Fiyavalhu Resort Maldives — Hotel in South Ari Atoll

The weekend found us at Fiyahvalu Resort positioned on the western side of Ari Atoll ( not far from Conrad Rangali and Mirihi for those familiar with the atoll). Located on the local island of Mandhoo it can be reached by sealane or by a domestic flight and speedboat. We would highly recommend the direct seaplane flight which is approx $100 extra per person but will be worth it for the aerial views alone, not to mention the time saving.

The property has been designed to sit within its natural surroundings. It is enclosed by well established vegetation as well as the ocean. Wide sandy pathways twist through this tropical forest and you never know what may be around the corner! More often than not a smile and friendly greeting from the very hospitable team.

We stayed in a beach villa which was large and airy and could comfortably accommodate 3 adults or a family of 4. They are in a block of 9 and face the ocean, just a few steps from the beach. A further 5 beach villa's in a similar position offer a private pool, the footprint of the room is smaller, but the bathroom is open air and the decking in front of the villa larger. The 4 Deluxe Beach Villas are individual units and have a private beach area before stepping onto the main beach. Likewise the Deluxe Garden villas are individual private units located within the extensive tropical vegetation. These may not be suitable if the mozzies love you! There is also a family beach villa accommodating 6 persons.

All the rooms are well equipped with large comfortable beds (I slept very well), a lounge seating area and table. plenty of storage, hairdryer, beach towels, safe deposit box, laundry service, bath robes, slippers (flip flops), AC, ceiling fan, mini fridge with soft drinks & snacks, 2 large bottles of water (replenished morning & evening) tea/coffee making facilities, toiletries, umbrella ( we used this alot!!) telephone, TV and stable free internet. Outside there is seating for two and two loungers.

All meals are taken at the buffet restaurant Koveli and there is the option for a la carte, floating breakfasts and beach dinners. Room service is also available. There is a good selection of international food and all is Halal (so no bacon or pork). Soups, salads, cheese, hot dishes, live cooking and desserts for lunch and dinner. Water included at meal times whilst soft drinks and fresh juices are chargeable.For those that don't want to miss out on sundowners, the bar boat is available throughout the day and accessed by dingy from the jetty. There is also a pool bar - Riya Cafe, offering hot and cold beverages and snacks open 08:00-22:30

The infinity pool is large, perfect for swimming lengths and there is a large seating area of loungers and day beds. Also a child pool section. The property also offers a gym, badminton and volleyball court, a small spa, games area, unsupervised Kids room ( child care/babysitting is offered on charge), a mosque, an Instagram ocean swing, a private beach cinema experience and plenty of pathways to walk or run if that's your thing! For guests who wish to explore the local island of Mandhoo, Island Hosts offer a guided experience.

The dive and water sports centre is operated by Koamas and the island is perfectly situated for some great diving, snorkeling and of course manta rays in season! They do offer whale shark trips but as the main whale shark area is the other side of the atoll it's a good 45-60 minute boat ride. The weather was not in our favour when we visited so we were unable to snorkel. We were advised there are a couple of points in the lagoon for beginner snorkelers but for those who are experienced and have snorkeled the Maldives a lot there is not a notable house reef and snorkeling trips will all need to be by boat.

If you are looking for a quiet holiday in natural surroundings Fiyavalhu is perfect. It's also an option to help stretch your budget if you were looking to stay on a more traditional resort island...

Where do I begin... - highly recommended Firstly, I would like to thank all staff for such a treasured and memorable experience. You were all so very kind to us. Hosted & treated us very well. We have sincerely left part of our hearts there.

Their welcome was phenomenal. Very touching after such a long journey. We felt welcomed and embraced whereby we felt immediately relaxed. Qaasim was brilliant who beat the drum and everyone welcomed us with smiles, warm cloths and a refreshing drinks. Such delightful warmth and great mannerisms (throughout our stay).

It was a family vacation whereby we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this resort. It was comfortable and our needs were facilitated.

Privacy was possible as the resort was not overcrowded. They're child friendly. From their foods at the buffet to their general rapport and conduct with the children.

Had some sucessful excursions lead by Naif & Nahyaan. Who were very knowledgeable, helpful and in tune to us and our needs throughout. It was such fun and made our stay!

All the staff work to perfection in every department. Ever so polite and professional. They all work so hard and are suited to their roles.

Management are great at what they do. Rizzie and Dillian. Thank you for being in tune to us, our needs and making our stay as comfortable as possible.

Good for star viewing.

The guides Zee, Deena and Shenaz were very informative and enlightened us about the culture and practices in the Maldives which was amazing.

Tina at the spa gives a very good thorough massage. Which is well needed. However, the system before preparing for the massage needs to be less intrusive. A robe and a cover for the breasts (if female) should be provided and then a few minutes needs to be given to the customer to get changed in private prior.

Great location for snorkeling. Beautiful path ways and gardens. Wondeful wildlife. Well maintained. Fantastic modern luxury pool area.

There's no convenience store which is very difficult if you're half board and of you have children who like to snack.

Also, the gift shop lacks traditional items such as things made from coconut which is a shame.

Recreation centre needs improving. The air hockey table is poor. There needs to be more to do. The kids play room needs to be more child friendly with more play equipment. There's so many mosquitos around that area in the evening.

Guest supplies needs...

The highlight of this trip was most definitely the diving center, Dive & Sail, with Sam & Hassan. They went over the moon, did everything they could to make us happy & gave us lifetime memories : swimming with turtle, whale shark, manta, dolphins, shark – we got it all. They continuously tried their best to always ensure we were having the best time. As I just freshly obtained my PADI Open Water certificate I wasn’t the most confident in my diving skills but Sam made sure to stay by my side & reassured me from beginning to end so I could enjoy my dives. Not only they are extremely nice & friendly but they are also highly skilled professionals – and thus in all activities they are offering.

Other than that, the hotel is just the most wonderful place we ever been. We stayed in the beach villa (without the pool) - & it was just lovely. Everything is nice, new, clean & decorated with a lot of taste. We woke up every morning with a beautiful view directly on the beach & sea. We had to walk only a few steps to reach our sun loungers on the beach & enjoyed the shadow & privacy provided by the palm trees – it was delightful.

Another highlight of this trip was the food & service at the restaurant. We got the half-board option which included a set menu for dinners. The restaurant is located on the beach with a lovely setting, with the loveliest & most helpful staff ever. The food was to die for with a lot of variety from day to day.

Overall, the hotel’s staff is extremely friendly, helpful, professional & they will always make sure you’re having the best time in this paradise that is...