November 28 - December 12, 2024 Here follows a very detailed review of Eriyadu, which is worth reading for those looking for a resort in the lower price segment and willing to compromise on food and drinks. Introduction: We’ve been vacationing in the Maldives regularly since 1991, often twice a year. We previously stayed on Eriyadu in 2003, 2004, and 2013. Back then, the house reef was so spectacular and vibrant that guests from other resorts would take snorkeling trips to Eriyadu — and rightfully so. At that time, there was a buffet restaurant located directly on the beach with an open view of the sea. The swimming pool was considered an unnecessary luxury, and all accommodations were distributed as duplex bungalows around the island. For the last ten years, we weren’t interested in how Eriyadu developed. We moved on to “better” resorts. About six months ago, however, I came across a blog by an Englishman about Eriyadu. The pictures and videos showed a relatively dull reef but an astonishing variety of fish. That convinced us to visit Eriyadu once again. Back to the roots…. Arrival and Departure: After a 1.5-hour wait at Velana Airport, we had a rough speedboat ride to Eriyadu, which took about an hour. The resort staff gave us a warm welcome, provided a brief orientation, and handed over the key to our bungalow. The return transfer was punctual, and with calm seas, it took just under 50 minutes. The Island: The first view of the island revealed a construction site for a new jetty, which was urgently needed after 40 years. This didn’t surprise us, as I’d read that the new owners had carried out safety checks during the takeover and found the old jetty no longer met regulations. After contacting our travel agent and the operator (Schauinsland), we were assured that there would be no construction noise in our bungalow. Trusting this information, we decided not to rebook and make the most of our holiday. While we occasionally heard the excavator or hammering, it didn’t bother us. Other guests, even those staying on the far side of the island, complained loudly and demanded compensation. After a week, the excavator was gone, and construction continued manually. We estimate the new jetty will be operational in six months, after which the old one will be dismantled. The second glance revealed a “row housing development”: a two-story building with 12 units where the buffet restaurant once stood. The restaurant was relocated behind this building, set back from the beach, which is definitely a downgrade. There’s now no view of the sea from the restaurant. The island cannot currently be circumnavigated on foot due to erosion. The southern side has very little beach, while the northern side has plenty. There’s no need for parasols, as the area between the bungalows and the beach is densely vegetated, providing ample shade. The resort is due for a complete renovation at some point. Accommodation: We booked a renovated bungalow and were assigned No
Excellent
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