We've just returned from our 2nd visit to Kurumba and once again had a fantastic holiday.

We emailed the resort prior to departure from the U.K to ask if it would be possible to stay in the same Deluxe Bungalow we had stayed in when we visited in 2005 and this was confirmed.

On arrival at Kurumba we were met by Olga who was very helpful and friendly and who talked us through the changes to facilities in the resort since we had last stayed there. These included complimentary snorkelling equipment hire, fruit kebabs and fruit juice around midday each day on the beach and around the pool, 3 tennis courts, wine tasting and weekly cocktail evenings, free wifi and internet access and the all new bar om the beach complete with bean bags on which to watch the sun set on your Island Paradise.

Upon checking into to our room, our bed had been decorated with flowers and palm leaf lettering welcoming us back to Kurumba. Wine and a basket of fruit were also delivered to our room together with a card from Jason Kruse, Resort Manager.

We dined every day in the Kurumba cafe where we received excellent service and the food was fantastic. During the first week of our holiday my husband celebrated his birthday. When we dined in the Kurumba cafe that evening our table had been decorated with flowers and coloured rice to wish him a happy birthday, the waiters presented us with a chocolate birthday cake and a rendition of Happy Birthday Maldivian style, the cake was delicious. Upon retiring to our room the bed had once again been decorated with flowers and palm leaf lettering to wish my husband a happy birthday, a truly wonderful end to a unforgetable birthday in the Maldives.

I have a food allergy which I mentioned as one of the desserts I ordered should have contained the allergen, there was no problem in making this without the offending item, the waiter also explained that he would log this on to their computer system to ensure that this was removed from all further dishes ordered, another example of fantastic service.

Kurumba is the closest resort to Male airport although aircraft noise is minimal, after a 10 hour flight from the UK, the quick speedboat transfer to the resort is fantastic. The Island was the first resort in the Maldives opening in 1972, has excellent facilities, gorgeous white sandy beaches, extremely helpful and polite staff, a choice of 9 restaurants and a huge variety of excursions.

We went on the sunset cruise and saw lots of dolphins whilst watching the sunset and enjoying champagne and canapes, on our previous visit we hired a catamaran to sail around local Islands and took a speed boat to a neighbouring resort.

Every evening there is happy hour in the BeachBar and Hillary is very welcoming and nothing is ever too much trouble for him or his staff.

There is entertainment every evening in the Beach Bar from 9 p.m. onwards which comprises of local bands and an excellent DJ from Male.

Each evening when you retire to your room there is a Daily Kurumba news detailing activities for the following day and advising of available excursions for the following week, together with a 3 day weather forecast and confirmation of cocktail of the day for the next day!

We saw numerous fish, baby sharks, a giant moray eel and the resident heron land a successful catch, who even poses for photos all from the beach and jetty.

There are 3 shops on the resort 2 of which sell everything from postcards to toiletries, gifts, clothes, crisps, chocolate and icecream. The 3rd shop is a jewellers. The staff in all of the resort shops are friendly and helpful.

Jason Kruse, Resort Manager and his wife Victoria are very friendly and always take the time to talk to you when they see you on the resort.

The resort staff from the room boys, pool attendants, waiters, supervisors, managers, bar staff and gardeners will always say hello to you and will always seek to answer any queries you may have.

Our departure from the resort was scheduled for 9p.m., it is normal for checkout from your room to be at midday, Vinay kindly arranged for us to keep our room until 5p.m. to allow us to shower and change before our final dinner on the resort.

I would highly recommend the resort if you would like to spend a week or two away from it all with excellent food and service, to return relaxed and refreshed. We can't wait to return in 2012

All I want to say is thank you to all the staff in Kurumba. Especially thankful to Vinay, Miki, Charith, Abdulla & Azum who took special care of our every needs in Kurumba. Jason who gave some tips, his wife and mother-in-law who made us feel so at home.

It is truly a memorable trip for my family when I chose Kurumba for them. Every service that provided to us is so tenderly plan, even some foam sofa was put up at the beach for relaxation.

Alvin, Nigel & Judy Lai