More about Chaaya Island Dhonveli
Xmas at Dhonveli
by TripAdvisor Member shelly67
DH, I and 2 of our teenaged children went to Dhonveli for a week at Xmas for some much needed R&R. DH and I have been to the Maldives before (to Meeru before it was extended to the size resort it is now).
The island itself is disappointing but only by Maldivian standards - there is not a great deal of greenery (Meeru was very lush and green and "jungly") and the beach is not very big and also the sand is not the finest. BUT you ARE in the Maldives and anywhere in the Maldives is beautiful and has the same beautiful sky and wonderful Indian Ocean.
The staff couldn't really be faulted - they were exceptionally friendly and eager to please; the food and drinks service was excellent and if anything, I would say that Dhonveli was better than Meeru in this area.
The rooms are fine - not luxurious and quite dark (as many seem to be in the Maldives) but clean, spacious and adequate. We had a beach villa and then moved to a beach cottage. These were both on the beach side of the island (the other side of the island is great for the sunsets but has no real beach or sandy area plus the waves and currents are quite strong on the opposite side). The beach villa we originally had was right on a rocky area with no sand so was a little disapppojnting in that respect but the rooms were extremely spacious. The beach cottages are smaller but have the nice 4 poster beds (we were moved as we had requested interconnecting rooms) and the beach cottages that we were in were on the sandy area of the beach so a very nice location. We were also very near to the bar and the restaurant which was convenient and we were not troubled by any noise from these areas.
Both rooms had partial outdoor bathrooms which were nice although water pressure was so low and the water usually only tepid so taking a bath was not really possible but nothing beats showering in the open air under that beautiful sky and you wouldn't want anything warmer than tepid!
No real problems with bugs - a couple of cockroaches as you would expect but they sprayed (rooms and outside) every day so when we had them in the rooms/bathrooms they were usually dead. And a few of the tiny ants that you always get. No problems with mossies when we were there.
Room boys were good and always did a good job and rooms kept spotlessly clean.
When we were there the Sunset Bar and the Rehendi Bar were both all inclusive and the Ko Bar appears to have shut down. The drinks were good and bar tenders great. the Rehendi Bar was our favourite place - very quiet and relaxing and was always great sat by the waters edge with a drink watching the black tipped sharks, manta and sting rays and dolphins etc.
They do need to get their all inclusive deal sorted out - the staff were not all clear on what was and what wasn't included and this led to a few unnecessary and embarassing exchanges. the problem is that they appear to currently have different all inclusive deals for different nationalities e.g. it is only all inclusive at the Rehendi Bar for Brits and I also believe that it is only Brits that get brandy and selected cocktails included. The best bet is to ask for the all inclusive menu - they have them at both bars and that clearly states what is and what is not included. Note that they have a laminated poster at the Sunset Bar with what is included on it but this is not correct - there is a bi-fold proper all inclusive menu which includes several alcoholic and non alcoholic cocktails, campari, tia maria, martini etc and the usual local spirits.
We booked (not all inclusive) a lobster meal at the Rehendi Bar for Xmas Day (a very pleasant change to turkey). This was nice, service was good but we made the mistake of letting them seat us inside, right in the centre of the restaurant and the lack of air made it so unbearably hot.. By dessert I couldn't stand it any more and asked if we could sit outside. We then just picked up our drinks and occupied a bar table outside and was then really embarassed when two of the staff proceeded to carry our entire table outside for us - what service!
The snorkelling was good and our children thoroughly enjoyed it but there isn't really a house reef and we didn't think that the snorkelling was as good as elsewhere in the Maldives. We were much too busy relaxing to take the snorkelling trip so I can't comment on that!
The ocean around Dhonveli is not as still as we are used to in the Maldives even the lagoon had currents and slight waves and tidal movement etc - it was still beautiful though.
There was a problem with a large group of other guests in the resort who arrived and were very rude, disruptive, loud and had appalling manners - even using their fingers to help themselves to salads etc at the buffet. However, the management were aware of these issues and did what they could and ultimately this particular group only stayed a day or so.
There was plenty of entertainment in the evening - of dubious quality (but did make us laugh) - but that's not what we went for. We did participate on Xmas Eve though when they had a gala dinner and lots of entertainment and we all had a really good time.
Was very disappointed though about the building work. We had been informed that there was still some going on but had been told that this was just internal cosmetic finishing etc. This is not the case. They are still building water bungalows and all day, every day, we could hear angle grinders, hammers and drills etc. Fortunately, the sound of the sea was loud enough to take the edge off the noise. However, the work did not stop there. One day we were asked by housekeeping if it was ok if they did some work on the roof of our rooms which we obviously agreed to. We were told that this would be completed by about 2pm. This was about 9.30/10am. What they failed to tell us is that they were removing and replacing the entire roof. We therefore had not removed any of our belongings from the patio areas or the outdoor bathroom and everything got covered in rotten thatch. We were also unable to use the rooms to change or use the bathrooms etc. That evening we also had booked onto the sunset fishing trip and by the time we left at 5pm, we were still unable to access our rooms for showers etc....this was really disappointing.
Then on our last night, we were telephoned and warned that there would be some building work going on near our room up until about 10pm that evening..... this was our last night and we had planned an early night so we could make the most use of our last morning. The work was actually a JCB going down the beach to try to flatten the ridge caused by the tide. The work went on well past 10pm and they didn't finish it either so I suspect it would have continued again the following night.
The other small disappointment was that there are a fair few islands around Dhonveli, many of which are using bright halogen type lighting. Dhonveli also have halogen lighting down where they JCB works at night where the water bungalows are being built (it looks as though they are building another restaurant). One of the things that I love about the Maldives is the lack of light pollution means that the night sky and stars etc are a joy - unfortunately, not as much of a joy at Dhonveli.
I also have a slight concern about how the Island will cope with all the additional guests once the water bunglows are complete as during our last couple of days, the resort was very busy (was very quiet when we arrived) and, as the beach was so small and most people used the beach, the beach got quite busy.
In summary though I have to stay that we achieved what we wanted - chilling out for a week at Xmas - great food and drink and beautiful surroundings and at a reasonable price. Just not as beautiful as other Maldivian resorts but then again, the price is also not as high as some other resorts and Xmas here beats Xmas in Blighty any day!
Thoroughly enjoyed Dhonveli, a touch of paradise !
by TripAdvisor Member Cami&Isi
Campbell & Isobel. Ayrshire, Scotland.
We returned from Dhonveli Beach and Spa on 13th November. We had a wonderful time, although on reflection we would have done a few things differently. We booked on a half board basis thinking that this would give us more freedom of choice and as we don't drink much on holiday we thought it would work out cheaper for us. BIG MISTAKE ! ! When we asked about upgrading before we left we were quoted £350 each but by going half board we managed to spend £900 in the 2 weeks and that was us cutting back on the second week. The water alone was $4 and don't go near the mini bar ! Also look out for the 10% charge on everything, excursions, massages, food & drinks !
We spoke to a Newcastle couple who had been before and they had packed load of chocolate & biscuits before leaving home, as they are very hard to come by on this island ! Good tip for people with a sweet tooth !
The good points were :
Beautiful scenery, delicious food, wonderful massages, terrific weather, accommodation & room cleanliness 1st class, staff very hospitable and the dolphin watching is a must !
We had a delightful 2 weeks but would like to try a different island on our next trip to the Maldives.
Prepare to gain a few pounds!
by NatalieDonnan about Dhonveli Restaurant
The Dhonveli Restaurant is very intimate and cool with beautiful decor and natural sand floors to dig your feet into as you eat.
Meals on Veligandu are always served buffet style apart from one night a week when it is a la carte. There is a massive selection of salads, vegtables, meats and fish and you definately will get a meal to suit even the fussiest eaters. There are also vegetarian options available. The curries and the Tomato and Garlic Soup were my favourite!
I am not a 'desert person' but on Veligandu I had a desert twice daily. They are scrumptous! Lots of little cakes and fresh fruit, even jelly and ice cream sometimes. Make sure you eat your jelly and ice cream on your way back to your table or it could well have already melted, as i found out!
The service is great and the air conditioning makes eating very comfortable on those hot maldivian nights. Every type of curry, particularly the tuna curry.
Roasted tomato and garlic soup, thin in texture which made it refreshing with large whole cloves of garlic - I had four bowls of this, i must have smelt lovely!
The deserts!
Eggs whatever way you want them done for breakfast.
You get what you pay for
by TripAdvisor Member Kawazzaki
Spent 2 weeks here and can say that the staff are very good, rooms large and clean . However, the resort needs some serious money spent on it to bring it up to standard. There was a lovely large pool (unusual for the Maldives) with about 26 loungers but only had 6 cushions! also the decking was a death trap and was being continually repaired throughout the holiday. On the AI you can only use the main buffet restaurant and whilst there was a good selection the quality was poor unless you like fish a lot. I have been to the Maldives before and would not recommend Dhonveli for a first time experience. Sorry as I really wanted to like this.
Just Fabulous
by TripAdvisor Member Jamapy71
We stayed at this hotel in November 2006. It was a last minute booking in the aim of completly de-stressing!!
It worked - this island is so laid back. The surroundings are absolutely beautiful, the rooms are large and airy, with only a few steps to your own little private area of beach.
The staff service is first class, and there is a genuine desire to please.
I tried to return cups / glasses to the bar, and they nearly had a fit!!
The food is great, with a very good choice every day, but would definately recommend the AI as it will be a VERY expensive holiday otherwise.
In terms of value for money, this hotel fits the bill. It was our first experience of the Maldives, and we are desperate to go again already. Nowhere else we have been has even come close to this little bit of paradise.
I would love to try other islands now, but would definately go back to the Dhonveli any time.
Be careful with your mobile phone
by TripAdvisor Member Josephine-Hadley
We stayed at Dhonveli end of July, start of August 2006 and overall had a lovely time. Great rooms, wonderful weather for off season and scenic location.
We stayed half board and found it very expensive, a small can of Heineken was $5 and lunches were quite pricey so it soon added up.
On returning home, my July mobile phone bill was around £65 which was around double what my normal monthly bills are but I just put it down to charges being higher abroad, although I really did not use the phone much. Then my August bill arrived and it was £165 which was a good bit higher than normal. I talked with Vodafone and they confirmed that my phone had been used for calls to other mobile phones issued in the Maldives and my itemised bill confirmed this also. The calls had been made whilst we were at breakfast, dinner and out and about during the daytime and I never brought the phone out of our room. The only explanation for this is that the chap who was cleaning our room twice daily was also using my telephone. We also tipped him heavily at the end of our 2 week stay!
I have tried to contact Dhonveli and First Choice and have received no response so far. Travel insurance won't cover this kind of loss although it is theft. I have paid the bills, but feel very unhappy that I was put into this position when he was issued with a key to our room and was in a position of trust.
So, watch out for your phones whilst staying at this resort is my advice.
Never again
by TripAdvisor Member Dessy
We have just spent two weeks on the worst island in the Maldives. Unfortunally we did not read this site before booking or going.
We booked with first choice on the web and as I work in Serbia their service was perfect we collected the tickets at Gatwick had a very comfortable flight with not a worry in our heads. The transfer from Male to the island again was perfect watching the dolphins jumping, enjoying the cool breeze,soaking up the sun. Our arrival on Dhonveli went very smoothly we were took to our room Sunset villa and our luggage soon followed, we quickly changed into swim wear and went to the beach outside our room for a cooling refreshing swim this is where the holiday went down hill.
It was not a beach as shown on the hotel website it was pure dead and sharp coral. Luckly we had our diving shoes, after our swim and as we had flown through the night we went for a nap before dinner.
The resturant again caused us problems as you are not able to pick a table it is assigned to you for the complete stay. The couple who we sat with were very nice otherwise it could of been a bit of a nightmare. The problems were as follows ITALIANS,ITALIANS, I have never in my life experienced anything like this.We thought wrongly that we would have a very peaceful,romantic holiday WRONG {Before I go on, our bestman and other very close friends are Italian} The Italians on the island were rude. pushing into the buffet between my wife and me and when questioned why .gave us abuse its lucky I know a little italian, children barely able to walk wandering around the resturant ,being very nearly stood on and the parents leaving the kids to do what they wanted. The noice it was next to impossible to hold a conversation,and then the Italian tour reps arrived shouting and I mean shouting about absolutely nothing, this went on at every meal and every day total nightmare.
On a positive note the staff were very helpful and could not do enough for you.The food was again very good nothing to complain about at all.
The next problem arose the next morning, when after a late sleep we went to the lagoon and discovered all the sun lounges and parasols {14 for over 120 guests} were all taken and believe me you need shade in the Maldives, so after a little swimming we retired to the Surf bar for some shade and a cool drink.At this point we understood that this was not a Island for comfort ,as a early report stated not a cushion in sight,{except the Rehendy bar and you asked the staff}. No cushions on the sun lounges and no cushions on any seat in any resturant or bar at all.
I could go on and on but it makes me very angry to think about it.
To any person thinking about going to Dhonveli DO NOT GO unless you are Italian.
paradice
by TripAdvisor Member jay6
This was our first visit to the maldives.what a beautiful place it is.The people are very friendly and genuine,they can,t do enough for you.The transferre is about 25min by speed boat,when you arrive your cases are taken directly to your room.We were treated to a refreshing soft drink and a warm towel in the reception. Booking in was the most pleasent i have ever experienced in all the times i've travelled abroard,you sit on a comfortable sofa and the rep sort everything out for you no need for quening, the staff brings you your key and personnally shows you to your room.
my husdand and i stayed in one of the water bunglows, they are situated up the top end of the island,there is a four posted bed,jacuzzi and decking over looking the ocean,the current is very strong here so only go in if your a stronge swimmer.
The main restaurant and sunset bar is about a 5-10min stroll away where you have all your meals and drinks.we went AI as the water alone is $3 so well worth paying the extra money. The rhinedi bar which is situated by the water bunlgows is loverly and quite and was included in the AI except on the last day of our holiday the waiters told us it had been withdrawn and we could only use the sunset bar. we complain to the mangement and they did reinstated it only for us so do check if it is included or not.
the food in the restaurant was cooked and tasted loverly, so much choice and it was different every day. you have the same table throughout your holiday and have a chance to have a gala meal (not included in the AI) out on the beach. they use our table,put it on the beach surrounded by candle under the moon light very romantic!!
we went in the middle of august and the sun is very strong we took factor 15 it wasn't strong enough we bunrt on the first day.(we've travelled all over europe including florida and this is the first time we burnt) so you will need to take something a lot stronger then your use to.
the beach around the blue lagoon is white and sandy,but there is a few boulders and a lot of shingle as you step into the water so it is a good idea to take some wet shoes with the rubber soles. The snookling here is very good,there is a reef thats is packed full of differant varieties of fish. there is also a house reef just by the harbour wall my husband said it was very good,but you need to keep one eye on the boats coming in and out. I felt it was very dangerous as the boats do come in at speed. there is also a scuba diving school run by the italians,the lady spoke good english and she took my husband out on a solo dive well worth doing. he could of done the padi course but it would of taken 5 days out of our holiday.
There was some buliding work going on,but it was very discreet,the main part of the resort is now finished. they are building some more water bunglows but it is well away from where you sit.
tipping, it was loverly not to have to carry any money around with you the rep told us to give a tip at the end of your holiday. about $10 per week for the room boy and about the same for your waiter.in the bars if you had extra good service then tip at your discretion.
all in all we had a wonderful time i don't think we would go back to this resort,but defiantly go back to the maldives.
Wonderfull warm & friendly
by TripAdvisor Member SASSSIE
We returned from Dhonvei on the 18th October the last reviewer had some relevant statements but do not let this put you off going yes there are some improvements required around the pool area but cannot agree on the restaurant the food was fab there was literally something for everyone a full salad bar a range of hot dishes, pasta dishes cooked while you wait and specials also cooked while you wait. The staff cannot do enough for you, and the new management are seriously looking to upgrade this island the Italian Animations team will be gone by Jan 15 2007 GREAT! these were the only problem as far as we were concerned.
If you want to experience the Maldives but not go to one of the more commercial islands then this is for you it is small warm and friendly with a good mix of guests with staff and management happy to make your special occasion a memborable one! Our thanks to Robert, Lucky, Ishan, Ismal and Shanti
Wonderfull warm & friendly
by TripAdvisor Member SASSSIE
The last reviewer had some relevant points regarding the pool area but cannot agree on the food there was a full range of salads, hot foods of all kinds, pasta cooked while you wait plus the nights specials also cooked while you wait not to mention the varied deserts and fresh fruit on offer all served with a friendly smile. The new management are working hard to upgrade to island since taking over this year there are on going improvements leading up to making this resort a 5* accommodation. The Italian reps will be gone by end of Jan 07 so for all you lucky people travelling after this date you should be able to appreciate this beautiful island to the full and not think you are at Butlins (sorry Butlins) but this is not what we were looking for from the Maldives. The management are going to make all restaurants AI there is some building work still going on but it did not disrupt our stay. It was our Anniversary whilst we were there and they offered us an evening cruise with a first class meal which if you get the opportunity you will enjoy every moment they made our evening really special with fantastic food and champange many thanks to Robert, Lucky, and the Exec.Chef for all there efforts simply wonderful.
Photos
Dhonveli Restaurant
dhonveli beach resort - water suites
crew group photo
HELLO !
Forum Posts
Activities at Dhonveli
by sozstar
Hi
We're considering a 2 week honeymoon here in June. Any general advice about the resort as I've heard mixed reviews and does anyone know how much the excursions were such as dolphin watching, trip to Male etc?
Many Thanks
Dhonveli Beach & Spa
by marymjcj
Hello everyone, I was wondering if anyone has any photo's of this island preferably the water bungalows accommodation. I have searched and searched and I can't find any.
I have been to the Maldives twice now - the first time to Kuramathi and then Meeru. I have booked to stay at Dhonveli in a water bungalow in Jan08, I know that these bungalows are a new addition to this island and I just want as much info as possible.
Can anyone help.
Thanks.
Re: Dhonveli Beach & Spa
by Heathfield
For a general view, see
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maapu/324383521/
For interiors, see
http://www.mirihi.com/watervillas.html
Re: Dhonveli Beach & Spa
by marymjcj
Hello Heathfield,
Thank you so much for your response. Those pictures are brilliant. I thought the jacuzzi was on the deck but now I can see that it isn't. The bungalows look great, can't wait to be there!!!!!
Re: Dhonveli Beach & Spa
by windywoo
Hi Just saw your question on the Water Bungalow in Dhonveli and I'm going to stay there in October 07. Any Pictures or tips for a traveller to Dhonveli.
Windy
Dhonveli Beach & Spa
by marymjcj
Could anybody tell me more about this island, I'm thinking of going in Dec06 and staying in a water villa. Has anybody got any pictures?
RE: Dhonveli Beach & Spa
by Heathfield
For view of water villa,
http://www.corporatetravelsandtours.com/dhoveli/DhonveliBeachResortSpa/photos/photo11.html
and for water villa detail,
http://www.yachttoursmaldives.com/watersuites.html
H.
RE: RE: Dhonveli Beach & Spa
by marymjcj
Thankyou, those pictures were very useful.
Thanks!
RE: Dhonveli Beach & Spa
by Ladysorcerer
HI,
I just return fm Dhonveli in June and it has been a great honeymoon stay.
The water villa is marvellous very huge and they had a great sunset deck where you can just jump down fm yr accomodation to the sea. You do not need to go elsewhere for your snokelling coz the water down under yr accomodation will be just fine. But just remember to bring yr snokeling mask.
Dhonvelli is a small island but you can fill up yr time with a lot of things. For a short trip of abt 1week will be good enuff.
When me and hubby were there, we went island hopping, dolphins watching, snokellung (everyday, coz we got the water suite) and the beach is nice.
So, it doesn't mean that if the island is large it has many things/activity to it coz sometimes a small island like dhonveli is much better to stay in.
hope this helps.
RE: Dhonveli Beach & Spa
by Rumps
Hi Mary
Did you go, if so could you tell me more we are due to go this May and would like to know more about the island , facillities snorkelling water suites, anything
Cheers
Rumps
Re: Dhonveli Beach & Spa
by marymjcj
Hi Rumps,
I did not go to Dhonveli, I went Meeru instead but I have just booked to go Dhonveli in Jan 2008 so sorry can't give you any info but I will be very obliged if you could give as much info as possible when you go. Thanks.
Have a great time.
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