A wonderful week at Dhonveli Beach Resort and Spa. Holiday trip to Maldives
Foreword
Deciding to take a vacation at Dhonveli Beach Resort and Spa (or even Dhonveli Chaaya Island) has some clear advantages. Of course there are also shortcomings.
First the price. This is a resort that has a value for money very good in the sense that with a relatively small budget by the standards of the best Maldivian resorts, you have a wonderful holiday could enjoy a great beach (the resort is located in the same lagoon luxurious Four Seasons, Four Seasons, and if he chose this place there is a reason) of a beautiful beach, good food and the incredible friendliness of the staff. Keen then have available a scuba diving center with good staff and some wonderful Italian sites.
Of course we must also be aware of the defects: the island is not small and the resort has a capacity of approximately 150 rooms and bungalows (so over 300 guests) with three restaurants and many bars. Moreover, the beach, while spacious, well maintained and not surrounding the deserted island, but develops only on one side, the one that overlooks the lagoon. The resort was recently renovated (the works are completed) and was literally created a new piece of the island (the one hosting the 24 Overwater suites) where the vegetation is still not very luxuriant.
In addition, the exterior architecture of the rooms, including suites, overwater bungalows and overwater, though not particularly beautiful house, I hear, all the rooms are very spacious and comfortable (in some cases, I understand it, the bathroom is small and ugly).
In short, the island on which stands the Dhonveli is not exactly what I would call a typical Maldivian island that, I think, expects to see who arrives for the first time in this country.
It is also important to know that this is an international resort, then the Italians are often a minority. Europeans predominate, but there are Japanese (from die laughing), and even Indians. This international environment, which for us was truly an honor, for many could be a defect.
The kitchen, good quality, is international, with many excellent dishes of Sri Lanka as well as of course many dishes more "European". You can also request dinners of lobster (extra).
That said, having available a limited budget, I recommend definitely a holiday Dhonveli.
Our vacation
But in practice, a week at Dhonveli, how? Ours was not.
We left Milan on 26 January (Eurofly flight on time) and we landed at Male on 27 morning. 11.00, after half an hour of "Speed Boat" were already in the room.
And here we reach the first pleasant surprise. We had booked a Beach Bungalow, which is the best option among those available on the mainland. Once there, Kina, the cute and talented assistant Phone and Go (the company that fits into the Dhonveli Italy) informed us that we had been assigned to one of the 24 Overwater Suite (the 716), which is the best available Dhonveli. Of course, without additional expenses (the price would be approx. 1000 euros more!).
The suite, a stilt house nestled in the sea opposite the islet of the lagoon and deserted at the Four Seasons, is a room of approx 70 sqm with bedroom, living room, huge bathroom and a terrace with direct access to the sea of no less than 20 sqm. Well really a dream! Adding to the restaurant dedicated solely to the suites, the Rehendi, very quiet, not crowded and the sea. In short what was supposed to be a normal holiday in the Maldives has turned unexpectedly into an exclusive holiday!
Apart from a few hours spent on the beach especially in the late afternoon to take advantage of the sun, we lived practically in the room, sunbathing on our beautiful terrace and entering the sea from our private access.
We made 2 trips.
Half day in Male, the capital, which is why we strongly recommend guests to a country and then just seems to know the lifestyle of the inhabitants, and because the fish market and fruit, are worth the visit.
A day at Kuda Bandos, the desert island that is reached with an hour of "dhoni" the typical Maldivian boat. Gita Board will be for the pleasure of a boat trip is to see a typical Maldivian island with 360 degree beach and excellent snorkeling sites. Is also mathematically meet the dolphins during the trip.
The rest of the time we spent walking or swimming in the beautiful lagoon, reaching the two deserted islands, of which the smallest has a strip of white sand perfect for sunbathing and to make better pictures.
Snorkeling we did at the edge of the lagoon between the entrance of the marina and the overwater suites, where there is a small reef of all respect.
Note: the shoes are essential for walking in the lagoon, not necessary if you simply want access to the sea and swim.
In the evening we gave a cocktail at the bar of the 'Pasta Point', the opposite end of the island, which is achieved through the richest part of tropical vegetation. The bar, in a splendid location overlooking the sea and towards dusk, overlooks one of the few places in Maldives where you can surf through the waves that are created before the reef.
The bar "central" where he focused too little and discreet evening entertainment (and Italians) we used very little, as do the swimming pool we have not even considered.
In summary, the relaxation was maximum and the final budget, thanks to the pleasant surprise of the suite, I would say more than excellent!