The welcome
I’m met at Kaadedhdhoo Airport by resort staff, and escorted to a private boat that ferries me the 15 minutes to the resort. On arrival, I’m welcomed warmly and taken to the sitting area where check-in takes place in the comfort of a lounge chair. The staff are friendly and helpful, check-in is quick and easy, and before I know it I’m in a buggy to my villa.
The neighbourhood
Amari Havodda is in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, which is a 55-minute flight from Malé, followed by a 15-minute speedboat transfer from Kaadedhdhoo Airport. The beauty of this resort is that it’s secluded and, at times, it feels like you’re the only one there. If you do want company, the common areas provide it, yet are laid-back and relaxed, too.
The room
My 121-square-metre beach garden pool villa has a private plunge pool, outdoor terrace and direct beach access. The king bed is comfy, and it’s nice being able to lie-in and see the beach from the bed. There’s a covered open-air bathroom with an outdoor shower and a big bathtub. The set-up is good, although I can’t find the resort manual anywhere. When I jump in to bed the first night and switch the fan on for extra circulation I can’t get it to my desired speed – it’s either too fast or whirring slowly. The coffee machine is swiftly unplugged, too, when the blinking blue light gets too much to bear.
The service
Friendly and helpful. I’m greeted warmly wherever I wander throughout the resort. At meal times, I’m impressed by the attentiveness of the chefs, who go out of their way to assist me with my special food requirements. Other guests are given special attention, too, with the staff genuinely interested in their guests’ holiday experiences. In-room dining requests are met with a friendly reply, delivery is prompt and with a smile.
The scene
The vibe is quite beach-club, and while quiet at times, the main dining areas, bars, lounges and thoroughfares provide for a relaxed yet sociable atmosphere. The family-friendly feel is nice, too – it means that I don’t feel like I am surrounded by honeymooners or couples, which is a bonus for any solo traveller in a place like this.
The food
The resort’s all-day dining pavilion, the Amaya Food Gallery, offers a selection for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dishes include Thai, tapas and Asian street food. If you’re after a more unique experience, Ember Robatayaki, the resort’s Japanese restaurant, is a great choice. Down one end of the resort, it feels like you’re “going out”. While not part of the all-inclusive stay price, this “fireside cooking” restaurant is small and fun. I have the ebi no teriyaki or grilled king prawn dish (Dh202) and the gyu no kushi yaki or Angus beef mixed vegetable skewers (Dh172), which are both delicious. Watching the food barbecued in front of you, then served on a wooden board, is very cool.
Loved
The one-hour signature Serene No Worries massage (Dh606) at Breeze Spa and the glass-bottom kayak reef paddle (Dh238 for an hour) – so many fish.
Hated
The fan situation, and that I don’t get to experience a proper Maldivian resort sunset because of the cloudy weather.
The verdict
Great for families, couples and solo travellers.
The bottom line
Beach pool garden villas at Amari Havodda Maldives (www.amari.com/havodda-maldives) cost from Dh2,640 per night for a four-night minimum stay for two, all-inclusive. Domestic flights and speedboat transfers cost from Dh3,085 for two.
mhealy@thenational.ae
