Ithaafushi Trip

Royal Island is a paradise! This was our first time to the Maldives and didn't know what to expect. The service was top notch from the time we stepped foot on the island. Staff were available to check in all groups arriving on the boat at the same time, so there was no waiting. We were set up with a contact via WhatsApp (Mark) and he kept us up to date with what was going on at the island each day and was available to address all of our questions. The food at the buffet was good and each dinner had a different theme keeping it interesting. Our server Naseer was friendly and efficient. Finally the setting! The island is beautiful! The clearest water outside of a pool I have ever swam in. We were at the west end of the island and there was easy access to snorkelling in the lagoon. There is some damage to the reef, but we still saw so many fish, rays and a shark. We also enjoyed the Wanderlust and Hanifaru Bay snorkelling excursions. The transfers were well planned (don't panic about not having the details until the day before). And bonus, because we had a late departure they gave us late check-out without an extra charge. Overall a fabulous experience. Highly recommend.

Property was well looked after, the staff were very friendly, Particularly the team at the dive school. The excursions were brilliant. Food was nice, and the drinks were good. We had bad rain on the first day, and the roof of our room had a small leak. The fridge also wasn’t very cold.

Customer service was great, everyone was super friendly and were always making sure we were not missing anything. What probably took this away the opportunity for becoming a 10/10, is the cockroaches at the room….for multiple days we found small cockroaches all over the room (the bathroom…the shower, even our bed). Even some friends we made at the hotel, later told us that they had the same situation (these were overwater villas). We let the front desk know and they said they were going to put poison in the room, but these just kept showing up…

We have been on many trips around the world. The Baros Maldives trips is hands down the greatest trip. I think the beauty of the place is found in the size of the place and the services. The island is not huge and sprawling. Therefore, everything is at your fingertips. Want a massage? Walk 2 minutes over here. Want a GOOD bite to eat? Walk 3 minutes over here. Want a drink, a smoke, and to play some billiards? Walk 3 minutes here. Want to snorkel on a reef that other visitors on other islands have to travel an hour to do? Walk 5 minutes over here. They have their own house reef (which is rare in Maldives) with every possible marine animal you can imagine. Tons of colorful fish, colorful corals, sharks (do not worry they are not bad), rays, lobsters, turtles…a lot. Want to just chill in a pool? Well you probably have one in your villa, so walk 10 seconds to it. Or walk 3 minutes to the infinity pool. All of this is at your hands, so there is no wasted time. Instead of trying to figure out where you are going, you are already there enjoying. You cannot put a price on time, and this resort is a time-saver. The best vacation, and we have visited 30 countries. Shout out to our butler Reema, and attendant Shah. They were the best. Yes, you have a butler and attendant 24/7. Did I forget to mention that?