promoting this tour, a daily cleanup would enhance the experience and make it feel more special. The seaplane experience was fascinating and a highlight for most guests. However, on our last day, strong winds caused a delay in departure, which resulted in us missing our international flight home. We had to spend £1,452 on new flights. Apparently, this is a common issue, so travellers should be prepared for potential delays and additional expenses. Overall, it was a positive holiday and a great experience if you’re willing to spend a little more on your trip.