We booked this island during it's rebranding, restructuring and makeover so we got a good deal. On arrival we had a few problems in that there was building noise, which was instantly stopped on our request, and we had to change rooms due to a bad sewage smell in the bathroom. The manager was very apologetic, and compensated us with complimentary spa treatments and personal dining experiences on the beach, which were much appreciated. It's newly opened so we put this down to teething problems that the manager assured us he is addressing.
Rooms: The new rooms are lovely, very comfortable, and stylish. Comfy beds, nice terrace and tap to wash sandy feet. Stylish new bathroom with complimentary products. Tip for management: I would recommend a vanity mirror in the room as when using the hairdryer, I have no mirror! And the hairdryer can not be used in the bathroom.
Pool: The pool area is really lovely, nice and quiet, no loud music, comfy sunbeds, and a shower area. Lots of trees and nature all around, and a sea view. Tip for management: There is an area on one side of the pool near the bar with no sunbeds, there's loads of room here for more beds for people who want to be in the sun, as all the other beds have umbrellas over them and are in the shade of the trees.
Bar: The bar area is super stylish , new decking, sand floor, seating outside too. Comfy seats. Tip for management: there needs to be more lighting outside, the dome lights on the tables are great for ambience, but really not enough light as lots of people like to play games and cards, and it's hard to see. I would recommend some lights on poles dotted around along the perimeter. There needs to be more light along the edge as it's quite frankly dangerous. The railing is very low, and there's not enough light. It's only a matter of time before someone falls over it onto the beach after one too many cocktails!
Restaurant: the restaurant is very stylish and pleasant, I personally didn't like the bench seats, they're very uncomfortable to perch on and eat. I loved the outside seating, and the fact we could sit wherever we chose. Seats outside were very comfortable. The food was varied, but a bit repetitive, and too bland for my taste, but it's very subjective depending on personal preference. The Maldivian and Sri Lankan food was outstanding, and we thoroughly enjoyed all of it when we were treated to it. The chefs and staff were very happy to talk to us to find out what we liked and accommodate our taste for spicy local cuisine. Tip for management: the hot plates the food sits on are not hot enough. Most of the food was Luke warm rather than hot. They need to be turned up, not just for having hot food rather than warm, but for health and safety reasons. The food often ran out, so if arriving mid service, every day we would have to wait for food to be topped up. This really shouldn't happen. Staff need to be more aware.
Entertainment: well, what can I say. Really not good. Singer, bad band all doing cover versions of old songs, and a very bad saxophonist was about it. Twice weekly DJ , one was OK, the other bad, just put on one CD of Rolling Stones and that was it! The only good entertainment was a local traditional drumming boduberu troupe who were very good and what we'd expect on a Maldives island. The bar was empty most nights when entertainment was on, and much busier on quiet nights when there was just light music playing . Tip for management: go in the bar, do a headcount, see what is popular and what is not. Ask customers what they want. Most appeared to me to want quiet ambient music so they could sit and relax, chat, play cards ( with more lighting please!)
Spa: everything perfect. Very ambient, beautiful surroundings, relaxing, amazing staff, good massages. Top class.
Beach and reef: I was so excited for the reef here, but unfortunately the building works, construction of the new pier and concrete groynes along with sand dredging and coastal erosion have really taken their toll. The beaches are covered in dead sharp coral, it's not a place of 'no news, no shoes' you definitely need beach shoes here. Along with that, the beach by the pier, close to the edge and in the water is a lot of rubble and building debris. Even metal bars sticking out which is dangerous. The management really needs to send someone in to clear this up.
The reef is very damaged. Lots of dead coral, but due to sand dredging and construction works, the water is murky with lots of particles in it. The wildlife has clearly suffered and the family of nurse sharks that once lived by the pier have moved away after the construction of the new pier. There is an attempt to reconstruct the reef with coral cages being added to encourage growth, but is it enough? They are making an effort though to revive it which is good. I did see black and white tip reef sharks (not many, just one or two on each hour snorkel) turtles, and occasionally an eagle or mobula ray. Lots of fish in places, very sparse in others. The cement groynes all around the island are ugly and not environmentally friendly, but somewhat necessary to try to stop erosion. I think something has gone wrong with that somewhere as the beach in front of our sky rooms was getting eroded and smaller on a daily basis, exposing rocks and dead corals. The area in front of the water sports centre is very badly affected and certainly not helped by the men removing even more rocks from that area every morning! Yes, it looked better, but I don't think they understand that they are removing the stability of the shoreline by doing that. I think a lot of trees and greenery have been removed from the edge too, which is adding to the erosion problem. Most of the beach areas are not pretty at all except for the beautiful stretch along by the small beach bar, where you can walk along the fine sand and straight into the water. This side of the island is very windy and the sea much rougher than the other side. I understand that the erosion problem is all over the Maldives due to climate change, tides and currents, but this island seems to have suffered more so since the reconstruction. It's a shame the old pretty wooden pier has gone too and been replaced by more concrete.
Staff: All fantastic. From the room boy to the smiley bar staff, to the waiting staff. I won't name anyone specifically, as everyone was a credit to the island. The manager was also excellent and was doing his very best to keep us happy and checked on us regularly to ask how things were. He offered us treats as compensation and asked our opinions on things, which he clearly took on board and implemented some of our suggestions immediately. Hopefully with his ability to listen to his clientele, the island will find it's feet.
To sum up, I don't think the island has found it's identity yet, it's still finding it's niche. But hopefully it will get there. The erosion is a massive problem in my opinion and needs to be seriously addressed by experts. The reef has suffered badly and with the proposed water bungalows to be built on either end of the island, I worry for the future of the reef. If you're looking for fine sandy beaches all around, and a great reef, go elsewhere. If you're looking for a relaxing island, close to Male, a fabulous spa to be pampered in, a beautiful pool, luxurious new rooms, and staff that greet you with a smile and can't do enough to help you enjoy your stay, come to Eri.
