Review of Malahini Kuda Bandos Resort 4*

Visited this resort from Jun15th to Jun20th 2018. Location from Velana is 20 minutes by speed boat (arrive at 20:35h) speed boat trip delayed as we have to wait for passengers from other flights and boat is coming from Male as per reception at counter 2. Boat trip return is USD 85.00 per pax. To be paid before check in. Reception is good with welcome drink and cold towel from friendly front desk staff. Classic room 321 is without TV. No view (facing wall) and at a dead end (no through road), blocked sink and fan that is creaking at high speed. Request to change room in morning to 326 (request entertained by reception staff). Room 326 have a front door that needs to be pulled and pushed with force to open or close. Overall room is clean, spacious, good water pressure and strong air conditioning, and daily make-up is prompt when you inform at front desk and with notice hung out at door knob. Breakfast is very good with different varieties every morning with a view of the sea and Male and Hulemale at the mainland. Beach and island is clean and all areas are accessible in a ten minutes walk around. Sister Resort Bandos can be seen a short distance away. Beach chairs and hammocks are limited, be early to secure one. Soft white sand and corals are limited only at deeper fringes along the west side. View of juvenile black tip sharks can be done at the jetty, look out for resident moray eel at the end of jetty during low tide in the morning. Marine and Recreation Hub needs to upgrade with more dive boats (our dive day was marred by the breakdown of the only dive boat on the 1st day). The other boat is for snorkeling and island hopping tours. Make sure you take full board to enjoy 1 hour kayak or paddle boat per day. If you intend to snorkel on your own bring your own gear or it will cost you to rent. Resident Parrot "Rio" is a joy to play with at dive center. Passion fruits and bananas are grown at the resort. Use the " Bluu "restaurant if you are not taking half or full board for lunch and dinner. Ask for " Dannis" for food preferences for your taste or your kids taste. Overall the staff are all diners friendly asking for feedback on food/services, they are your friends by the time you leave the resort. Credit cards are accepted, make sure you enquire about bank charges before you use. Check out is very organized with notice sent to your room on transfer time for luggage and boat the day before your departure (make sure you let them know your flight details). Overall this resort is highly recommended for families, couples on short trips who just want to chill out and have some "me time".