Like sparking gems in an azure sea the Maldives is a group of some 2,000 islands situated just over one hour's flight south- west of Sri Lanka and southern of India. These beautiful coral islands provide some of the world's best diving and the perfect retreat for those wishing to get away from it all and enjoy a totally relaxed and unsophisticat way of life.

DIVING - The Maldives are also one of the best diving locations in the world with abundant marine and coral life in warm clear waters. A variety of diving opportunities is available, inside the reefs which surround the islands, in the channels between islands and on the edge of the atolls facing the ocean. Much of the diving is drift diving.

Reef fish are prolific and not as timid as in other areas. Larger deep ocean fish can also be present: shoals of grey nurse and white tip sharks are common along with eagle rays; manta rays and occasional whale sharks can be seen particularly in February and march to the east and may to October in the west. Diving is generally possible year round, however monsoon winds in November/December and particularly May/June make the sea quiet rough. Plankton blooms in December to May increasing underwater visibility to some degree. This is perhaps one of the ultimate dive destinations.

1. Bandos Island Resort- Diving

Location: North Male Atoll (20 minutes by speed boat from Male airport) and a few minutes from Kuda Bandos.

Accommodation:All 220 rooms have air-conditioning mini- bar and IDD telephone. Most are sea- facing. Standard have a shower with heated desalinated water and a verandah. Junior suites are larger and have a bath, hairdryer
and living room.

Facilities: 2 restaurants, coffee shop, gym, sauna, steam bath, massage, 4 shops, beauty salon, swimming pool, child care facilities, medical centre, tennis, squash, badminton and Evening entertainment. Water-sports including diving.

Opinion: A large and modern resort offering excellent facilities, clear blue waters and excellent beaches. Supplements per person per night: Junior suite £8. Single room: Standard £13 (20 Jul-30 Aug £27). Juniour suite from £29. Dinner £10.

Child Reduction: £100.

2.  Bathala Island Resort

Location: In Ari Atoll some 35 miles from Male. Transfer by seaplane (20 mins) & boat (15 mins).

Accomodation: The 46 rooms in detachched roof bungalows are simply furnished and have part open air bathrooms with cold desalinated water shower and patio. Standard rooms have ceiling fans. Superior rooms are air-conditioned and have a hot water shower.

Facilities: Restaurant, bar, shop, table tennis and sorkelling are available. There is also a fully equipped dive school. Excursions can be arranged to the nearby islands.

Opinion: A small, typically Maldivian resort offering simple accomodation and facilities in an informal atmosphere.
A great base for divers with good diving and snorkelling skills, on the accesible house reef.
There is a strong accent on rest and relaxation.

Location: In the south Male Atoll (1 hour from the airport by speed boat) 18 miles south of the capital Male.

Accommodation: 96 rooms in 2 storey buildings set back a few steps from the waterfront rooms. All have a double or twin beds, air-conditioning, hairdryer, tea & coffee maker, mini refrigerator/bar, hot & cold water shower,w.c and balcony or patio.

Facilities: Air-conditioned restaurant, bar, a dive base operated by Jurgen Schagger's "Diving World" offering parasailing, wind surfing, water skiing, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Excursions organized by the resort include night fishing and island hopping. Occasional entertainment includes Maldivian theme evenings, bands and disco. For a charge of scene a free daytime ferry service operates to nearby Villi Varu.

Opinion: Offers a good standard of accommodation and is a good base for divers. The accent is on relaxation, watersports and diving.

Location: A small attractive island in North Male Atoll approx. 1 hour by fast boat from the airport.

Accommodation: 60 air-conditioned rooms with ceiling fan, safe, mini bar, telephone and satellite TV.  Most bathrooms are part open-air and have bath & shower, with heated desalinated water and a private patio leading to the beach.

Facilities: Restaurant, bar, coffee shop and
souvenir shop.  There is also a gymnasium, billiard table, table tennis table, darts, volley ball and badminton.  The watersports centre offers diving for beginners and advanced divers, catamaran sailing & windsurfing.  Island hopping,  Male shopping and night fishing excursions are also organised.  Occasional entertainment includes live music and local dances.

Opinions: A typical Maldivian resort with a nenowed house reef.  A great choice for those seeking relaxation and informality.

Location: In the unspoiled North Nilandhe (Faafu) Atoll, 40 minutes by seaplane (plus 30 mins by boat) south of the capital Male. The island is approx. 1000m long and 200m wide.

Accommodation: 125 rooms in detached or semi-detached thatched roofed bungalows.  All rooms have a timber deck, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, satellite TV, telephone, hair dryer and bathroom with bath/shower with heated desalinated water.

(Beach Villa) rooms are in semi-detached bungalows with shower.  (Deluxe Villa) rooms are in detached bungalows with bath and shower. The detached (Water Villas) are built on stilts over the crystal clear waters of the lagoon, and have a Jucuzzi and private wooden deck area.

Facilities: A main restaurant for buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, coffee shop, bar, swimming pool with a bar & sun terraces, gymnasium.  Diving is offered for beginners and experienced divers alike.  A variety of watersports are available.

Opinion: A stylish and spacious resort, Filitheyo is currently the only resort in the unspoiled Faafu Atoll.  Booking early for Water Villas is advisable.

Location: In North Male Atoll approx. 90 minutes by boat from the airport.

Accommodation: 150 attractive furnished rooms with a double or twin beds, shower with heated desalinated water. Standard rooms have tiled floor, ceiling fan, mini-bar and balcony or terrace. Deluxe rooms are as superior but more spacious with hairdryer, bath/shower and balcony or terrace.

Facilities: Restaurant, 2 bars, 2 beaches bars, coffee shop pleasantly located on the beach with wooden terrace serving snacks, a la carte meals and drinks during the day. TV/ Karaoke room, billiard table, souvenir and jewellery shops, badminton, table tennis, a flood lit tennis court and a medical clinic with resident doctor. Kids day care centre with playground.
Wind surfing, catamaran sailing, water skiing, parasailing, banana riding, canoes are available plus daily free half day snorkelling trip to the house reef (equipment hire extra) The PADI Diving school is run by Eurodivers. Evening entertainment includes disco, karaoke, local live bands (Boduberi) and theme evenings.

Opinion: This well established resort offers a good standard of accommodation and facilities. A good base for divers. The main beach is coarse coral white sand and the large lagoon is ideal for watersports.

Prices based on half board in a standard room. Supplements per person per night: Superior £4. Deluxe £7 (13 Apr-1 Nov £8). Single room: Standard £23 (22 Dec-4 Jan £28, 13 Apr-1 Nov £18). Superior £31 (22 Dec-4 Jan £43). Full board £6 (1-21 Dec'97 £5). Child reduction: £150

Location: O ne of the largest Maldivian resorts in Lhaviyani Atol some 4-5 hours by boat from the airport or 45 mins by seaplane (£125 return supplement payable per person.)

Accommodation:Rooms are in 300 bungalows with a double or twin beds, ceiling fan, part open air bathroom and small terrace. Standard have shower with unheated water. Superior have a mini- fridge, air con,(including disco-bar), gymaerobics, TV room, library, floodlit tennis court, table tennis, volley ball, water-sports, diving & evening entertainment. See below for ALL INCLUSIVE.

Opinion: A beautiful lush island with superb beaches. The resort is built in traditional Maldivian style. Suppl'ts per person per night: Superior room £ 9. Single room: Standard £28. Superior from £43.

Child Reduction: £100.

Location: A small island, 500m long and 100m wide, with attractive white sand beaches on each end. Situated on the northwest reef of Lhaviyani Atoll, some 4-5 hours by boat from the airport or 45 mins by seaplane (sea below).
Kamandoo is located in one of the most interesting diving on the house reef.

Accommodation: The resort has 45 attractively furnished rooms in individual wooden bungalows built in the shape of a shell.  They have air-conditioning, telephone, fridge, CD and cassette player, a wooden terrace over the beach with deck chairs, part open-air bathroom with walk in shower, hot and cold desalinated water and a small garden.

Facilities: A comfortably furnished lounge and restaurant built in picturesque Maldivian style.  Selected free watersports are available such as windsurfing and canoes.  Tuition and Top Cat sailing are also available at a charge.
A beautiful lagoon surrounds the island offering excellent swimming.
Kamandoo also has its own Spa.

Opinions: One of the newest island resorts, Kamandoo offers excellent standards throughout and a very relaxing atmosphere.  Seaplane transfers recommended.

  10. Lily Beach  - All Inclusive - (Diving )
16 Water bungalows built partly over the lagoon,

consistently popular hotel in a beautiful setting

Location: In S.E Air Atoll. Transfer from the airport arranged by sea plane (30 min) and boat (10 min).

Accommodation:84 attractive furnished air-conditioned rooms with ceiling fan, mini fridge, Hi Fi music system and part
open air bathroom with hot and cold desalinated water shower. 68 Standard rooms in the (semi-detached bungalows) , with
double or twin beds and patio.
16 Water bungalows built partly over the lagoon, more spacious with a double bed, small sittings area with rocking chair,
hairdryer and large sundeck, bathtub and bidet in the bathroom.

Facilities: Restaurant, coffee shop, 2 bars, floodlit tennis court, gym, souvenir shop, swmingpool with pool side bar and children' section. Diving center (diving atan extra charge). Children's' playground. Excurtion to nearby islands can be organized. Occasional entertainment includes barbecues, Maldivian theme evenings, disco and live music.

Opinion: Good standard of accommodation, friendly service and an excellent house reef. The 'All Inclusive concept provides great value in the Maldives.

     outstanding value, excellent facilities

Location: Just 90 minutes dhoni ride from Male lies the stunning, lush island of Lohifushi. Speedboats trnsfers (30 minutes) available at a supplement of £27 return. Huge banyan trees grow on the island which has a soft sandy beach and superb house reef. A charming island with lots of natural beauty as well as a wide variety of facilities and activities.

Accomadation:127 rooms, with mini bar, part open air bathroom with shower and small terrace looking out to sea. Standard rooms are in blocks of 2 to 4 rooms, while superior rooms are in individual bunngalows, or in bungalows with 2 inter-connecting rooms, making them ideal for families. They are larger and more modern and have air- conditioning, a bath as well as shower.
Deluxe rooms are in individual air-conditioned bungalows and also have tea and coffee making facilities and television.

Facilities: 3 restaurants, incuding a 24 hour coffee shop overlooking the lagoon, and 4 bars, 2 of which are on the beach. Small swimming pool, tennis and squash courts and a fitness centre. For children, there is an un-supervised children's playground.
Watersports enthusiasts are well catered for - windsurfing, catamaran sailing, water-skiing, canoeing and snorkelling are all available as well as wave surfing (15 minutes boat ride away).
NB guests should have their own surfboards) and fantastic diving. Local exursions include visits to neighboring islands, snorkelling safaris, fishing trips and visits to Male.

Location: On the South Ari Atoll. Transfer from Male airport is by seaplane (35 min) and a 5 minute walk across the bridge from the landing stage. The resort is built on 2 islands connected by a footbridge.

Accomodatoin: 150 rooms all with air-conditioning, telephone, mini-bar and bath and shower. (
Beach Villas) are just a few steps from the beach and have a traditional Maldivian part open air bathroom and a patio.
(Deluxe Beach Villas) as above, with 4 poster bed, expresso machine and CD system.
(Water Villas) are built on stilts over the very spacious sun terraces. They are located on the adjacent island reached by footbridge or a 5 minute dhoni ride away from the main hotel.
The island has its own sandfloor bar and restaurant exclusively for water villa guests.

Facilities: Choice of restaurants and bars including the Sunset grill and a bar built on stilts overlooking the lagoon, swimming pool with sun-deck and separate childrens pool, 2 spas operated by Chiva- Som International Health centre, and a choice of watersports. There is entertainment most evenings, and local excursions can be arranged from the hotel.

Location: North Male Atoll approx. 2 hours by boat from the airport.

Accommodation: 227 rooms all with air-conditioning and ceiling fan, telephone, mini-bar, shower and patio or terrace. Standard rooms are in terraces of 4 or more rooms, some with part open-air bathroom. (Land Villas) are distinct individual wooden bungalows and have a part open-air bathroom. Individual (Water Villas) are built partly over the crystal clear waters of the lagoon.They have the same facilities as Land Villas plus a CD player and wooden sun deck. They are in great demand, so book early!

Facilities: Restaurant, 3 bars, coffee shop where a la carte snacks and meals are available throughout the day and gift shop. Football, volleyball, badminton, diving (operated by Eurodivers) and a variety of water sports are available. Entertainment includes occasional disco and folklore evenings.

Opinion: One of the largest islands in North Male Atoll offering simple and basic accommodation in a beautiful setting.
Prices based on Half Board in a standard room. Supplements per person per night: superior room £6, single room £10, (1-21 Dec £5, Dec-5 Jan £15, 13 Apr-19 Jul &2 Nov -20 Dec £6). Superior from £16. CHILD REDUCTION: £100.

Location: North Male Atoll, approx. 2 hrs by boat from airport.

Accommodation: 60 rooms each having twin beds, hairdryer, ceiling fan, shower, W.C. Standard are in 50 simple bunga- lows with thatched roof, heated desalinated water and patio leading on to the beach.
(Water bungalows) 10 rooms,built on stilts over the lagoon, are semi detached, share a common sitting area and have a ceiling fan, air- conditioning fridge, heated desalinated water shower, W.C and terrace- jetty.

Facilities: A bar, restaurant, small shop and a coffee shop set over the lagoon.
Diving: The superb conditions for watersports are the main attraction of the Maldivian islands and Reetha Rah is no exception.
Eurodivers operate diving. Club Mistral operate snorkelling, sailing and wind surfing.

Opinion: A typical ''Maldivian Resort'' built in a delightful setting offering simple yet charming typically Maldivian hotel, popular with Divers and watersports enthusiasts.
Supplements per person per night: Water bungalow £9. Single room: Standard NIL. Water bungalow from £9. Dinner £7. Child Reduction: 100.

16. Reethi Beach Island Resort, Fonimangoodhoo

Location: In Baa Atoll some 35 min, by seaplane (plus 15 min. by boat) from Male Airport. The island is approx. 600m in the length and 200m in width.

Accommodation: There 100 well appointed rooms in attractive thatched-roof villas scattered around the island, some build partly over the crystal clear waters of the lagoon. all rooms are attractively furnished and have air-conditioning, ceiling fan, mini bar, hairdryer, T.V and direct dial telephone.

The 40 (Standard villas)have a king size or twin beds, a porch and part open-air bathroom with shower w.c. 30 semi-detached Deluxe villas have in addition and addition area, a Maldivian swing and a bathtub in the bathroom.
The 30 (Water villas) are semi-detached built on stilts over the crystal clear waters of the lagoon. Each has a king size bed, a bathtub in the bathroom, a private wooden deck area with chairs and sun beds. They share a common sitting area.

Facilities:Reethi Beach offers a wealth of dining options, Rehendhi restaurant, for buffer style main meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Moodhu (lagoon) Bar: A 24 hrs coffee shop built on stilts over the crystal clears waters of the lagoon ofering drinks and light snacks.

Dhivehi restaurant offering typical Maldivian dishes and specialities. Hunvandu Maa Restaurant offering ala carte Chinese dishes and specialities. Reethi Grill: an open-air grill restaurant open occasionally in the evenings. The main bar with separate area to play darts, table tennis and snooker.
The sport complex is well equipped and has 2 squash courts, 2 badminton courts, gymnasium, table tennis, 2 tennis courts, sauna and a small swimingpool with pool side bar. A variety of water sports are available from the island- sailing, canoeing, water-skiing, jetsking and parasailing. Diving is probably the most important sport in the Maldives and Reethi Beach offers the best base for diving  in the unspoiled Baa Atoll. There is occasional evening entertainment.

Opinion: A new, casual yet elegant resort offering excellent facilities and accommodation, friendly service, very good cuisine and a relaxing atmosphere.

Diving: Reethi Beach offers the best for diving in the unspoiled Baa Atoll.

17. Taj Coral Reef Resort

Location: In the North Male Atoll, about one hour by speadboat from the airport.

Accommodation: The 65 tiled roof villas are attractively furnished with a double or twin beds, mini bar, safe, telvision with in-house movies, coffee/tea making facilities and individual beach beds.  (Garden villas) are scattered around the island and have part open-air bathrooms with hot/cold-desalinated water showers and garden, patio/terrace with hammock.  (Water Villas) are built on stilts over the turquoise waters of the lagoon.  They have ablcony/jetty and individual sun deck.

Facilities: Main restaurant, bar, mini-gym, spa shop, games room with billiards, swimming pool with sun terraces and poolside bar.  Watersports and diving are also available.

Opinion: One of the prestigious Taj group of hotel Taj Caral Reef is manged by an experienced team and offers a good standard througout.

   renowned quality and service standards

Location:  On the island of Hembadhu in the North Male Atoll, about one hour by speedboat from the airport, lies the expertly managed Taj Coral Reef. Part of the prestigious Taj group of hotels, Coral Reef offers high standards throughout, this small resort hes excellent facilities, including the renowned Mandara Spa.

Accomodation:  65 attractively furnished, tiled roof villas are with a mini bar, safe, television with in-house movies and tea and coffee making facilities. (Garden villas) have part open air bathrooms shower and small garden, and a terrace with hammock. (Water Villas) are built on stilts over the turquoise waters of the lagoon, and have their own individual sun decks.

Facilities:   Main restaurant, bar and a la carte restaurant serving tasty local, oriental and international dishes. For the energetic there is a small fitness centre, games room with billiards and swimming pool with sun terraces and poolside bar. Snorkelling and diving are also available. The Mandara Spa offers a wide range of relaxing and rejuvenaating treatments.

Location: In South Ari Atoll. Vakarufalhi is a small island resort some 240m wide by 240m long. Transfer from the airport is by sea plane (25 min) plus boat (30 min).
Built in traditional Maldivian style. An interesting house reef makes it popular with divers, while couples enjoy the intimate atmosphere and charming accommodation

Accommodation: 50 air-conditioned rooms most in detached, thatched-roof bungalows.
They have twin or double bed, ceiling fan, mini fridge, CD player, haridryer, sitting area and part open-air bathroom with heated desalinated water, bath and shower.  The patio leads directly on to the stunning beach.

Facilities: Restaurant offering buffet breakfast and lunch.  Dinner includes theme nights and buffet or set menu.  Ther is a bar with a wooden jetty over the lagoon, table tennis, and volleyball, badminton and  souvenir shop.  Sun deck on the reef for snorkelling.  Pro Divers operate the water sports centre and offer scuba diving.
Snorkelling and excursions are also arranged to nearby deserted or inhabited islands.  Occasional evening entertainment includes Boduberu (local folk music).

Opinion: A small and attractive island hideaway built in traditional Maldivian style.
An interesting house reef makes it popular with divers, while couples enjoy the intimate atmosphere.

powder soft beaches, excellent accomodation

Location: Vellavaru (translated as Turtle Island) is approx. 500m long by 200m wide. Some 45 minutes by sea plane from the airport on the south eastern corner of the virgin South Nilandhe Atoll.

Accommodation:The resort has 84 air conditioned rooms in circular shaped thatch roofed bungalows.  Each has double or twin beds, ceiling fan, mini bar IDD telephone, and part open-air bathroom with hot water shower and patio.

Standard rooms are in semi-detached beach front blocks built close to the beach. Superior rooms are individual bungalows and have a patio.

Facilities: Restaurant serving buffet style meals with international and local specialities, bar, souvenir shop, dive centre and spa.  A variety of other water sports are also available in the lagoon includeing windsurfing & catamaran sailing.  The house reef is appoximately.  150m to 250m away and free snorkelling trips to the house reef and other nearby locations are offered twice per day (excluding equipment hire).
Excursions to local inhabited and uninhabited islands and fishing trips are organised by the resort.

Opinion: A new resort, considered to offer a good standard of accommodation in a unique setting.

Location:In South Ari Atoll reaches by seaplane (30 mins) plus boat (5 min).

Accommodation: 154 rooms in detached and semi-detached bungalows with ari-conditioning, double or twin beds, ceiling fan, mini-bar, phone and bathroom with heated desalinated water shower, (most rooms have part open-air bathroom) and patio.  Standard rooms are as above.  Superiorrooms as above and face the beach.

Facilities: Restaurant with coffee shop section, bar, souvenir & jewellery shops, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, billiards, gymnasium, tennis court, diving, catamaran sailing, water-skiing and wind surfing.  The resort organises excursions to neighbouring fishing, uninhabited, and resort islands.  Occasional entertainment includes
Maldivian theme evenings and discos.

Opinion: A large island resort in an attractive setting with lush vegetation and an interesting house reef for the diving enthusiast.  The All Inclusive option represents excellent value.

22. Villi Varu

Location: A short boat ride away from the sister island. Bi Ya Doo.

Accommodation: Just 60 rooms all in single storey buildings with a verandah opening on to
the beach with a double or twin beds, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, hairdryer, tea & cofee
maker, mini refrigerator/bar, hot & cold desalinated water shower, w.c.

Facilities: Air-conditioned restaurant, bar, club house and a wide range of water sports
including scuba diving. Guests can use the facilities at Bi Ya Doo by taking the free daytime
ferry. Occasional entertainment includes Maldivian theme evenings, bands and disco.
Opinion: This small informal resort offers a good standard of accommodation and is popular
with British clients. An excellent base for divers with the house reef only 30 metres offshore.

VILUREEF

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