Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa

We had such amazing experience and it was our second time to Maldives, the snorkeling was absolutely stunning, we spent 10 nights at vilamendhoo and I think I saw all kinds of creatures and sea life. Turtles, stingrays, octopus, eels and loads loads of fishes. I felt in an aquarium, and all accessible from the shore. The food was amazing we didn't get bored: breakfast, lunch and dinner every day was different selection of food, everything you can imagine of. Vegetarian friendly and gluten free friendly too! I loved most of the staff was Maldivian and I felt more authentic experience compared to other resorts I have been. It was absolutely amazing and we would definitely go back, I really cried when we left it was a paradise. The room was a bit dated I would say, I didn't like too much the open toilet because it was so hot and humid and I felt was a nightmare to go every time to the toilet honestly, and even if you get the standalone Villa your neighbours can hear anything from your toilet. The best part of the island to stay is definitely on the north side, jacuzzi beach villas. Beautiful wide beach and space, we were in the room 200 and that I think it was the best spot compared to the whole island, I wish we could stay again there.

Amazing from start to finish First time to the Maldives and it did not disappoint The house reef is amazing and the reason why we picked this island. The buffet choice was good, something for everyone. If you do have any specifics if you let your waiter know they will offer alternatives. We booked the tapinyaka restaurant and it was so good. We also tried the hot rocks which we would not repeat but it was ok. You do get used to the ‘no shoes’ way of life. Our waiter who looked after us at every meal was always ready will a refill of the wine. The rooms are very comfortable. We stayed in a water villa. It was very private and obviously the views were amazing. We often had reef sharks, manta ray and loads of fish swimming around below us. We did the full day discovery boat It was the best day ever! We saw Manta, whale shark and turtles. The food was really good and drinks a plenty. We even had a glass of fizz whilst the sun set heading back to Vilamendoo with a dolphin escort. Magical ❤️ We hired snorkelling equipment but would take our own when we visit again. The mini bar was restocked daily and plenty of bottled water available for teeth brushing and consuming Once you have been you will want to return.

While the reef at this resort is undeniably beautiful — one of the very few redeeming features — the rest of our stay was extremely disappointing, stressful, and frustrating from start to finish. I don’t understand how other people can write positive reviews about the food and management. I understand in the past they offered free upgrades and extras but now after the change of manager, it is clear they do not care about guests’ experience and more so about money. I have travelled all over the world to Florida, New York, Marbella, Majorca, Paris, Sardinia, Venice, Antalya, Punta Cana, Iceland, Dubai other resorts in the Maldives like Kuredu but this is the worst experience I’ve ever had After travelling for over 24 hours, we were dumped at the wrong hotel (Radisson Blu) by sea plane with no support, no explanation, and no contact from our actual hotel. We were completely stranded, left to figure it out on our own like forgotten baggage. When we finally arrived (after a second sea plane and a boat ride), we were not greeted by the manager as arranged, and were told that the room we had requested three times in advance by email was not available. When I asked if we could be offered a water villa as compensation, the receptionist (a Russian woman) laughed at me, which was completely inappropriate and offensive. We were taken to a semi-detached villa with bins and wooden boards blocking our view, about 20 metres from the beach. The hotel has no buggies at all, so we had to drag our luggage around the island ourselves in the heat — an awful first impression. Eventually, we were moved to a standalone villa, which I do appreciate. But overall, the customer service was the worst I’ve experienced in the Maldives. The manager was arrogant, dismissive, and took no responsibility for the issues with the sea plane or for trying to make things right. He even said they weren’t obliged to offer anything to improve our experience. We were offered a lunch at the bar to make up for the one we missed — but drinks weren’t included, which felt incredibly stingy. As for the food — it was absolutely revolting. The buffet is tiny, with virtually no variety. If you enjoy Italian, Spanish, Mediterranean cuisine or fresh fish, you will hate it here. There was no potato, no pasta, no noodles, just a few curries and rice, night after night. Compared to resorts like Kuredu, this was a massive letdown in every way — especially the food. It’s obvious that the hotel relies on its beautiful reef to attract guests, but lets everything else slide — from customer service to food quality and hospitality. My trip started with stress, exhaustion, and disappointment — and unfortunately, that set the tone for the whole stay. I will never return, and would strongly discourage anyone expecting a premium experience from booking here.

This is a review mainly on the adults only part of the Island. Sadly our visit didn't start well. I did hundreds of hours of research as I do on Maldives resorts, this isn't our first visit to the Maldives. We wanted adults only, a detached water villa, all inclusive and a decent house reef. This was also a holiday to mark a special, if slightly delayed occasion. Three weeks before arrival I contacted the resort to confirm our booking (made with a major UK / worldwide travel agent). They immediately confirmed we were booked into a jacuzzi water villa on an all inclusive basis as requested, this being the highest package the resort offers. Having knowledge of the accommodation on the Island we didn't want a beach villa as you don't get a choice between detached or adjoined ie semi detached. Our plane couldn't land at Male due to weather so we circled for 40 minutes, the cases were also delayed an hour - it can get busy, they really need to finish that new terminal. The sea plane transfer was a disaster (not the resorts fault I accept). Our cases didn't come with us and we were given a few minutes to pull items out we might need until their arrival (time unknown). This isn't uncommon so be prepared. We then broke down at another Island before the plane 'fixed itself', refuelled elsewhere before landing for the 3rd time by now some 5 hours after our arrival at Male. The seaplane (we've done it before) is a unique experience, however this was pushing it somewhat even if it was paradise bound, its hot, uncomfortable and there's the potential for air sickness if it goes on too long ! As I said not the Islands fault but it sets the scene for what followed! Then we were told on arrival our water villa wasn't available despite the Island confirming our booking . We knew what was coming, some kind of compensation but that really isn't the point. The point is that we knew that when the cases eventually turned up (4-5 hours later it trasnpired), we couldn't unpack and settle in as we'd be moving at 2pm the next day. I know the first day is a lottery around arrival but to basically lose the second day waiting around for a room move, then unpacking etc was a kick in the teeth when only here for 11 nights. There was very little empathy in the way we were dealt with perhaps due to translation, or the fact we were bizarrely told 'it happens all the time'. If it's the norm then lack of does empathy kicks in I guess. We also missed lunch due to an elongated welcome talk, we were twice mislead that the restaurant was shut yet others from our seaplane, clearly more savvy basically insisted on lunch, left their reception committees early and we found them merrily eating in the restaurant. That aside the day was saved later by snacks from the adults only bar - worth noting. So I can comment on the beach villas even if that wasn't my intention. We were semi detached, zero privacy on the deck from one side and a wall separating the giggling couple on the other. Likewise in the open bathroom at the rear you're privy to noises you perhaps don't really want to hear. Hence we didn't book a beach villa and it was the last place I wanted to end up. They'd put some welcome flowers on the bed and half a bottle of fizz was delivered which was nice, we only found out when checking out this was part of the 'compensation' and had to sign for it !!..on leaving..very strange. The beach villa room was quite large and comfortable, air con noisy, fully stocked fridge on the AI was excellent. Allocated sun loungers about 40 yards away through a communal area which suffers minor foot traffic to the adults only bar and restaurant. All very well kept, great mixture of sun and shade but lacks the privacy other Islands have in relation to their beach villas. We were moved on day two to a different world, the one I originally booked, the more expensive one which you really shouldn't be bumped from if you were truly valued. The water villas are large, comfortable, very private, adequately furnished. Loads of storage room, steps into a shallow lagoon. Excellent wif fi. There' s a jacuzzi at the rear but it's noisy at night and could only be turned off by the room boy if he remembered. They're not super modern and glitzy and it's worth noting that if you're a light sleeper the waves can wake you up but we thoroughly enjoyed it. There was a turn down service which was welcome. Even on AI you have to account for anything from the fridge which makes it a chore. Why not just replace anything missing? Pillow menu available if you want , they offer toppers for the mattress as the beds are rather firm. The adults only section is lovely. The infinity pool, the bar, the adjoining buffet restaurant. The Asian Wok is included on AI, however it seemed hardly used, as the Island also offers a full board option it could be most weren't on AI. The menu on AI is also limited to three courses, this does change every 4 days, the location down the other end set out to sea is magical and worth the walk. No entertainment at the adults only bar in the evening, you had to walk down to the main bar and terrace. We valued the quiet and wanted to avoid kids but it meant the bar was virtually dead at 10 pm. Could they do something - I'm not sure, perhaps. The Island is popular with families, every villa without fail was within easy access of a lovely beach apart from the Garden villas. We didn't linger, just walked, its a decent walk around the Island but it felt like another resort. I think it must have been a half term or holiday in Russia, as family wise they outnumbering everyone down there and towards the end they were regulary encroaching into the adults only area and not taking no for an answer. I felt for the romantic dinner on the beach couple who were suddenly surrounded by 20 uncontrolled screaming kids who appeared from nowhere on a lap of the Island. The staff really do have a difficult job at times dealing with insistent parents. The reef is very accessible with channels marked out to the drop off and an interesting selection of sea life for snorkelling, hence the popularity of the Island. After a few days of no follow up on how we were originally dealt with and our visit in general, I eventually requested to speak with a senior manager. Lovely chap, apologised sincerely and the lack of empathy and understanding that was initially missing was suddenly there as it really should have been from the beginning. However there was no promise it wouldn't happen again, so I guess it was outside of his control. Oh yes, we visited the spa, very relaxing, brilliant location just off the water villa jetty. We thought we were the sort of people the resort aspire to have i.e. potential returnees but in hindsight were probably downgraded in favour of the blossoming Instagram / honeymoon market, most of which dominated the water villas. Controversial perhaps but when you look at the demographic it was as clear as day where the priority is, not just this Island but others we've visited. The restraurant set up is a little odd. Perhaps it was explained and we missed it. You can sit where you like but you were allocated the same waiter. Now this leads to confusion, especially when you have a couple of members of staff who adhered to it so strictly it was if anyone but their allocated guests didn't exist. No eye contact, no good morning literally turning the other way. Fortunately our waiter was brilliant and was happy to help anyone. In summary the adults only section was ideal but we were never really assured that overbooking wouldn't or couldn't happen again even after confirming our choice of villa etc. Allegedly the Island was known for it some ago according to regulars. So in hindsight that's knocked it down to a 4, otherwise it would have been a close 5 perhaps a 4.5. As it transpires on return the resort manager asked for feedback. I posted this review then postphoned it in case anything was forthcoming but the feedback wasn't even acknowledged. Would we return ? I'm not sure, in all of our travels we've never be downgraded plus the manner it was dealt with. Also the rest of the Island is far busier with children than we imagined and they do intrude, you can understand curiosity but there was a sense of entitlement from Russian guests that they had a right to drag their children around there and into the adults only pool for example.