Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa

From the moment we arrived at Male airport to departure, we were looked after by staff from the resort and ushered through to the bus to take us to the seaplane terminal. Everything worked well. On arrival at the resort, we were given a cool welcome drink. Our room wasn’t ready so we had lunch in the Ahima ( adults only) restaurant. The same lady who checked us in came and collected us to take us to our room. We had chosen a jacuzzi water villa in the adults only area of the island. It was spacious, detached and private. The bed was on the firm side for me but not uncomfortable. The sheets were changed alternate days and there was an excellent turn down service in the evening when you could have your towels changed for a second time if you wanted. Nihan, was brilliant, keeping our room spotlessly clean. We were on the AIP board basis and could use most of the contents of the minibar which was restocked daily. We also received half a bottle of champagne on the first evening. The air con wasn’t working when we arrived but the problem was quickly rectified . We ate exclusively in the Ahima restaurant and had our own waiter for the duration. Meezad was excellent and remembered exactly what we liked to drink. He was thoughtful and efficient. The food was plentiful and delicious. We enjoyed several themed evenings. The drink package was extensive on the AIP with plenty of cocktails on offer as well as a good choice of wine. Unfortunately, they did not have the French white/ rose options as they had run out. The resort has its own house reef and has several floating life buoys at intervals so that you could have a rest. We saw so many species of fish…just like floating in an aquarium! You have to watch the currents but it is relatively easy to see where you should be swimming. Do take your own snorkels, masks and flippers as these are not free of charge to rent and are quite expensive to hire. This is the first time in the Maldives that we have been told there is a charge ( out of five visits to other islands). Luckily , we were prepared. We took part in one excursion . This was to visit a nearby residential island. We were told , only when we turned up at the appointee time, that there were mosquitoes on the island. It was a long walk back to our villa to get the insect repellent. Perhaps it would be a good idea to inform guests on booking that repellent was needed. It was interesting to see the boat building and schools. When we departed, we were looked after again by staff from Vilamendhoo who met us at Male and took us through to check in. All in all, in spite of the changeable weather, we had a lovely time and would return. This island works so well because of its staff team. Meezad, Nihan and Safraz ( a trainee who went above and beyond to show us the little lights in the sand at night) all deserve a mention. The staff are all incredibly helpful and well trained.

Our second visit to this mini island paradise was every bit as great as our first. They really put a lot of effort into making your stay enjoyable in every way - rooms, staff, food are all excellent, and of course the crowning glory is having fish-filled reef only yards of the beach, and virtually circling the whole island. We went for a jacuzzi beach villa rather than a water villa this time, and while we missed looking down at the illuminated fish from our deck in the evenings, we loved being able to be over the reef within a minute of leaving our room. And being closer to the bar! The food in the buffet is remarkable both in terms of quality and the variety offered. Even after 10 days we never got bored and never even considered either of the two a la carte restaurants Staff were all good, but our waiter, Misbah, was exceptional. A real star Finally - unless you drink vast amounts of alcohol, you'll save money by going full board rather all-inclusive

The overwater villas are amazing. You can also enjoy a jacuzzi treatment in a separated area of the villa, having a total privacy experience. The house reef is one of the best we have experienced in Maldives resorts. All the bars have a wide area outside to enjoy the sunset by drinking a special cocktail. The food variety is very good.

This was our first time to The Maldives. We stayed for 9 nights in 2 beach villas trying out both sides of the island. We can not fault the standard of service we received. Our all inclusive package was good, our villas were immaculate and comfortable with excellent housekeeping. Our transfer to resort by seaplane was faultless and a great experience. The staff, and there are hundreds off them, work very hard to keep the island immaculate every day and go out of there way to please. I guess like most organisations these days they very much embrace modern technologies and Vilamendhoo is no different. All your bookings for your stay can be organised through their App which works very well. Apart from a couple of gifts we spent hardly any money while we were there as the AI package covered everything we needed. We couldn't really fault Vilamendhoo and will be going back again,

The service from people in Vilamendhoo is top notch, the bed and pillows were great, what didn´t work for us was the food that in our case was a really bad experience, overcooked tasteless meet, the dressing of the meet sweet in most of the cases. The desert were heavy sweet, even the sugar free option that were offered some days was heavy sweet. Every day there was kind of Indian or Chinesse food options when most of the guest we saw were not from that countries and we don´t eat Indian, Chinesse or spicy food. The breakfast was pure carbs, bad carbs with lack of proteins and vegetables. We look for a resort with healthy food options, this is not the case of Vilamendhoo and the reason why the food didn´t work for us. Internet conectivity was between 1MB/S or 2MB/s, this was not acceaptable for us that we need to manage suff remotelly. The beaches this time were not well cleaned, with plastics and sandals everywhere, a pitty that Maldivian people does not respect the environment and the Maldivian government does not do anything about this. The weather in jannuary was not good at all. We will not return to this resort.