Updated:
Vilamendhoo resort and spa is located in the South Ari Atoll of the Maldives and we have just spent an absolutely wonderful week discovering the jollies of this not so small idyllic resort grounds.
I know in the past l have mentioned Maldives as being on our bucket list of places to visit. It shot back up the list thanks to an irresistible flight deal from British Airways. We debated about going for at least ten whole seconds :-).
[the_ad id=”13767″]
Maldives Luxury Hotel Stay:
Vilamendhoo Maldives: Our all-inclusive getaway
When is the best time to visit Maldives?
January through April is the best time to visit the Maldives , so we were quite excited as our trip fell between these dates. The Maldives has always been a playground for the rich and famous. Since we were neither, we wanted to make sure we got the biggest bang for our buck during the high season.
My exhaustive research ultimately led me to Vilamendhoo resort and spa. The reviews were extremely positive, the price was fair for what we got compared to other resorts. The size of the island sounded perfect too. There were bigger resorts but l wanted more of a Gilligan’s Island cozy feel, not Club Med.
[the_ad id=”13784″]
Getting to Vilamendhoo Resorts:
Our trip was a bit involved. We took the train from Seville to Madrid, and from there to London where we got the British Airways flight to Male, the capital of the Maldives. A further 25 minute flight on a seaplane took us out to the island. I had been apprehensive about being on a tiny plane, but WOW!, it was amazing.
The scenery below as the plane whizzes over the islands is just spectacular. There are over 1100 islands in all, most of them uninhabited. Vilamendhoo is about 85 kilometers from Male. A boat met us as we exited the seaplane onto a raft and took us across to the resort. How cool is that? 🙂
Our beach villa room at Vilamendhoo Resort:
Once we had been given a map of the island and instructions, we were shown to our room. We had splurged on a Beach villa. If we were doing this, we were going to do it in style. This was middle of the road as far as the room types offered. I have always wanted to stay in those over the water villas like you see in the movies, but that was an indulgence we chose to do without.
The beach villa that we stayed in was so nice, perfect actually. The beach was just steps away from the villa, and with the curtains open, your view was of the endless ocean. The bathroom was open to the elements which felt a little weird at first, but you soon fall in love with showering while watching the birds. It has a high wall and complete privacy.
[the_ad id=”13783″]
Related Reading: Saving money on Maldives vacation
Vilamendhoo Maldives Reviews:
The food at Vilamendhoo Island Resort review:
Breakfast is included with all reservations. They offer Half Board (one other meal, no drinks), Full Board (3 meals, no drinks) and All Inclusive (3 meals and drinks, including alcohol).
We went for the full board. I was a bit taken aback when l realized that no drinks meant absolutely no drinks, including water!). This l understand is standard for most resorts, so be prepared for that. A liter of water costs $3, so it is an added expense unless you go all-inclusive.
The meals are buffet style and there is a huge variety of tasty food, overwhelming me to the point of not eating as much because of the many choices, yeah..right 🙂 . They also had theme nights, American, Italian, Mediterranean etc.
There is definitely no shortage of choice, including vegetarian dishes. You were assigned a table and had the same waiter throughout which is a nice touch as he remembered just how much milk l liked in my coffee and other little things. If you’ve been on a cruise, you know how it is.
[the_ad id=”14098″]
The fun stuff at Vilamendhoo resort Maldives:
Vilamendhoo is a paradise if you love water sports. I was shocked at the airport when l saw all these people with huge suitcases!!! Everyone knows you only need shorts, swimsuits and slippers..right? Turns out they are full of diving and snorkeling equipment :-). Vilamendhoo is a favorite for divers as it has an amazing house reef (this directly from our next door neighbours who were on their second visit to Vilamendhoo 🙂 ).
Snorkeling can be very expensive if the resort has to take you out on a boat to reach it, sometimes $20 or more per person per day!. A good house reef?.. just put on your gear, swim for like 5 minutes..and BAM!..all the reef and coral life you can handle.
[the_ad id=”14099″]
Federico did some snorkeling too. I even enjoyed putting on those goggles and checking things out unda da sea! 🙂 from my very shallow water position. Just that alone keeps people coming back to Vilamendhoo. Read this blog by Linda If you’re looking for even more amazing experiences in the Maldives,
On our last night, we had dinner with 2 other couples. The first couple was on their 4th visit!, while the second couple was on their second visit. Says a lot about the place doesn’t it?. Paradise can get quite addictive :-).
When we were not in the water, we were playing pool (met a nice Iranian guy and Turkish girlfriend..we won overall!!), playing ping-pong, or reading while swaying on the hammock. There is a tennis court, a football field, a mini golf course and a gym. There is live music and other things on rotation at the bars. Now, you know l was talked in to learning the traditional dance steps. Loved it!
The Duniye Spa at Vilamendhoo Resort review:
[the_ad id=”14118″]
You can keep all that snorkeling and diving stuff l said! The spa was where l belonged. When l wasn’t in the water or reading, l was befriending the ladies at the Duniye Spa! During the week, l went in for a stress relief massage (cause of all the stress l have you know..haha!), a ginger lemongrass scrub, a manicure, and a pedicure which l spread out over the week.
I finally got to experience my over water desire. It was so nice to lie face down and watch the fish swim by through the opening in the floor. I would have gotten a facial too, but it was only half an hour. No..no way..a facial requires 60 minutes in my book, nothing less. After you get your treatment, you are brought some ginger tea in the recovery room which is one of the most beautiful spots on the whole island. Totally worth it!
Why Vilamendhoo Resort Maldives?
I considered a few things in choosing this luxury getaway. While trying to save money was foremost on my mind, l also knew what l wanted from the holiday. Maldives is a Muslim country and is very traditional. Staying at a regular hotel on one of the local islands could have saved us some dollars. l however, wanted to do nothing..and be pampered.
I didn’t want to go hunting for a restaurant, wanted the option of drinking alcohol if we so wished and go around without covering my shoulders (women). Even though I am sure that the rules are definitely relaxed since tourism is a big part of the economy, l still like to respect the local culture.
With Vilamendhoo and other resorts, you can just chill for your stay. The grounds and rooms are immaculate. We have stayed at great resorts before, in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. This has been our best experience so far.
The food was great, the staff excellent and the activities offered quite adequate. The price was not outrageous as opposed to the other tens of resorts that l researched 🙂 , where you get offered the same thing at a grossly inflated price. Vilamendhoo is what l would refer to as Value Luxury! We would definitely stay there again if we visit Maldives. You can check out Vilamendhoo resort prices here.
You can also check here for comparison.
The only small thing l have to mention about the open to nature bathroom that sucked were the night ants. There are these big ants indigenous to the island, and they only come out at night. It is quite disconcerting to see them. Thank goodness, they don’t bite and are gone by sunlight.
We had brought some body insect repellent with us as most people said the Maldives had a lot of mosquitoes. We didn’t encounter a single one on Villamendhoo though. On our second night, l sprayed some on the floor..and what do you know, it repelled them 🙂 ..so it became a nightly routine and made me very happy. Remember to bring some with you for that purpose.
Never travel without travel insurance, get your free quote here:
[the_ad id=”14119″]
Here is a cost breakdown of our Vilamendhoo resort stay and money saving tips for having a great trip, . This trip was an amazing one to start the new year with. Hopefully, the rest will be just as awesome :-).
Pin it for later:
Have you ever been to the Maldives? If so, how was your visit? If not, does Vilamendhoo resort sound like a resort experience you would like?
[the_ad id=”13768″]
It looks heavenly! Wish I could get away there from the rainy weather in Europe ????
It was superb :-). Even though Seville was not too cold, it was still nice to get away. We met so many Brits there ;-). Thanks for the comment.
It looks so pretty! Normally I would never choose to go somewhere hot, but this looks like a location worth bearing the heat for! 🙂
It wasn’t that hot though. Nice and breezy this time of year. They do say it gets wicked hot in the summer though. Haha! yes..worth bearing the heat for sure. Thanks for the comment.
Aahh…this looks so relaxing and you couldn’t look more at peace floating on your back like that! It always tickles me that spas have recovery rooms. Lol – it’s like what are you recovering from – sheer relaxation?! I really like that the spa has a floor peephole so that you can see fish swim by as you get your massage – such a nice touch. The Maldives has never been a priority, so I’m curious to read your upcoming posts. It definitely looks like the perfect beach getaway – that’s for sure. You know I’m a sucker for a beautiful beach!
You know, l laughed when he showed me the picture. I really did enjoy it. I didn’t even mind the liters of salt water that l swallowed :-). The water was clean enough to drink. We were even marveling at the water close to the airport, you’d think with all the heavy boats etc..the water would be polluted. Yeah..the spa was very cool. I’d wanted the peephole since seeing that Vince Vaughn movie..haha. It was pricy, but definitely worth it in my opinion. You would love the beach and all the privacy, different spots to be, and the infinity pool was so gorgeous.
Omg, SOOOOO dreamy! We went to a delightful island called Song Saa on our honeymoon in Cambodia, and it reminds me a lot of this. Truly the most relaxing, heavenly spot I’ve ever traveled!
Don’t you just love unplugging in such a heavenly place? I’ve heard of really nice places in Cambodia..all l ever think is that song.. “holiday in Cambodia” :-). Must check it out at some point..Hope the family is doing well..:-).
This looks like a trip of a life time, talk about beautiful. I’ve head celebs talk about Maldives. God know I think I’m famous so I certainly need to go. All you can eat, oh sign me up.
It really was. Yeah..it’s very popular with celebrities..some of those places go for over 50,000 per night! Umm..no!!! :-). Haha..you are famous! Get going.. ;-).
Such beautiful pictures! Looks like the definition of vacation. Love that you could lay down for your massage and enjoy the visuals of the sea, glad you had a great time.
Thanks for the compliment. It was definitely nice to unplug for the week and just chill. It has taken me so many years to get here, and l am thoroughly enjoying it :-). It was nice seeing little sharks swim by..
Looks so peaceful, my idea of a perfect getaway.
It really was peaceful, even with a lot of people on the island..the beach being all around the island meant lots of space, which was great :-).
This looks BEAUTIFUL! The Maldives has been on my travel bucket list forever! I definitely want to go.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
It was on our bucket list for a few years as well :-). I’m glad we were finally able to make it happen.
Loved your opening “The plane, the plane!” You may have experienced another item on your bucket list (a huge WOW! amazing!) and I’ve now added this destination to our “must see” list as well. Sun, sea and perfect serenity! Anita
I couldn’t resist :-). Fantasy Island just kept coming to my mind.. It was wonderful to cross it off the list. It was even higher than mine on Federico’s list. The Maldives is the ultimate for Italians :-). It was perfect serenity as you put it. Serenity Now! ;-).
OMG as I’m reading through this post and looking at all the pictures, I keep saying to myself I NEED to be there. This resort looks amazing and the perfect place to relax and embrace the beauty all around you.
Siobhan
http://www.befreeproject.com
I like how you said NEED! to be there..:-). It was pretty amazing and we enjoyed it thoroughly. Unplugging completely is good for the soul. Glad you enjoyed it.
I wanna go! I’m delighted to be discovering black travel blog and creating a bucketlist. The pics are gorgeous and your descriptions are pulling on my wallet!
Glad you found this blog for sure :-). Welcome!! Pulling your wallet..haha! happy to hear this. Thanks for the compliment and the comment.
this is absolutely beautiful. Can’t wait to visit that side of the world.
I didn’t think l wanted to go back to that side of the world anytime soon after India, but there we were, and loved it. I really hope you get to go soon :-).
Gorgeous! I went to the Maldives last summer and this post is making me want to get back there!
Oh you lucky girl..now Seychelles too!!! :-). I definitely wouldn’t mind going back..hahah..
Can I just say ‘dreamy’. Nothing else to add, what a vacation! I also love that you called it value luxury; sometimes you don’t (or shouldn’t) have to pay a fortune to relax and enjoy yourself. I feel that many of the big name resorts or hotels cash in on the fact that they have are widely known & have name recognition to hike up prices. Some lesser known places can be such gems as they want to be famous too and are fighting to get customers in, so yeah, they offer so much more!
Rant over;-)
Count me out with that snorkelling palaver and get me onto a massage table for a lovely, relaxing massage too. Massage with a view is a new high. Lady, you are living the life. Good for you!
Oh my god, l think l laughed for 5 minutes straight after reading your comment about the snorkeling palaver.. :-). That was me. They were trying to talk me into the free dive or some such thing, and l was like..just leave me alone..with my new friends at the spa :-). Value luxury really fits this resort. You got the same things for less, l couldn’t believe how many repeaters they have, if that doesn’t tell you something, nothing will. It was a wonderful vacation for sure. I can totally picture you enjoying yourself. You and l would be at the spa..snorkeling..shnokeling.. :-).
This place is nothing short of beautiful and you two look like you were enjoying yourselves!! I want to go! I want to go!!!!
We really did enjoy ourselves. I was surprised at just how much :-). You should go! You should go ;-).
This looks like a beautiful place to visit! I love all the pictures. Definitely putting this on my places to see list.
Thanks Carin. It definitely belongs on the list. It is gorgeous :-).
This place looks beautiful! I would love to visit it. Sounds like you two had a wonderful time.
You know, l think the word breathtaking is always being overused. Not in this case though. It really is a wonderful place to visit.
Looks like a great experience. Wonderful pics! I wish I could go to Maldives 🙁
It really was a great experience and thanks for the compliment. It was a luxury trip, but it is definitely doable on the cheaper. I will write a post soon on how to make it more affordable :-).
Absolutely beautiful! I have heard such amazing things about the Maldives but the travel time has been a deterrent for me. But, the idea of just lounging on that beach for a week and eating and going to the spa is very appealing! Sometimes you need to just do nothing!
Yeah, l understand about the travel time. It is essentially the same number of hours for travel for us, especially having come back from the area in October. It was the flight deal that did it :-). You know, l love the dogs, but l have to say it was nice not to have to fuss over them for the week and just do nothing :-).
What you call Ayo in Nigeria we call ‘Bao’ in Kenya. Bao more or less translates to a piece of wood. You have me wishing that I was in Maldives right now, all I need is some money to fall from the heavens.
Glad to know that you guys have that too. It is a fun game..when you are on a winning streak :-). I will pray for the money to drop down from above, heck..it can even come in sideways.. 🙂 🙂 ;-).
Looks great Kemkem. It even sounds like my favorite curry dish. We’re not big on beach vacations but looks like a good time. And I love that you had to take the small plane to get there.
Frank (bbqboy)
I love all kinds of holidays..well, almost all..none of that hiking and jumping off the plane stuff like you :-). I never used to enjoy going to the beach, but since learning to float in Malta, l enjoy it a lot more. The plane was pretty cool and it was very interesting to see how they piloted the plane. One hand is up all the time..insane! :-).
This place looks amazing! The food, the scenery, the activities, just everything! Very awesome.
I agree :-). It was amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed myself for the week, as did the hubby. I would do it again for sure :-). Thanks for the comment.
What an excellent getaway! Good for you for splurging on the beach room and the spa; life is too short 😀 I had a good chuckle at the “you take my breath away” lyric.
It’s neat that you got to experience some cultural things along with being at the resort. Ben and I stayed at a resort in Thailand for a few nights on our honeymoon and there was nothing “Thai” about it! Great to see you basking in the sun and sea 🙂
Life is too short indeed :-). It was like pulling teeth to get him to splurge on the sea view, he’s like the garden view is just as nice..haha! Good, l don’t feel so old for remembering that silly song (remember his long hair? 🙂 ). I was pleasantly surprised at the culture bit, we learned a lot about the Maldives, and l enjoyed my dance with the natives :-).
Yes. I think I will be dreaming of this place now. Thank you. And I LOVE to snorkel. It is one of my most favorite things to do in life. (Not dive.) Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed this!—Terri
You’re welcome lady! :-). You know, l sometimes wish l knew how to swim, it would be nice to be able to see under the sea. I did enjoy the few minutes of the goggles under the water. I saw so many little fishes swimming all around us that l hadn’t seen with the naked eye. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.. 🙂 ;-).
It looks great..! I’m looking forward to the post on the cost breakdown. Also, did you see any weddings there?
Veronika
No, unfortunately, we didn’t see any wedding while there, it would have been awesome as they had that gazebo overlooking the water, l have like a 10 second video which l will try to include with the cost on the next post.
This place is amazingly beautiful! It’s more than a vacation, it’s a real experience and it does look like one of those things you have to do at least once in your lifetime. And those spa beds allowing you to see the ocean as you get a massage… I’m sure that’s heavenly as well!
I loved the spa experience. I saw so many little sharks and some blue color fish swimming under, and it was so cool. I’m glad we didn’t do the over water villa because just being able to see that made up for it, and l liked the massages. Yep! a real experience as you put it. The memories will last a lifetime.
Beautiful!! this is definitely on the list for getaways with the hubster.
Glad to hear :-). It deserves to be on the list, and l hope it happens :-). Thanks for the comment.