Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa — Hotel in South Ari Atoll

While the reef at Villamendhoo is undeniably beautiful - one of the very few redeeming features - the rest of our stay was deeply disappointing, stressful, and frustrating from start to finish. I genuinely don’t understand how others can leave glowing reviews about the food or the management. Perhaps things were different before the recent change in leadership, when complimentary upgrades and genuine hospitality were offered, but that is certainly no longer the case. It now seems that cost-cutting has taken priority over guest experience.||Having travelled extensively - including to other Maldivian resorts like Kuredu and Coco Palm, I can confidently say this was the worst holiday experience I’ve ever had and by no means is this resort suitable for families with children. ||Arrival Disaster and Lack of Accountability|After over 24 hours of travel, we were mistakenly dropped at the wrong resort (Radisson Blu) by sea plane. There was no communication, support, or apology from Villamendhoo. We were left completely stranded, like forgotten baggage, and had to find our own way back via another sea plane and a boat ride. Upon eventual arrival, we were not met by the manager as asked numerous times. Worse still, the villa we had requested months in advance, three times by email, was unavailable (and this is when 30% of villas were empty on the resort). When I politely asked about the possibility of a water villa as compensation, the receptionist (a Russian woman) laughed at me, completely unprofessional and offensive.||We were initially taken to a semi-detached villa, with bins and wooden planks obstructing the view, located 20 metres from the beach. The island does not offer buggy transport, so we had to drag our hand luggage through the heat - not exactly a warm welcome. Eventually, we were moved to a standalone villa, which I appreciate, but the damage was already done.||Poor Management and Intimidation|Customer service from the management was the worst I’ve experienced in the Maldives. The manager was arrogant, dismissive, and took no responsibility for the sea plane mix-up. When we asked whether anything could be done to improve our experience, he told us they were not obliged to offer anything - and from his attitude, it seemed he meant it. To make matters worse, after we raised these issues, the manager began speaking to us frequently and appearing around the island in a way that felt intrusive and unsettling. When we were eventually called to discuss a potential gesture of goodwill, he issued what felt like a veiled threat in response to the honest review I had left, implying I should “be careful” because the resort is a multimillion-dollar company with a legal team. Only after I explained I am fully aware of my rights and that my mother is a lawyer did he attempt to backtrack and claim he “didn’t mean it that way.” The entire interaction left us feeling uncomfortable and pressured. ||Food Quality |The food was easily the biggest letdown. We booked the Jacuzzi Beach Villa to be allocated the 18+ restaurant, although the food is the same, this restaurant is quieter. The dinner and lunch buffet is shockingly limited, and of poor quality. If you enjoy Mediterranean, Italian, seafood, or even simple, international cuisine, this is not the place. There is a themed night every day and this rotates on a fortnightly basis, however the common denominator amongst these different themes appears to be spicy curries and rice. I am not sure why the resort appears to cater to Eastern countries like Sri Lanka and India, as most guests are European (from the UK, Russian, Italy, Germany, etc) therefore are not used to or tolerate these inedible spicy dishes. I am not opposed to Asian food, I frequently enjoy Chinese takeaway and noodle dishes, however the way in which this food was cooked I could not eat. Even the European and French cuisine night was inedible. All of the soups are made with double cream. On one occasion we tried reef fish which appeared to be plain from the buffet, only to smell and taste it and realise this was clearly rotten. Even simple dishes like potatoes are cooked in some sort of foreign buttery sauce. During our stay we simply lived off rice and salad, in the end completely resorting to just fruit and water. We witnessed several other families and couples circling the buffet tables multiple times to find something edible as there is such little choice and had many conversations with others who agreed the food here is not up to par. ||After visiting the 18+ restaurant on our first night we decided to take a look at the main buffet restaurant (at this point in time we did not realise that the cuisine was virtually the same). There was nothing for kids: just a sad little “children’s section” with a few items like corn, pizza, and fried chicken. Most guests, adults and children alike, were standing around waiting for the pizza slices to be refilled, as it was the only edible dish. There were no standard family-friendly staples like fries, nuggets, or pasta. Here, I found myself going nearly hungry every night. Yes, after contacting the manager about our food concerns many of the chefs followed us around the restaurant asking if we would like them to make something else for us, which on one occasion we did accept this kind offer. However, you do not book a 4* resort to then feel difficult and a nuisance having to order food from the chef when in others resorts like Kuredu this is not necessary. ||One evening we visited the bar near reception. There is a a la carte snacks menu at additional charge for guests who are full board. We ordered pitta bread with hummus, coconut and strawberry ice cream and french fries. This was all delicious! I do not understand why the resort cannot provide this simple easy to make mediterranean food in the main buffet restaurant? It almost feels like the resort intentionally offers poor options to push guests toward their overpriced à la carte dining or paid “romantic dinners.” ||When we spoke to the manager, he suggested halfway through our stay to upgrade us to a water villa (which at one point we were laughed at for suggesting) in exchange for us removing the honest, negative review we had left. I am assuming this was offered due to the low capacity for these villas, and of course by upgrading us it would cost the resort nothing. Nevertheless, we appreciated the gesture but we did not want the further stress of packing and unpacking moving halfway across the island once we were finally settled. We instead asked if we could be upgraded to all inclusive, as we are not drinkers AT ALL but instead wanted access to the nuts and snacks in the room and bar to compensate for the poor dinners. This could not be accommodated. At Kuredu, by contrast, they go above and beyond. I fondly remember asking about sushi one evening and the next night, it was brought directly to our table, freshly prepared and at no extra cost, despite the fact this sushi is usually at an additional cost from their separate restaurant. That kind of thoughtful service is what makes guests return. Villamendhoo, sadly, offers none of this. We were brought a basket of fruits to our room (while I appreciate the gesture after the blackmail we had received the night before it was not going to win me over) and offered a place on the sunset cruise to see dolphins. Again, kind, but these gestures did not cost the resort anything as the boat was half empty anyway and our real issue was the food.||Lack of Privacy, Entertainment, and Activities|The villas are very close together, so if you’re looking for privacy this is not the resort for you. This is especially a problem if you choose a semi-detached villa, as if both sides are occupied you will find yourself only a few metres from your neighbour when you are lying on your sunbed. Our villa (222 on the South side) had a construction site view and was disrupted daily by a loud boat unloading sandbags at 10am, accompanied by the smell of diesel. I am not sure if this is something that can be changed. Despite this, in my opinion, this side is better (although the beach is not as picturesque there is a nice breeze throughout the day and the villas are closer to the ocean). ||It was also shocking to discover that this island is in fact not natural and in most areas you will find yourself walking on rock hard cement, covered with a thin layer of bagged sand. Therefore, from my understanding most of Villamendhoo is man made. Not such an issue but I think it is worth mentioning. There is also a large pipe in the middle of the house reef which appears to be flushing lots of sewage into the ocean. There are many fish surrounding this pipe drinking this dirty sewage and as the hotel is so environmentally conscious I was surprised to see such. ||Entertainment is virtually non-existent. Yoga is not complimentary, there’s no kids’ club or daytime beach games, and a scheduled Maldivian night with traditional dancing was cancelled due to a “technical issue.” Instead, a recorded video (conveniently pre-prepared in advance) was shown to guests. The resort lacks atmosphere and liveliness, particularly disappointing for families and those looking for engaging activities during the day or evening.||The prices of cocktails and drinks at the resort were extortionate, which was disappointing. Additionally, we were shocked to find that the cost of a few in-room snacks, no more than four small packs of Pringles, some nuts, a few iced teas, and one beer, totalled an excessive $150, including a 10% ‘service charge.’ I am not sure how the hotel have calculated this into the price, as I was the one opening the fridge and serving myself the drinks, not a waiter. ||Checkout |On top of that, when we enquired about extending our stay by just a few hours, we were quoted an astonishing $93 per hour, which, given that the resort was half empty, seemed completely unreasonable. That rate equates to over $2,200 per night, which is frankly outrageous. After raising this deceitful calculation with the reception staff we were granted a later checkout free of charge, which we are thankful for, however this initial deception was wrong. We also asked if $20 dollars could be added to the bill in exchange for $20 in cash so we could leave this to the room boy. At first, we were told the minimum amount for cash exchange was $50 dollars. Then, we were told this was possible however the hotel take a commission for themselves, again another example of their greed. ||Highlights |We chose a Jacquzzi Beach Villa, the room was modern but still in a Maldivian style, cleaned twice a day to a very high standard. The air conditioning was also very good. The waiter staff in the restaurant at mealtimes were quick to remember our drinks and brought them to the table before we even sat down. The bedding and pillows are comfortable. The breakfast food was very good, large selection of yoghurts, cereals, pancakes, waffles, fruits, omelets, smoked salmon, etc. The reef is beautiful. ||Conclusion|Yes, the reef is stunning, the island itself is naturally beautiful, and the rooms are cleaned to a high standard. The Maldivian staff were kind and helpful. But these are baseline expectations in the Maldives, not unique to this resort and it is important to distinguish between nature and the hotel itself. It’s clear Villamendhoo relies on its natural beauty to distract from deep-rooted issues in management, hospitality, and operations. For a trip that many save years for and consider once-in-a-lifetime, this experience felt like a massive letdown. I don’t enjoy writing negative reviews but I do believe in honest ones. I hope this helps future travellers make an informed decision. If you’re expecting a premium, relaxing experience with good food, warm service, and family-friendly activities look elsewhere. If you don’t really care it is perhaps worth staying for the reef, although there are much cheaper alternatives such as Fiha which has equally as beautiful and rich marine life. Or, perhaps it is better to pay a little extra at Lily Beach which also has an amazing reef but is an all round amazing resort. I will never return to Villamendhoo and I do not think it is good value for money especially compared to...

This is a review mainly on the adults only part of the Island.||||Sadly our visit didn't start well. I did hundreds of hours of research as I do on Maldives resorts, this isn't our first visit to the Maldives. We wanted adults only, a detached water villa, all inclusive and a decent house reef. This was also a holiday to mark a special, if slightly delayed occasion.||||Three weeks before arrival I contacted the resort to confirm our booking (made with a major UK / worldwide travel agent).||||They immediately confirmed we were booked into a jacuzzi water villa on an all inclusive basis as requested, this being the highest package the resort offers. Having knowledge of the accommodation on the Island we didn't want a beach villa as you don't get a choice between detached or adjoined ie semi detached.||||Our plane couldn't land at Male due to weather so we circled for 40 minutes, the cases were also delayed an hour - it can get busy, they really need to finish that new terminal. The sea plane transfer was a disaster (not the resorts fault I accept). Our cases didn't come with us and we were given a few minutes to pull items out we might need until their arrival (time unknown). This isn't uncommon so be prepared. We then broke down at another Island before the plane 'fixed itself', refuelled elsewhere before landing for the 3rd time by now some 5 hours after our arrival at Male. ||||The seaplane (we've done it before) is a unique experience, however this was pushing it somewhat even if it was paradise bound, its hot, uncomfortable and there's the potential for air sickness if it goes on too long ! ||||As I said not the Islands fault but it sets the scene for what followed!||||Then we were told on arrival our water villa wasn't available despite the Island confirming our booking . We knew what was coming, some kind of compensation but that really isn't the point. The point is that we knew that when the cases eventually turned up (4-5 hours later it trasnpired), we couldn't unpack and settle in as we'd be moving at 2pm the next day. I know the first day is a lottery around arrival but to basically lose the second day waiting around for a room move, then unpacking etc was a kick in the teeth when only here for 11 nights.||||There was very little empathy in the way we were dealt with perhaps due to translation, or the fact we were bizarrely told 'it happens all the time'. If it's the norm then lack of does empathy kicks in I guess. We also missed lunch due to an elongated welcome talk, we were twice mislead that the restaurant was shut yet others from our seaplane, clearly more savvy basically insisted on lunch, left their reception committees early and we found them merrily eating in the restaurant. That aside the day was saved later by snacks from the adults only bar - worth noting.||||So I can comment on the beach villas even if that wasn't my intention. We were semi detached, zero privacy on the deck from one side and a wall separating the giggling couple on the other. Likewise in the open bathroom at the rear you're privy to noises you perhaps don't really want to hear. Hence we didn't book a beach villa and it was the last place I wanted to end up.||||They'd put some welcome flowers on the bed and half a bottle of fizz was delivered which was nice, we only found out when checking out this was part of the 'compensation' and had to sign for it !!..on leaving..very strange. ||||The beach villa room was quite large and comfortable, air con noisy, fully stocked fridge on the AI was excellent. Allocated sun loungers about 40 yards away through a communal area which suffers minor foot traffic to the adults only bar and restaurant. All very well kept, great mixture of sun and shade but lacks the privacy other Islands have in relation to their beach villas.||||We were moved on day two to a different world, the one I originally booked, the more expensive one which you really shouldn't be bumped from if you were truly valued. The water villas are large, comfortable, very private, adequately furnished. Loads of storage room, steps into a shallow lagoon. Excellent wif fi. There' s a jacuzzi at the rear but it's noisy at night and could only be turned off by the room boy if he remembered. They're not super modern and glitzy and it's worth noting that if you're a light sleeper the waves can wake you up but we thoroughly enjoyed it. ||||There was a turn down service which was welcome. Even on AI you have to account for anything from the fridge which makes it a chore. Why not just replace anything missing? Pillow menu available if you want , they offer toppers for the mattress as the beds are rather firm.||||The adults only section is lovely. The infinity pool, the bar, the adjoining buffet restaurant. The Asian Wok is included on AI, however it seemed hardly used, as the Island also offers a full board option it could be most weren't on AI. The menu on AI is also limited to three courses, this does change every 4 days, the location down the other end set out to sea is magical and worth the walk. ||||No entertainment at the adults only bar in the evening, you had to walk down to the main bar and terrace. We valued the quiet and wanted to avoid kids but it meant the bar was virtually dead at 10 pm. Could they do something - I'm not sure, perhaps. ||||The Island is popular with families, every villa without fail was within easy access of a lovely beach apart from the Garden villas. We didn't linger, just walked, its a decent walk around the Island but it felt like another resort. I think it must have been a half term or holiday in Russia, as family wise they outnumbering everyone down there and towards the end they were regulary encroaching into the adults only area and not taking no for an answer. I felt for the romantic dinner on the beach couple who were suddenly surrounded by 20 uncontrolled screaming kids who appeared from nowhere on a lap of the Island. The staff really do have a difficult job at times dealing with insistent parents. ||||The reef is very accessible with channels marked out to the drop off and an interesting selection of sea life for snorkelling, hence the popularity of the Island.||||After a few days of no follow up on how we were originally dealt with and our visit in general, I eventually requested to speak with a senior manager. Lovely chap, apologised sincerely and the lack of empathy and understanding that was initially missing was suddenly there as it really should have been from the beginning. However there was no promise it wouldn't happen again, so I guess it was outside of his control. ||||Oh yes, we visited the spa, very relaxing, brilliant location just off the water villa jetty. ||||We thought we were the sort of people the resort aspire to have i.e. potential returnees but in hindsight were probably downgraded in favour of the blossoming Instagram / honeymoon market, most of which dominated the water villas. Controversial perhaps but when you look at the demographic it was as clear as day where the priority is, not just this Island but others we've visited.||||The restraurant set up is a little odd. Perhaps it was explained and we missed it. You can sit where you like but you were allocated the same waiter. Now this leads to confusion, especially when you have a couple of members of staff who adhered to it so strictly it was if anyone but their allocated guests didn't exist. No eye contact, no good morning literally turning the other way.||||Fortunately our waiter was brilliant and was happy to help anyone. ||||In summary the adults only section was ideal but we were never really assured that overbooking wouldn't or couldn't happen again even after confirming our choice of villa etc. Allegedly the Island was known for it some ago according to regulars. ||||So in hindsight that's knocked it down to a 4, otherwise it would have been a close 5 perhaps a 4.5.||||As it transpires on return the resort manager asked for feedback. I posted this review then postphoned it in case anything was forthcoming but the feedback wasn't even acknowledged. ||||Would we return ? I'm not sure, in all of our travels we've never be downgraded plus the manner it was dealt with. Also the rest of the Island is far busier with children than we imagined and they do intrude, you can understand curiosity but there was a sense of entitlement from Russian guests that they had a right to drag their children around there and into the adults only pool...

TERRIBLE!!

I'm not even going to waste the character count commenting on the resort, the rooms or the location - so utterly abysmal is the customer care at Vilamendhoo that everything else pales into insignificance.

I'm normally guilty of skipping straight on to the next review the moment I read someone complaining about service - learning that staff couldn't accommodate some fruitarians gluten intolerance isn't going to influence my decision to book. However, I urge you to indulge me, this isn't a trivial whinge about dietary requirements or the weather. Vilamendhoo's truly appalling disregard for their customers ended up costing us an extra $2,000 (on top of whatever we paid for the holiday).

Before arriving we went to the trouble of emailing ahead to highlight our flight times, and to check the sea plane transfers could accommodate our departing 8.35am flight. The hotel replied assuring us they'd arrange for a 6am transfer flight. Given that it's a 20 minute flight, we were only taking hand luggage and that the airline we were traveling with supports online check in we were happy this would put us at the airport with an hour to spare.

Upon arrival, at check in, we checked again that a prompt 6am departure would be possible. Again the hotel told us that the departure transfer had been booked for 6am and they were aware of the need for a timely departure.

However, at checkout... after we'd paid the bill, we were casually informed that the seaplane had in fact been moved to the later time of 6.30am - ironically, for the convenience of guests staying at a nearby hotel. Despite the now very tight schedule we were reassured by staff that they'd phoned ahead and informed the airline that we'd be arriving a little late (but still well ahead of the boarding time) and all was fine. The sea plane then proceeded to turn up a further 30 minutes late - taking off a full hour later than the departure time we'd repeatedly been reassured of! Consequently, we missed our flights home.

Having been informed by the airline that the hotel actually hadn't phoned ahead and that if they had, they probably could have kept the desk open for us. We found ourselves stranded at Male airport (where there are no airline reservation desks).

In need of help we phoned the hotel. Our call was met with a response that even the most forgiving would describe as disinterested and dismissive, I find it hard to describe it as anything other than outright rude. Then ensued a series of calls where I'd repeatedly be put on hold for 10 minutes at a time only to be cut off or told to call back. Eventually after 7 calls and nearly an hour of being told to "email reservations" we gave up - the hotel clearly weren't going to offer any assistance whatsoever. Faced with limited options we booked alternative flights home at the cost of $1,600 (economy).

I can live with transport delays - they happen. However, I'd expect a hotel with any hint of respectability to take better care of their guests; to offer to help find alternative flights, a complimentary night while we wait for our new departure time, perhaps even an offer to reimburse us the (extortionate) sea plane charges. Vilamendhoo simply adopted the attitude of once you're off the island and we've got your money, you're not our concern.

It adds insult to injury that our significant bill for the week included a $750 charge for the seaplane transfers, over $100 on water (because apparently if you want drinkable water you have to pay for it, not a complementary bottle in sight). And the icing on the financial cake, $100 in mobile call charges to the hotel from the airport.

Ultimately, wherever you're staying in the Maldives you're completely at the mercy of your hotel to arrange your transfers and it's the hotel that takes your payment for your transfers - it should be the hotels responsibility to ensure those transfers are on time. Pick a hotel who takes that responsibility seriously and take the time to find a hotel with a better attitude towards their guests than...