My Ellaidhoo Dream
Dine under the stars. Explore the marine life in the crystal clear waters, relax on the beach or by the pool or enjoy a Balinese massage at the resort spa.
Flying over Male always brings a tear to my eye (of happiness) as it’s so beautiful seeing all the Atolls and the beautiful beaches and Aqua blue seas.
We were soon off the plane collecting our luggage and greeted outside of arrivals by our Island Rep. He took us to our speedboat, and it wasn’t long before we were on our way to Ellaidhoo.
We were met with a friendly welcome by the staff offering us a cold towel and a refreshing cold drink. Speedboat journey is approx. 1.5 hours. We arrived and checked in and were soon shown to our room.
They gave us a personalised cold-water bottle with our names on to use at the refill centres which was a nice touch and to save using plastic bottles all the time as they were doing well to be as Eco friendly as possible on the island.
We stayed in room 104 Garden View which was a great location, near to the Pool and a few steps from the white sandy beach. Not that any rooms are too far away from anything as its not a huge island, but it was a perfect location for us as near to the dive school too.
We set out to walk round the island to get a feel for the layout and see where everything was. You can walk around the island in about 20 minutes, and we got back to the bar just in time before sunset to enjoy a cocktail and watch the daily feeding of the sharks. Not sure I really agree with them being fed to be honest, but it was quite amazing to watch as lots of sharks gathered round along with some sting rays and other fish.
It was so worth the long wait with COVID restrictions to finally get to Ellaidhoo kick off our shoes and not have to put them on again until we left the island. We love the concept of walking barefoot all the time although you can choose to wear shoes if you so wish but its difficult when everywhere is just sand.
Our first night at dinner we were allocated our table which would be ours for the duration of our stay along with our allocated waiter. The food was great at the restaurant. It was buffet style but with LOTS of choice, a range of curries, create your own salad bar, soups, live cooking stations every night, create your own Pasta’s and stir fries which were my personal favourite. Usually, a fried food corner with Pizza and fried chicken etc if you prefer more westernised food. Also, a dessert room with a range of fruits, cakes and desserts. You can order dinners on the beach or order an A La Carte meal at a charge.
We signed up for diving as soon as we could. Our first dive was an orientation dive from the house reef which was great as we got to see our first Frog Fish which was hidden in the Coral and amazing as we had never seen them before. We went on to do some amazing dives all within 30 mins of the resort. The crew were all great, so friendly and helpful with helping with your kit etc. We got to see lots of different Sharks, Frog fish, Leaf fish (amazing as well) as never seen them before, Turtles and most of the dives were like an aquarium.
Ellaidhoo is an amazing resort, and we would return. I could not find fault and it tells you something when an Island has a lot of repeat guests. Food & drink was great with a great choice of cocktails as part of the all-inclusive and beers and wines, snacks at 4pm and 10 pm at the main bar. My favourite cocktail was the Pinky Fresh and I also liked the Ellaidhoo Dream.
It was Dean’s birthday whilst we were away, and they made it very special for him with a cake and all the staff singing to him and making up our table outside with flowers etc to make it special. He doesn’t like a fuss, but it was so thoughtful.
The beach surrounding the island is pure white powder sand, the sea is just amazing to chill out and relax or you can go to the infinity pool to cool off. There was usually a DJ, a band, Karaoke, or entertainment most nights. Very low key but never expect anything too lively in the Maldives which is perfect for us.
We will return one day as we had an amazing time at Ellaidhoo all the staff at the restaurants, reception and bars were always so friendly. I have no negatives to add about this resort its picture perfect and a perfect paradise island to chill out and relax without the high cost of some of the islands.
So not only did I enjoy the cocktail this was really my “Ellaidhoo Dream”
Tips – Don’t take too many shoes as you really can go barefoot in the sand day and night.
I always tip at the end of my stay for room cleaning boys, waiter and certain Bar staff who have offered a great service (which to be honest most of them do anyway). I tip in $ US. I always take $ for tips but pay bills etc with credit or debit card which will be in $.
Visas for Maldives are issued on arrival free of charge.
Do not take alcohol into the Maldives as they scan bags upon arrival and will confiscate.
Always use a high factor sun lotion as you are near to the equator and even on cloudy days will burn. Always drink plenty of water as again even on cloudy days you will dehydrate.
Just enjoy, kick of those shoes and relax and chill with your favourite cocktail or 2 ?? No shoes No news is always what I remember from my first trip for my Honeymoon in 1999 and its stuck with me.
Feel free to Contact me if you would like a stay at a resort like this for your Honeymoon or special Holiday.