Hi Jimmer

We have also booked to go to Filitheyo on 17th October for 2 weeks. We haven't been to this island before but have been to Kuramathi Blue Lagoon twice before and it was amazing, i am hoping after doing quite a bit of research that filitheyo will be as good! I know that they have won a tourism award and an award for the best food in the maldives last year i think.

Have a great time, might see you there!

Vicky

Hi Vicky,

Thanks for your reply.

Unfortunately, we are only going for a week, so we come home on the day you arrive

Have you come across any web-sites that give you any decent pictures, webcams, reviews anywhere?

Jimmer

Hi again Jimmer

Shame we wont be there at the same time, i hope you have a great time, i'm sure you will, and good luck for the wedding.

I basically just put Fiitheyo in on MSN search and checked out all the sites. http://www.tripadvisor.com have about 7 reviews and http://www.holidaysuncovered.co.uk has 1 i think. You can see people photos that they have posted on the internet too if you just click through the sites that come up. It does look amazing i have to say.

Have you been to the maldives before?

Hi
We are in Filitheyo from 3 October to 17 October flying from Gatwick booked with First Choice.
We have been to the Maldives once before about 4 years ago............its wonderful!
We stayed on an island called Bi-ya-do.
I did a lot of research before booking Filitheyo. I decided on the Island and then found out which Company went there.
One thing is that the last time we went the house reef was only about 25 yards off the beech which is the same on Filitheyo. So you can snorkel on the reef from the beach. Quite a lot of the islands have the reef only accessable by boat.
Filitheyo looks really good and has a good reputation for food.
We only go snorkelling not diving. In fact there is no need to dive as there are plenty of fish near the surface of the reef.
The islands are fairly quiet with only a bar and possibly some local entertainment in the evening.
If you are thinking of spending lots of money visiting the capital Male, suggest you dont bother as there is very little there to see.
If you want to know more then please ask.
Mike

Hi Vicky and Mike,

Thanks for your help and advice.

Mike, I see we will be there the same time as us, so maybe catch up for a beer.

My shout of course (Typical from a Scotsman only when it's A.I.).

Jimmer

Hi. I worked as Reception/Guest Relation Manager for Filitheyo for 2.5 years. Let me know if I can help with any information. It's a beautiful island - and I've visited around 25 in the Maldives and I'd still recommend Fili. The food is fantastic - better choice than some of the 5* maldive's resorts. The reef is very easy to reach and full of fish though the coral is not that colourful. For really amazing coral you should join one of the snorkel excursions by dhoni to see Ayre's Rock or Cathedral (two diving points) which are really amazing and you can almost guarantee seeing turtles there. Also Hamza Island - the uninhabited island owned by Fili is stunning. You can visit for a half or full day - and you are left with your partner on the island. The lagoon is absolutely stunning. Enjoy - it's paradise.

Hi
Thanks Rolphjul for your information. Can you clarify whether Ayre's rock and Cathedral are suitable for snorkelling as well as diving. We are only snorkelling.
We are middle aged in our 50's so not particularly young and fit but love snorkelling as long as it is not too strenuous!
Last time I went to the Maldives we went on a snorkelling trip and swam with some giant manta rays which were over 20 feet across. It really was one of the most fantastic things I have ever done in my life.
Please can you also advise on the accomodation. We have a semi detached bungalow booked with 'First Choice' holidays.
Is an upgrade to the detached bungalow worth the extra cost?
Can we do the upgrade direct with the island or do we have to do it through our tour company?
Also where are the best sited bungalows for reaching the reef?
If I contact the island before hand can I reserve a particular bungalow?
Mike

Hi there. I am also not a diver, and the spots that I mentioned are great for snorkelling as they are diving spots but they are coral formations that come almost to the top of the sea, so also ideal for snorkelling. Obviously dependent on the weather - mainly if the wind is strong - there can be some currents around but these are both circular coral blocks so normally one side can be snorkelled.... but 9/10 times the weather is amazing and you can snorkel all. It's also a nice trip this on the dhoni.

With regards to the accommodation I'd definitely recommend the upgrade to the single 'Deluxe' villas. They are positioned on the nicest beach and are more private as they are staggered slightly, one more forward, one back, etc. Also there are a few complaints sometimes that the other villas are noisy - you can hear the movements of your neighbour, especially as all the furniture is wood so when you move a chair, etc, the noise can seem quite loud. The Deluxe villas are best between 10 and 16, with the favourites normally being 12 & 14 (there is no 13). The bathrooms are fantastic in these rooms and the four-poster does look nice, however little else in the bedroom is different from the attached-style. You can upgrade on the island once you arrive - it's cheaper this way - but of course the rooms might already be fully booked and you'd have missed the opportunity (the Deluxe rooms get full quickly). You can email the resort and request the chance to upgrade and a room number. They cannot promise anything until 5 days before you travel as they have to honour their deals with the travel agents first.
If you stay in the Superior I'd recommend a number between 70-90 - that's normally the best bit of the beach this side of the island but the sands do come & go with the different monsoons, so can't guarantee that's the best at the time you go.
Hope this helps. Have a great hols - it's an amazing island.

Hi Rolphjul,

Can you please let me know what regular entertainment there is at night over there.

Also, how is the swimming pool etc? Is there a swim up bar?

Thanks,

Jimmer