Koimala Hotels & Inns — Hotel in Maamigili

I have visited Koimala Inn with my friend for the 1st time in February 2019. It was a very pleasant experience. Therefore, we decided to go again for the Christmas Holiday. I must emphasize; this is for the 1st time in my life I have spent my holidays twice in the same place. The island is somehow special, with the energized atmosphere. Maamigili island is very easily accessible from Male by either speedboat (1,5 hrs) or plane (20 min). Koimala provides pick up on the local airport or port. The position of the island is extremely good for trips, which Koimala team provides. There is a variety of them, and it is hard to tell which one is the best. You can visit both (habited and uninhabited islands, such as Hurasdhoo Island, Ariadhoo, Sandbag, and many, many others). You can also choose from night fishing, snorkelling (beautiful sea life, very often you also see turtles), you can go on manta trip (you can swim with mantas also very close to the island), but what is really special, you can very frequently see whale sharks. We went two days in a row, both days we were lucky to see them, although the chance is 50:50. It is an extraordinary experience. You can choose from a variety of trips, organized daily, sometimes twice per day. The trips are built in a very smart, comfortable way for tourists. Ship crew is super professional, very well organized, together they are a good team ready to provide the best experience for everybody on the ship. It is obvious that the sea is their other home. So, it guarantees safety, but the fun is always there as well. Concerning the accommodation, AC and fan working, water (cold/warm) as well; no difficulties whatsoever. The room was cosy with comfortable bed, clean beddings and towels, regularly changed, same as cleaning. The beach towels are also provided. Food was served three times per day, fabulous local breakfast (coconut/tuna spread with the local bread, lunch and dinner according to the menu (fish/meet/; local/international), tasty fresh juices included. Beach was very nice, with the turquoise blue lagoon, usually just a very few people. It is not rare that you are on your own there. The beach is being cleaned twice a day. The staff is nice, friendly, willing and ready to help anytime with every wish of their guests. What shocked me, was the staff’s attitude. It feels like it is their passion and the only goal to be there for their guests. It needs to be experienced on your own. I have no doubt that I will come again, the third time; the sooner the better. There is something special and magical...

Here are the facts from my trip. I booked this hotel as I really wanted to swim with the Whale sharks. This location came out as one of the best to achieve this desire. I booked the hotel at least 4 months in advance. I knew that the island is not a typical Maldivian luxury island. I confirmed my transfers with the hotel and confirmed that my sole reason for staying with them was to swim with the Whale sharks. All good so far.|One week before my trip I Whatt'sapped the hotel to confirm my transfer. No response. I chased a number of times, no response. I arrived at Heathrow airport to fly to Male and got a message saying my transfer to the island was cancelled. I had to book an alternative hotel at Male which is not a particularly desirable place. I confirmed my transfer was on for the next day with the Koimala. However, now I am told that I do not have a room anymore. But its ok because they've booked me in to an alternative. The speedboat transfer was 2 hours on a very rough sea and was £75 each way. The hotel picked us up from the jetty and took down a very muddy road the alternative hotel. The road was flooded and we had to wade through puddles up to our knees to get to reception. I said are you still picking me up for the excursion in the morning and was told yes, be ready at 09.30. Due to the rain the mosquitos were everywhere so you couldn't sit outside.|09.30 next day. I am ready, no one came. I phoned 3 times up until nearly 09.50 but no answer. Finally I got a call back, the excursion had been cancelled as it was too windy. The wind had disappeared and the sea was like a millpond. So calm that we could still go snorkelling by speed boat. |The transfer leaves at 07.30 in the morning. We waited on the last day to be picked up by tuk tuk with our cases as had been arranged. No one came. We had to run down muddy streets with our cases to catch the transfer, we did just. |Please see my other reviews. I do not write negative reviews. This experience is my worst throughout extensive travel...

Exceptional

Koimala, maamigili was our last destination after traveling the world for 8 months

What an incredible way to finish off the trip!

First of all I would like to thank all the wonderful staff for working so hard and making our time here pleasent, comfortable and homely

A special thanks to Ripon for making each excursion memorable and exciting. Ripon has an extraordinary work ethic. His continuous positive energy and his ability to ensure the guests are happy while working so hard throughout the day is so rare to find in a person. This place would not be the same without him. He is superb.

I would also like to thank subbe the captin of the excursions. You automatically feel safe when you are out with him. Great knowledge and expertise of the ocean.

Ignore any bad review because these are the people who EXPECT 5 star resort service that they see on social media of the Maldives.

Koimala offers great value for money while experiencing a local island. They have the best team who have access to the best excursions right on there doorstep. It has a beautiful bikini beach minutes away from the hotel with local shops just around the corner. I call it the real Maldives experience.

Definitely opt for the all inclusive package as the food is delicious. The menu to choose from is more than suitable to try different options.

The rooms are very comfortable, spacious and clean. You get beach towels, option for laundry and a list of excursions to pick from that can be arrange. Do not miss the Whale Shark and Manta ray experiences. They are absolute must dos. Trust me, you have the best team and best chances to see them. They will do there very best to find them. Dont forget they are completely wild so why not give yourself a better chance doing it with Ripon and the Captin subbe

We will be back!

I want this place to be...