Mantha View

We got to know a Maldivian family and shared some of their customs and traditions. Rashid and his family were wonderfully hospitable, and their boat trips gave us a different, special experience each day. There were around 15 guests on average, so it felt nothing like a crowded resort. We made real friends and formed strong bonds. A vacation I’d highly recommend.

We stayed at this nine-room family guest house on Keyodhoo Island with our two teenagers. It’s in Vaavu Atoll, about 80-90 minutes by speedboat from Velana Airport (Malé). The island is quite populated and doesn’t have much greenery. We picked it because we wanted the kids to meet other teenagers and have things to do beyond the sea and nature. The guest house sorted out everything from airport transfers to meals and outings. Each day had something planned, like sandbanks, deserted islands or snorkeling. On Fridays, their day off, they arrange boletino fishing in the evening. It’s great fun even if you’ve never fished before. The outings were very well organized. Rashid and his cabin boy took us on the Doni, a typical Maldivian boat, while the other staff, usually his son and another boy, went ahead by speedboat and set up a gazebo for shade when needed. Someone from the staff was always around in case we needed anything. I asked Allo to be my official snorkeling guide, and he often joined me and my children along the reef during excursions, even when that wasn’t part of the plan. We didn’t have an underwater camera, but Allo and his GoPro came to the rescue. By evening we had a lovely record of our swims. Thank you! The food was fresh and well cooked, though there wasn’t much variety, which is worth remembering if you’re used to a resort. Families traveling with us asked for special meals and were accommodated. Pasta, rice and fish were always available. Breakfast included bread and Nutella, and they’d make eggs if asked. The Maldivian breakfast, with tuna, coconut and garlic, was abundant. One downside, through no fault of the guest house, was the water. The Maldives generally don’t have a water system. Each island has its own purifier and desalination plant, so the water tastes a little sweet, but it was drinkable and caused no side effects. Keep in mind that Keyodhoo is a Muslim fishing island. The mosque calls people to prayer at 5 a.m. We heard it only four times in 10 days. There’s no alcohol, and the bar and pub serve soft drinks and fruit juices, though they’re genuinely stolen. A highlight was New Year’s Eve. The guest houses on the island worked together on a dinner worthy of a proper resort, with freshly cooked pasta, hwow fish sashimi, typical Maldivian dishes and barbecued fish. It was held in the local school gym, then there was traditional Maldivian dancing, a disco and fireworks on the beach. I also want to thank Rashid and his family for their hospitality and the consistently clean rooms. They did a full clean in the morning, then a quick shower and sweep in the evening. They listened to our ideas for outings and made them happen when they could. His children, grandchildren and employees were lovely with us and the teenagers, and came up with unexpected activities like volleyball tournaments, island tours and even a card game at the bar.

If you’re after the Maldives on stilts, this isn’t the place for you. But for a more authentic experience, it’s just right. We got back a week ago after a wonderful holiday, and I want to thank all the staff for their attentive service, especially Rachid, the manager, who was always ready to meet guests’ requests. Each day we visited a different island or sandbank aboard their traditional boat, where lunch was prepared for us. Thanks also to Hallo, Ismael and Acco. For New Year’s Eve, nearly all the guest houses on Keyodhoo Island came together for a lovely party.

The excursions were a real treat, with a different trip each day to sandy beaches and beautiful islands, plus swims with nurse sharks. Everything was carefully arranged, and the lunches by the sea were as good as you could hope for. The meals in general were plentiful and excellent. Rashid, his sons Ako and Asif, and the whole Manta View team welcomed us so warmly. The rooms are simple, spacious and comfortable, and kept impeccably clean. Our holiday on Keyodhoo was unforgettable. A heartfelt thank you to everyone there. We’ll keep you in our hearts and hope to return soon. I recommend Manta View Guest House.