Vakarufalhi Island Resort****

Vakarufalhi is a fine looking resort; small, around, with a perfect beach and reach encircling the island. Only opened a few years ago, all the buildings and facilities are as good as new. Comfort and beauty are assured, but it will take while longer to develop a "personality".

The beach has suffered some erosion in one corner, so a low wall has been built in one part of the lagoon, but those are the only blemishes on an otherwise ideal setting. Much of the lagoon is shallow, clear and sandy, but the reef edge is not far away. So whether you fancy swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling the house reef, it is all on your doorstep. On the other hand the windsurfers and catamarans can only be used in the lagoon at high tide. At other times they must be taken into the open sea.

The house reef is very good for diving as well as snorkelling. Indeed the island is situated at the edge of the Atoll's most popular channel for diving. Surprisingly, the dive centre is not heavily used; there are not always two boat dives a day. You can enjoy small group diving, but it may not be the best island for the seriously dedicated diver. Then again, it is ideally situated and this state of affairs is likely to change.

There are 50 rooms, all the same, though 12 are connected in pairs (family rooms) and 38 are individual bungalows. Each one is large and in as new condition. The materials used are solid and good-looking. As well as a/c and hot fresh water, there is a hairdryer and fridge (empty), but no telephone. The "gifili" style bathroom is attractive and well fitted. These are classy rooms topped off with thatched roofs that fit them comfortably into their environment.

The reception, bar and restaurant are all thatched and both well designed and decorated in the same natural shades of brown and coral. The large, round restaurant has a German Chef who prepares a good selection of buffets. Four evening meals are A La Carte, one is set, one is a Maldivian buffet and one is a Western buffet. There is always plenty to eat, though occasionally the Italian guests asks for more Italian dishes.

Usually, the meal times are not full of laughter and conversations and the bar is quiet in the evenings. The island seems to be trying to find the right mix of guests to make the place sparkle. At the moment it is not quiet there. About half the guests are German and Swiss, while Italians make up a quarter and English another significant minority.

Vakarufalhi has all the natural assets of a classical coral; nearby reef, wide beach and tall palms. On top of this the buildings are well-made and well-decorated. In time it will also develop the exclusive "personality" that makes a place truly memorable.