ViluVeli Holiday Retreat Hotel

The beach is right in front of the property, a lovely spot to relax, and the main town and its shops and points of interest are still nearby. Our room was cozy and clean, and the pool was clean and a good size for enjoying a swim. Breakfast had a small selection, but there was enough. Given what was on offer, it was good value.

The spacious rooms have lovely bedding, quality furnishings, and spotless bathrooms. I also really enjoyed the cold brew Illy coffee, creamy and refreshing after time at the beach. Vilu Veli Holiday Retreat feels like a charming, carefully designed place, with personal details throughout. Some of the stones and furniture even reflect parts of the owner’s journey. A lovely spot to unwind and recharge.

The island is quiet, so Hanimaadhoo suited us for resting, snorkeling, diving, and island hopping. It may not keep children busy all the time, though the hermit crabs on the beach could give them something to explore. We swam at the bikini beach next door every day and felt very safe. The hotel worked well for a longer visit, from a week to a month or two. WiFi was good enough for my remote work, including video calls and streaming. Rooms were cleaned thoroughly every third day, with fresh linen, and laundry was available for a fee. Thomas helped us with everything, including the room and flights from Malé. When my friend mentioned wanting fresh coconut water, he even arranged coconuts for us that day. The servers, Parakas and Russell, were attentive and friendly, and the cook, whose name I didn’t catch, made delicious meals. We also met the lovely, personable owners. Locals stopped by with native fruit for us to try and had a chat. I only wish I’d booked a longer stay. Can’t wait to come back.

The room was comfortable and very clean, with a minibar and hot kettle that came in handy. The peaceful setting and easy access to the beach made for a relaxing break. Still, several things disappointed us. Breakfast was Maldivian each day and became repetitive, and the pool was poorly maintained with far too much chlorine. The room locks also felt unsafe, as children could wander out at night. We weren’t offered a welcome drink, and the staff seemed unfriendly throughout our stay. ViluVeli Holiday Retreat has some good points, but the guest experience needs improvement.