Vilamendhoo, Maldives

[MonkeyTennis34]

Has anyone been there?

Thinking of going this year with teens ages 16 and 18.

If you don’t get replies here, try the Tripadvisor Maldives forum, lots of experienced Maldives visitors there.

Hi. I went to Vilamendhoo 5 years ago with my sister for 11 nights, full board in a beach villa hut with jacuzzi. We had such a wonderful time that I want to go back with my partner. Our hut was in the adult only section of the island (age 18+), but there are plenty of beach and garden villas for families.

The reef is excellent - very easy to swim out and loads and loads of fish. We spent lots of evenings walking on the beach watching the baby reef sharks (totally harmless) and shoals of fish in the shallow water inside the reef. There are several types of boat trips (maybe some free if you are AI?) including turtles and whale shark focussed (as the atoll is in prime whale shark area). The latter is definitely on my to-do list.

There is a good sized snorkelling/scuba centre on the island where you can rent equipment, have training/guided tours although we didn’t try this. There are currents outside the reef but these are ok for confident swimmers. There are plenty of entrance/exit channels back through the reef so you can safely get back in.

The price difference between full board and AI was pretty steep; as neither of us were big drinkers we went full board and bought drinks when we wanted them - a lot cheaper. The island allocates the restaurants according to your accommodation. Our buffet was excellent with plenty of choices at all meal times. I have food allergies and the chefs/waiting staff were very helpful and kind, always keen to take me through the options available.

We took a seaplane to/from the island, which was amazing.

There are more luxurious islands but Vilamendhoo is beautiful and ticks so many boxes while being very reasonably priced for this type of holiday. I’m very envious 😊.

I've been and am due to go back in a month!

Oliver123 covers all the key points - we had a beach villa and there's a great reef which is excellent for snorkeling so take your kit. It's easy to get to and lots of sealife...my DH who is a nervous swimmer was fine. There's a large swimming pool in the middle of the island with a bar for a change of scenery and to see the massive fruit bats flying about!

There's good food - large buffet choices at each meal - and a relaxed no shoes vibe. We didn't do any trips apart from the sunset cruise and used the kayaks to paddle in the sea - both included in the All inclusive package.

We went all inclusive as we like a cocktail or two on holiday and I was celebrating my birthday. We also had our 13 year old with us so didn't want to have to be thinking about all her drinks, snacks etc. There is a big difference in packages and if you don't drink then I think it would be more cost effective to go full board. You can access the menu with prices on the website to give you a feel of cost...items are expensive with service charge as everything has to be brought to island, so drinks during the day and evening would soon add up

Not as luxury as some islands with multiple restaurants, eating and leisure options and fairly quiet in the evenings - there's some entertainment in the bar - but was perfect for us and my 13 year old loved it.

👍🏻have done this.

Thanks all for your positive comments!
It had become almost a part-time job finding the right island but Vilamendhoo is definitely ticking all the boxes.

We're going AI. DH likes a drink, DS will have just turned 18 and I like a cocktail so I think it will be well worth it.

The spa prices are expensive but that seems to be the same everywhere in the Maldives.

Only 6 months to go!!!

Jcee
You said to being our own kit for snorkelling.....I thought the resort would provide this??

The resorts I’ve been to FB (Vilamendhoo) or AI (Kudafushi) both only rented equipment to holidaymakers from the dive centre or you could buy in the small island shop. It’s 5 years since I went to Vilamendhoo but at that time even the AI Plus package’s free 1/2 hour snorkelling lesson was definitely bring-your-own equipment or rent, it wasn’t provided. Def check both the island website and holiday provider’s details to see if it’s changed.

FWIW Masks, snorkels, flippers are rentable separately or in bundles, and returned c5:30/6pm else the rental carries on for another day. I’ve hired flippers as they take up so much space in suitcases but both brought my own and hired masks/snorkels. All fine but an additional cost to take into account.

BTW - highly recommend night snorkelling if you can as the coral is totally different with luminescence etc. Very ghostly and beautiful and very safe as with guides. I was very lucky as it was 1-2-1 (no others came as not interested!) and had an excellent time. Normally just after sunset so a race for dinner afterwards but worth it. Also waiter service bringing cocktails while you lounge by the swimming pool/on the beach gazing at the sea is awesome!

oliver123
Night snorkelling sounds fantastic, really hoping they still offer it at Vilamendhoo!!

Cocktails, waiter service, pool, sunset.....I'm in! 🍹

The infinity pool is adults only...DS will be 18 but DD will be 16....I wonder how strict they are?

Yay! Exciting!

You can rent snorkeling equipment but it can be expensive and we prefer to bring our own...takes up a big chunk of suitcase, but to be honest you don't need to bring a lot of clothes, shoes etc as it's so casual. My DH and DD didn't wear shoes the whole time we were there last time!

Night snorkeling sounds interesting...turns out the dive centre offer it so will investigate when I go in May!

yes I overpacked the shoes but was barefoot all the time. The reception and restaurant floors were fine sand and very clean so it felt wonderful. Excellent that they still offer the night snorkelling.

The island shop was small and had lots of lovely clothes, trinkets etc but also swimsuits, sunglasses, sun cream etc and the prices reflected that this was the only shop. I broke my only pair of sunglasses and had to buy a replacement - not cheap and not really my style. Definitely pack the suncream!

Wishing both of you fantastic holidays (and am not even the tiniest bit jealous, honest…)

Re 16 years olds and adult pool. Probably be ok. They don’t want small children as want to keep it relaxed and free of all the fuss/hassles/noise that little ones bring etc. (Yes, I have my own 🥰). If she is responsible, mature and doesn’t make a big thing of it I doubt anyone would notice let alone say anything. Give it a go.

The pool is prime location for the evening sunsets, whether you’re actually in the pool or in the seating area with drinks. I don’t know if we were lucky or if it’s the norm but they were wonderful and we took so many photos.

Yes, she is mature (mostly!) so we'll give it a go!!

Jcee not long till your holiday!!
Please report back on how amazing it is 🤞🏻😀

I know! It's exciting! Will report back here!

Maldives will be submerged soon. Don’t hasten the event.

@MonkeyTennis34 am here now...having a fabulous and very restful break...weather been good so far despite horrific weather week before we came and horrible forecast for our stay! DP and I have extensively taste tested maldaivian rum punch at all bars and can recommend! Any questions let me know and I'll find out for you!

Jcee
Oh wow!
You're there 😀
Is it how you imagine it? Are the colours as vivid as they are in the photos?!

What accommodation are you staying in? We'll be in the adjoining beach bungalows.

What's the food like?
Are you All Inclusive?
Have you snorkelled yet?

I could go on 😂
Have an amazing time and, in between cocktails and snorkelling, let me know.....everything!!!

It's beautiful and the sea/sky colours are fab...photos definitely do not do it justice!

We are All inclusive and in a beach bungalow...we're on the north side of the island which is gorgeous and a short walk from bungalow into the sea...perfect for snorkeling or waking up with a morning coffee gazing at the sea watching the fish!

We've been snorkeling off the reef today which is fabulous so make sure you bring your snorkel kit, and also had a bit of down time by the pool.

Food has been excellent...themed buffet nights in restaurant and we've mixed it up with lunches at the a la carte restaurant or snack menu from bar for a change scenery/options (part of all inclusive). DP working his way through the cocktail menu...

It's very hot and humid...been overcast and breezy today but to be honest we welcomed it!

Can you see the water bungalows from your bungalow?
And do you get to see the sunset or sunrise from your bungalow?

Glad to hear the buffet food is good, we love our good food!

I didn't realise you could use the à la Carte restaurants as part of the AI!

Do you have to swim out far -out of your depth- to get to reef? (sorry if that's a thick question, never been to Maldives before!)

Does the resort provide flotation jackets? Kids aren't hugely strong swimmers and I feel more confident with one on too!

I'm a cocktail lover too, any recommendations from your DH?

Haha you do want to know everything!

We are a bit too far down the island to see the water villas but it's not far to walk to that bit of beach or indeed all round the island - north side gets a view of sunset and sunrise

Asian wok has set menus for lunch and dinner you can book onto and bars offer a limited snack menu all the time so you can mix and match. Download the app and you can see what's included and on offer. Buffets have been variable...clearly catering for all nationalities...curries have been available at each meal, DP described them as epic.

Dive centre has float jackets, we haven't bothered as DD and I strong swimmers, but lots people have them. DP isn't much of a swimmer so only snorkels in shallows - you can see loads without having to go very deep. It's a short swim to get to drop off for reef

Thanks again!
Ah, didn’t know there’s an app…will have a gander.

Your beach bungalow (is it the adjoining ones, like 2 semi-detached houses?!) sounds perfect as I don’t really want the water bungalows as my sea view!
What number are you?

We're 164...yes it's semi detached and got our own sunbeds and a nice bit of beach and a beautiful clear view in front of us...it's about 10 steps to the sea...been stormy today rainy so an afternoon spent with my kindle and sampling the mai tai and daiquiris in the bar, can recommend!

It all sounds very gorgeous.

It took us a long time to choose an island so it's great to hear from someone out there now!

Have you tried the spa or any of the excursions?

DH and DS fancy the deep sea fishing.

Sounds heavenly. So glad to hear that you’re having a wonderful time. There was some torrential rain when I was there but it was very much like a tap being turned on and off. Very dramatic but over in 1/2 hour and then beautiful sun again.

Hmm - think my bungalow was 206, so a v short walk to the pool, restaurant etc but absolutely no noise, no view of the water villas unless standing out on the beach itself. Hammocks in the trees, lovely sand, direct access to the reef and exit/entry point to the drop off. Am going to try to go for similar area bungalow when (😂) I can afford to go again.