I was fortunate enough to visit this idyllic destination in July of this year for 7 sumptuous nights. We stayed at the Oluvelhi Resort & Spa which is an excellent 4* property. To begin the journey we made our way to London Gatwick for the direct Monarch Airlines charter service to Male, a journey of almost eleven hours.
Once over the long comfortable flight we were met by private speedboat and taken on the twenty minute short trip to the stunning atoll (there are over 1000 of these stunning little islands).
This is where your holiday really begins as we were greeted by the hotel staff and escorted to the reception area and handed a cold towel and a cocktail to refresh ourselves. Check-in formalities are quick and easy and you are then brought by hotel buggy to your room. We had selected a beach bungalow and we where not disappointed as it was a large detached house with private beach terrace and to the rear an absolutely beautiful outdoor bathroom area in which to rewind and revive yourself with an outdoor rain shower and bespoke claw legged bath – pure luxury!! The deluxe standard rooms are also good but it is worth looking at other options such as the water bungalows/villas with the outdoor Jacuzzi. Each room grade is given its own attendant who will look after you and your requirements for your duration.
As with most guests on most atolls you are on an all inclusive board basis as this means all your meals and drinks are paid for and you don’t get a fright at the end of your stay with a big invoice. The food was of a varied choice and ideal to our European palates and all tastes catered for. Drinks in particular are by the glass although you may order a bottle should you wish. We wanted a relaxing break away from it all and in the Maldives you certainly get that as this is very much a “Robinson Crusoe’’ island. However for those seeking more energetic pursuits it offers snorkelling among the corals and diving with a fully accredited PADI centre on site and all sorts of marine life are on view here including mantra rays / dolphins and small sharks.
Shopping is limited and one can visit the capital Male for a day trip should you feel the need for it. We certainly didn’t and long for a return visit to Oluvelhi someday. I can’t recommend this resort enough especially for honeymooners and those wanting a truly relaxing holiday experience. As for the climate its year round sunshine however be wary of the monsoon season June-Sept, best time is November-March, that said we had one overcast day and a short sharp rain-burst then pure skies 20 minutes later.
Last day check-out is again seamless and easy the same trip in reverse to Male airport and you will leave with a feeling that you have just visited heaven if only for a week or two.
Feel free to ask me further on this and other resorts in this area.
Ray