joe,
by your last comment, do you mean that you're taking things to give to the aid effort when you go?
because we'd be really interested in doing the same but can't find any info about what is needed/appreciated.

we're going to the maldives in early Feb..

allie

Hi Baznallie
we are taking extra luggage and have been advised to leave items at Male airport in bins provided, also taking extra money and we will see whilst there as to the best way to make sure that it goes to those that need it most.

Regards

Joe

Hello

can anyone reccommend any good Maldive Islands/Hotels for April 2006. Ideally i need to be looking at First Choice or at least First Choice Airways who fly from Gatwick or Manchester, and needs to be in the Easter Break.

Lily Beach (in First Choice & H&J) - fantastic Island - would go again tomorrow.

also reading very good reports about Meeru and we've booked for later this year

thanks very much for that i will check it out.

Lily Beach is wonderful but I don't think it is covered by First Choice. As I sit here flicking through the Ecipse Brouchure the thing I notice about their selections is that they only offer the big resorts like Kuredu/ SunIsland/Paradise island etc wherethe island is home to 250 -350 rooms. That's not really my idea of what the Maldives is really about. -small islands with less than 100 rooms where you can always get peace and quiet.

When we were on Lily Beach this Christmas the most amount of people on the Island was 152 - our waiter used to tell us occupancy levels each day ! However of the FC selections kuredu does look great as does Filitheyo (but this is the most expensive). I would definitely reccommend the All inclusive option as drinks are very expensive - out of AI hours a beer was $5 and spirits and cocktails $10 each.

intresting, First Choice seem to have stopped doing Lily Beach, it isnt in there new brochure.

Lily Beach is wonderful but I don't think it is covered by First Choice. As I sit here flicking through the Eclipse Brouchure the thing I notice about their selections is that they only offer the big resorts like Kuredu/ SunIsland/Paradise island etc wherethe island is home to 250 -350 rooms. That's not really my idea of what the Maldives is really about. -small islands with less than 100 rooms where you can always get peace and quiet.

When we were on Lily Beach this Christmas the most amount of people on the Island was 152 - our waiter used to tell us occupancy levels each day ! However of the FC selections kuredu does look great as does Filitheyo (but this is the most expensive). I would definitely reccommend the All inclusive option as drinks are very expensive - out of AI hours a beer was $5 and spirits and cocktails $10 each

Thanks for that, Im not really bothered about rooms in the island.

Actually thats true - there were loads of Hayes and Jarvis clients at Lily Beach this year. Perhaps they only book using H & J now - prbably so they can charge a little more as H & J are seen as a little more up market than First Choice !

Can add my praises for Lily Beach.

We booked it in 2001 through Tropical Places, not sure whether they still list the location though.

Hi Topjet
Just to endorse those comments from the others, Lily beach is a great place to go, may I ask why it has to be first choice, Flew with them 2 years ago using Boeing 767, upgraded and did not get value for money, not because of the flight staff who were brilliant.

Also try looking at Reethi Beach on Baa atoll, although closed at present due to Tsunami damage should re-open soon.

Regards
Joe

This report has been added to the other.Lily Beach Trip Jan/Feb 2005

Sorry this has taken so long to write, due to work schedules.
Part 1
Holiday booking
I had experienced a few problems trying to book this holiday due to the fact that I wanted to fly from one airport and return to a different one, this was beyond almost all of the major tour operators to provide.
I booked by phone following information seen on their web site using the Holiday Place located in London, they in turn used the local Maldivian tour company Crown Tours.
Apart from a few minor admin mistakes the Holiday Place provided good value for money as we saved money compared to same holiday in 2004.
The Airport/Flight
We used Emirates departing from London Gatwick.
We arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare despite already having booked our seats through Skywards, (Emirates frequent flyer program).
The main reasons for using Gatwick was that it was nearer to our home and I did not like the long queues at check in at Heathrow last year, it proved to be the case as the check in was as effortless as I had envisaged.
Suitcases were checked in and that's the last we saw of them until we arrive in Male.
The aircraft used was a Boeing 777-300 and left on time for our 7 hour flight to Dubai.
The flight was about 70% full so there was room to move around if you so wished to.
The food was of a very good standard in fact better than last year accompanied with complimentary drinks from the bar, drinks were available for the duration of the flight if required.
The in flight entertainment system was the screen in the back of the seat type, a choice of 6 films spread across two time slots, plenty of music and video type games to keep even the most bored type of person amused.
Dubai Airport/Onward
We arrived in Dubai about 10 minutes before schedule and quickly made our way through to the airports departure concourse, this concourse is a duty free paradise and the 2 ½ hours before our onward connection passed quickly.
We settled down in an Airbus A330-200 and the flight was as trouble free as the first leg, again the food was good with drinks supplied, the flight was less that half full, this was due to fewer tourists visiting the Maldives due to the Tsunami.
Slightly different film schedule to the first leg but most passengers decided to get a little rest.
As the sun rose we were served breakfast, as always there was a choice of food was available, by the time we had eaten and had our coffee/tea the captain announced commencement of our descent, looking out from the cabin you could see lots of little islands with coral reefs becoming bigger as we descended.
We arrived in Male at 07:50, 02:50GMT.
It did not take long to get our luggage and proceed to immigration.
We took this opportunity to change into some lighter clothes.
We then went through to the arrivals area and we were met by a representative from Crown Tours holding a placard with our name on it, (always wanted to be met this way), he took our cases and took us to a booth to book us in for our sea plane transfer.
Male Seaplane Terminal
We and other tourists transferring by seaplane were taken by mini bus to the Seaplane Terminal located on the other side of the runway.
This took about 10 minutes and on arrival we were again greeted and booked in for the next available flight to Lily Beach, waiting time was about 30 to 45 minutes, use this time to freshen up and go to the Maldivian souvenir desk to get your free ear plugs.
Please do this as the noise from the seaplane is the last thing you want following a long journey, having said that the transfer is really enjoyable with spectacular views of the islands on route.

PART 2 to follow

Regards

Joe

Hi Joe

looking forward to reading part 2. We go to Lily Beach in 6 1/2 weeks. We are also flying with Emirates. Is the duty free open at 12 midnight?
Its our first time to the Maldives and I'm really looking forward to it. Any recommendations for any excursions while we are there?

Sandra

Lily Beach Trip Jan/Feb 2005

Sorry this has taken so long to write, due to work schedules.
Part 1
Holiday booking
I had experienced a few problems trying to book this holiday due to the fact that I wanted to fly from one airport and return to a different one, this was beyond almost all of the major tour operators to provide.
I booked by phone following information seen on their web site using the Holiday Place located in London, they in turn used the local Maldivian tour company Crown Tours.
Apart from a few minor admin mistakes the Holiday Place provided good value for money as we saved money compared to same holiday in 2004.

The Airport/Flight
We used Emirates departing from London Gatwick.
We arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare despite already having booked our seats through Skywards, (Emirates frequent flyer program).
The main reasons for using Gatwick was that it was nearer to our home and I did not like the long queues at check in at Heathrow last year, it proved to be the case as the check in was as effortless as I had envisaged.
Suitcases were checked in and that's the last we saw of them until we arrive in Male.
The aircraft used was a Boeing 777-300 and left on time for our 7 hour flight to Dubai.
The flight was about 70% full so there was room to move around if you so wished to.
The food was of a very good standard in fact better than last year accompanied with complimentary drinks from the bar, drinks were available for the duration of the flight if required.
The in flight entertainment system was the screen in the back of the seat type, a choice of 6 films spread across two time slots, plenty of music and video type games to keep even the most bored type of person amused.

Dubai Airport/Onward
We arrived in Dubai about 10 minutes before schedule and quickly made our way through to the airports departure concourse, this concourse is a duty free paradise and the 2 ½ hours before our onward connection passed quickly.
We settled down in an Airbus A330-200 and the flight was as trouble free as the first leg, again the food was good with drinks supplied, the flight was less that half full, this was due to fewer tourists visiting the Maldives due to the Tsunami.
Slightly different film schedule to the first leg but most passengers decided to get a little rest.
As the sun rose we were served breakfast, as always there was a choice of food was available, by the time we had eaten and had our coffee/tea the captain announced commencement of our descent, looking out from the cabin you could see lots of little islands with coral reefs becoming bigger as we descended.
We arrived in Male at 07:50, 02:50GMT.
It did not take long to get our luggage and proceed to immigration.
We took this opportunity to change into some lighter clothes.
We then went through to the arrivals area and we were met by a representative from Crown Tours holding a placard with our name on it, (always wanted to be met this way), he took our cases and took us to a booth to book us in for our sea plane transfer.

Male Seaplane Terminal
We and other tourists transferring by seaplane were taken by mini bus to the Seaplane Terminal located on the other side of the runway.
This took about 10 minutes and on arrival we were again greeted and booked in for the next available flight to Lily Beach, waiting time was about 30 to 45 minutes, use this time to freshen up and go to the Maldivian souvenir desk to get your free ear plugs.
Please do this as the noise from the seaplane is the last thing you want following a long journey, having said that the transfer is really enjoyable with spectacular views of the islands on route.

Part 2

Male to Lily Beach

Transfer from the sea terminal to Lily Beach takes about 25 minutes, you fly at about 2 ½ to 3 thousand feet and the view is breathtaking, take a small fan with you as it can be a bit stuffy, depending on how many passengers are going to your island depends on the amount of stops, usually Lily Beach is the first.
You approach the island from the north east, if you look out of the port/left hand side windows you will see the island below you, the plane sweeps around the west side and lands by the floating pontoon a Dhoni can be seen waiting nearby to collect you.
Once the seaplane ties up to the pontoon the Dhoni approaches, your cases are taken off the seaplane by the crew and then transferred to the Dhoni, you are met by a representative from the island who welcomes you aboard for the 10 minute trip to the islands jetty, at this point the whole experience feels surreal mostly due to a combination of tiredness and excitement.
On arrival you are greeted by staff who place a welcome flower garland around your neck and then escort you to the reception area to the sound of a beating drum, (traditional Madivian welcome), you are then given a cool fragrant towel and a fruit cocktail to refresh yourself whilst you register at reception and your rooms are allocated, you do this sitting in comfy chairs and not standing at the counter.
After the formalities you are escorted to your room, your cases are taken by staff so there is no need to struggle, when you arrive at your room give the person that carries your case a tip about 3 - 5 dollars per case.
Then take one big breath because you are there"¦

The Island
Lily Beach is a relatively small island and never seems to be crowded, its approx 100 x 50 metres and has two main meeting points.
1. The main reception area includes a relaxing lounge, the bar with ample seating leading to the outside decked terrace, (most of the guest's mill around this area before their evening meal), this connects via the TV and games /library area to the restaurant, the restaurant provides very good buffet style meals you will not be disappointed, all of this sits on a base of cool fine sand you will not need shoes.
2. The other area revolves around the pool, excellent facilities very good pool and very attentive staff, you could come off the beach, shower and take a dip in the pool, by the time you have had your dip the staff will have a fresh towel for you and as they get to know you, your favourite drink will be waiting for you, all this with a constant smile on their faces.
So, you can choose where you wish to spend your evening after your meal, it's up to you.
The pool is located at the Eastern end of the island, the Main area is at the centre and at the western end you will find the turtle pens, turtle's born on the island are kept in the pens until they are big and strong enough to be set free, during the Tsunami a large number of turtles had an early release.
Now I am on the subject of the Tsunami here goes.
The Tsunami affected all of the countries islands in some way or another, although nowhere near as bad as other countries, many of the staff are from inhabited Maldivian islands, and there are many from Sri Lanka, it was noticeable that they were going back and forth to sort things out, our room boy, (not actually a boy),
Returned from his island 3 days into our stay, I asked how things were, he smiled and said his family had lost all their possessions but were alive and as well as can be expected, at this my wife started to cry, Abdulla kept smiling and said not to worry.
What genuine people.

The island only had minor damage in as much as the turtles escaped and large quantities of sand were swept from one end of the island to the other.
They were lucky, the island lays East West and the wave came from the East, The protective wall did what it was supposed to, although some people find the wall unpleasant to look at, without it there would be no island.
The staff were working tirelessly to replace the displaced sand and to return the island to its former self, again always smiling.
Whilst we were there guests were down to about 60% capacity due in the main to cancellations of two centre holidays.

Snorkelling/Dive School/Water sports
The Maldives are one of the best places in the world to enjoy the underwater sea life,
To those who get bored easily just try snorkelling there is so much to see that time fly's past, once hooked, (excuse the pun), you will make it a daily routine.
I would advise you to take your own mask although there are masks available included in the package.
For those who have never snorkelled or are nervous the Dive school run a simple course which will get you going.
The Dive school is Swiss run and provide PADI courses for all standards, if you are already qualified no problem just register and join in the fun, only limitations are you are limited to 30 metres and you have to use a dive computer, available on hire if you do not have one.
The staff are friendly and speak fluent English.
Dive's are mostly from Dhoni boats at locations within 40 minutes sailing although you and a buddy may use the house reef.
The water sports area is located on the North side of the island, providing canoes, wind surfing and sailing.

Fitness and Spa
The island has a fitness area for those who wish to work out during their stay, the Gym is well stocked and the equipment of a good standard.
The Spa is a must, I can recommend the Swedish massage the best £30 you can spend.
There is a good quality tennis court which tends to get used early morning and late afternoon.

If I can fault this place it is only that in a blink of an eyelid our stay has ended, tears as we depart and joyful memories to keep forever.

Back home our thoughts drift to how we can return to relive the experience and hopefully return, if not next year, not too long afterwards.

Regards
Joe

Hi sandra
Yes the duty free is open 24/7 as for the excursions try the deserted island stay as for the others we have tried them, they are OK once but there is no need to do them again.
They are the local inhabited island, by local a 35 min sail by Dhoni,
Night fishing, night snorkelling, speed boat trip to other resorts (to compare), snorkelling trip.

Regards

Joe

Good to see you had a good holiday Joe, i think the Maldives are the ultimate beach resort, was it all inclusive at Lily beach? and did they have the feeding of the fish and rays there?

By the way, i also live in Larkfield! small world eh? live at the "poets" end near Tesco, nice and easy for Gatwick

Hi andy
Yes the island has it's fish and ray feeding at about 9 each evening, all the guests on the island are all inclusive.

Quite right it is a small world, we are at the fire station end.

Regards
Joe

Thanks for the in-depth report Joe. Is there anything we can take with us for the staff to help their families. Is it also true that there is very limited luggage space on the sea plane, although I can understand why.

Sandra

Hi Sandra
The simple answer is that taking yourselves to visit brings the income they need, we took extra cash ($) for tipping.
If you stay within your Emerates flight allowance, your luggage will be OK, on rare occations they will charge excess baggage but as I said keep within your allowance.

Any more Q's just ask, have a great time, and I predict you will.

Regards

Joe