Hi Baz,
Sorry to say this , but you will find my comments elsewhere on this site regarding Paradise Island, so I may as well repeat them. IN MY OPINION, it is too big, too commercial, has too many people and has a large, ugly sea wall. Also, as snorkelling is my hobby whilst on holiday, the snorkelling is (to put it politely) rubbish. If you are unlucky enough to have a bungalow at the wrong end of the island, it is a loooong walk to reception, bar, restaurant etc. However, there are some single bungalows that they try to reserve for honeymooners that are located very close by to the amenities...... try emailing ahead anytime now to request one of them.
If you aren't going All Inclusive and are 'drinkers', I HIGHLY recommend taking the AI upgrade when you get there! Food and drink is VERY expensive (maybe even more so now following the recent tragedy).
On the plus side, the food is excellent and cannot fault it in any shape or form....... apart from the 'chicken bacon' for breakfast?!!!!!!!!?! Service in the bar can be quite slow when it is busy. Pick a waiter or 2 in the bar when you get there and give them a $5 tip and tell them to 'look after you' during your stay, it makes a remarkable difference!! However, the strength of the drinks also can't be faulted!! If you want a cocktail, ask for them in their 'broken down' form, i.e. vodka and tomato juice with a dash of worcestershire sauce for a bloody mary, they are part of the AI in individual contents but strangely not when asked for as a cocktail!
Having said all this, if you had a water bungalow booked, I would check with your tour operator and even the island, because Paradise Island suffered damage to the water bungalow jetty (and Sunset restaurant at the end of the jetty) and people have been re-located on other islands. I suspect they will be fully operational by the time you arrive in February, but it is better to be safe than sorry. By the way, Paradise Island and it's neighbouring island (Sonevagili) were shown on the half hour ITV Tsunami news special the other night showing the damage to them both.
If this is your first trip to the Maldives, you will love it and wonder what on earth I have been rambling on about, but if you have been to other smaller, 'more personal touch' islands as I have, you will see what I mean.
Sorry if I have disillusioned you, but these are only my personal findings and no doubt others are going to completely disagree with some negative comments.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU GIVE TIPS TO THE WAITERS ETC.! They need it even more than ever now. Take lots of small US$ bills for this purpose.
I will also be going to The Maldives in February, for my 4th time........ but not to Paradise Island!!
Where will you be going? Which was your favourite island?
Hi PaulR
I enjoyed your views on Paradise Island.
Its always best to give an honest opinion and as such your views are always helpful, thats the beauty of this site.
Regards
Joe
I enjoyed your views on Paradise Island.
Its always best to give an honest opinion and as such your views are always helpful, thats the beauty of this site.
Regards
Joe
Hi Joe,
Thanks for your compliment, I was expecting a lot worse from others! I always give honest opinions but, people have to remember it is only 1 persons findings rather than a gospel written in stone!
Hi ndtal,
I will be going to Vilamendhoo, mainly for the diving and snorkelling. My favourite so far is (was) Hakuraa. Unfortunately, Hakuraa was VERY badly damaged in the recent tragedy, and, even more sadly, the manager was killed. Assessors are due to arrive at the island very soon to assess whether it is worth rebuilding. I have also been to Meedhupparu and Paradise Island.
Thanks for your compliment, I was expecting a lot worse from others! I always give honest opinions but, people have to remember it is only 1 persons findings rather than a gospel written in stone!
Hi ndtal,
I will be going to Vilamendhoo, mainly for the diving and snorkelling. My favourite so far is (was) Hakuraa. Unfortunately, Hakuraa was VERY badly damaged in the recent tragedy, and, even more sadly, the manager was killed. Assessors are due to arrive at the island very soon to assess whether it is worth rebuilding. I have also been to Meedhupparu and Paradise Island.
thanks for you comments paul, we are going all inc as we've heard that drinks are expensive.
we are not staying in a water bungalow, so no worries about those i guess...
i've checked the website and the island is fully operational but there's no mention of how much damage has been caused.
it's good to hear that the food is nice.
do you remember how much the snorkelling trips/snorkel hire were?
i know that some AI include the snorkelling
we are not staying in a water bungalow, so no worries about those i guess...
i've checked the website and the island is fully operational but there's no mention of how much damage has been caused.
it's good to hear that the food is nice.
do you remember how much the snorkelling trips/snorkel hire were?
i know that some AI include the snorkelling
Hi Baz,
Sorry, I can't remember about the snorkel gear hire, I took my own. Again, I don't know how much the snorkel trips were as I dived a lot. However, if you email the diving centre at ddcpar@delphis.com.mv they should be able to tell you all you need to know. Sorry I can't be of much help.
Sorry, I can't remember about the snorkel gear hire, I took my own. Again, I don't know how much the snorkel trips were as I dived a lot. However, if you email the diving centre at ddcpar@delphis.com.mv they should be able to tell you all you need to know. Sorry I can't be of much help.
Hi Paul
(sorry about intruding on your post Baz)
I was just wondering what rooms no's you would recommend, we would prefer to be on a quiet side away from the view of the sea wall. If that is poss? I will email the island nearer the time.
Also, was the diving off of the island good?
Thank you, Nicola
(sorry about intruding on your post Baz)
I was just wondering what rooms no's you would recommend, we would prefer to be on a quiet side away from the view of the sea wall. If that is poss? I will email the island nearer the time.
Also, was the diving off of the island good?
Thank you, Nicola
Hi Nicola,
You have a PM (you don't seem to be getting my emails).
I'm sorry, I can't remember the room numbers, but I highly recommend the North end of the island and in particular the North West side. The watersports centre is there but, in my opinion, has the best beach. The North East side is quieter, but the sea isn't as good as the NW and is quite rocky/stoney. If you email me, I will send you a map of the island. The map does have the room numbers on, but you can't quite make them out.
The diving was the dogs (!), in particular Banana Reef. It had really strong currents for at least half of it, but was a superb drift dive. I got knocked against a coral block and scratched my shin, but I didn't care, I wouldn't have missed it for the world! I almost found out what colour adrenalin is!!! I also managed to 'sit' next to a Turtle that was feeding on the coral. When are you going?
Email me.
Regards,
Paul.
You have a PM (you don't seem to be getting my emails).
I'm sorry, I can't remember the room numbers, but I highly recommend the North end of the island and in particular the North West side. The watersports centre is there but, in my opinion, has the best beach. The North East side is quieter, but the sea isn't as good as the NW and is quite rocky/stoney. If you email me, I will send you a map of the island. The map does have the room numbers on, but you can't quite make them out.
The diving was the dogs (!), in particular Banana Reef. It had really strong currents for at least half of it, but was a superb drift dive. I got knocked against a coral block and scratched my shin, but I didn't care, I wouldn't have missed it for the world! I almost found out what colour adrenalin is!!! I also managed to 'sit' next to a Turtle that was feeding on the coral. When are you going?
Email me.
Regards,
Paul.
I have just returned from Paradise Island and it was certainly true to it's name!!! The service was fantastic with a new drink being delivered before I'd finished my 1st. The food was amazing, and as long as you remeber their religion forbids pork (making chicken bacon a satisfactory alternative) you will find a wide variety catering for all needs. The snorkelling was excellent, especially at the designated point, and I often found myself in the company of baby black tipped sharks (very friendly and completely harmless).
The facilities are second to none, but they're not pushed on you so your free to do your own thing. Although we had a room a long way from the main bar and restaurant, it was actually really nice taking a slow wander back after a few drinks and large meal.
The Island has suffered some damage from the Tsunami, and therefore the water bungalows and 1 of the restaurants are not functional, the beach bar is also closed. This could however be seen as a bit of an advantage as many people have cancelled. It was very quite, with a warm friendly atmosphere, and although it is a large island resort there were about 150 people maximum.
All in all it was amazing!!!
The facilities are second to none, but they're not pushed on you so your free to do your own thing. Although we had a room a long way from the main bar and restaurant, it was actually really nice taking a slow wander back after a few drinks and large meal.
The Island has suffered some damage from the Tsunami, and therefore the water bungalows and 1 of the restaurants are not functional, the beach bar is also closed. This could however be seen as a bit of an advantage as many people have cancelled. It was very quite, with a warm friendly atmosphere, and although it is a large island resort there were about 150 people maximum.
All in all it was amazing!!!
Zoedanni,
Glad you enjoyed it...... obviously your first time to Maldives! Go again and experience a smaller island, you will enjoy it twice as much as Paradise Island!
Glad you enjoyed it...... obviously your first time to Maldives! Go again and experience a smaller island, you will enjoy it twice as much as Paradise Island!
hi all,
can anyone tell me what the weather is like mid october, we are looking to book for 10 days but wondered about the weather, is it rainy season?
thanks all elaine.
can anyone tell me what the weather is like mid october, we are looking to book for 10 days but wondered about the weather, is it rainy season?
thanks all elaine.
Hi Elaine
October is still in what they call the wet season, but don't be put off, if and that's a big if it rains it will be short lived, temperatures are in the high 80's, if your in the water snorkling your wet in any case.
follow this link to view the weather.
http://www.meteorology.gov.mv
regards
Joe
October is still in what they call the wet season, but don't be put off, if and that's a big if it rains it will be short lived, temperatures are in the high 80's, if your in the water snorkling your wet in any case.
follow this link to view the weather.
http://www.meteorology.gov.mv
regards
Joe
thanks for the infor jo
rain or shine we will be going to paradise island on 13 october and i cant wait. me and hubby will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary, (i dont know where all the years have gone) so really looking forward to the holiday. any info would be grately appreciated especially as my husband dives, what are the best dive sites, i snorkell so wont be left out. last few holidays (6) we have been to egypt and dived the red sea. i dont think we will be disappointed judging on the info i have picked up on the internet about diving in the maldives. any infor grately apprecialted.
thanks elaine.
rain or shine we will be going to paradise island on 13 october and i cant wait. me and hubby will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary, (i dont know where all the years have gone) so really looking forward to the holiday. any info would be grately appreciated especially as my husband dives, what are the best dive sites, i snorkell so wont be left out. last few holidays (6) we have been to egypt and dived the red sea. i dont think we will be disappointed judging on the info i have picked up on the internet about diving in the maldives. any infor grately apprecialted.
thanks elaine.
We stayed on Paradise last year and can try to answer any specific questions you have.
I seem to remember that the dive school on Paradise (Delphis) wouldn't allow non-divers or snorkellers on the dive boats (snorkellers had speerate trips) so you may want to bear that in mind.
The dive sites around Paradise Island are excellent. Lankan is famous for the Mantas although they tend to be at the cleaning station there (15m depth) between March and November - we did see some at the end of November and also visited the same site from another island this August and again had some very close encounters with these beautiful creatures. Paradise Rock is on the doorstep - the thila top at around 5m is stunning although we had some fairly stiff current on it when we dived - it's a good spot for pelagics when you drop off the thila wall. Okobe Thila, (Barracuda Giri), and the famous Banana and HP reefs are also a must-see for divers. There is also the Maldives victory wreck site .
Paradise Island is protected by a sea wall which makes for some interesting snorkelling as it is home to loads of smaller morays, lobster, crabs etc. The lagoon itself is shallow and there are some baby blacktip reef sharks that visit (mostly at twilight) regularly.
Whilst some of the Maldivian Islands are definately "no news, no shoes" resorts - Paradise doesn't quite fall into either of those categories - it is larger and busier than most we have visited. You will certainly need shoes on the paths around the island as they are a bit gritty and uncomfortable to walk on barefoot - flip flops or similar are ideal. It is still very informal, and dress cose is very casual even in the evenings.
They have (or at least, had) a chef whose sole occupation was carving fruit and vegetables into beautiful displays for the buffets - he actually holds international titles for this (he's Sri Lankan).I believe he won the Asian carving championships. When I complimented our waiter on some of his work, we were introduced and the chef subsequently invited me to watch him at work one afternoon which was fascinating. Some of his pieces are so good that you are hard pressed to believe they could possibly have been carved from a veggie or watermelon!!
hope you enjoy your trip to Paradise !!
I seem to remember that the dive school on Paradise (Delphis) wouldn't allow non-divers or snorkellers on the dive boats (snorkellers had speerate trips) so you may want to bear that in mind.
The dive sites around Paradise Island are excellent. Lankan is famous for the Mantas although they tend to be at the cleaning station there (15m depth) between March and November - we did see some at the end of November and also visited the same site from another island this August and again had some very close encounters with these beautiful creatures. Paradise Rock is on the doorstep - the thila top at around 5m is stunning although we had some fairly stiff current on it when we dived - it's a good spot for pelagics when you drop off the thila wall. Okobe Thila, (Barracuda Giri), and the famous Banana and HP reefs are also a must-see for divers. There is also the Maldives victory wreck site .
Paradise Island is protected by a sea wall which makes for some interesting snorkelling as it is home to loads of smaller morays, lobster, crabs etc. The lagoon itself is shallow and there are some baby blacktip reef sharks that visit (mostly at twilight) regularly.
Whilst some of the Maldivian Islands are definately "no news, no shoes" resorts - Paradise doesn't quite fall into either of those categories - it is larger and busier than most we have visited. You will certainly need shoes on the paths around the island as they are a bit gritty and uncomfortable to walk on barefoot - flip flops or similar are ideal. It is still very informal, and dress cose is very casual even in the evenings.
They have (or at least, had) a chef whose sole occupation was carving fruit and vegetables into beautiful displays for the buffets - he actually holds international titles for this (he's Sri Lankan).I believe he won the Asian carving championships. When I complimented our waiter on some of his work, we were introduced and the chef subsequently invited me to watch him at work one afternoon which was fascinating. Some of his pieces are so good that you are hard pressed to believe they could possibly have been carved from a veggie or watermelon!!
hope you enjoy your trip to Paradise !!
thanks tah-m for the info.
little disappointed that the dive boats do not allow snorkelling on the same boat as the divers, as i dont dive so looks like i will be left behind,
always been able to go on the boat in egypt.
we have booked bed and breakfast and are considering upgrading to half board, is this something you would recommend or are the restaurants reasonably priced for evening meals.
little disappointed that the dive boats do not allow snorkelling on the same boat as the divers, as i dont dive so looks like i will be left behind,
always been able to go on the boat in egypt. we have booked bed and breakfast and are considering upgrading to half board, is this something you would recommend or are the restaurants reasonably priced for evening meals.
We found Paradise pretty expensive in comparison to some other Maldivian Isldands we have been at - and in the end upgraded to AI while we were there. I'm sorry but I don't have access to the upgrade costs. Can only suggest you try a couple of days on B&B, work out the costs and then request the upgrade (perhaps to FB/HB as an interim) as appropriate. There will be no problem upgrading part way through your holiday!.
We've been to 5 Maldivian Islands and only on one occasion have we ever seen snorkellers on the same boat as divers. Most Maldivian diving is drift diving, and the boats have to be able to move with the current (usually different at depth) to collect divers who pop up at varying intervals and often in very different places from each other. Having snorkellers in the water would make this impossible as the boats are more or less constantly manoevering to follow predicted current paths and/or bubble trails. They also operate the small Dhoni dive boats - rather than the more luxurious boats usually found in Egypt which have sun decks and space for non-divers to get away from the dive platform.
hopefully you will be able to match the times of a snorkelling trip with his dive boat excursions and meet up again at lunchtime to discuss your different experiences. Paradise tend to run a 2-tank trip in the morning (8.15 - 12.00 ish) and a single tank afternoon dive (2pm - 4.30ish) - fortunately, unlike Egypt, the sites are relatively close and you don't have to be at the jetty at 7 - not to return until mid afternoon. Should at least be back at Paradise for meals !!
We've been to 5 Maldivian Islands and only on one occasion have we ever seen snorkellers on the same boat as divers. Most Maldivian diving is drift diving, and the boats have to be able to move with the current (usually different at depth) to collect divers who pop up at varying intervals and often in very different places from each other. Having snorkellers in the water would make this impossible as the boats are more or less constantly manoevering to follow predicted current paths and/or bubble trails. They also operate the small Dhoni dive boats - rather than the more luxurious boats usually found in Egypt which have sun decks and space for non-divers to get away from the dive platform.
hopefully you will be able to match the times of a snorkelling trip with his dive boat excursions and meet up again at lunchtime to discuss your different experiences. Paradise tend to run a 2-tank trip in the morning (8.15 - 12.00 ish) and a single tank afternoon dive (2pm - 4.30ish) - fortunately, unlike Egypt, the sites are relatively close and you don't have to be at the jetty at 7 - not to return until mid afternoon. Should at least be back at Paradise for meals !!
thanks tah-m
what form of payment for meals/drinks run in paradise island - do you charge everything to the room and pay by credit card at the end of your holiday or do we need to take US$ or english £ for drinks over the bar, meals etc.
elaine
what form of payment for meals/drinks run in paradise island - do you charge everything to the room and pay by credit card at the end of your holiday or do we need to take US$ or english £ for drinks over the bar, meals etc.
elaine
hi there nikki
me and hubby have booked to go to paradise island in october 05. never been to maldives before but will report back when we return. we booked our 10 night holiday thru airline network flying from gatwick.
me and hubby have booked to go to paradise island in october 05. never been to maldives before but will report back when we return. we booked our 10 night holiday thru airline network flying from gatwick.
forgot to mention on my earlier post, i have read about sand flies and how annoying they are!!!! what is the best deterent will mosquitoe spray/cream do or will i need something else, and are mosquitoes around in october, usually get bit a lot. 
Mossies SHOULD be better in Oct than July/Aug as it's the end of the rainy season and they spray regularly on Paradise. I used impregnated wrist bands this year and didn't do too badly - but a decent repellent and some after-bite (I like Benadryl) is a MUST in your suitcase. some folk swear by Woodland Fresh / Skin-so-soft green bottle by Avon but it doesn't help me much - I'm definately sweetmeat to mossies!!
Regardless of what basis you are booked into Paradise on (B&B/ FB/ AI etc) you have to sign for EVERYTHING and it is all billed / put down against your AI s appropriate and you settle up by whatever means at the end of the hols (thank heaven's for the plastic). It is efectively a cash-less Island - you leave your wallet in your room safe and only get it out as you pack to go home.
You should take some low denomination US dollars though for tips (and little gifts for roomboys/waiters kids or the local island trip go down very well - pencils, toiletries etc are fine) . They all LOVE football so replica shirts are sought after if you happen to have an old one (don't need to be current strips) that you can leave at the end of your holiday! Saves taking it home to wash
Regardless of what basis you are booked into Paradise on (B&B/ FB/ AI etc) you have to sign for EVERYTHING and it is all billed / put down against your AI s appropriate and you settle up by whatever means at the end of the hols (thank heaven's for the plastic). It is efectively a cash-less Island - you leave your wallet in your room safe and only get it out as you pack to go home.
You should take some low denomination US dollars though for tips (and little gifts for roomboys/waiters kids or the local island trip go down very well - pencils, toiletries etc are fine) . They all LOVE football so replica shirts are sought after if you happen to have an old one (don't need to be current strips) that you can leave at the end of your holiday! Saves taking it home to wash
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