Bandos Maldives Resort

The house reef just off the beach by Huvan Restaurant was excellent for snorkelling, and there were plenty of sunbeds around the island. We loved having a cocktail at Huvan sunset bar each evening while watching the sun go down. The Bandos team made our speciality dinners on the beach feel memorable. It was a lovely week, with very good food, service, and accommodation. We’d certainly look at coming back.

The island is gorgeous, with clear water and a great house reef. Restaurant and housekeeping staff were very friendly, but reception and some other parts of the service didn’t feel up to hotel standards. We arrived to find a different room from the one we’d booked. We were told we could move the next day if we liked, but booking a particular room category means we expect that room. The apology was wine, despite my wife being pregnant, which seemed not to matter to them. The buffet was okay, though the selection felt too limited for the number of guests. Beach space is limited too, so it was frustrating to be told by a staff member that people can reserve sunbeds with towels early in the morning, then leave the best spots unused for hours. I’d strongly advise against full board. It’s nowhere near all-inclusive, with only a few food options and very limited drinks included. To me, that felt misleading and overpriced. Amazing island, poor management and service.

The one small letdown was arriving without the honeymoon bed decorations I’d seen in photos and hoped for. We’d told the resort ahead of time that we were on our honeymoon, but they weren’t there. That was the only missing detail in an otherwise lovely stay. The people at Bandos made us feel valued. Every staff member we met was welcoming, attentive, professional, and genuinely keen to make the trip memorable. We’d happily come back and recommend it to anyone looking for a special experience. We had a magical time on the sunset dolphin cruise, watching dolphins as the sun went down. The beaches were beautiful, the water crystal clear, and the atmosphere peaceful. Food was fresh and delicious with plenty of choice throughout, and the themed evenings at the Sand Bar were a lot of fun. Guru was a highlight too. He was so friendly and kind, made perfect cocktails, and suggested drinks to suit what we liked.

At the edge of the reef we spotted sharks, sea turtles, and plenty of other marine life. The island itself is beautiful, the hotel is clean, and everything is well organized. We’ll definitely be back. A big thank you to the Bandos team, especially Fijo and Malsha. They were always helpful and friendly, anticipating what we needed before we had to ask. Malsha could prepare any dish we wished for. Someone in our travel group has a gluten intolerance, and each evening she offered a new, delicious menu made especially for her. Fijo was always around too, cheerful and funny.