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VELIDHU - Guest Comments

Maldives Islands Resorts

The island itself is a good size, not too big and not too small. But there are a few palm trees or other plants and flowers. It is all oddly open to the skies. Most of the interior and areas behind the beaches could be called natural, they could also be called rough and unkempt. One walks around on a maze of paths that divide everywhere and disappear anywhere. It could be that this is a welcome break from a too organized life at home. But there is no doubt cleaning up and sorting out needs to be done.

Maldives Islands Resorts

The south-west corner has a fine expanse of sand, but the west side has suffered bad erosion and the north side both an outer wall and large groynes all the way down. The south side by the main jetty and outside the bar is good.

Maldives Islands Resorts

The rooms partly explain the haphazard layout of the island. First there were thirty bungalows, then another thirty were added, and then another twenty. Some are near the beach but many are tucked behind others. Some are close to each other, while some are more or less on their own. They are solidly built in the round. Every thing is in good order, though a comfortable chair would be nice. Further they have 20 Water Bungalows - out of this 20 W/Bungalows, 4 has JACCUZZI.

Maldives Islands Resorts

It is south side that the best snorkeling is to be had. The reef then moves further off, but it is sufficiently good that the dive school organizes boat trips to places on the reef. Situated in the middle of the north section of the atoll, the sites east and west are accessible, as well as the hammerhead site on Rasdhoo Atoll.

The dive center is run by friendly Germans who really put themselves out for their clients. The relaxed professional atmosphere makes the diving experience enjoyable and safe.

Maldives Islands Resorts

The large, sheltered lagoon is particularly suited to water sports. Catamarans, canoes, windsurfers, water-skiing and parasailing are all offered here.

Maldives Islands Resorts

The reception, bar and restaurant area is different to the rest of the island. Here the garden is carefully planted and tended. The buildings are not quiet grand, but not 'homey' either. There is much use of thick coir rope lashing wooden poles together - a cross between nautical neatness and desert island make-do. The bar is large, the music is loud and a platform spills out on to the beach where barbecues are held.

Maldives Islands Resorts

In the main restaurant the food is OK. Three quarters of the guests are on half board. There is a mix of set plates, buffets and 'specialist' buffets, like the beach barbecue and seafood nights.

Maldives Islands Resorts

Velidhoo has always been a good place to do your diving. Now the resort itself is improving. It is not stylish and there is a way to go yet, but it's better than before.