This hotel on its own island/atoll in the middle of Indian Ocean is bucket list worthy. Settings and views with its beach and over-water villas are among the very best. Genuine friendly service and fresh/prepared-with-care foods are top-notch. The experience started prior to trip with responsive emails from Venu Gopal (Reservation Manager) regarding the upcoming stay. From the very start at greetings (by friendly and helpful Denny) at Male airport for seaplane transfer to the atoll to the welcoming by hotel GM Thomas Weber, our personal host Yoonus (who personally decorated special greetings at our villa and, as host, he was always at our beck and call), and staffs at the arrival jetty made us feel special. One can see that hotel grounds are well-cared for with beach and sandy walkway raked every day and trees/shrubbery plucked and tidied by staffs on our walks around the island. Every hotel employee always greeted/smiled/waved hello to us on our walk. Restaurant/bar staffs were friendly and helpful as well. Breakfast and occasional Boat to Table seafood dinner at Seasalt restaurant were very fresh/expertly prepared and presented. Meals/food here are understandably expensive at this hotel and the all-inclusive option helped with removing the planning/thinking from selection in term of cost. All-inclusive meal option involves 3-course meals (for lunch and dinner whereas breakfast is unlimited) that avoid wastefulness of a typical all-you-can eat buffet. Special commendation to Sandip (at Mirus Bar) and Arya (at Yakitori Bar, must try the skewer foods here) for their infectious smiles/energy/friendly services/colorful cocktail concoctions (must try Sandip's Alila Coco Loco and Alila Sunset drinks). Sandip and Arya also took some amazing pictures for us. We ran into GM Thomas Weber around the hotel a few time and he took the time to talk to us as he was very approachable, friendly, and easy-going. We were able to afford the stay here (4 nights) by redeeming Hyatt points (from Chase credit card signup bonus points) for beach villa and was upgraded to over-water villa, (thank you Venu Gopal), as we have Hyatt Globalist status. The over-water villa was airy with incredible view, clean, modern, and with its own infinity pool. Bathroom has its own floor to ceiling ocean view. We booked almost 1 year in advance to make sure of availability with point booking (with less in points in early or mid November as start of dry season in the Maldives). It did rain during our first day here and two evenings, but mostly it was dry/sunny. The seaplane transfer experience was also unique and fun. Overall, this was one unforgettable stay with incomparable view and experience for us. Thank you Alila Kothaifaru !
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