Loading ...Bandos is without doubt one of the most popular island resorts in the republic of the Maldives and a focal points of diving in the region. The dive center here is both a PADI Gold Palm Resort and a Platinum Facility of the International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers and has one of the only two decompression chambers in the republic. The dive centre also offers a range of scuba courses to suit beginners and experts alike, advanced re-breather courses are available here. If you don’t wish to go through the trial that is the entry level open water course you will not be disappointed with the snorkelling around the island.
Bandos has become more popular in the last few years since it was closed during 2005 and had a major refit, which included some additional stylish accommodation plus an extension of the existing facilities. The tranquil calm and beauty of the island has in no way been compromised however. Although the reception is complete with conference centre, internet hotspot and plasma TV, thatched roofs abound and the resort is exotically shaded by tall native palms. In addition to this, the resort has gone out of its way to welcome families, not always the case with some island resorts here, many of the rooms in the standard and junior class have interconnecting doors to make it easier for families split between several rooms, and children are generally not at a loss to find some other little person their own age to amuse themselves with. The island resort is also conveniently close to the main island and capital of Male, meaning the transfer is short (not always rapid), and its quite a practical choice if you wish to include a tour of the more lively city of Male in your trip.
If you are planning to get married during your holiday then this may very well be a good resort for you to consider. Providing the “Kuda Bandos Sunset Wedding” which involves a traditional island ceremony, sunset boat ride, and local cultural dress and drums. The ceremony is held on the beach of one of the uninhabited islands in the atoll – Kuda Bandos – and is then followed by a romantic cruise for the newlyweds on a Dhoni (Maldivian boat). Later, the newlyweds can opt to enjoy a romantic private dinner set on the beach of Kuda Bandos or else dine with their guests on the main island.
Hotel Rooms
There are about 100 standard rooms at the resort, most having a beach-side aspect, and these are a combination of double and twin bed layouts to provide for families. They are nicely furnished but we found that the bathrooms were a little on the small side (this is quite common for standard class accomodation in the Maldives however).
The 48 Junior suites are arranged in clusters with shared gardens and their stylish decor, with a yellow and ochre color scheme and wooden four-poster beds contributes to the feeling of comfort in these rooms. The only main downside for some of the tourists we talked to staying in these rooms is that the beach in this section of the resort is almost completely submerged at high tide, but this did not bother us when we tried one of these rooms for a couple of days.
Circular-shaped Beach villas are the latest addition to the island and are all two-storey, with upstairs bedroom and sea balcony. They have been very tastefully done and definately achieve that superior feel. The bathrooms are quaintly half inside and half outside and are complete with thatched jacuzzi, perfect for de-stressing after the full day I had trying to learn to kite-board.
Summary
All things considered, Bandos is one of the best resorts we have visited in the Maldives so far and is perfect for a holiday in the Maldives whether you are a sporty single, romantic couple or family group. With great atypical white beaches, a good range of relatively well-priced accommodation, and great facilities, Bandos is sure to continue as one of the principal destinations for holiday makers visiting the Maldives.