Fihalhohi Island Resort Review

Overall Rating

Friendliness of the staff
Size of the island
Clean white beaches
Weather
Sea and sea lift

None

We flew with First Choice Airlines from Manchester to Male, and the flight was brilliant. All the seats are leather and were big (2+3+2 across the aircraft), with a 33" seat pitch, so plenty of leg room. 7" TV screen on the back of the seat in front, 2 meals (1 being a pre-landing snack box). Though drinks were not free!

We quickly got through the airport when we landed as we were the only plane at that time, but had to wait about 20 minutes for the next flight before we all boarded our speed boat together. During this wait you're shown into a bar overlooking the harbour for a much needed drink.

The speedboat ride takes about 45 - 50 minutes, during which time you're whizzed across the sea at 30 knots. You pass many islands and reefs on the way. The time passes very quickly, and before you know it you're at Fihalhohi. (After 30 minutes, stand up and look out the front of the boat and you'll see the island in the distance. it is impressive.

When you arrive at the island you will be shown into the bar where you get a free drink and a bite to eat. You then walk 10 seconds next door to the reception to get your keys for your room. We booked early and booked a water bungalow (£2900 - 2 weeks Full Board - Eclipse Direct / discounted First Choice Holidays)

The room was as far out to sea as they went (Rm 145). We had a CD Stereo, 2 Air Con Units, Ceiling Fan, a HUGE double bed (as wide as it was long) from which you could see through the French door out over the ocean, a separate dressing area with wardrobe, safe and mirrors, a separate big bathroom with WC, bath and separate glass shower. In fact you could sit in the bath and look through the floor the ceiling glass out over the sea. The bungalow has a large terrace with table and 4 chairs, 2 modern wooden sun-loungers and direct access into the sea.

We had a look around a Comfort Room and they were certainly large enough, with a huge bed, free air con, ceiling fan, balcony or terrace, bathroom with bath and shower. The classic rooms are pretty much the same, but do not have free air con ($10 per day), which is a must as it is hot.

All rooms are cleaned twice a day, every day, and your bed sheets are all folded into patterns when you go to bed at night.

The Island has 1 main restaurant (Palm Grove), which has a stunning 4 story high vaulted ceiling and ceiling fans throughout. Upon arrival on your first day you'll be assigned a table (which you may have to share with another couple). You will keep this table for your entire stay. The waiter will remember you by your room number and name, and they are so friendly and chatty. Food is all buffet with different themes each night (Mexican, Curry, Maldivian, etc). You always get fish, beef, lamb and chicken dishes, plus loads of salad, bread and soups. Every other night some dishes are cook out in the restaurant.
In addition to the main restaurant, there is the surf cafe / Beach Bar. Here you can get snacks (chips, fish, sandwiches), but also a candlelight meal on the beach (around $40 each), which is very private and romantic, especially just listening to the sea. Up at this bar you won't get any music, just peace and quiet.

Entertainment on the island is sufficient for what you want. Each night the entertainment team organise something which is advertised in the main restaurant. But believe me you are never bored.

The island also has its own massage and treatment centre, gift shop, diving school and water sports centre. All reasonably priced.

The weather in the Maldives is often unpredictable. Ignore the BBC Weather reports, as the weather in Male can and is very different to Fihalhohi. We had 2 rain storms in April, both were about 1 hour long but then its clears up almost instantly after, and you're back on the beach.

The beaches on Fihalhohi are so white you need sunglasses just to look at them. They are no way near crowded, and you will be able to find a spot for yourself away from others. Each room is assigned 2 sun-loungers with your room number on (to stop the Germans stealing them), so wherever you leave it, the next day it'll still be there. You will also be provided with beach towels in your room when you arrive, so no need to take your own.

The seas around Fihalhohi are out of this world. About 28 Deg C, and teaming with life. I saw a turtle, loads of 'Nemos', eels, millions of brightly coloured fish, and on the final day about 10 dolphins. There are 3 reef sharks that live on the house reef, but before you worry, they are small and only 2 foot long babies. They will just swim away from you.
You must take snorkels and flippers with you as there is so much under the water you wouldn't believe.

Excursions from the island include, Island Hopping, Male visit and Sunset Fishing amongst others.

Island Hopping was OK, but apart from visiting the local Maldivian Island, it was a waste of time
The Male visit was not too bad, but Male is a dump of a place and there is not much at all to see.
Sunset Fishing is brilliant. It is amazing how competitive you get, especially if there are children on-board. You could literally catch dozens of fish. After getting back to the island, the chefs cook all your catch and you can eat them.

Tipping:
The staff on the island are very low paid, so tipping is a kind gesture to say thanks for your help. All the staff are so friendly and polite that it's nice to give something back.
Your Restaurant Waiter - $10 / wk
Porters - $1 / Bag
Room Cleaner - $10 / wk
On all drinks and food bought on Fihalhohi a service charge of 10% is added (normal practice in the Maldives), of which the money is given to backroom staff (Grounds men, Cooks etc) who don't get tips.

Drinks:
As Fihalhohi is a 3* Island, you only pay 3* prices
Big Bottle of Water - $3
Coke - $2
Bottles of wine from - $10
In all, including 3 excursions and 1 massage each, we paid an additional £600 between two of us for 2 weeks, and we have wine every night and drank loads of coke and water. So we were very very pleased

Safety and Security.
As all the people who work on the island also live on the island you will NEVER feel threatened or feel uneasy. We left money, computer, camera out in our room and it was never touch.

Money.
Everything on the Island is charged to your room, so money (apart for tipping) was never needed.
For visiting Male or other Islands just get American Dollars. We never used any Moldavian money.

All in all, this island is fantastic and I would recommend this to anyone (couples or families). The food might not be the best, but it is all edible and there is plenty of it. You can not go wrong going here.

Websites of interest

www.fihalhohi.net
www.fihalhohi.info

Email the island any questions, they always get back to you.

Members' Comments onhylands1's Review

• ivan1890 on 3rd May 2006

  This is what a review should look like! Very well done. You even included the cost of the holiday. What is the point of reviewing something without knowing its cost? More similar reviews please!

• maldivesmaniac on 3rd May 2006

  Brilliant review! Thanks for all the info, it's much appreciated!

• Laurenco on 2nd Aug 2006

  Brilliant review - again, adding the cost element was perfect. We went to Rangali and it sounds exactly the same! - but we were conned into flying with Monarch who were awful, cramped and had no TV's, so First Choice sound much better for the future.