Kuredu Island Resort****

KUREDU is no longer the largest resort in the Maldives - as SUN ISLAND is now holding the position of the largest resort - at the same time Kuredu is a very lively resort. This place could be the number one barefoot, lots-to-do, come-and-party place, just like WHITE SANDS Resort & Spa.

Once upon a time this was a hardcore divers island, but a couple of recent changes have further reduced this bias. Still Kuredu is among the best dive islands of all - due to the excellent dive spots close-by. Its always the case, however, that the introduction or increase in all-inclusive holidaying reduces the number of regular divers. And kuredu is now almost three quarters all-inclusive. The other major change is the construction of a swimming pool. This is a lovely facility, well-made and well-positioned. But one result is to further take the focus away from diving.

Perhaps in response, the dive centre now offers even more options and ideas. They run free snorkeling classes and trips to local sites for photo-snorkeling and shipwreck-snorkeling. Nitrox diving has been added to all the diving options and house reef diving with a buddy is just a matter of signing up and going. Plus the centre has had refit to keep it looking and running as good as anywhere in the Maldives. The dive sites around (particularly the channels and corners) have long been some of the best in the country.

The staffs of the dive centre, like the staffs throughout the resort are happy and helpful. It is a positive aspect of a big resort that the staff camaraderie is strong and it pervades the island. Two excellent outgoing animators also play a big part in giving the place a buzz. Some fun activity is set for every evening and the nights are given over to bar games, music quizzes, drinking and discoing. The number of disco is flexible, depending on the wishes of the guests that week.

The water-sport centre here is also one of the few really active such places. Right on the main beach, it has thirty windsurf boards and six catamarans, plus a variety of canoe types. Among several island options is one ideal desert island with good snorkeling. And between five and six every evening Dolphins are often seen (mantas even, occasionally) taking an atoll short-cut.

Of the 300 rooms, 130 Beach Bungalow, 100 Beach Villa, 20 Sangu Jacuzzi Beach Villa & 49 Sangu WATER Villa and 1 Sangu WATER villa SUITE (Honeymoon SUITE). All the rooms have had recent work done on them and they are now very satisfactory. Hot water in the shower, a/c and a fridge are the major differences between the Beach Bungalows and the Beach Villas. Other than the fact that the standards (Beach Bungalows) are at the "back" of the resort, furthest away from the central public buildings, and they mostly have the least good beaches.

The beach along the front, protected from the open sea, is one long, wide strip of glorious off-white sand (as you can see from the top most picture). At the back it is partly protected by a sea wall, keeping some sections of good beach. At both ends of the island are further bulbs of sand, with a bar on each; one for sunset and one for sunrise

The Maldivian tea house has a very surprising and an authentic touch. Should say the Grill is cozy and romantic. And a next door Thai Restaurant. And a burger joint with Franco's pizza is something hard to resist, with its al fresco aromas which is next to the swimming pool.