OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi

We arrived at the airport and were transported to our island by speed boat. This took about 20 minutes. The speed boats are literally outside arrivals at the airport which is very convenient. Our accommodation was in a beach front villa which sounded good, but lacked that outlook to the beach we were expecting. However, the accommodation was very comfortable with air con, wifi,(tempermental) tea & coffee making facilities, hairdryer and ensuite. Out side there were 2 loungers but these looked into bushes, and it was only beyond the bushes that the villa looked over an isolated very rocky/sandy, stony beach with the main lands sky scrapers in sight to the right and a tightly knitted row of about 40 villas on stilts to the left. It was a disappointing offering and could do with something for those who want to get away from the crowded noisy pool/bar/beach area. The main area consists of 400 people packed into what I would describe as a basic 3 star all inclusive resort. There is nothing classy about this place at all, you could be in Benidorm. There is no way this is a 4 star resort by any stretch of the imagination. 3 star at best. Not to be a snob, but some of the guests were questionable. Two girls mid 20’s/30’s sat at the table next to us at dinner clearly had issues with self harming as their forearms were slashed. Clearly a trip paid for by the British tax payer The island caters for about 400+ people so it is very busy! And not as we had assumed from the photographs and google page. When you mention the word Maldives, it conjures up a tranquil island of peace and quiet – OBLU is the opposite – on arrival disco music was thumping so loud the greeter had to go and turn it down. Music thumps out around the pool and beach area like a Benidorm bar. On the second day there was water aerobics in the pool – and more thumping disco music. At night there is entertainment – not bad but again, there is no tranquil piano bar here it is loud disco thumping type stuff to appeal to the masses. There is only one bar on site that serves drinks next to the pool. There is only one pool next to the beach and bar with lots of loungers and umbrellas. It’s packed. Drinks are premade with few branded drinks, but many are local brands catering for the mass consumption and the cheaper end of the market. Think Benidorm all inclusive bar and this is it. All meals were buffet style. We found breakfast good, but lunch and dinner were really poor. These consisted of Soup, a variety of bread rolls, Pasta with tomato/cheese Sauce, chips, chicken nuggets, fish fingers, beef stews, various vegetable combinations, an Indian buffet, a Thai Buffets, donna kebabs, various salads with processed sliced cheese and sliced spam type hams, water melon, melon, other fruits, cakes and ice cream were the order of the day. Again, think all inclusive Benidorm and this is it. Most nights we had the soup and bread rolls as we are plain eaters and there was no steak, chicken or salmon or fish that was not covered in something that we recognised. Wine and beer were available, but the glasses were small thick glass tumblers they used for juice at breakfast. No Wine glasses, which spoilt the occasion. There are other restaurants on the island but these are all chargeable, we were told by an American couple off a cruise ship (here for the day so more people) it was $300 for lunch in the under water restaurant, the lobster bar charge $79 for a Lobster dinner, surf & Turf diner is $55,and there is a Pizza place but these are at all extra cost. There is a shop on site that sells ice cream and crisps There are water sports available, but these are all at extra cost. Even a mask and snorkel is chargeable, had I known this I would have bought my own. From memory a jet ski is $200 for an hour, various trips and diving were all around $75 - $150pp Would I go back here no. Would I recommend no, unless you like long haul flights and a busy resort. Just head to the Costas and save yourself the long haul flight. The weather is good – hot sunbathing weather and we found the staff very helpful and polite.. Read less

It’s difficult to put into words how magical this entire trip was. From the speed boat collection at the airport which was seamless and the friendly staff set the tone for our stay. Everybody has a smile and is genuinely friendly. We had an apartment on the beach and it was fantastic. The views of the island, the sea, beach and sunset from our room were breathtaking. The beach had very few people and it felt like our own private beach. Crystal clear water with a small reef in the bay, meant that we could snorkel and see the sea life directly outside our room. The food was very good with a broad selection of international cuisine prepared in full view. We also used the spa and took a trip to snorkel with turtles, both of which were amazing. Read less