Latest Reviews for South Male Atoll

Excellent!, can't wait to go back.

We live in Bournemouth but chose to fly with First Choice from Manchester as by so doing, we saved �£200 each and got 16 nights as opposed to 14 available from Gatwick. 3 weeks before we left, we received a call from FC offering us Premier upgrade for half price so we went for that as well!

Journey up was pleasant and we found Budget Airport Car Parking which cost us ���£39 for 16 nights, which we thought was a bargain, and they were very good with directions and pick ups etc.

Outward flight was comfortable and on time, crew were great and we arrived at Male cream crackered but looking forward to the boat-trip, which thankfully, passed without incident, no pirates or massive waves. First sight of Fiha was beautiful and the welcome drink went down a treat, sun beating down on us and I just wanted to jump into the ocean asap.

We booked a Classic room which was great, just what we needed, single story, semi-detached but better than we expected. Twin beds, which they changed to a double matress after a couple of days, ceiling fan, AC availaible at a price, but we managed without. All in all, we were very pleased with the room. Outside, a small patio area and the beach about 20 yards walk.

As soon as we arrived, we registered our interest in upgrading to a water bungalow and we were lucky enough to get our last 5 nights in room 149, second on the right as you look at them from the beach. We were charged $55 per person per night but we thought it was worth it as they were fabulous! Rooms 144 and 145 are the ones on the end of each side and they would have the best views of the sunsets.

The food was good, varied and plentiful, always something everyone could eat, no matter how fussy they were. We managed to last the whole holiday without sharing our table.

The house reef was fabulous, we saw more snorkelling the reef than on our diving trips! Turtles, Morays, Eagle Rays, Sting Rays, black tip and nurse sharks, absolutely awesome!

After our 1st week, I developed an ear infection which got steadily worse and ended up us chartering a speedboat to Male to visit the ADK hospital, which was superb, many tablets and ear drops were taken and after 3 of the most uncomfortable days of my life, I was pain-free, but I did lose out on a week of diving. However, the staff at Ocean Venture Diving were superb as was Nic, the First Choice rep, so thanks all round to th

This was a 2 for 1 ";bargain";. We were glad we hadn't paid brochure price.

The 1st Choice flight was very comfortable. Big leather seats, individual tv's and plenty of leg room. Arrival at Male was well organised and we were soon boarding a small speed boat with 12 other passengers and 3 crew. As we bounced out of the harbour, we began our journey through Hell. The sea was hosting a high wind storm and within 30 minutes the waves were crashing 12 to 15 ft high above and over us. We were soaked, the water in the boat was increasing, luggage was floating banging into passengers. The pilot was struggling to keep us upright, and several times the boat was thrown over sideways with more water being deposited inside the boat. Black smoke came from the engine. With shaking hands and legs we tried to fasten life-jackets. Clinging to each other we waited for the second the boat turned completely, knowing we would have little chance of survival. Miraculously, a journey which should have taken 45 mins, ended after over 2 hours. We all climbed onto the jetty at Biyadhoo, shaking and in shock, as were the crew. We had survived a journey which never should have never begun until the storm had calmed. All the contents of our cases were wet. Our rooms resembled a Chinese laundry as we tried to dry things off, but gladly, we were alive to do it.

The island is small and beautiful. 20 mins walk and you will have done the full circle. There are loads of tall swaying coconut palms and plenty of other jungle foliage to admire. White fine sand and blue water up to the reef, complete the tropical island scene. Amazing fish are around the coral and the deep shelf of the reef. The different patterns and colours are tremendous. Don't forget to take your snorkel gear and underwater camera. We don't dive but marvelled at the variety and closeness of the sea life. We swam with sharks and even saw turtles and eagle rays.

The food is mostly curried, hot and spicy, with a lot of oil and is somewhat repetitive. Take plenty of Rennies. Also pack hydrocortisone cream, and antihistamine tablets. Even the extra strength, jungle lotions with deet didn't stop us from being eaten by the midges.Tiger Balm, bought in the island's only shop, did relieve some of the itching. Oh, and watch out for the rats, I saw 6. Large fruit bats, a heron, colourful lizards and enormous spiders and cockroaches complete the wildlife list. The site is tired and some renovation is taking place. We had to move rooms to accommodate our room being decorated which was annoying, though we did gain a sea view when we moved to block 2.

I spent the whole 2 weeks having nightmares of the journey and dreaded the return transfer. Thankfully, the weather was kind and although a bit choppy in places, we arrived back at the airport very relieved.

Wow! Just returned from third visit to this lovely island. Thinking of going again next year. First Choice aircraft are really comfortable with plenty of leg room.
Beach around the island is moving around a bit. North side is still the best part.
Enough said I think.
Have a fantastic time.

We flew 1st Choice from Gatwick and it was approx 10hrs, there is more leg room with this airline and we found the journey not unpleasant even with my husbabd being over 6' tall. The journey to the island by water taxi took approx 1hr but did not feel long and the welcome breeze from the sea cooled us down. It was a magical experience getting off the taxi onto the small jetty and being geated by warm sun and a welcome by the staff. There was no messying about the keys were ready and the boys took our luggage to the bungalow, which was almost on the beach. The bungalow was spacious, with a seperate room for our clothes and plenty of hangers, a small fridge and big shower room with piping hot water. There was a large ceiling fan but after a few day we found the heat a bit much and paid extra for the air conditioning, which was definately worth it. We had packed swimwear in our hand luggage so headed straight for a dip in the sea which was fantastic after our long journey.

We enjoyed a wonderful 2wks, the staff were excellent always helpful with a smile on their faces and nothing was too much touble. Our waiter was friendly and always remembered what we liked to drink. We were not over impressed with the food but were not too bothered as in that heat you did not really feel like big meals and there was always fresh salads and fruit and the desserts were great. Most evenings has some entertainment if you needed any but we were just happy to sit and chat with friends we had made. We were very lucky with the weather and only had one day of tropical rain storms. If you want a holiday to rest and completely relax then this is the one. There are plenty of excursions and also dive partys but for those who want to get away from the stress of everyday living this is it.

We would go back again.

This was a special holiday to celebrate my 60th birthday. The booking and travelling were all fine. Emirates is a first class airline to travel with.

On arrival we were greeted with a coconut cocktail and hot towels as a refresher. The hotel is the only thing on the island, split into separate accommodation buildings scattered amongst the foliage, a bar, shop and restaurant. The shop sell mainly cheap souvenirs so if you were short of any basic toiletries etc you would have just had to manage without.

After two days of completely cold food at each meal, we complained, they appeared astonished that anyone should complain, but they did rectify the situation overnight and from then on the food was OK, with a very good choice.


The accommodaton was rather sad looking. The room could have done with a facelift. The surround of the ash basin was badly stained, the fridge was a bit rusty and both the freeze and air conditioning unit in the room were noisy. We had to turn the air con off at night, but could still hear the unit working in the rooms either side of us.

As we were on the ground floor we had a patio door at the rear of the building which led to a small patio with two chairs and a table. At the side of each room there was a plinth with the air condiitoning motor on the top. This was a couple of feet away from the chairs. The air con unit was completely covered in black mould. So when we sat on our patio having a drink in the evening that was what we had to look at. Hardly the view I was expecting. When you stepped away from the back of the building the upper walls were also mouldy. I did not complain while I was there because I did not see what they could do about it while the rooms were occupied and as it was only a week's duraton decided just to get on with it and make the most of the wonderful beach, water and weather.

I took photos of the hotel which I sent with a letter to Hayes and Jarvis on my return. Their response was that as I had not made a fuss about it when I was there, it was just tough luck. Hardly the response I expected. They offered me £100 off the next HandJ holiday I book. As I won't be booking any more holidays with them, I returned it to them.

We did not have contact with our rep during the first part of the holiday. We were due to fly home at 2.30am on the MOnday morning and were scheduled to leave the island at 10.30pm on Sunday night. The Rep sent us a fax first thing on Saturday morning to say that as our flight would probably be late leaving Male, he suggested that we leave the island at 4.30pm and he would provide us with a hotel room in Make at the cost (to us) of $115. No-one has been able to come up with a sensible explanation as to why, if the flight was going to leave Male late, that we would want to pay for the privilege of sitting in a hotel for an additonal six hours. The staff at the hotel were quite clear that we had transport arranged to leave arund 10.00pm which is what we did.

All these things may seem of minor importance to some people, but they did take the shine off what was supposed to be a special holiday. The Maldives have been a dream holiday location in my mind for years, so needless to say I was disappointed with what we finally got for our money. It was certainly the most expensive week's holiday I have ever had.

We visited Biyadoo in November 2005, we had orignally booked for Mexico but cancelled because of the hurricanes. At the time of booking there wasn't much choice in the way of the Maldives mso we settled on this resort. The flight out was cramped but we had expected that, the boat transfer was a bit too fast and rocky for my liking, but overall we coudn't compalin too much.

The accommodation / restaurant / amenities looked in dire need of refurbishment we had been told by guests that it was due to be totally refurbished but because of the Tsnami this got put on hold, because the money was to be used elsewhere. Although the accommodation was gloomy it was spotlessly clean, in fact twice a day. The staff were very helpful and friendly, in fact nothing was too much trouble. The bar area was a bit sad, with plastic patio chairs, but the attentive staff made up for that. The restaurant roof was leaking one day, but it was being fixed just as quickly. The food was very good, no bad tummy. Breakfast was'nt much too write home about. There was an excellent choice of salads and breads each lunch time and evening.

The house reef was accessible for a swimmer but as a non-swimmer I had a problem, but however I was able to snorkle on the beautiful lagoon and see a wide variety of marine life. Entertainment was just non-existent but saying that we prefer peace and quiet and talking to new friends etc., I felt as though I was stranded on a desert Island which is what the Maldives should be about, unlike Kurdeu (June 06) which was to busy etc., read my review.

The accommodation was very close to the beach but I must forward that there were two sides to the island a good and a not so good, we weree lucky to have been put on the good side, but visitors on the other side just weren't so lucky.

All in all a very very relaxing holiday, yes the accommodation could have been better, maybe there could have been more amenities but we enjoyed it and really did not want to come home, unlike our last trip. I understand that the refurbishments will possibly out price most of us, but if not we would certainly go back, in fact I don't know why we didn't go back in June.

Can I just give you a tip, if you are thinking of travelling to the Maldives, we have had the best weather in October/November/December and the worse in June/July, our summer is their monsoon season some tour operators do not make this clear to us, we believe January is the best month, we won't be going to the Maldives in May/June/July/August/September.

Overall a brilliant holiday, great weather, great staff, great, what more can I say.

There, you see, as promised, I have just returned from another marvelous holiday on this lovely island.
It's true, it is the best kept secret of the Maldives and the best value for money out of all the islands. Don't believe me, read the travel books on the Maldives, they all seem to say the same.
But then, please don't tell to others as we want to keep it to ourselves, don't we.

TIP If your going to the Maldives in the rainy season, do expect some tropical storms, We had 4 days out of 14 that produced heavy storms, quite an experience but it did not spoil our holiday. You can still go swimming in the rain as the weather is still hot.

TIP Please take some travel sickness pills as the speed boat trip lasts for about 50 minutes and being in the middle of the Indian Ocean the sea can get quite choppy.
It was quite a white knuckle ride going to the island but a pleasant cruise on the way home. The situation changes quickly out there.
The staff are exceptional, the food fantastic what else can I say.
We are going again next year thats for sure.
No more cigarette end filled Spanish beaches for me. I going where everything is spotless

I agree wholly with what the last 2 contributors have added.

The journey from Male by speedboat was 40 mins and can only be described as a 40 min rollercoaster ride - we loved it. The resorts 3* rating was justified overal due mainly to the general newness of the accomodation. That said, food, cleanliness, service and location was 10/10. Buffet style southern Indian food, spicy. But my 13 yo daughter and sister-in-law found plenty to eat that wasn't, different salads, pizza, mash-potato !! non-spicy meats and fish etc. I can see how some may find it repetitive after 2 weeks but we wouldn't.

No need for beach towels. 2 per room are provided each day. Our rooms were constantly attended to by a cleaner from dawn to dusk. Aircon and showers fine. NN sunbeds which was our main gripe and the deck chairs were very limited.

Sign for everyting and pay at the day before you leave. Internet access in reception $5 30mins.

We went for relaxing and diving. The diving was well organised and although may not challenge seasoned divers, was great for me and my daughter to get qualified. Instruction was excellent and waters and sea-life remarkable. There was different entertainment each night which I thought a bonus and not expecting.

The resort was made up of mainly Italians, French, German and Japanese. Just 3 English couples, a party of 4 and us during our stay. Suits me fine. Didn't bother with any excursions - maybe would've if we were there 2 weeks.

Fantastic holiday.
Would really like to keep this piece of heaven to myself. don't realy want lots of people to spoil it. But just for you, as you have chosen this for your holiday, or maybe just thinking about it, I will make an exception.
First, what it hasn't got.
No swimming pool, who needs one?
No separate Indian,French or Italian restaurants. But wow! the food in their restaurant is fantastic. Different country themes every night and a choice of food that would suit the most fussy of us. Plenty of vegetarian choice, loads of salads and fresh fruit every day.
Waiters, very friendly, chang their clothes to suit the theme.
Restaurant is very comfortable and cool.

We had a ";Comfort room"; which was really lovely. King size bed, beautiful bathroom, free air conditioning, fridge and private patio with two chairs and table.
(the classic rooms I understand were equally nice but a little more basic)
The room boy kept it spotless, cleaning twice a day. Fresh towels and sheets when ever.
Beach towels provide and your own sunbeds, both marked with your room number.You could place your beds where ever you liked on the island and they were for your sole use.
I would suggest that you take a traveling kettle, teabags and milk dried or evaporated if you miss your cuppa.
The electricity is to British standards and your three pin plug is OK. They do provide a conversion plug for types of plugs.

Also provided in thr room is an electrical mosquito device puffing out a deterent. We didn't really see any mosquitos, but there were somy midgy type things which you very seldon saw but they could give you a very small bite which itched like hell for about half an hour.
Must tell you, bottle water is 3 dollars for one and a half litres. We took about 4 litres in with us because we had room in our hand luggage which lasted a few days
If your on half board, take some snacks for lunch. Chocolates etc are very expensive on the island, as are most things because it all has to be imported.
A jug of beer, maybe half a litre was 3.5 dollars.
No money is needed on the island, you sign for everything and settle up before you go.
Everyone is very honest and my bill was spot on.
You can pay by credit or debit cards.

Their is a 10 dollar departure tax per person payable at the airport on leaving the Maldives. Check with your tour operator if it has been included in your holiday price like ours was with First Choice.
What clothes to take? Well shoes are a no no. Flip flops if you must but most of the time you will be bare footed. The island is sand everwhere except in the reception, restaurant and main bar. Every morning the whole island it appears is raked clean. Being lots of coconut trees etc many leaves fall during the night. Coconuts have a habit of dropping with quite a thump and I imagin could be quite painful if the hit you on the head, so be a little wary where you set up your sunbed. Get one of the gardeners to slice the top off a coconut so that you can drink the milk. Mmm beautiful, but could be used as an opening medicine if my experience was anything to go by.
As for other clothes, well, at least three swimming costume, and perhaps some smater beach wear for the evenings, not that anyone cares what you wear. As for anything else to wear, forget it. I bet you will take far too many and not wear hardly any of them.

Tipping. It is customary to tip the room boy, at least 10$ a week and your personal waiter about the same. More of course for good service is always appreciated. Baggage boys get about 1$ per bag.
If you go on a boat excursion the boat boys will expect a tip, 3 or 4$
This holiday for us was absutely perfect.

All of the resorts staff were fantastic.
Will it suit you. Well if your idea of heaven is cooling out, resting, sunbathing, snorkelling this little piece of paradise is for you. Go to their web site type keyword Fihalhohi it's really good.
Hope this helps, Were are going again next year, may see you their. But hey,,,keep it to yourself