Although the buildings are handsome and new, in many ways this is still a classic, old-style Maldives resort. The reception, with a floor of sand, is at the end of the jetty, the main bar is beside the reception and the restaurant beside that. The rooms run around the island, not in arcs but individually, close to the beach and surrounded by vegetation. Life is lived slowly, with a good deal of lounging on verandahs and chatting in the shallow lagoon.
Sunbathing plays a big part in most people’s day and no room is without the beach in front of it. Sand is pumped these days to overcome occasional erosion and this has created some areas of perfect beach and some areas that are not quite so fine. There is a low wall all around the lagoon but this isn’t too distracting. The reef itself is close all the way around the island and so is ideal for snorkeling at any time and from any room. A real plus for the resort. The fish life is very good, though the corals have not grown back as strongly here as they have in many other places.
A resident biologist gives an introduction and slide show upon arrival and accompanies guests on snorkeling trips. The equipment is free for guests for the duration of their stay. Somewhat surprisingly, the canoes are charged for, as well as the catamarans and windsurfers.
The Pro Divers dive centre is all new, though Petra and Mark have been running it superbly for 9 years. The service is second to none. When the first time guests turn up, they are kitted out and then just go to the boat 10 minutes before departure, where they will find everything waiting for them. Upon return, guests walk away from the boat and leave the work to the dive staff. Set back in the middle of Dhigurah Channel, one of the most famous channels in the country, the divers are spoilt for choice, with more than 15 sites within a 20 minute radius.
As well as the resident biologist, the resort has visiting experts that come every 2 weeks. These may be masters of yoga or pilates or natural history or astronomy, amongst other specialities.
Between a well-attended and much-enjoyed Afternoon Tea and dinner time, there is a little demonstration of yoga or fashion or some spa treatment. After dinner the main entertainment takes place in the bar every night. This is never too loud or raucous, however, as the resort tends to have a slightly older group of guests than a typical club Italian resort.
The cuisine at dinner time is as good as one would expect on an Italian-led resort, with good variety and excellent quality. The setting is fine and there is plenty of space between tables, as well as tables grouped together for friends and family. Wine and beer is free at meal-times, although the wine is not great by any standard. And breakfast is not 4 star standard. The buffet choice is limited, the jams and orange juice are ordinary and the only coffee is nescafe.
The all-new waterbungalows are big and lovely. A screen can be opened between the bedroom and bathroom to give a most luxurious feel. The layout is simple but displays lots of class. There is a large satellite tv and wifi, although the latter is charged for. The outside deck is also large and comfortably furnished. The views are uninterrupted, except for a pleasant sight of Centara Grand.
The beach rooms are smallish and square but also have classy interiors, with creams and dark wood highlit with gold and oranges. The lighting is good and unfussy. Again there is a big tv. The bathroom is smallish but has 2 basins and 2 showers, 1 inside and 1 outside. The verandahs are next to the beach and very much lived in as a part of the holiday.
As I say, Italians are the majority here, especially during the high season, but it is also happily shared by many Swiss and Germans and it is very much open to other nationalities. There is a club concept but it doesn’t predominate, rather you can take it or leave it, yet is also sets a friendly, community feel to the place which is warm and welcoming.