Summer Island Maldives

My 14th visit to the Maldives but my first to Summer island. Arrived early morning & had to wait two hours to be collected by speedboat, this wait was not communicated to us & something I have not experienced before. After check in, taken to our room, not the room we had requested. Scruffy area outside the room (361) leaves left everywhere, broken plastic sunbeds & torn/dirty cushions, dredged sand which was very difficult to walk on without shoes. I research my islands thoroughly as love the no shoes vibe, access to the sea from the villa etc, I had also communicated this directly to the island prior to my visit. We were taken back to reception & chatted to a young man who I think may have been the reception manager. He was only interested in finding out who was to blame for us not being allocated the requested room (not his fault) & suggested I take it up with our travel agent. I advised I would do this but in the meantime could he look at an alternative room with the powder soft sand ( he told me this was shipped in & not how it was usually, he also said he was Maldivian & I had offended him by saying the rough sand was dredged) & s tidy outside area. After much discussion & him accusing me of trying to obtain a complimentary upgrade (absolutely not the case) he said we could move to the sunset side of the island the following day. We were moved & the new room was much better, tidy area, soft sand and the sunbeds were slightly better. At no point during the rest of our stay did anyone check we were ok, we did pass this young man from reception daily as we walked up & down but he didn’t acknowledge us. The rest of the staff were lovely (as they usually are), the island is lovely in places but they have crammed too many rooms into a small island & it felt busy. I understand you get what you pay for & also understand the battle with erosion, dredging etc but the way we were treated by this member of staff was unacceptable & something I have not experienced before. I will not return to this island & will not recommend it. Senior management were not visible at any time. A small thing, but part of the experience, nobody to wave us off as we left the island to go to the airport 😞

Our second time in the Maldives, first visit to Summer Island. This visit was for our 25th wedding anniversary and we have had an unforgettable trip! We were all inclusive in a water villa (520, the last water villa in the row which gave us an unbelievable panoramic view) The villa was spacious, private sun deck with steps to the water and housekeeping (or “room boys “ as they were called) were just fantastic throughout the stay. They came in twice per day and decorated our bed for our anniversary celebration. All the staff were so friendly and super efficient. Sameer was brilliant at the Hiya overwater restaurant, as were the 2 barmen at the Avi bar. Joy looked after us at the Samuga restaurant and there were always plenty of staff as well at the Nevi bar who were always ready to refill your drinks. We found the all inclusive drinks menu was just fine and apart from the alcoholic drinks, the mocktails were also really good! Food was excellent. As beautiful as the island is, you also need to take advantage of the landscape under the sea, as there is amazing snorkelling to be done. Around the island (straight from the beach) we snorkelled with reef sharks every day, thousands of beautiful tropical fish plus amazing encounters with Manta rays, sting rays and on our last 2 days a sea turtle was within a few metres of the beach! To find the best spots, pop to the Dive centre when you arrive and read the guidebook there) Take the opportunity to book on the daily snorkel trip as well (fins are mandatory due to the current, so I’d suggest to buy at home and take them with you.. you can hire them there but it’s around 35 USD for 6 day hire) One day as the boat was heading out, the captain spotted a pod of dolphins which was amazing. All in all, a FANTASTIC trip. Thank you to all the staff.

Summer Island is a special place to visit. Every member, of every department ensures your stay on the island is magical. The rooms are cleaned to an exceptional standard, the free toiletries are wonderful. Housekeeping is always available when requested, just pick up a phone. Both bars, and the staff are fabulous. The drinks, food and smiles on the staffs faces say everything. Adi your love, and knowledge of The Rolling Stones is to be enjoyed and celebrated, karaoke? Every member of the team enjoys an opportunity to welcome you to their second home. The buffet restaurant, led by two amazing chefs produce food of such a high quality, we never want to go home! From morning omelettes, waffles, pancakes to the fresh fruit selection caters for everyone. Lunch is not to be missed, the pumpkin, and tomato soup is delicious 😋 The hot meal selection, and salad array is of an amazing standard, we adore the coleslaw. The evening dining experience offers different daily themed dishes. Each and every dining experience is amazing, you will never ever go hungry! The quality, and variety of the breads is to be celebrated. Thank you to each and every member of staff in the kitchens preparing the food, the servers, and waiting staff you are all the best anyone can ask for to serve you. The overwater dining experience is something everyone should try. The chef leading the staff, Mohit produces creative, and extremely tasty fine dining experiences, no tweaks are too much trouble for him. He comes out from the kitchen to enquire if you have enjoyed your dining experience, this gentleman is a treasure. The additional, and new entertainment is great, the sundown musical experience is just so amazing, you just relax and feel privileged to be on such a beautiful island. The reef is often mentioned in reviews, how any visitor is able to say there is not one bemuses us! Just be patient, snorkel and everything is there waiting to see you. From small fry, eels, a huge variety of fish, sharks, and stingrays, they are all there. The pool offers another experience, look over the sides. The crabs, eels, sharks, rays and winkles to see make the experience fun. The new shop offers some amazing souvenirs, and of course essentials. We loved the jet skis, what a fabulous experience they offer. The guide takes you out so you always feel safe. We were extremely privileged to see a variety of islands that are just emerging. An hour’s experience is well worth it. Last, but not least, the reception team led by a welcoming and knowledgeable management team thank you. We are so grateful for your dedication and will see you in October. Kind regards, Andrew & Amanda

Beautiful island. I think it is well worth knowing the price of drinks on the island are extremely expensive. Do not touch the mini bar unless you have unlimited wealth. All bars and restaurants are also very very expensive. For those wishing to have a glass of wine with your dinner, forget it. Wine is only served by the bottle and the cheapest is 65$ for a poor bottle of Pinot. The waiters try and sell the fact you can save it for the next day.