North Male Atoll, Reethi Rah

When we visited for our honeymoon in 1999, Reethi Rah was a small and beautiful island. Staff were all friendly and we even spent a week gaining our PADI dive certificates. It was lovely.

I am so disappointed to hear of the revamp as I was hoping to return for our 10th anniversary next year. Why on earth would anyone on this island need a private swimming pool...let alone any other kind of swimming pool? The sea was turquoise and warm with a lovely sandy beach. I feel the island may have been spoilt! :-(

The service is poor and the restaurants are average. You rely on golf buggies to get round what is a large island, that never turn up or if they do they are very late. Not what you would expect from a hotel in any price bracket let alone one in this price bracket.

An excellent destination, though not entirely suited to young families; it's more for the newlyweds and romantics.

Look for half board deals, as the evening meals would be expensive otherwise.

North Male is a large island, though you don't feel crowded.

My husband and I visited Reethi Rah twice, the first time in May 1997 and the second time in March 1998. (Gosh has it been that long ago already?!) The second time we spend our honeymoon there and it was terrific!! I'll never forget our special honeymoon-diner on the beach. Now we thought about showing our paradise to our 4 children. I'm afraid that won't be possible anymore. I still can't believe that the resort has totally changed and has become unaffordable for people like us, especially with all the kids! There's an emptyness in my heart that can't be replaced.

North Male Atoll Reethi Rah is excellent in location. It is not too far away from the airport. Just 45 minutes on a very luxurious yatch.

Don't get put off by the size or the number of rooms here. Islands much smaller than Reethi have as much as Reethi sometimes. So just 130 Villas on an island this size guarantees you privacy. Rooms also have seaview from wherever you are in the room. An excellent choice for those who are seeking an amazing luxury holiday! Best holiday I ever had!

The Reethi Rah is one of the best resorts that you could expect to visit.

The Villas, especially the Overwater ones, are exquisite.

The Azure blue lagoon laps up to your sundeck steps and the nets around the water villa decking make for great sun bathing and snoozing!

The West side is great for sunrise and the sea breeze. Although during Monsoon season (June & July) the breeze can be strong and waves high. I would however recommend the West coast for Couples. The East side and the main beaches close to the Reethi Restaurant are good for Family groups.

Dining in the 3 restaurants is excellent, and dinner on the beach at Fanditha is fantastic. Pick your table earlier in the day and pre-book at all restaurants. Tapasake, the Sushi restaurant is my favourite.

Water Sports facilities and the reef diving are great.

North Male Atoll Reethi Rah

Currently visited this resort for the official re-opening. Construction work has been completed. & there is no disruption whatsoever marvellous job has been done in constructing a 5* deluxe resort whilst retaining the unspoilt natural and tranquil features of the island. All villas are sea facing set among palm trees on over twelve 'talcum powder' beaches and coves. Others are over water. Both superb-a matter of preference. Hotel was full for opening but one hardly saw a soul on the beach. Fantastic bathing. Three excellent restaurants, one international, one Japanese and the "Fandita" virtually on the beach itself with an Arabian/Asian flavour. Nothing is more than a few metres from the ocean.

Western side of island windy at times but pleasantly cooler as a result, with nicer views of breakers on reef. Eastern side on calmer lagoon can be hot but safer for kids.

Other than a small boutique, there are no shops so bring all you need.

Only 50 mins transfer from Male airport on resort's luxury motor launch

Most attentive and friendly staff we have encountered.

Visited Reethi Rah in Sept 2002. We found it relaxing, staff friendly and helpful, diving good.

Would like to hear what impact the "re-vamp" is/was having on it.

Also went to White Sands(south ari atoll) this year 2003.

Reethi Rah at the time was better.

I visited Reethi Rah in Jan/Feb 1994. Accomodation was a basic 'hut on the beach' which was of acceptable standard. Service was excellent and friendly. Geography was absolutely outstanding - perfect beaches and a wonderful shallow lagoon in which to wander aimlessly!

This is the perfect place for loving couples to visit - I hope it will not be ruined by additional accomodation. I have visited Kenya, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Egypt and St. Lucia amongst others - Reethi Rah was by far the best 'get away from it all' location

Although the resort and staff were excellent be very wary of the "minimal disturbance" construction work. Only go to this resort if you can accept that half the island will not be accessible.

Sunsets are spoilt by the JCBs. The view at the restaurant/beach bar end of the island is also spoilt by large sand dredgers.

Basically, the construction work to add to the island and create a new resort may significantly affect your holiday.