Velidhu Island, North Ari Atoll Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★★
“This place has to be paradise on earth. If you want to...”
Written on: 04/06/2008
This place has to be paradise on earth. If you want to totally unwind and relax Velidhu is a must. The beach, accommodation (although a little dated), food, staff, snorkelling etc. etc. is all brilliant. I couldn't recommend this place highly enough. I've worked in Customer Service for over 25 years and I'd hire everyone of the staff tomorrow !! The weather was a little mixed (but expected) with rain most afternoons but even that didn't matter. Put your head under the water just 10 metres... (read more)
★★★★★
“Going back to North Ari Atoll, Velidhu Island next...”
Written on: 24/03/2008
Going back to North Ari Atoll, Velidhu Island next year, can't wait. The people are fantastic and so is the food. The location is fantastic. I would recommend it to anyone. There are no bad points. (read more)
★★★★★
“The scenery, marine life, clean beaches and no noise...”
Written on: 02/03/2008 by dontbenosey
The scenery, marine life, clean beaches and no noise were all massive plusses for our perfect honeymoon, we had a fabulous time, so very relaxing, we even got to see baby reef sharks swimming just feet away from the shore and Rays floating by amongst all the amazing colours of all the other fish! the accommodation was lovely, every day our room boy made our bed in different shapes it added a real personal touch, nothing was too much for them. The thing that really stands out to us both was... (read more)
★★★★★
“The Island of Velidhu is paradise on earth, please go...”
Written on: 03/08/2007 by louanne1cat (1 review written)
The Island of Velidhu is paradise on earth, please go soon before John Keels hand over the resort to new owners.
The staff are wonderful, I spent the two weeks trying to work out how to take them home with me as they were so helpful and polite.
The snorkeling was out of this world, like jumping into a tropical fish tank
Beautiful, paradise, wonderful, magic and a lot more words like that.
(read more)
★★★★★
“We took a speed boat to the island, which took just...”
Written on: 22/05/2007 by Dave Shoebridge
We took a speed boat to the island, which took just over an hour and it was great fun, dolphins were swimming alongside us. We got the seaplane back, which only took us 20 minutes, with fabulous views. It is hard to describe how wonderful the island is. You work, possibly 50 weeks a year flat out, then you go to Velidhu and chill immediately. We stayed in a beach room that was very stylish and cool. We decided to do pretty much nothing, although there are enough trips and excursions to keep... (read more)
Malibu2606's Response to 290153_Dave Shoebridge's Review
Written on: 12/07/2007
My husband and I went to Velidhu in July 2006 for our Honeymoon. I couldn't agree more with Dave's review. It's a truly special, magical place. A fantastic way to just kick back and relax. We would love to go back and may do in a few years for our anniversary.
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★★★★★
“Well what can I say, I would do anything to go back...”
Written on: 17/02/2007 by missrose
Well what can I say, I would do anything to go back there! Our waiter was brilliant and he did everything he could for us. We also became good friends with the bar staff and still stay in contact with them to this day. I cannot express just how beautiful this island is; the beach was spectacular, the tropical fish, baby sharks and dolphins just add to the magic. It was clear that the staff on Velidhu really cared about how you were settling in and were only too happy to do anything to make... (read more)
Melron's Response to 278718_missrose's Review
Written on: 07/05/2007
Melron
<br/>
<br/>We are going to this island this Sunday 13th May 2007, and now cannot wait to get there thank you
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★★★★★
“A beautiful island, you can walk around it in 20...”
Written on: 31/08/2006 by DrRob (5 reviews written)
A beautiful island, you can walk around it in 20 minutes at a casual amble. The staff show traditional excellent hospitality and there is plenty to keep you occupied if you like diving/snorkeling and water sports or just want to step out of your front door onto a beach. The beach bungalows were spacious and well enough equipped if you weren't planning to spend long periods of time there. The lack of room service can be annoying and the lack of phones in the rooms even more so. Having said... (read more)
299526_Boardgrrrrl's Response to DrRob's Review
Written on: 20/07/2007
Sorry, I have to respond to your comment on the food! Why would an island in the Indian Ocean cater for Western tastes? OK a large number of Westerners go there but surely you go to the Maldives to immerse yourself into the island culture and not to eat pie and chips or a watered down version of Indian cuisine?
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★★★★★
“This was our second visit to Velidhu Island in the...”
Written on: 07/08/2006 by whiterose4609 (1 review written)
This was our second visit to Velidhu Island in the Maldives. We went with friends we met on our first visit. The staff remember you and make you feel very welcome, especially the second time around. One of our waiters even got us one of the few phrase books available for the local language (Devehi). This had to be flown out from Male, but it came as promised. We got a free water bungalow upgrade for 3 nights due to a booking issue, and they try to give you the same room if it's your second... (read more)
★★★★★
“On arriving at Velidhu Island in the Maldives the sun...”
Written on: 04/07/2006 by leeanne (1 review written)
On arriving at Velidhu Island in the Maldives the sun was just setting. Our first thoughts were "what an amazing place"! We were taken into the reception area and received a complementary fruit drink. Our luggage man took us to our rooms and showed us how to use everything. What a room! We had a water bungalow. If you have the chance to upgrade, even for night, I suggest you do. The next morning the true beauty of Velidhu Island hit me. What a difference the sun shining made to the colours... (read more)
★★★★★
“If I could, I would go back to Velidhu Island in the...”
Written on: 13/05/2006 by djpete25 (1 review written)
If I could, I would go back to Velidhu Island in the Maldives now and refuse to leave. It's paradise! The man at the Windsurf Centre is 'the man'. Our waiter was a genuinely nice guy, and nowhere in the world will you find a nicer group of people and be spoilt in the way we were. If you get the chance you have to go!! (read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 26 Reviews
★★★★★
“We have just returned from a truly amazing two weeks...”
Written on: 16/04/2006 by judic (2 reviews written)
We have just returned from a truly amazing two weeks on Velidhu Island in the Maldives. The seaplane transfer is a must!! We booked with Virgin and flew with Qatar Airlines via Doha, and upgraded to business class, which was worth every penny.
The island itself is beautiful, and the food is fantastic, especially the deserts. The all inclusive package is definitely worth having, although they do try to sell you different cocktails and dinners to try and get you to spend money. Just say...
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★★★☆☆
“I can honestly say we have never been treated so badly...”
Written on: 10/03/2006 by coolpix4 (2 reviews written)
I can honestly say we have never been treated so badly by any dive center ever than at Velidhu Island. They gave no credit for our qualifications, experience or recent logged dives. They expect you to be part of the Put Another Dollar In flock and be herded across the reef at the pace of the newest novice diver all-be-it at a pace to miss the reef and have to make a second attempt at being dropped on the reef with what's left of a 10lt tank @ $62 a go - pure extortion. Then to be... (read more)
A17Acr's Response to coolpix4's Review
Written on: 22/03/2006
I am sorry you feel this way about Velidhu euro divers but i can say that i had some of the best dives in my life with them all of the dive masters were great with no problems at all.
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★★★★★
“We travelled to Velidhu from Gatwick on 12th February...”
Written on: 22/02/2006 by terrysmith (1 review written)
We travelled to Velidhu from Gatwick on 12th February 2006, although the flight was on time it was very cramped and seemed to be understaffed. I would not fly with Monarch again. However the seaplane transfer was well worth the extra money, what views! The island itself is a magical place, very good accommodation, and the staff could not do enough for you. The bar and restaurant were first class. The reef is very good for amateur snorkelling with a huge variety of fish from very small... (read more)
★★★★★
“We travelled to Velidhu in Jan 2006 for our honeymoon,...”
Written on: 18/01/2006 by ian house (2 reviews written)
We travelled to Velidhu in Jan 2006 for our honeymoon, we flew with Monarch from Gatwick and upgraded our flight to premium, and our opinion...well worth it. We had heard bad things about Monarch, but the premium is good, preferential baggage, first off both ends, premium lounges at Gatwick and Male with free drinks and food, extra legroom, better food, free drinks and better movies....all very good.
We arrived in Male at 10 am their time, and we were whisked without delay to the nearby...
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257515_Ianian2's Response to ian house's Review
Written on: 30/08/2006
Hi, excellent detailed review. My wife & I go out there this xmas eve for 14 nights. Is the sea plane transfer worth the extra money ? Yet to read a review of someone that transferred by speed boat !
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Uk1982's Response to ian house's Review
Written on: 15/10/2006
In response to your question about the sea plane transfer to Velidhu Island in the Maldives... I would recommend it 100%. We went both ways by sea plane, and the views are amazing. I heard some stories from other guests about the speed boat, and I did not envy them at all! Enjoy your stay. It is a truly amazing place - paradise!!
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299526_Boardgrrrrl's Response to ian house's Review
Written on: 20/07/2007
Not poncy at all! Great review!
<br/>
<br/>We're going in November for what will probably be the only sun we will see this year, judging by the UK summer so far!
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★★★★★
“We took a sea plane transfers to Velidhu - highly...”
Written on: 06/12/2005 by ezrapound (1 review written)
We took a sea plane transfers to Velidhu - highly recommended.
Island has two aspects - quiet side facing calm, shallow and very safe lagoon Where we stayed in a garden bungalow); and other side facing more open coral reef with stiffer breeze. The water bungalows are also on a breezy point fairly high above the water.
The grounds are lush, beautifully planted, well maintained, and with plenty of shade.
The house reef is spectacular with the greatest profusion of fish we have ever seen. It is...
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220481_Joanne Rankin's Response to ezrapound's Review
Written on: 11/12/2005
Hi There,
Really enjoyed reading your review. It sounds wonderful. We are due to fly out on the 15th Jan, so looking forward to it. Do you have any photo's you could post?
Thank You
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★★★★★
“Went to Velidhu in April 2005. Long flight, but...”
Written on: 14/11/2005 by peteh99
Went to Velidhu in April 2005. Long flight, but fortunately upgraded to air taxi on arrival. Long wait for taxi, but at least we were there in the heat! Once we got to Velidhu, wow! What a fantastic place. Peaceful and relaxing just doesn't cover it. There may have been 200 odd people on the island, but you'd be lucky (or unlucky!) to see more than half a dozen during the day. Beautiful white powder sand, turquoise ocean, gentle breeze. Perfect. Loads of fish, don't need to dive, just stick... (read more)
★★★★★
“What an amazing experience, my wife and I went to...”
Written on: 29/09/2005 by SEELEY (9 reviews written)
What an amazing experience, my wife and I went to Velidhu for our honeymoon. From the moment we arrived until we left the staff on this Island were Excellent.
We stayed in a Water Bungalow and went All Inclusive both of these were arranged here in the UK.
It is slightly cheaper to arrange this when you arrive on the Island but their is no gaurantee of getting the water bungalow.
I would recommend a meal on the beach they can appear expensive at first, but on speaking with the Restaurant...
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★★★★★
“A wonderful place, and tears came to my eyes as we...”
Written on: 18/08/2005 by chatjenchat (1 review written)
A wonderful place, and tears came to my eyes as we left. We met some brilliant people there, and had good company at night. In the evening I walked the jetty, and played table tennis and darts. It was one of the best holidays I have ever had. A total escape from exam pressure! (read more)
★★★★★
“Velidhu Island - Small island with 80 beach bungalows...”
Written on: 28/07/2005 by 1160adam (1 review written)
Velidhu Island - Small island with 80 beach bungalows and 20 water bungalows. We stayed in the beachfront ones which were very spacious, 500 square feet, large double bed, huge bathroom with shower, b day, sink and toilet. Air con, fridge and large storage area, clothes hanging, dressing table and chair. Water bungalows have 800square feet with impressive raised bedroom and separate lounge, TV, tea making facilities and balcony overlooking ocean. Access to sea from communal sun deck at the... (read more)
★★★★★
“Velidhu Island: ”
Written on: 13/06/2005 by Lorna21 (1 review written)
Velidhu Island:
I just want to say thank you for such a wonderful holiday will definitely go back and see all the boys again they were fantastic. Hi to them all I just couldn't go through and name them as I got to know most of them, suppose because we played football and cricket etc with them when it was there break in the afternoon. go boys who won Velidhu cup well done Mohammed and your team. Thanks to the management for a very professional run resort to the highest standard? Plenty to do...
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Showing 11 - 20 of 26 Reviews
★★★★★
“We visited Velidhu for our honeymoon in May 2005. It...”
Written on: 06/06/2005 by howarth (1 review written)
We visited Velidhu for our honeymoon in May 2005. It was paradise. The water bungalow was superb, the food consistently good, the service was great and the people were the friendliest we've ever met. From the moment we arrived we felt extremely relaxed. The Dive school (Eurodivers) was really professional and we did some wonderful diving.
It would be hard to beat this holiday.
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★★★★★
“Velidhu Island is charming with nice bungalows and a...”
Written on: 12/03/2005 by Whiterose (1 review written)
Velidhu Island is charming with nice bungalows and a good setting. The staff are very fiendly and only too keen to help. The facilities are well appointed and plentiful, shop, spa, dive centre and the usual Maldivian food (high quality). The only issue we had was the limitations to the all inclusive option which can make the stay a little expensive for an all inclusive holiday. Wine other than at meal times is chargeable and the staff are very keen to sell the special dinners. (read more)
★★★★★
“Went on our honeymoon May 2004. Speedboat ride from...”
Written on: 07/11/2004 by IANARGYLE (1 review written)
Went on our honeymoon May 2004. Speedboat ride from Male was fun and refreshing following flight. Also saw flying fish and kept our eyes peeled for dolphins. Would recommend the plane journey back though.
Stayed in a water bungalow which was wonderful. You can hear the waves crashing at night, can see fish swimming in the reef below your lounge area and has stunning views. The room was cleaned 2-3 times a day so was extremely clean. Air conditioning was greatly appreciated. Also our...
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★★★★★
“Velidhu Island is truly a paradise island. From the...”
Written on: 07/07/2004 by lisafell (1 review written)
Velidhu Island is truly a paradise island. From the minute we arrived to till the minute we left we were very well looked after. The staff are all very friendly and could not do enough to help. Our accommodation was kept spotlessly clean and kept the tea, coffee and minibar well stocked. Our waiter in the restaurant was amazing. The food was very good and there is plenty of choice each day. I am quite a fussy eater and always managed to find something that I liked. The sweets are... (read more)
Keeley7's Response to lisafell's Review
Written on: 22/10/2004
Did you upgrade to water villa when you got there, if so was it much more?
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Lisafell's Response to lisafell's Review
Written on: 25/10/2004
No we booked the water bungalow as part of our package. I am not to sure how much extra it cost as the Travel Agent made a bit of a mistake when booking and ended up having to take on some of the cost themselves. It is worth the extra though. I don't know what they would charge you when you get there. I would suggest that you send them an e-mail. The web address is www.johnkeellshotels.com They are very helpful and will provide you with all the info you need.
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★★★★☆
“Velidhu Island - My husband and I spent 4 idyllic days...”
Written on: 28/04/2004 by tarad
Velidhu Island - My husband and I spent 4 idyllic days on this gorgeous, picture-postcard-setting island.
Overall we had an amazing time because the snorkelling was absolutely amazing because of the easy access and abundance of tropical fish and coral. My husband did some dives but was not that impressed, he said you can see pretty much the same thing when snorkelling.
We stayed in an overwater bungalow, which was absolutely beautiful inside with AC and cable tv.
I have to admit though that...
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Trotters's Response to 153370_tarad's Review
Written on: 23/11/2004
We are interested to hear more about your water bungalow. We believe they are semi detatched. Were you able to sunbathe on the deck and was it totally private? We are going on honeymoon and are really concerned that our accommodation is well positioned for sunbathing and privacy. Have the chance to go to Velidhu in March 05 and would like your honest opinion.
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★★★★★
“The Velidhu Island resort in the Maldives is a 2 hour...”
Written on: 30/08/2002 by Jericho.
The Velidhu Island resort in the Maldives is a 2 hour speedboat ride from Male airport, or 1/2hr by seaplane, to North Ari atoll. Very quiet, adult only resort with 100 beach front rondavaals & some water bungalows on stilts. Small shop, spa & TV lounge.
We stayed in a rondavaal with aircon, a fridge, king bed & shower (no TVs, great) & it was perfect all fortnight. One restaurant with buffet service plus beachside BBQs & one large bar. Excellent service & choice of food the whole time. ...
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163766_First Timer's Response to Jericho.'s Review
Written on: 26/07/2004
Has anyone visited this year. We are due to travel end of August. What should we take with us? Any information will be recieved with gratitude!
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Alfiesgirl's Comment
Written on: 12/06/2008
I am trying to book this resort as I have been there 3yrs ago. I am having difficulties finding a tour operator who books for this resort. Could you let me know who you booked with please.
<br/>Kind regards
Rab29's Comment
Written on: 17/06/2008
alfiesgirl, try:
<br/>
<br/>http://www.travelcollection.co.uk/holidays/india/velidhu-island-resort-maldives/index.shtml