2025 Vilamendhoo Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

We recently traveled to Vilamendhoo island with our teenage sons. My spouse and I hold Advanced PADI open water certification. Our boys had finished the online theory for the PADI open water course at home before the trip, as recommended by a dive instructor at Kuredu island last year. During their initial dive, the experience was challenging due to a storm, resulting in poor visibility. Despite this, the boys persevered, and they gained great admiration for Fabrizio, who trained them expertly. Both boys successfully earned their open water certification and can now enjoy exploring the fascinating underwater realm. For us as a family, this experience is truly incredible! We found the Euro-divers team at Vilamendhoo to be highly experienced professionals who showed immense respect for the marine environment, which stands out compared to other places we’ve dived. My husband, a veterinarian, and I, a science teacher, cherish and respect nature, and it was lovely to see it honored. Thanks to Fabrizio, Betty, Lorenzo, and Tofail for taking care of our family during our dives this year. We hope to return next year, as we missed the awe-inspiring Whaleshark! As Fabrizio told the boys, “you have to be in the water” 💦 👌

#maldiveshotel Snorkeling at Vilamendhoo in South Ari Atoll isn’t just swimming. It’s entering a living world** — where turtles glide like elders, rays vanish into sand, and the reef pulses with color and motion. But this beauty has rules. And some creatures? They demand respect. Here’s what you’ll see — and how to stay safe: ⚠️ Triggerfish — Cute, But Can Bite Yes, they’re curious. Yes, they have clownish faces. But **triggerfish are territorial**, especially during breeding season (roughly April–July). 🔹 Why dangerous? They’ve been known to bite swimmers who get too close to their nests — hard enough to draw blood. One guest at Vilamendhoo needed stitches after reaching near a rocky crevice where a female was guarding eggs. ✅ **Stay safe:** → Never touch or chase them, → Keep distance if they stand on fins (a warning!), → Don’t swim up go out from them go parallel and barrier with it with equipment and don’t lost eye contact they make 2m long and up houses and protect it. 🦈 Reef Sharks — Gentle Shadows, Not Monsters Blacktip and whitetip reef sharks are everywhere here — gliding through coral gardens, resting on sand. 🔹 Truth: They’re not aggressive toward humans. They’re shy, small (1.5–2m), and more scared of you than you are of them. ✅ Swim smart: → Stay calm, move slowly, → Never block their path, → Don’t wear shiny jewelry — can mimic fish scales. At Vilamendhoo, they often swim *with* snorkelers — not out of threat, but curiosity. It’s magic. Not menace. 🐋 Manta Rays — Giants of Grace In season (May–November), mantas visit cleaning stations near the outer reef. These 4–6m winged beauties somersault through water like underwater birds. 🔹 **Are they dangerous?** No. Mantas are filter-feeders — plankton is all they eat. They’re gentle, intelligent, and often swim close — not to attack, but to investigate. ✅ Do’s & Don’ts:** → Stay at least 3m away, → No touching! It damages their protective mucus layer, → Avoid flash photography — can startle them. This isn’t a show. It’s a sacred encounter. 🐳 Whale Sharks — The Ocean’s Gentlest Giant The ultimate dream. At 8–12 meters long, these spotted leviathans drift through deep channels, mouths open, filtering plankton. 🔹 Threat level? Zero Whale sharks are completely harmless to humans. They don’t see you as food. They barely see you at all. ✅ **How to experience them responsibly: → Book a licensed excursion — never swim alone, → Stay beside or behind (never in front!), → Maximum 4 swimmers at a time, → No touching, no splashing. At Vilamendhoo, sightings are seasonal but possible — a moment that rewrites your soul. 💡 Snorkeling Tips for Vilamendhoo: → Always go with a guide — currents exist, → Wear reef shoes — sharp coral waits, → Use eco-friendly sunscreen (banned on island) Do you like snorkel 🤿? Diving?

#maldiveshotel After a week on Vilamendhoo in South Ari Atoll, I’m not just sun-kissed. I’m changed This isn’t polished perfection. It’s raw paradise** — where the reef is king, the sand remembers your footsteps, and luxury means freedom to float in turquoise without a soul in sight. ✨ Why It’s Unforgettable (Even When It’s Not Perfect): 📍 The Reef? Legendary No exaggeration: one of the best house reefs in the Maldives → Swim daily with turtles, blacktip sharks, rays, clownfish, → Currents are gentle — flows you along the island like a slow river, → Snorkel from any point — no boat needed. This is why you come. 🏖️ The Beach: Location Is Everything. ⚠️ Crucial tip: If you’re staying in standard villas or with kids, book North Side villa #157 or lower Beyond that? A harsh stone breakwater ruins the view. We asked in advance — got Villa 189 near the adults-only zone: quiet, pristine, perfect. South side has white barriers — also unattractive. 👉 *Pro advice:* Study the villa map, pick your spot, request it early. 🍽️ Food: No “gastronomic orgasms” — but always enough to love. ✅ Daily themed dinners: Thai, French, Sri Lankan, Mexican — dishes never repeat, ✅ Seafood? Not fancy lobster every night, but **reef fish daily, always fresh**, ✅ For meat lovers: excellent beef**, perfectly cooked, ❌ Kids’ station? Disappointing — dry chicken strips, soggy fries, bland pasta. ❌ Greens? Only lettuce. No herbs, no rocket. 🍓 Fruit selection was modest: watery watermelon, occasional mango, passionfruit. But — always 2 soups, 4 curries (same spices, different proteins), grilled fish/chicken, chapati, Caesar salad at lunch. You’ll never be hungry. Just don’t expect gourmet. 🍸 Drinks on FB? paid ~$140 extra: wine, beer, cocktails. Cocktails? Not special — but sipping them at sunset? Priceless. 🧘♀️ Vibes: Peaceful. Quiet. Deep. No loud parties. No forced fun. Evenings: light entertainment — karaoke, live music, ocean videos. All optional. Perfect for those who want stillness — but if you crave shows, this isn’t it. (One solo traveler we met was *devastated* by the lack of animation. If you don’t snorkel — reconsider.) 🚁 Transfer magic:** Only 8 people from Aeroflot flight — our family of 3 boarded the seaplane immediately*. Landed at 11:00 AM— earliest I’ve ever been on a villa! Others waited hours. Luck of the draw. 💧 Water: Great taste — I drank only bottled. 📱 Language: No Russian-speaking staff— English only. 🧳 Back to reality: Left at 3 PM, flew out at 6:15 PM. Enough time — but little for duty-free. Bought souvenirs at airport — pricier than on-island shop. 💡 Who Is Vilamendhoo For? ✔️ Snorkelers & divers — the reef is the star, ✔️ Couples & families seeking **peace, privacy, and direct lagoon access**, ✔️ Travelers who value nature over nightlife**,

I've experienced the most memorable days of my life at this resort in the Maldives. The place is stunningly beautiful, and the diving is truly amazing. My stay was fantastic, and the staff contributed greatly, especially BAKÉ, who led us on the Ocean Discovery adventure and became a true friend, and AWSAM, who consistently ensured we were at ease in the restaurant. I am confident I'll revisit soon and look forward to seeing them once more.

This was our second trip to Vilamendhoo, and it was just as amazing as our first visit. The staff were incredible, and our waiter was excellent—we chatted with him often. There was a great variety of food, and the bar snacks were top-notch like a restaurant. All of the staff were exceptional and went above and beyond. Vilamendhoo boasts a beautiful house reef with numerous healthy corals and plenty of fish. Celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary here was made unforgettable by everyone involved. You must visit—you won't be disappointed. We hope to return for a third stay.

Our first trip to the Maldives was amazing from beginning to end and truly lived up to expectations. We chose this island for its incredible house reef. The buffet offered a good variety， catering to everyone's tastes. If you have specific requests， just inform your waiter， and they'll offer alternatives. We reserved the teppanyaki restaurant， and it was excellent. We tried the hot rocks as well， but wouldn't redo it—it was just okay. Embracing the 'no shoes' lifestyle was surprisingly easy. Our attentive waiter ensured our wine glasses were always full. The rooms were very comfortable; we stayed in a water villa which was private and had stunning views. We regularly spotted reef sharks， manta rays， and lots of fish swimming below us. The all-day discovery boat tour was the highlight—seeing manta rays， whale sharks， and turtles was incredible. Food and drinks on the boat were plentiful， and we enjoyed a glass of fizz as we returned to Vilamendhoo， escorted by dolphins at sunset—truly magical. We rented snorkeling gear， but will bring our own next time. The mini bar was replenished daily， and there was ample bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Once you visit， you'll long to return.

📍Itinerary Overview From Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur for a connecting flight to the Maldives 🚩Activities Stay on the island throughout the trip, with daily activities planned—some are free, while others require a fee. You'll never feel bored! 🏖️Photo Spots The entire island is a perfect backdrop for photos. 🚇Transportation Take a seaplane, approximately 30 minutes. 📷Photography Locations Every spot is picturesque. 🍜Local Cuisine Generally includes free buffet meals. 🏠Accommodation Recommendations 1. Velaa Private Island Spa Resort Overwater villas

| Milaidhoo Island Maldives. For those still struggling to choose an island in the Maldives, look no further! Milaidhoo Island Maldives is definitely a place that can satisfy all your fantasies about an island vacation. Having just returned from there, I can't wait to share this wonderful experience with you all~ 🏝️ Stepping onto Milaidhoo Island is like entering a wonderland forgotten by the world. The fine white sand glistens under the sunlight, and stepping on it feels like sinking into soft clouds. Strolling along the coastline, listening to the gentle whispers of the waves, you are faced with the endless azure sea, where the sea and sky meet, making it hard to distinguish where one ends and the other begins. 🛏️ The accommodation experience is simply amazing! The villa design here is unique, combining modern comfort and convenience with a rich Maldivian style. I stayed in an overwater villa, where the room was spacious and bright, offering breathtaking ocean views through the large floor-to-ceiling windows. The room is fully equipped, and the bed is soft and comfortable, providing ultimate relaxation after a tiring day of activities. The most surprising thing is that the room also has a private terrace and stairs leading directly into the sea, allowing you to jump into the crystal-clear water and get up close and personal with the ocean at any time. 💆‍♀️ As a spa resort, the spa here is exceptional. Stepping into the spa, you are instantly enveloped by a tranquil and soothing atmosphere. I experienced their signature spa treatment, where the professional masseuse's skillful techniques and just-right pressure, combined with the natural aroma of essential oils, provided deep relaxation from head to toe, every inch of skin and every muscle. During the spa treatment, you can also hear the gentle sound of the waves, a truly indescribable feeling of physical and mental pleasure. 🍱 Food is also a major highlight of Milaidhoo Island. The restaurant offers a wide variety of cuisines, from local seafood specialties to exquisite international dishes, each dish a work of art, appealing to all senses. Freshly caught seafood, carefully prepared by the chef, retains its original freshness, bringing a mouthful of happiness. The dining environment is also very romantic. Enjoying dinner at the open-air restaurant by the sea, accompanied by the sunset glow, is an unforgettable experience. 🏄‍♂️ The island also offers a wide range of activities, whether you prefer exciting water sports or want to leisurely enjoy the island time, you can find something that suits you. I tried snorkeling, and putting on the gear and diving into the sea felt like entering a dreamy underwater world. Colorful corals, schools of tropical fish, and various unnamed marine creatures, observing their lives up close is truly amazing. Milaidhoo Island Maldives is a place where time slows down and the soul is healed. If you are longing for an island getaway from the hustle and bustle, don't miss this place. Trust me, you won't want to leave once you arrive!

【Guest Photo Sharing】This issue's share comes from the fairy @Zhaomao - Veligandu in the Maldives is long from east to west and narrow from northwest. It takes about half an hour to walk around the island. If you want to see the world's largest fish - the whale shark, then this is a suitable place. The snorkeling here is top-notch, the beach is also nice, and the cost performance is very high. There are few Chinese people, but there is Chinese reception. - Way to the island: 35 minutes by seaplane Meal type: FB The dishes are rich and different every day. Apart from curry, most of them are typical Western food, including beef, chicken, fish, and cheese. Overall, it's still good! Snorkeling There are many fish. Although we didn't see adult sharks, the colorful small fish are still very beautiful. There are many clownfish and sea anemones. There are about six or seven spots around the island. The offshore tour is also worth it. We saw whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and dolphins. The feeling of chasing whale sharks is really great! - Although it is niche, you can feel the tranquility and beauty of the island. It is very suitable for relaxing. I will come again next time! @Community Welfare Jun @Ctrip Community Creation Center

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