General: Maldives > Reviews > What an island! (Edited version)

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money
Shopping
Nightlife
Ease of getting around
Family Friendly

Advantages:	The best holiday ever
Disadvantages:	None

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

We've just returned from the best holiday ever at Filitheyo Island in the Maldives. Situated in the North Nilandoo Atoll in the Indian Ocean, its a 45 minute sea plane journey away from Male the capital city and a 12 hour flight from Manchester. We booked All Inclusive through Best At.com who were efficient and informative about the differnt islands within the Maldives and what we could expect fom them. The accomodation on Filitheyo, an island which incidentally is just 900m long by 500m wide, comprises of 125 rooms, single or double bungalows all with air conditioning. Our accomodation was in one of the 19 water bungalows on stilts, tastefully furnished in teak, complete with 4 poster bed and jacuzzi. The water bungalows also have sun decks, lying outside at night watching the milky way just could not be beaten. Steps from the sun deck led straight down onto the reef which was handy for the regular snorkelling trips to explore the house reef.
I would certainly go for a water bungalow again, however we could have upgraded when we got there for a fraction of the price $100, so we may look at that option next time. When you get bored of the beautiful white sandy beaches the island itself has a wonderful house reef to explore. We saw reef sharks, turtles, moray eels, eagle rays and dozens of varieties of fish. The island itself has its own dive centre and watersports centre both of which came highly recommended.
Food was plentiful and of good quality. We went all inclusive which was slightly restrictive as you had a separate drinks menu and couldnt help yourself to just any of the cocktails/drinks available. Also 3 meals a day was just too much for us, but if you enjoy your food just go for it. There is a gym on the island which is handy for working off those excesses if you're so inclined. Filitheyo is an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean therefore you're at the mercy of the island events organiser, they do however organise regular excersions to neighbouring fishing islands, snorkelling trips to other reefs and fishing trips but at an extra cost ($15 - $25 pp), if you're all inclusive you get two trips free.
The staff were wonderful, friendly and couldnt do enough for you. All in all, Filitheyo had everything you could wish for in a mini paradise.