Bandos Maldives Hotel

This is really easy - in one word, Bandos is PARADISE! From the moment we were picked up for our 15 minute speedboat transfer from Male, to the moment we left a week later there was not a single fault I could find. Where to start? The friendliest welcome, our cases transported to our accommodation (super clean and great air con), access to our room from 8am, stunning private coves and beaches just a stone's throw from the front door complete with loungers and random hammock swings. Daily housekeeping (not intrusive), fabulous food every day in the newly renovated Gallery - from exotic curries to perfect rice and noodles, freshly carved meats, a variety of vegetable options, beautiful fresh salads, yummy mini puddings and so much more. Nightly varied entertainment, and water sports including canoeing and paddle boarding (please try the inflatable jet ski trip and hold on tight!) and the parasailing (although it made me a bit motion sick) was great fun. And if the beach gets boring (unlikely) the pool is beautiful, with a jacuzzi style seating area around the pool bar. Huvan has also been renovated since our last visit and is just a stunning way to end the evening. You can walk out to the end of the jetty to reach the bar then relax in an over-the-ocean hammock, watching the fish, crabs and baby sharks swim beneath you. You can walk around the island in it's entirety in about 25 minutes and it's a joy to only hear the ocean and birdsong - no roads or cars, what a joy. You might be curious about the weather - we were informed that it was entering rainy season when we booked. But rest assured it was a beautiful temperature every day, If you do encounter the stunning (but brief) downpours as we did last time we visited, don't worry - there are brollies placed all around the island. I could go on but I think you get the picture! This was our second visit to Bandos and it was even better than last time. Finally - a few top tips: 1 - take insect repellent - we did get quite a few wee bites 2 - take your own snorkel/mask if you want to do some coral gazing - there is a lovely gift shop but it's cheaper to bring your own. Also aqua shoes to save your feet from getting hurt on the sharp bits 3 - all inclusive is well worth it - the variety and quality of the food is superb, the mini bar is restocked daily, and you can enjoy as much local drinks (ie house beers, wines etc) as you like