Angsana Velavaru

Overall: I had high expectations for this trip and had done A LOT of research so although I knew it would be incredible, I was surprised at how much this resort exceeded my expectations. I am known to be quite fussy and had gone through a large list of potential resorts before deciding on this one - and I'm very glad I did. I have never seen the point of returning to the same place twice (too many places to go, so little time) but I am confident I will be returning in the future. Also, despite being luxurious it had a very authentic and laid-back style which suited us. Despite being a family resort it was very peaceful (possibly due to the kids club) and nothing was 'overdone'. Lots of guests were serial returners and had been coming for years, even multiple times a year - and I can understand why. The room: We booked a Beachfront Infinity Pool Room and stayed in room 132. I think if we came back I'd want the same room again! It was perfect. They provided the usual amenities (shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, liquid soap, body moisturiser, hair dryer, safe, hangers, extra pillows, toothbrushes, toothpaste, nail files, beach towels, bath robes, etc), a welcome drink and a fruit platter, an extensive mini bar with snacks (free and replaced daily on our all-inclusive deal) but also incense stick and an oil burner. It smelt so good that we burned both daily and had to stock up on our own at the gift shop! Our pool was a great size, perfect for cooling off in and we had a large decking area with a table, chairs and a large sun lounger and we had virtually complete privacy. We also had our own set of sun loungers on the beach which was great and meant no rushing to secure a spot in the morning! We stayed on the SE side of the island and got sun all day, could see sunsets from the beach and it was very quiet. We had a second outside area to the rear of the room which had a toilet, 2 x showers and a bath (bath and a shower outside, 2nd shower and toilet covered). It was great, lots of space, had drying racks for our swimsuits and snorkel gear and felt really luxurious. We were looked after by Khalid throughout our stay who was wonderful - extremely warm, friendly and always going above and beyond. He truly made our stay so enjoyable and spoke with me about the local wildlife which was very interesting. Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to say goodbye - but thank you Khalid! The resort: We loved our room and outside space so much we didn't venture out a lot of the time, even accidentally missing lunch on several days, but the rest of the island was great! The water really is that colour, and the sand really is that white! Food was great in the buffet restaurant and even though there are themes each night there's enough difference that even if you're quite fussy you'll be fine - the food was so good it helped me come out of my comfort zone and try lots of new things. The waiters and chefs were all very friendly and accommodating and special thanks to Trimal (for always convinced us to have way more pudding than necessary) and Shimraah, Hussain and Hathlm for being so attentive. We visited the Pool Bar a few times and had delicious cocktails and mocktails, and the a la carte menu was incredible - I was not expecting to find such an amazing pizza in the Maldives, and the tuna steaks were the best we've had). Zipo and Litu were great, always smiling and helpful! The dive centre: We decided to do our PADI Open Water Course whilst we were away as where better than the Maldives! I had contacted the centre prior to our arrival and always received very detailed, prompt responses which was incredibly helpful. Sylvia was our instructor and we couldn't have asked for better! We completed the course over a few days and at a pace that suited us, and we came away having learnt a lot but feeling confident. We saw incredible wildlife (it was a bad day if you only saw 1 turtle, a couple sharks and a handful of rays, not to mention all the fish of differing colours/sizes). Sylvia was very friendly, patient and a great teacher! My partner enjoyed it so much he booked in for another 2 dives after completing (I would have joined but I'd hurt my foot and couldn't put fins on). All the people at the centre and on the boats were knowledgeable, lovely and we couldn't fault a single thing. We brought our own masks, fins, snorkel and rash vests but all could be borrowed. Activities: The house reef was a short boat ride away and there were daily sessions to take you out. I'm not a snorkeler but my partner went every day and really enjoyed it! He's told me he has hours of Go Pro footage to go through with me! I did have a little snorkel off the beach and, although not as incredible as the reef, I did spot more than enough fish, baby sharks and rays! Not even a foot into the water and you could see fish - it was amazing. We didn't book in at any other restaurants, day trips or the spa, but the offering was extensive. There was daily bird feeding which was great and always attracted lots of Lovebirds! We also didn't end up doing any watersports (amazing how much time reading a book by the pool can take up), but there was a large selection and the island is small enough that you could easily do a lap in the canoes/paddleboards. They had nightly activities at the Pool Bar, but I preferred to have an early dinner to get back to the room and have a midnight pool dip or star gaze on the beach. Thank you to everyone at the resort, we will be back! Read less

Paradise. Wonderful snorkelling and scuba diving with knowledgeable and hospitable Ahmed and Sylvie. Amazing swimming with a Whale shark and manta ray. A world of colourful coral and fish. Azee kept our room immaculate and surprised us with special wedding anniversary decorations and cake. Appa that manages the restaurant provides world class fresh and delicious food for every meal. Rohim creates fast and delicious Maldivian omelettes with a smile. Great service everywhere. Live music was excellent at the bar and service impeccable. Love birds flew into our hands and we fed them with Numjalee. Everything is beautiful. Immaculate. Leaves are cleared, flowers grown, hedges trimmed, staff smiling and friendly. The worst part of Angsana Velavaru was having to leave. Read less

We had a rest in the beginning of December. We liked everything very much from the meeting to the departure! The staff is excellent, friendly, in particular I want to note the girl from the waitresses, I don’t remember her name unfortunately (not tall) and the guy from the pool bar Shamaan. As for our villa, and it had its own pool, everything was just great! Clean and tidy. They always cleaned and replenished the bar. The guide Alina, Russian-speaking, was always friendly and at any time you could contact her with any question. The result of the vacation, everything is great! I recommend!!! Read less