We visited Athuruga for the first time last November and wished we had stayed longer, so much so that we are going again at the same time this year but for 11 nights! We spent 5 nights in a lagoon water villa and the remaining 4 nights in a reef side water villa, both of which we loved as the villas are clean, spacious and very comfortable. We particularly liked the huge decking area which could be used in all weathers. We only had one day of rain but the clear plastic blinds surrounding the decking meant that you could pull them down and still sit outside on the comfortable sofas even when the wind and rain were doing their worst. The huge bed and pillows were also very comfortable and the shower excellent, especially as it could be accessed direct from the decking after snorkelling. There was a mini bar in the room which was stocked with soft drinks and beer, all part of the All Inclusive package.
The snorkelling was great – saw a huge variety of fish including many reef sharks and a turtle. We had to wait 2 hours at Male for the seaplane so arrived at Athuruga towards the end of lunchtime. We ate most of our evening meals in the Water Villa Restaurant which were all of very good quality. We took breakfast either in the Water Villa Restaurant, main Restaurant or on our decking. Lunch was buffet served in the main restaurant – the salads were excellent, as was the barbecued fish and the ice cream. We found the staff all to be very helpful and friendly and it was lovely that they remembered our drink preferences, so much so that Ali, our waiter, would have our wine/beer ready for us when we arrived for lunch, ditto the waiter at the beach bar who always remembered our coffee and tea orders. Every day at about 4o’c delicious canapés were delivered to the villa which were very welcome after an afternoon’s snorkelling.
The beaches are kept immaculately clean and the water bowls along the water villa walkway regularly replenished and cleaned. We enjoyed walking along the jetty in the evening and seeing the many young reef sharks that gathered there.
Although we had taken our netbook computer with us and made use of the free Wi Fi in the room, the day before our departure the water villas were provided with brand new Mac computers so this time we will not have to take our own. We also took up the offer to borrow an Ipod provided free by the resort to listen to music while relaxing on the decking or in our room. Although we did not have much washing to send to the free laundry, we sent a few shirts and a pair of trousers which were returned the next day, presented in a basket and beautifully folded and wrapped in tissue paper. There is a well stocked library which is very useful when reading plays a big part in the day’s activities!
We did not do any excursions or visit the spa but hopefully will do so on our next visit!
