Kuredu Island Resort, Lhaviyani Atoll

My husband and i have just returned from Kerudu island Resort, Lhaviyani Atollafter spending 12 whole days on the island celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. We just can not find anything to moan about, we were completly looked after from the time we arrived till the time we returned. Apon our arrival they allocated us a free upgrade from a beech bungalow to a beach villa on the O`resort. We did not even ask for that which was nice of them. I have to say not the best part of the island but not complaining as it gave us a chance to walk a short walk along beautiful shoreline basked with sharks and rays to the other side of the island were clear tourquise seas were waiting for us. The restaurants all served the same sort of food , only differance was the O`restaurant had the most scienic and best setting. But on the whole they all were really very nice and well run,with the most polite staff you could ever have.The Bar staff were so lovely and well mannered they could teach our people a few manners over here there is really no comparison they are the best.We have visited the Maldives twice now once on a smaller island and now at kerudu and both times we have been looked after and enjoyed. I really don`t know what people find to moan about but i guess they are either fussy or very unlucky. We had some really bad weather but it did`nt bother us one bit as there was always something to do rain or no rain.

I can not praise this Island enough, loved it. husband and I went to Kuredu Island Resort, Lhaviyani Atoll in November 2008 cos it is one of the islands that would marry us underwater in a scuba diving wedding. But to our surprise the rest of the island was the best place in the world Flight was yuk, kids screaming and crying and the parents doing nothing to control them, they should have designated seating are on planes for families with small babies and young children.

The Island was wonderful, well looked after and the people were very welcoming and friendly and we were very well looked after.

Accommodation We stayed in the O Resort it was beautiful and so romantic. I could not have wished for a better place to get married and have a honeymoon. Food Yummy, different everynight, GO ALL INCLUSIVE DEFINITELY waiter wonderful, restaurant the best, d cor stunning and elegant yet chilled out too. This is one of the larger islands and not for those who want a small get away. Next year we will be going to a small island to get away for our 1st years anniversary probably Biyadhoo, we will mainly be going for the diving and have heard this is the place to be for diving. But I would recommend Kuredu to anyone who is thinking of going out there

PS the dive and boat crew were great, could not fault them.

Just back from the Kuredu Island Resort which was a big dissapointment, hardly anything can take away from the sheer beauty of the island, the sea's the wildlife etc but this hotel do their best to try....

It was purely down to the hotel that the holiday was slightly spoiled - these guys bring a new definitition of trying to make a fast buck !!We went all inclusive gold, but still found a constant stream of waiters telling us "sorry sir that isent included" if you want your water in a bottle you have to pay... tip the same bottle into a glass and its included? Water is double the price in the gym (when you most need it) drinks are included - at certain bars, which catches you out. Coffees which are included cost us $15 for two because we chose to have them skinny.

All sports are free - but they dont tell you in advance is tennis balls cost to rent, shuttle (which were rubbish) cost to rent, we got gold games included - however had to pay $15 for 3 golf balls !!!

And quite literally the most inflexible staff (not including waiters and cleaners who were fantastic) - we emailed in advance about required equipment but arrived to find snorkel sets(which we were told we would get for free) for $70 each !! in the gym you HAVE to wear shoes, we were told you didnt - trainers surprise surprise are additional, my partner coudl not train for 2 weeks.

Food is very samey - mexican tastes just like Maldivian and to get different foods (surprise surprise) you have to pay at the laughable "ala carte" restaraunts, the Italian boasting the best Italian outside of Italy, when I am not even sure its the best Italian on the island - one meal consisting of some garlic bread, bit of very tough fatty steak and chicken came to $110 !!!

There was example adter example of this - we had paid for the top package in advance and still ended up with a $600 bill....

Also, we were 1 door away from Sanghu a restaruant, but because we werent allocated this one we had to walk 10 minutes to eat !!! I asked that the staff help me out and all he suggested was that I wake at 8am on my relaxing holiday to beat the rush and to book into Sanghu - I did this repeatedly, each and everytime the Sanghu was empty and in fact a complete sham in terms of booking.

Same went for the Ala Cartes - one evening they were fully booked, we walked past and 2 people were eating, this was we were told to create an air of exclusivity !! What a joke.

I loved the Maldives, despite this hotel - I will go back, just not to this hotel.

I and my wife are just back from our honeymoon in Kuredu and I have been reading these reviews since I booked and feel we should give our view now.

We stayed in the O' villas for 2 weeks on the all inclusive option. (All inclusive is needed as a spirit and mixer will cost $12.50)

Our flight out with Monarch was a lot of hazel, we wanted to upgrade to premier as it was our honeymoon and where unable to do this before hand with direct holidays (Not good at all, will not book with again). When we arrived at Gatwick airport I was sent to a lot of desks which had big cues at them to try and get upgraded with no luck and was then told by a staff member to ask the crew when I board, as they had four seats available on board. I did this and got upgraded at a cost of 155 pound per person one way; feel they could have done it a little cheaper since it was last minute. The upgrade is worth doing as it was along flight and you get a free bar and all the other extras. Great fun.

The transfer at Male to the seaplane was well organised. We where told to take whatever luggage we need now and the rest will arrive at our hotel by 19:00 by boat on the same day, which it did.

We where then taken to another waiting room to await our seaplane transfer. This room is very nice and cool with plenty to drink which is all free. A member of staff took me around and showed me the sea planes and told me a little history of the island - Very nice people and was not looking a tip. The seaplane ride is great and gives you the best view of the Maldives and a nice way to start you holiday.

When we arrived at Kuredu, the blue clear water and white beaches and a lovely cold drink a waits and a very nice welcome. The Sangu and O resorts have their own receptions and we were transferred to the O resort as requested before hand by the taxi service, The road is mad with trees growing everywhere. When we arrived at the reception we were given another drink and advised of various things.

We where then escorted to our room, which was suburb with great views (Ask for villa near 320, as the lower down the beach you go the more trees there are and wave breakers, which block your sea view) and shown how things work. The O Villas in my view are a lot nicer inside then the other villas, although the sand is not as good but still very nice. The water on this side of the beach has a very strong current, so be careful but overall the resort and pool all makes up for this, plus no children under 12 are aloud and it has the best view of the sun set.

We ate mainly at the O restaurant. Our waiter was good, very nice and did what we asked although other waiters did go overboard for their guests. The chief is very nice as is all the staff on the island. The food we felt got a little similar and boring after two weeks but still tasted very good. You can eat breakfast and lunch at any of the restaurants without booking but for evening meal you can book that morning, Franco's to eat in is ok, service was very slow and you can order room services which tastes very nice. Pizzas are very good, although slow to arrive but hot. I rathered the beach are the Far east restaurants as it is alot like you would get in a great restaurant back home (around $60 for two courses and drinks for two).

Diving/ snorkeling gear costs $8 a day with deals done for longer. Pro divers are excellent and know the water and area well so go speak to them early in your holiday; the turtle trip is great as was the local island visit and you must do the night fishing and the sunset cruise (All great). On the island visit you get to meet the locals and their way of live (i.e. Schools, Hospital etc).

In summary the island is paradise with great staff and great food and as much to do as you want. (May cost you, but your on holiday). With regards tipping our advice is tip a little at the start, middle and end. They do work for it, especially the room boy who is great and very friendly and cleans your room twice a day. (The staff dont go looking for tips but may expect a little tip. About $30 for two weeks for the room boy and $20 for waiter)

Building work is taking place at the top end of the island by o resort bungalows and in the middle by the spa but here it is hardly noticeable. We were very sad to leave and would recommend Kuredu to anyone.

Tips to help you on your holiday.

1. Bring plenty of high factor sun cream (Very hot and expensive to buy).

2. The mini bar food is cheaper in the shop to buy. (store up and take back to your room)

3. You do need flip flops for the rocks at the O resort side of the beach and for night, so you done stand on any mini crabs.

4. Take some small dollar notes for tipping.

5. The area is not lit up well so bring a torch and a small umbrella if going in wet season as they will cost $20 over here.

6. Go to kuredu web site and look at rooms and email hotel and state requirements.

7. If staying in kuredu ask for villa around 320.

8. If on honeymoon, let hotel know this before and when you are there as you will get a surprise. (Let room boy know)

9. Have a small bag packed before hand with clothes for going out that night and a swimsuit and leave sun lotion at top of suitcase to take out when over there.

10. Go to the spa, it is great and not expensive. Cheaper then home.

11. Things are layed back here. So relax and do the same and enjoy

We took an excursion to our own dream island while we there, it was nothing but sand without and trees or grass and it was just two of us there for the morning, a worth while experience and a beautiful island. Two sun lougers, towels, umbrella, lunch and a big ice box filled with cold soft drinks was included in the price and also two huge flasks of tea and coffee!

This excursion cost $160 for the two of us, which at the time worked out around £100- £110 so I thought it was reasonable!

Gorgeous, beautiful little island. Excellent house reef for divers, excellent snorkeling facilities. Beach bungalows are lovely and we felt no reason to upgrade to a water villa. If you want to relax and play enjoy the fishes, baby sharks etc swimming outside your beach bungalow this is the ideal place for you.

Visit before it's too late and the Maldives are under the sea! There is not much to buy on the island, only one little shop but we did not go to Kuredu Island for shopping we went for relaxation and a beautiful location and we got just that. Nothing really! If I am being picky it would be that we had to pay for the drinks in our mini bar (but I am being picky).

We had a beach villa, which was great, air-con, half open air bathroom, 20 metres from the sea.

The food was good, plenty of choice for all meals. We ate at one of the a la carte restaurants. Its nice to go somewhere different and it wasn't too much more money but I wouldn't recommend it unless you are a big fan of the type of food they serve (there's an Italian, seafood and Thai restaurant).

Would thoroughly recommend Kuredu to anyone and everyone. It was our honeymoon and we'll never forget it.

Please post any questions you might have, I will be happy to answer

We spent our honeymoon on Kuredu Island Resort and arrived on the 18th December, staying until New Years day.

We arrived in the middle of a storm which was quite exciting - the sea plane had to land a long way from the island and taxi across the water to the jetty. We learnt that we were the last plane that they allowed to land that day.

We got very wet on our way to our bungalow, and our suitcases did not arrive until the evening so we ended up having to stay in the room with our robes on!

The golf is fantastic, the snorkelling was just amazing and the baby sharks and rays that gather around the cove near the water bungalows are fascinating.

A lot of people comment that you must use the Sangu restaurant, and go on about getting allocated tables etc. Well, we were not in the Sangu - we got the same allocated table for our entire trip - and no we didn't share this with strangers!

The food was good, especially the gala dinners on Christmas eve and New Years eve.

The highlight of our trip was winning the Gladiators competition - we won quite a lot of money which really helped with our room bill!

Overall we had a really great time and I would recommend this island to anyone looking for paradise with something to do!

From the moment we got to Male we knew we were in paradise. As this was our honeymoon, the staff on Kuredu tried extra hard to make it special for us. The seaplane transfer is a must and you should not miss out on the opportunity to see the beauty from above. Once we got to the Island we were given a cold towel and ice-cold drinks, which was perfect. Once checked in, we went to our Jacuzzi Beach Villa and we were totally in love with the room and the Jacuzzi area. The setting in the room is fantastic and the honeymoon decor on the bed made it even more special. We were allowed to eat in the Sangu restaurant where the food is much better than the Bonthi and the Komas restaurants. You get designated tables for your entire stay. In the Sangu restaurant you are allowed to sit where you like, we even sat on the beach at night and had a candle lit dinner, it was very romantic. There are many activities for you to do during your stay, myself and my wife did parasailing which was a blast, speedboating, dolphin safari, a desert island excursion and the night fishing, which is a definite must. Night times can be a little boring but there is entertainment in the Babuna bar to try and liven the evening up. There was entertainment such as crab racing, a live band, quiz night and pool chipping. Weather was perfect, no rain at all, which made our stay even better. Another thing you must do is have a massage in the Spa, totally excellent, I was so relaxed I fell asleep. There is also a tennis court, football pitch and golf course to make sure you don't get bored. Nearly forgot, you will see the amazing baby sharks swimming close to the beach, don't be afraid just sit back and enjoy the view. You must do snorkelling, my wife never did it and she missed out, luckily I didn't! Overall, Kuredu Island is the best place in the world and I will be going back next year.

Ricky and Jas

Water is now included in the all inclusive and I have never experienced such excellent Customer Services, the people on the island can not do enough for you.

I would go back every year if I could afford it.