Safari Island

Pros: absolutely stunning, paradise, dinning over the water for all, great beach bungalow, wonderful staff, really good food, no children, overwater bar, sharks. Cons: house reef not as good as we’re used to, cappuccino/latte not included in AI. Sandflies We a couple in our late 50’s. We have been to 9 different Maldive islands, over a period of 14 years. Some more than once. They include Vilamendoo, Komandoo, Angaga, Vilareef, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Smart Line, Filthieyo. Also to Raaha but that had no house reef but there was an offer we couldn’t refuse. So my review is based on the comparable experiences from the above. The price of the holiday was average. The size of the island was very small. Just how we like it. The beauty of the island was the best so far. Simply stunning whatever direction you looked. Sand the texture of flour, corral raked up every day. No shoes no news (apart from the jetties which get extremely hot). The huge plus for us was the restaurant and bar right out over the water. Absolutely fantastic! Never had this luxury before. It’s only been available for a la carte or water villa guests. It’s so much cooler than the island, catching a nice breeze. Honestly don’t need to snorkel to see sharks and rays because you see so much in the water while dining. Just amazing experience. There is only one restaurant so this is for everyone no matter what room type as is the bar. The overwater bar is fabulous for shark and ray watching too and is never busy (don’t know why). The staff here are so lovely. The food at Safari was excellent. Unfortunately lattes and cappuccinos are not included in the AI. $7 inc tax and service charge (26%) for a latte. We had a beach bungalow which is our preference. Ours was on the lagoon side (opposite side to welcome jetty and boats) with very open views to the beach (another plus for us). I really don’t think there is a bad room on the island apart from one or two that were loosing their beach due to the time of year (November). Some are tucked into the greenery more than others particularly on the opposite side to ours. The bungalows are very big and although dated (forgotten after the first day) have very good facilities. The bathrooms are inside and although we loved the traditional outdoor bathrooms, in door is actually much more practical. Our room boy Ashraf, is excellent and goes out of his way to make sure you have everything you need. Best service we have had anywhere. We haven’t seen any children on the island (another plus for us). There is little or no night time entertainment but that also suits us. Now the house reef has always been our number one priority. But the house reef at Safari island isn’t the best by far. In fact I have to admit it was disappointing compared to other islands we’ve been to. It has obviously taken a real hit and the coral and fish are certainly not in abundance. The coral further down the drop off is beautiful but that’s more for diving not snor

Safari Island was paradise for us, with easy access to the reef for snorkelling. Facilities were well spread out. With more than 100 guests, the resort experience felt very private. The food was exceptional and 'half board' (full international buffet breakfast and dinner) was enough for us, with our own fruit and snacks. The chefs at the buffet stations were affable and friendly. The range and quality of food is excellent. The tables had linen tablecloths and napkins and attentive wait staff in a relaxed atmosphere. When required, management were responsive and personable. They kindly accommodated our request for a change of room location. The overwater bungalows are a great design, with much privacy and sound insulation. The glass bottom coffee table gave exceptional visibility to fish swimming underneath. The turn-down service and beach towel replacement in the afternoons was a lovely touch, as was the special honeymoon greeting. Absolutely heavenly.