Lhaviyani Atoll Kuredu Island

I stayed at Kerudu back in 2005 and have just booked my honeymoon for November, returning to the Maldives - although not the same island.

We spent a fantastic 2 weeks there and although we had the basic rooms we were blown away by the standard of cleanliness and attention to detail, every time we went back to the room the bed had been made and remade. We were treated as a honeymoon couple then and were treated to a basket of fruit, champers, and a token for one of the al a carte resturants, and two matching t shirts which we used when we went snorkling.

We used one of the pedalos and saw many Manta/Sting rays pass underneath us, also got to share the water with a giant turtle which was one of the best experiences ever.

Other half is a golf fan so spent some time on the driving range, well worth it even if like me you spend more time laughing that hitting the ball.

The spa area was great and we went twice during our stay, loving every minute and were able to have massages together which we loved.

Dress is casual, tipping is expected, take a good amount of $1 and $5 dollars to give to the staff.

The food was of a high standard with buffet style meals and themed food everyday. Even took pictures of the centrepieces as they were made into the shapes of animals monkeys parrots fish all made from butter and food products (you will see when you get there)

Although the Atoll Kuredu Island hotel was wonderful, if you are an experienced diver going to enjoy the magnificent diving (and it is fantastic!) DO NOT go to this island. We had planned two dives a day on the boat with an occasional night dive, and due to the treatment (we were quizzed on depth tables, asked to read information in German which we do not speak, asked to dive with maladjusted equipment etc), we only dove one day out of 12. This was a GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT and waste of a trip. I would not recommend this island to any experienced divers unless you have all of your own equipment and bring it on your trip (be careful of weight restrictions on the air taxi transfers).

Kuredu Island is a fantastic place. Island never that crowed even tho nearly full. Lots of bars to choose from. Good service. Staff never hankering after tips. Have been to Kuramathi Island which we loved but prefer Kuredu especially for the diving on the house reef which you could do by yourself.

Despite an annoying delay on the seaplane transfer, we were both impressed with Lhaviyani Atoll Kuredu Island when we arrived. The staff greeted us with drinks and a brief introduction, and then we walked to our beach bungalow. The beach bungalows are the basic accommodation but are clean with aircon and a fan, CD player and a coffee service. They are cleaned twice daily with fresh towels and sheets on request.

The Beach villa's and Water Villa's are really excellent.

Pool area is of a very high standard and is kept clean

The All inclusive package includes breakfast Lunch and dinner at set times 8:00-10:00, 13:00-14:30 and 19:30-21:30. I rarely eat three times a day but it was available if you wanted. The restaurants are "graded" according to which package you are on but even the basic one was very good, if a bit repetitive after a week or so. There are various themed restaurants to eat in, but these are chargeable.

In addition to this we enjoyed diving and snorkelling, I did not do any of the resort excursions such as island hoping and deep sea fishing having spoken to other who did do these I got very mixed reports. Do NOT do the Robinson Crusoe experience everyone seemed to hate it.

The health spa is very enjoyable and offers a wide range of massage and beauty treatments.

Their is a 6 hole golf course and driving range but I didn't use these.

For some reason SMS (text messaging) does not work. You can receive them but not send them. In addition to this, Kuredu is a mobile free zone - so you can only use them in your room.

Things to take are;

DEET and room mosquito repellent also take one of the "bite clickers" these give a tiny electrical shock which really stops the itching.

Reef shoes.

snorkel mask and fins - expensive to buy or rent.

Dive camera rated to 15m to 20m.

P20 or better sun protection - there is usually a gentle breeze which is nice but deceptive and some people got very burnt.

Additional coffee / tea for your room you have to pay for this otherwise. And some biscuits.

Finally don't make the mistake I did, you can't take alcohol into the country, it's confiscated by customs. They do return it when you leave.

Snorkling a must, his and hers massage well worth the money, as is the yacht Britt Cruise.

Beach villas in the 200's are the best, although we stayed in a water villa, which was delightful, if we went back we would save our money for the on beach experience.

Perfect honeymoon experience, provided you do not wish to be on a desert island, although you can keep yourselves pretty much to yourself if you want.

Lots to do, you will never get bored.

Will definitely return, without a doubt.

Situated at the northernmost end of the Maldivian islands, Kuredu island resort is well worth the eleven hour flight from London and the three and a half hour speedboat ride to the island.(Alternative air taxi is available, 40 minutes flying time). A warm and friendly welcome awaits everyone who walks up the jetty to the main reception as you are met with a band playing drums and given a satisfying cool drink. The island itself has plenty to offer for everyone. Whether you have gone to relax or read a book or decided to go Snorkelling for the very first time. The food is first class throughout the many restaurants as is the service provided by the friendly helpful staff. The accommodation is clean and fresh always. If you are looking for the ultimate paradise, Kuredu island resort must come pretty close to this.

Great middle class Maldivian resort, exceptionally hard working and friendly staff, rooms are spotlessly clean and there is a great variety of multi national cusine. For divers, you have the advantage of being in an atol with few neighbouring islands, and because of that for every boat dive we did, we were the only boat at that site. Until the Maldives I had always thought that there so many place to see that I wouldn't go back to some where twice, now not only am I planning on going back to the Maldives, but I plan to stay at the Kuredu Resort. In a word...GO!

Kuredu Island is in the Northern most part of the Maldives, famous for its abundant fish life and with more than 3 km of white beaches and blue lagoons. Kuredu is Paradise on Earth! Situated on the northern reef of the Lhaviyani Atoll, 80 miles north of the Capital and 35 minutes by seaplane or 3 hours by boat from the airport.

The sort of place you could never tire of if, like me, you enjoy peace and tranquil surroundings, good food and couple of drinks at the end of the days scuba diving. In a word, Excellent!