Aveyla Manta Village

The manta snorkeling was a real highlight during manta season. Diving isn’t allowed at Hanifaru Bay, which is a marine protected area, and only a limited number of boats can go with certified guides. Our package included several trips, and on our best one we were lucky enough to see about 20 mantas. The guides were very professional, especially lead guide Jazeel, and serious about the rules, like not freediving too close to the mantas. We couldn’t dive because I was still having root canal treatment, but we joined the dive boat and snorkeled and swam along the outer reefs after the divers got in. On the turtle reef we saw 8-15 turtles each time, and sometimes squid, black-tips, and even an octopus once. The other reef near Kakani Thila still had really healthy coral and marine life. They kept taking their divers there because there were always new divers, which we didn’t mind at all. We’d love to come back and dive with them next time. We booked a village standard room and had a decent stay on the 7D6N manta package, which was a good deal and discounted further because of construction right next door. The room was roomy and the bed comfortable. The bathroom was small with hot water, but shower water leaked into the toilet area and left a little water on the floor. We spent our time on shore in the comfortable, well-lit lounge areas. Room service came twice a day, which was great. The food was really good. When there were lots of guests, they had a BBQ with very fresh reef fish like grouper and snapper. All the seafood was fresh and cooked well. The fruit juice was fresh with no added sugar, and the mocktails were well made. The house reef had been affected by the last major bleaching event, but we still saw a turtle, an eagle ray, and at least one adult black-tip every time we snorkeled there.

The beachfront setting is lovely, and the snorkeling around the rocks is amazing. The staff were really friendly and helpful. A fantastic place to stay!

The beach was peaceful, with trees nearby that gave us a lovely break from the sun while we enjoyed the views. We snorkeled from the beach every day, and swimming outside the lagoon brought us breathtaking marine life. The set menu had lots of choices, all delicious, and the desserts were amazing. Aveyla felt warm and welcoming, with spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and tea and coffee making facilities in the room, which I always want. The staff were so friendly and supportive. Diving with Liquid Salt Divers felt safe from the moment I stepped aboard the dive boat. The team were friendly, helpful, and professional, and made each dive fun while making sure everyone saw the marine life the Maldives is known for. I came back from every dive buzzing. We saw many mantas while diving, then went snorkeling in Hanifaru Bay as mantas fed on plankton all around us. Such gentle, beautiful giants. A happy, relaxing holiday, just the best!

The room was huge, with basic amenities and a comfortable bed, but it was much too dark, especially at night. Even the light by the makeup mirror was very dim. There was no room phone either, so if we needed something like an iron, we had to go down to reception. The hotel is right on the beach, and the welcome was friendly, but the property feels old and due for refurbishment. Lunch service at the restaurant was disappointing. It ran until 2:30pm, but when we arrived around 2pm, some ordered items and our preferred drinks weren’t available, so we had to choose something else. The food itself was good, but we were told we’d arrived late and should come earlier next time. If lunch is served until 2:30, I think the food should still be available then. At breakfast, many items hadn’t been replenished and a large part of the buffet was empty. One staff member was rushing around. I picked a few things and ate without anyone offering water or napkins or asking if I wanted tea or coffee, though a family seated beside me at the same long table was served. I felt ignored. The hotel seemed short-staffed and unable to look after the guests properly.