Am here now, have seen a number of visitors from the USA, 5 or 6 couples. Got a RWV at a great upgrade rate and very happy with it.
Happy hour at Vilu seems to have gone further downhill... instead of a concoction of the day, they just give you a list of house liquors and soft drinks and say you can make whatever you want with them. I had a vodka pineapple and it was good, but it's kind of like okay, what's the point? I'd rather pay for drinks than feel like a college student. Dinner at Vilu was underwhelming, good service but just okay food. Unfortunately, breakfast there and happy hour had below average service as well.
Those are pretty much the only negative I can report, except for some unfortunate weather - lots of wind and/or storms. Everything else is perfect - our host, Hussein, is right on top of it and we have loved stretching and running sessions with Manesh - he's the ten year veteran yoga teacher and is a fountain of knowledge about the resort and a fantastic teacher of yoga. Dinner at sunset grill was very good and Ithaa dinner was well worth the $325++. This would easily go for $150++ at a regular restaurant in the states, so not a terrible mark-up all things considered.
Tour de Spa package is also very good, with a wonderful, deep tissue massage given by the staff, followed by a spectacular lunch and fish feeding at Mandhoo. Our next inclusive treatment will be in a few days, which we have asked to be delivered in our RWV - I'd feel bad not using that spa room otherwise!
Breakfast at Atoll is very nice, but point taken about how it used to be better. The sushi in particular is pretty useless, not sure why it's served. Fresh juices are great and I have *loved* eating the fresh Maldivian fish. Not sure why people go for omelettes when the fish was caught locally and is still fresh, but to each their own.
Originally Posted by
jsteinberg
Question: I spend a ton of my time snorkeling, as I don't dive....but will swim around for hours (only past trip was @ Park Hyatt in the Maldives) ...
I have read the wiki and reviews, and know the best option from shore is off the beach villas out to the drop off.
I also see there is an excursion called "Island Hopping" for 3 hours...but cannot find much additional info on it. I haven't been able to find anything in this thread, I am trying to see if anyone has done it...and how it compares to just swimming out from shore to the house reef.
The excursion pdf from the wiki doesn't go into much detail about the actual trip either...any info on snorkeling options beyond the house reef are appreciated!
Going on this in a few days and will report back.