Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort 4 ดาว

We loved every minute of our 10 night stay in this small, adults-only, exclusive but low key resort. From greeting us at Male airport and smoothing the way with luggage transfer, to waiting in a private lounge and then the same on the way back, there wasn't a moment when we didn't feel pampered and cocooned. The arrival at the resort was smooth, easy and friendly, which previewed how the rest of the stay would be. Ksenia, in reception was particularly welcoming. Our over-water villa was large, modern, spotlessly clean and luxurious with a little window in the floor to watch the sealife below. The bed was huge and comfy, the a/c worked well, and the wifi was excellent (as in most of the resort). The bathroom was huge, we loved the outdoor shower. Thanks to our hard working and always smiling room attendant Robiul. Our room didn't have a pool, but talking to people who splurged, said it was a real treat. We could walk down to the sea from our deck and join the sharks, rays and cuttlefish (my fave!) to name a few. At the end of our boardwalk (to the left) are steps that are the closest to the reef (about 30 mt). We snorkelled nearly every day (weather permitting) and the reef is one of the healthiest in the Maldives. It is absolutely stunning, thousands of fish, sharks, turtles. I recommend the full face masks for visibility and comfort. Sign up for the free reef tour with Christina, the wonderful, passionate marine biologist. She also accompanied us on the free sunset cruise, where a large pod of spinner dolphins (her speciality) joyfully joined us for most of the trip. We also did an early evening fishing trip (part of our package) which was fun and we had a stunning sunset. There are other trips out but we were happy with the reef. The large,infinity pool is usually nearly empty and is a great place to relax and look out at the stunning view. The food at this resort is superb, both the buffet and the delicious, authentic ala carte Italian Vista (make a reservation). All-inclusive is definitely the way to go here, wouldn't be good value in the Maldives to do B&B. For such a small and not full resort, the buffet choice was amazing and different every day. Always fresh pancakes and omelettes for breakfast with fruit, pastries, breads, yogurts. Dinners had a new theme every night and all were excellent with impeccable, friendly service with a smile. The pastry chef was a real star, providing us with an amazing selection of cakes and pastries, even homemade ice cream! We were touched on our last night to be escorted by the wonderful front of house manager, Jo Anne, to a specially decorated table. All the restaurant staff were so friendly and helpful - Made, who would see us coming for breakfast and bring out our tea, also Ali and Arif. Sorry, didn't get everyone's names! The freshly made cocktails (no cheap, watered down spirits here) and wine/beer choice at the bar were excellent. Thanks to the friendly, smiling bar staff, Kamal, Kasan, Pradeep and Pobudu. We had wonderful, relaxing massages at the spa with fragrant essential oils. Special mention to Peter, the gentle, very zen yoga teacher, who made every lesson a new and spiritual experience. Even the departure was smooth, no long wait at the airport on the island. Luggage is picked up from your room, you have lunch and the buggy takes you to the mini airport in 5 minutes, with the manager and reception staff waving you off. No stress allowed on Kooddoo! Can't fault the resort, it was incredible from start to finish. One thing to note - this island is not party central, most of the Maldives is similar. Lots of honeymooners and couples seeking tranquillity. If you want discos and karaoke, try 1 of the larger resorts.

It's not often that a dream holiday is everything you dream of. Maldives has been on the bucket list for many years and we chose Kooddoo because of great reviews and an excellent Luxury Escapes offer. The resort itself is beautiful, only about 6 years old and still pristine. Staff were friendly, attentive and nothing was too much trouble. Our package included all meals and premium drinks and we enjoyed the variety in the meals .. and cocktails! They also have snorkelling gear, SUP boards and a kayak that are free for guests. We loved the snorkelling particularly. Just 20 metres from the jetty there is a fantastic coral reef with a colourful array of fish. Even walking from our over-water villa, we saw shoals of fish, some reef sharks and rays. One evening we went on sunset fishing - included in our package - great fun and something different. We loved being on the water though some guests said they preferred the beach. The beach looks like something out of a movie set - white sand, palm trees, aqua water. Honestly, everything picture-postcard. Bear in mind that the flight back to Male means that your day is shortened as Male Airport requires you to arrive three hours before your connection. As we had arrived a day late due volcanic activity in Indonesia, we were disappointed to not have a full day left. In the end we went to reception where staff were extremely understanding and moved us to a later flight. (We just had to sign a disclaimer) Weather was lovely - hot and clear most days, with only one morning of rain. That morning did make us glad we had paid the extra and not gone low season. Being there during rainy, windy weather would be a total waste. Our only complaint - not long enough!

Although rated as a 4-star resort, everything was 5-star quality which exceeded our expectations! Service was outstanding…from Male airport pick-up, check-in for domestic flights, hotel reception, meals, housekeeping, late check-out without request etc. The house reef was gorgeous, and snorkeling there was a wonderful moment! We encountered sting rays, black tip sharks, turtles, tons of colorful fishes among beautiful coral. There’s a karaoke machine in the activity room which we sang to our heart’s delight.

The location is on a secluded island (300km from male airport). Beautiful beach, turquoise/blue waters, perfect setting of sunset water villa with endless ocean, plenty of options for cocktail lovers, an italian restaurent was so so good, gym/souvenir shop/infintiy pool are avaipable on the resort. On top of it Chef selva gave us special treatment with indian food daily.

OMG where do I start, as soon as I was greeted on arrival, I felt this weight lift off of my shoulders and sudden calmness after a very long trip. This was so worth it and then some and then some more. After a 2 min (if that) golf buggy ride from Kooddoo airport to reception, was greeted with a lot of smiles and a very refreshing drink. Check in was completed with ease and was then back in the golf buggy chauffeured direct to my over water villa where I completely went WOW and forgot the lady was still standing at my door with my bag whilst in awe of the villa and the view. The staff must enjoy seeing and hearing all the expressions on arrival. Once settled in and of course having a refreshing beverage from the mini bar whilst sitting on my balcony taking in the view, I said to myself this is not a dream it is real. I paid for the all-inclusive package which covered all your food, the majority of your alcoholic drinks, all your non-alcoholic drinks (certain high class alcohol drinks you still need to pay for but due to the variety supplied this was not needed). The variety of food supplied was amazing and catered for all different requirements. At the Alita restaurant it was self-service but you could also have certain items cooked to order (there were plenty of staff there to ensure you had drinks brought to your table). I went to the Vista restaurant once during my 8 night stay which was a la carte but for myself I was more than happy to keep going to the Alita. Either way the food was amazing and all the staff were so accommodating and friendly and happy. There were plenty of activities available for those who are inclined (snorkeling, fishing, jet skiing, diving, yoga, dolphin cruise, sandbar snorkeling trip, the list goes on) but my main aim was to switch off from the world (apart from sending photos to all my jealous friends back home) and relax, eat and drink mainly by the pool with great service from all the pool bar staff. After the first day all the staff had figured out what I was there for and I felt treated like a king for the whole stay. Look I could go on and on, my main point I want to get across is that the staff make you feel at ease (special mention to Kasun and the rest of the bar staff, my apologies for not remembering all of your names) and will always do their best to assist you the best they can, this includes all the reception, restaurant, cleaning, spa, diving centre staff even the engineering staff working on the boardwalk and maintenance around the grounds, being greeted with a hello and a smile does wonders. From my arrival to departure (departure with a tear in the eye) I give this resort 6 stars and I am seriously considering my return trip there already. Keep smiling and thank you so much for looking after me, cheers and beers mate.