Background: 2 adults + 1 child ( 9 years) the last week of October (mid-term). Booked though Kuoni with Sri Lankan for £3.5k on B&B basis in deluxe bangalow.
Impression: Great rooms, restaurants (aside from Vela), bar and beach BUT so disheatening to have the rubbish island and views of Male so close. They both are about 5 to 10miles from Velassaru, hence are clearly visible in good weather with columns of black and white fumes. Reading other reviews, I was clearly aware of it but was not ready for the look of it. The proximity of Male also means rubbish floating in the sea. To be able to get a sense of Rubbish island, it is North/North-west of the island and Male directly due North - see map below.
Rooms: First the best side, in my view, is the side with the reef/shallow water running from the arrival pier (with the wetlab center) to the Sunset Bar i.e. the west-facing side of the island - please see http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/1507/velassarumapd.jpg. It benefits from the sunset and one can enjoy the most amazing fish in 3 feet of water.
The east side for the island feels, once again in my view, feels run down. Most peers are falling in pieces and are used for the delivery of food and building materials. Many boats are moored on that side. The water is deep and contains impressively large fish. Just go at 5pm to...Background: 2 adults + 1 child ( 9 years) the last week of October (mid-term). Booked though Kuoni with Sri Lankan for £3.5k on B&B basis in deluxe bangalow.
Impression: Great rooms, restaurants (aside from Vela), bar and beach BUT so disheatening to have the rubbish island and views of Male so close. They both are about 5 to 10miles from Velassaru, hence are clearly visible in good weather with columns of black and white fumes. Reading other reviews, I was clearly aware of it but was not ready for the look of it. The proximity of Male also means rubbish floating in the sea. To be able to get a sense of Rubbish island, it is North/North-west of the island and Male directly due North - see map below.
Rooms: First the best side, in my view, is the side with the reef/shallow water running from the arrival pier (with the wetlab center) to the Sunset Bar i.e. the west-facing side of the island - please see http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/1507/velassarumapd.jpg. It benefits from the sunset and one can enjoy the most amazing fish in 3 feet of water.
The east side for the island feels, once again in my view, feels run down. Most peers are falling in pieces and are used for the delivery of food and building materials. Many boats are moored on that side. The water is deep and contains impressively large fish. Just go at 5pm to see them being fed and 3 feet wide manta rays look nice from a distance but i am not keen swimming with them (not to mention the tiger fish that comes in the evening).
However the west side of the island has main drawback (the view of rubbish island and Male). Two ways to deal with it:
Water villas; I agree with the previous posting, choose water villas number 401 to 412. Other water villas have the most horrible view, especially at $1000 a night.
Water Bungalows 301 t0 318: Oh dear direct view of rubbish island and Male with the top north of the island has two majo issues; Strong current up to 8 knots at low tide and old retaining walls.
Beach Villas: 201 to 215: Same problem as the water bungalows, although less as the villas are slighlty back from the very shore and hence tend to have a "more westerly view".
Deluxe Bungalow: All the ones towards the north suffer of the view (i.e. 118 onwards). The best are, in order of preference, 108, 105 and 104; Very close to the beach and nice views.
Conclusion: I really see only two offers in terms of rooms, Deluxe Bungalow (108, 105 and 104) or Water Villas (401 to 412). The rest being affected by the factors noted above.
Food: I strongly advise B&B. The island was at 95% occupation when we were there and Vela felt overcrowded, too noisy with queues for the food. I would not say it is a canteen but it is a close call. Plus the other restaurants are very good. Turquoise, Sand and Tepaniake. Note that most clients are either haf-board or full board (i.e. Vela based), meaning that the other restaurants tend to be empty.
Cost-wise, the hotel charges $55 per head for diner at Vela when Sand and Turquoise have starters between $12 and $22 and mains at $20 to $33/5. Note the Maldivian curry at Turqoise for $20 - plentiful and really nice. For 6 diners ( 2 adults and one child), excluding wines, (3*Turqoise, 1* Vela, 1* Sand and 1* Tepaniake)= total of $740. Honestly not bad value compared to some of the reviews I read and definitely not worth going half-board or full-board given the prices charged.
Conclusion: Strongly avoid half board or full board - Vela not worth it. But note that, in contrast to some postings, there are some cheaper dishes in Turqoise and others.
Spa: Tip that no-one seems to be aware of. Everyone is entitled to a free 15mins reflexology/foot massage. Just turn up at the spa and ask.
Beach: As per above comment, the west-facing side of the island is the nicest to be one. Little shade (parasol/umbrellas along the beach though) aside from one spot under a palm tree opposite bungalow 108. It was in high demand. Sun loungers not the most confortable. The pipes running into the water on the west side of the island are not the nicest - In need of beach replenishment.
Excursion: Maldivian fishing definitely worth it. $55 per head (50% for children). Great fun 3 hours (5.30/8.30pm) and fish can be cooked for a total of $50 for the party involved (i..e us three) the following night. They try to push you to use Vela, once again, to get your fish served. We refused and found out that it could be served anywhere.
Staff: Very friendly. I did not feel that there aftere a tip. However giving a couple of dollars always brought a smile - The reception will break down bigger notes in $1's.
Sri Lankan: Dated video-system. Food average and space at a premium. But one can pre-choose their seats by becoming a member of their flysmiles programm. Note also that upgrades to premium economy very cheap on the way back (LKR5,000 or $47 per person) from Colombo to London. Was £50 per person from London to Male and £550 for business.
Watersports: Oh dear not sure it is the attitude of the boss of the watersport center, the lack of wind or the prices but in spite of 95% occupancy, hardly anyone used their facilities. The Wetlab center (diving center) proved more popular. Free snokerlling equipment and classes on the wildlife at 5pm at the Wetlab center.
CONCLUSION: It is a really nice resort. But it does suffer from a number of factors such as the Rubbish Island, the proximity of Male, the derelcit peers on the eastern side of the island, the pipes running into the water on the west side. Not to mention Vela if you go half or full board. So it all comes down to price. At current levels it is worth it, rather cheap luxury. But add 50% and the hotel will run into serious competition especially as some resorts offer all inclusive in a much better setting (see Lily Beach Resort for ex).More
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