Kuredu Island Resort, Lhaviyani Atoll Review

Overall Rating

I and my wife are just back from our honeymoon in Kuredu and I have been reading these reviews since I booked and feel we should give our view now.
We stayed in the O' villas for 2 weeks on the all inclusive option. (All inclusive is needed as a spirit and mixer will cost $12.50)

Our flight out with Monarch was a lot of hazel, we wanted to upgrade to premier as it was our honeymoon and where unable to do this before hand with direct holidays (Not good at all, will not book with again). When we arrived at Gatwick airport I was sent to a lot of desks which had big cues at them to try and get upgraded with no luck and was then told by a staff member to ask the crew when I board, as they had four seats available on board. I did this and got upgraded at a cost of 155 pound per person one way; feel they could have done it a little cheaper since it was last minute. The upgrade is worth doing as it was along flight and you get a free bar and all the other extras. Great fun.

The transfer at Male to the seaplane was well organised. We where told to take whatever luggage we need now and the rest will arrive at our hotel by 19:00 by boat on the same day, which it did.
We where then taken to another waiting room to await our seaplane transfer. This room is very nice and cool with plenty to drink which is all free. A member of staff took me around and showed me the sea planes and told me a little history of the island - Very nice people and was not looking a tip. The seaplane ride is great and gives you the best view of the Maldives and a nice way to start you holiday.

When we arrived at Kuredu, the blue clear water and white beaches and a lovely cold drink a waits and a very nice welcome. The Sangu and O resorts have their own receptions and we were transferred to the O resort as requested before hand by the taxi service, The road is mad with trees growing everywhere. When we arrived at the reception we were given another drink and advised of various things.

We where then escorted to our room, which was suburb with great views (Ask for villa near 320, as the lower down the beach you go the more trees there are and wave breakers, which block your sea view) and shown how things work. The O Villas in my view are a lot nicer inside then the other villas, although the sand is not as good but still very nice. The water on this side of the beach has a very strong current, so be careful but overall the resort and pool all makes up for this, plus no children under 12 are aloud and it has the best view of the sun set.
We ate mainly at the O restaurant. Our waiter was good, very nice and did what we asked although other waiters did go overboard for their guests. The chief is very nice as is all the staff on the island. The food we felt got a little similar and boring after two weeks but still tasted very good. You can eat breakfast and lunch at any of the restaurants without booking but for evening meal you can book that morning, Franco's to eat in is ok, service was very slow and you can order room services which tastes very nice. Pizzas are very good, although slow to arrive but hot. I rathered the beach are the Far east restaurants as it is alot like you would get in a great restaurant back home (around $60 for two courses and drinks for two).

Diving/ snorkeling gear costs $8 a day with deals done for longer. Pro divers are excellent and know the water and area well so go speak to them early in your holiday; the turtle trip is great as was the local island visit and you must do the night fishing and the sunset cruise (All great). On the island visit you get to meet the locals and their way of live (i.e. Schools, Hospital etc).
In summary the island is paradise with great staff and great food and as much to do as you want. (May cost you, but your on holiday). With regards tipping our advice is tip a little at the start, middle and end. They do work for it, especially the room boy who is great and very friendly and cleans your room twice a day. (The staff dont go looking for tips but may expect a little tip. About $30 for two weeks for the room boy and $20 for waiter)

Building work is taking place at the top end of the island by o resort bungalows and in the middle by the spa but here it is hardly noticeable. We were very sad to leave and would recommend Kuredu to anyone.
Tips to help you on your holiday.
1. Bring plenty of high factor sun cream (Very hot and expensive to buy).
2. The mini bar food is cheaper in the shop to buy. (store up and take back to your room)
3. You do need flip flops for the rocks at the O resort side of the beach and for night, so you done stand on any mini crabs.
4. Take some small dollar notes for tipping.
5. The area is not lit up well so bring a torch and a small umbrella if going in wet season as they will cost $20 over here.
6. Go to kuredu web site and look at rooms and email hotel and state requirements.
7. If staying in kuredu ask for villa around 320.
8. If on honeymoon, let hotel know this before and when you are there as you will get a surprise. (Let room boy know)
9. Have a small bag packed before hand with clothes for going out that night and a swimsuit and leave sun lotion at top of suitcase to take out when over there.
10. Go to the spa, it is great and not expensive. Cheaper then home.
11. Things are layed back here. So relax and do the same and enjoy