Diamonds Athuruga Beach & Water Villas

Beautiful, idyllic island, with the most EXCEPTIONAL team. ޝުކުރިއްޔާ/ Shukuriyaa I stayed in a water villa, which was substantial compared to other resorts I have stayed at, bed was so comfy I almost missed breakfast most mornings. Meals could be taken a 'la carte at the water villa restaurant or in the buffet restaurant on the island, great touch and both had great food and fantastic service. It’s a small island, you can get around it in 10mins max, so I made full use of the many excursions. Really enjoyed both the manta & whale shark safari, no whale sharks this time but I saw my first manta. A first for me was a marine biology team at the resort, they led tours and house reef snorkelling sessions. They have a fantastic amount of knowledge and it was a great opportunity to ask questions and learn about the marine life and reefs and a "perk" I have never experienced in the Maldives before. I also did a Discover Diving session with the iDive team. The House Reef is incredible and seeing it whilst whilst diving is an experience I would recommend everyone try at least once in their lifetime. Nils, my dive instructor, had the patience of a saint. I am not the most confident of swimmers and after 30mins I was off. I loved it so much that I now want my Open Water certification. I would 100% recommend doing a Discover Diving session as early in any Maldivian holiday as possible, not only did I love the diving, I really benefited from the confidence that it gave me when I went snorkelling. The staff here are what makes this island exceptional, and for me unforgettable. All of them genuinely seem to get on and have fun as colleagues and friends, which makes for a very warm and welcoming feel as a guest, from the moment you step off the sea plane. Having visited the Maldives on many occasions, stayed at various resorts, travelled solo, as in this case, and with my husband & children I've made a general rule not to visit the same resort twice BUT Athuruga, you have my heart, and have made an exception, I'll see you in October. Ciao Vicky So many wonderful staff to mention I cannot name them all but… Front of house: Valeria (for introducing me to a Martini Spritz), Sebastiano (for being such great fun). Water sports: Miriam, Federica, Giulia (for getting me jumping off of various boats whilst snorkelling) and Gabriele (Karaoke king, DJ, Game Show Host the list goes on, he is actually part of the water sports team) The iDive Team: Davide, Jessica and of course Nils and Ramu for getting me under the water. Waiters & Bar Staff: Sailam, Shiyarau, Nasook, Akash, Abdulla, Shakib. Fernando, the head chef, and his amazing team and finally to the best chef this side of the sun, Chef Titu, আন্তরিক ধন্যবাদ.

Paradise! For so many reasons - firstly the unique and breath taking place and wildlife ofcourse - but also because EVERYONE- truely everyone worked so hard and happily to make sure that our holiday was just the best it could possibly be - Every single member of every department shone in their care attitude and friendly ness - it felt as if they were one big family and their mission was for us to have the best holiday ever - they succeeded and like many guests whom we met - we will return ( a thing we never do!) Thankyou to absolutely everyone- you should be so proud of yourselves and your island