RobertBird001
27 janvier 2024
Direct flight from Heathrow to Male and met by a Taj representative on arrival and escorted to the speedboat for the 40 minute transfer to the resort. Once docked we were met by the hotel staff and presented with a cold drink before being giving a short tour of the island and then shown to our room. We had chosen a beach villa (224) for our stay and it came with a large bedroom, large bathroom including a second shower in an outside annex and large deck leading to the ocean. Just beyond the decking there were two sun loungers and a hammock, perfect for watching the sunset from, with a cold glass of something. The room came with a stocked minibar (refreshed once a day), fully air conditioned and was serviced twice a day by the excellent housekeeping team. The island is small (5mins to walk from one side to the other) but has everything you need. Nicely equipped gym with cardio machines and free weights, Dive centre covering everything from PADI dive to snorkelling for beginners, Spa centre with a range of treatments and the activity centre for kayak, windsurfing, jet ski etc. Whilst some things are included within your package anything extra costs and the price does add up if you do a lot. There is also a full list of excursions including Whale Sharks, Manta Rays, Turtles, Island hopping etc. And lastly you come to the pool. The pool area overlooks the ocean across an infinity pool and has a number of sun-beds and parasols with plenty of towels provided. There is also a jacuzzi style pool with both being at 30c. The pools are not life guarded. To the side of the pool there is an access to the sea and inner lagoon reef. This is an area that is protected from the main ocean, very little current and suitable for all ages to snorkel or swim in. There are a number of small coral reefs with the lagoon with many fish from small “nemo” size up to a tuna and manta ray. The lagoon is a great area to safely snorkel but if you wanted to venture further you can. There are exits from the lagoon into the main ocean and it leads to one of the best coral reefs we have seen. The island is surrounded by a reef and just leaving the lagoon you are met with a landscape of colourful reef and thousands of fish and numerous shoals of fish all within touching distance. The resort has each guest sign a disclaimer that they will wear a life jacket when snorkelling but this is not enforced and we swam (like many others) without one with no difficulties. Be aware that the currents can be strong and the sea conditions did change quite quickly at times (waves increased etc) but if you are a confident swimmer you are not in danger. Be prepared to see some large fish, a tuna close up takes your breath away and then there are the sharks. White and Black tip reef sharks were common and although technically “A Shark” they are not interested in humans and carry on with their day. It is possible to swim around the whole island (watch out for currents) and we did this on a couple of o
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