We were greeted outside the seaplane with a cold towel (much needed) and brought to a small lounge with couches, water, ice cream, and of course AC! Each group is assigned a host. Our host Hussain welcomed us and walked with us to reception on the main island.
We spent about 30 – 40 minutes at reception going over activates at the resort, rules, payment, as well as the Hilton diamond benefits.
The Hilton elite benefits include the following:
Free breakfast at either of two restaurants: Atoll Market or Vilu
Free Afternoon Tea at Mandhoo Restaurant
Free Evening Cocktail at Vilu
A discount on massages
Early check in/late check out
We also received some sparkling wine and chocolates in the room as a diamond member.
Although a room upgrade is not guaranteed for diamond members, the staff do try to upgrade the room by one or two categories. In my case they were able to switch us from a water villa to a deluxe beach villa for our final night, though couldn’t offer an upgrade to one of the better overwater villas.
Although check in begins from 3pm, we were able to check in early around 11am which was nice. Hussain got a buggy and drove us to the other island where most of the overwater villas are located to show us to our room.
We were assigned villa number 315 which faced the back of the island, looking out to the sea. This is one of the most private water villas at the resort as we are fairly secluded from the other villas and from the back of the villa, you almost forget you aren’t in the middle of the ocean.
The Villa
After getting off the buggy, we walked down a short wooden path build over the ocean which leads to our villa. The room felt basic rather than overly luxurious which I liked, as it highlighted the true beauty which was just through the windows.
Just in front of the door was a crescent shaped white leather couch facing the back to the villa. In front of that, the king size bed and TV.
To the right was a simple lounge chair as well as a fully glass working desk with views through the floor to the ocean. I absolutely loved that desk design!
There’s also a minibar with (complementary) bottled water restocked several times per day, espresso machine, and a paid minibar below with more snacks and drinks.
Back towards the entrance is the large walk in closet with plenty of space for all our things. The closet also had some bathrobes, towels, and a beach bag for us to use during our stay.
Lastly, the bathroom kept the same simple theme with the rest of the room. The finishes were all quite basic though still elegant, and highlight the views out to the ocean. The large bathroom featured a bath tub, separate shower, toilet, and his and hers sinks.
Now my favorite part of the room, the back deck. Each overwater villa has a pretty large wooden deck at the back, overlooking the ocean. The deck featured two lounge chairs with an umbrella, dining table with chairs for two, plunge pool, and stairs going down to the ocean below for swimming or snorkeling.
Bottom Line
Our first impression of the resort was incredible. The staff were all very friendly, the diamond benefits seemed nice (though I wish there was a lounge), the two islands were stunning, and of course the room was magnificent. Paradise!!!!