Maldives...

[StressFree]

Gents,
I've drawn the short straw and am now working over Christmas, we'll be in the Maldives, I've not been there for a while so has anyone got any good crew hotel recommendations. I know that the main island is dry so no suggestions there please................especially as the 24th is my 45th birthday so some beer may be in order :}
Any ideas most welcome :ok:

Many thanks in advance.

[doubleu-anker]

I'm sorry I would like to help out but I am not going to encourage drinking during layovers! :}

Actually anywhere off the main Island at one of the resorts you will be ok.

[CEJM]

Stressfree,

How far from the airport would you like to stay?

Close to the airport (10 minute speed boat ride) you got Kurumba which is very nice. A choice of 6 or 7 different restaurants which are all good. Staff is friendly to.

Bit further away you have got Bandos, never been there myself but seems to be quite nice.

Whatever you do stay away from Paradise Island unless you stay in the waterbungalows. Staff is not very friendly and only four resturants. 1 Italian which is privately run (good), 1 main buffet (7.30pm till 9pm not a minute later, they kick you out), 1 Japanese (can't cope with more then 2 guests) and the coffeeshop (empty but you still wait 25 minutes before they ask you if you want a drink)

Enjoy your trip to the Maldives and have a good birthday.

CEJM

[Tmbstory]

CEJM:

Long time since I was there but in the past have spent many a good time at Bandos.

Tmb

[Hankers]

Conrad Rangali. Seaplane ride but worth every dollar.

[NuName]

The local handling agent got us a great deal on Bandos Island, really enjoyed it, friendly, fun and inexpensive, included the boat transfer.

[MATaxi]

Can recommend personally either Thudufushi and particularly Mayaafushi although both involve a seaplane jaunt.

Colleagues @ work recommend Meerufenfushi if using the seaplane or if you wish to have somewhere close to Male using the speedboat transfers , both Bandos and Kurumba seem popular.

[FLEXJET]

I would recommend Bandos Island for a short stay (only 10 min from airport) and Kurumathi for a long stay (1H30 by boat, 15-20 min with the Twin-Otter).
http://www.kuramathi.com/pdf/kuramathi-factsheet-october2009.pdf
Welcome to Kuramathi Maldives (http://www.kuramathi.com)

Enjoy!

[hawker750]

Wow looks great! How come StressFree thinks he drew the short straw?

[Evanelpus]

Wow looks great! How come StressFree thinks he drew the short straw?

Humour, maybe?

[StressFree]

Thanks for all the replies, very much appreciated :ok:

The 'short straw' is because, to be totally honest, I've had enough of living out of bags regardless of how nice the destination is!!!!! Hotel rooms are the same wherever you are but hopefully this trip will at least give us a chance for some diving, sailing, tennis, etc. plus some quality beach relaxing :zzz:

Its a dirty job but someone has to do it :E

[hawker750]

StressFree
Your last post just described our job. I still enjoy it after 40+ years, maybe it is time for you to get out and do something else......I think you enjoy it really but you probably got an earful when you told the trouble and strife you would be away for Xmas. Just think of it, a nice beach with out screaming kids and the mother in law falling asleep in the xmas pudding and father in law gettinhg his pecker caught up in his zipper because he drank too much. (been there and seen it all)! Enjoy your Xmas

[StressFree]

Hawker,
OK you've rumbled me..............got it in one :}

All the best :ok:

[WSUshox]

I too would recommend the Bandos. The island that the airport is located on has a hotel (with a nice bar). Not a hotel I would want to spend Christmas at though. Have fun!

[campdoag]

Bandos is ok but a little seceond rate for the maldives..... Give Soneva Gili a go!!! Absolutly tops!!! just 15 boat ride from the airport. Ring and ask for the reservations manager I have been able to get reasonable discount on rooms and 50% off food and bev. A fantastic resort 5+ star possibly the best in the maldives!!!

[Paradise Lost]

The Sheraton resort is only 15 mins by ferry too, and a very fine place to spend one's 45th b'day.....not too sure about christmas though!
Seriously though, whichever island you deign to favour with your patronage, I strongly recommend several good books and a fat wallet! Man can only absorb so much Vitamin D before extreme pain sets in!

[campdoag]

If your into diving give Gert at sea explorers in male' a call.. Rippa dutch bloke who knows all the good spots!!!

[P Clipper]

I will second Kuramathi. It is one of the larger islands therefore it has a couple of really nice bars and several great restaurants to choose from. One of them has a decent live band playing each evening too. Diving there is fantastic with a early morning 30m dive for the more experienced to go and see the hammerhead sharks. Highly recommended.

[poledancer]

Lucky u!!! I done a freelance trip last year to Maldives and stayed on Bandos, it was ok for a short stay but if your staying longer go for one of the nicer islands and enjoy ur bday and some drinkies!!:ok:

[sprthompson]

Sorry to hijack the thread,
I'm going to be heading to the maldives tomorrow as a cling-on, really excited - do they have any sea-plane tours there? I've always fancied going in a seaplane and I quite want to drag my girlfriend aboard one to accustom her to smaller planes. (She's cabin crew so I would have thought she'd be OK, but says she will never go in a SEP...)

[Empty Cruise]

Don't worry - seaplanes all twin turbines, and 85% of all resorts are reached that way :ok:

[diesel862]

StressFree

I'm sure things will change, dont pack the scuba gear or tennis rackets just yet!!

Vince

[StressFree]

Hmmmmm,
I think I know who you are, give me my days off or I'll blow your cover....:eek: :E :E :E

[diesel862]

Stressfree

I will burn your portfolio if you do lol

Here to help as always

Vince

[specialbrew]

Seems like every man and his dog are heading for Male for Christmas. Parking situation is not good at this time of year and many are ferrying elseware to park.

[flyinfloats]

If you gotta ferry for parking, try Gan. You can dive the Liberty wreck. Good times down there and a laid back vibe.