Hotel berhampiran Constance Halaveli Resort, Halaveli

We made a return visit to Sandies Bathala this year because we had such a lovely time last year. It was just as good this time around. Great snorkelling (sharks, rays, morays, and hundreds of species of fish), beautiful beaches, great food, great service, lovely rooms. Thanks especially to our waiter, Amjad, who took such great care of us at the beginning of the week. All the staff were friendly and attentive, but we appreciated especially Amjad’s positivity and jokes.

This hotel has a great reef but is seen better days. It needs to get revamped. It has one of the best reefs in the Maldives so you have to cope with all the faults of the hotel. I booked the all-inclusive for $137 a night plus 26% tax and service charge. Don't come in May All you get is rain rain rain rain rain rain rain rain rain rain. The food was okay. They put me on the second floor and I had an ocean view. Good thing about this hotel is that they have a washing package. If you stay less than four nights I think it's $22 and they'll wash everything that you own. If you stay four to seven days I believe I spent $32 for their laundry package which is unlimited laundry. Their drinks are okay nothing named brand. If you're on the all-inclusive and you want carlsberg then they have to put it in your room because they just serve beer on tap that's lion. I would stay there again because of the reef but the hotel is absolutely nothing special.

We went to Kandolhu for 3 nights as part of our honeymoon in the Maldives and WOW what an experience. The food and service is truly world class. The rooms are beautifully designed with absolutely everything you might need. We did the top all inclusive package which we would really recommend - everything you can think of is included, including a wine fridge in your room! Particular highlights were the Mexican restaurant - the best tacos and ceviche we have ever had - Astrid is a star! Waiter Ameen was also fantastic - he looked after us for dinner at the fabulous teppanyaki restaurant (the chefs were fantastic - this is a must do!) as well as at the seafood feast evening. The spa is beautiful with amazing staff - would really recommend spending some time there. We stayed in a beach villa, but if you can, we would recommend getting a villa with a pool as there are no communal pool spaces. While you can obviously just swim in the sea, the reef at Kandolhu is incredibly vibrant - with tonnes more sharks, fish and rays than we have seen elsewhere in the Maldives. Obviously they won't hurt you, but sometimes you do just want a float in the water to cool off with nothing else there!! BUT if you are into snorkelling and diving this has to be one of the best places in the world. The management couple are also lovely and really make an effort to get to know all of the visitors. Given the island is so small you really will feel a personalised touch, with all of the staff knowing your names and dietaries etc. Finally, to point out the obvious, this is a TINY island - you will need books and games etc - prepare to do nothing during your stay here! It was the perfect end to our honeymoon and is the ideal location for couples looking to celebrate something special.