Upto 400 guests
There are 194 rooms in resort, spread across 4 main rooms grades
2 Buffet restaurants, a 24hr snack menu, Asian Wok and Hot Rock restaurants, Cocktail Bar, Pool Bar
2 meal packages to enjoy. As standard your full board package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at one of the 2 buffet restaurants
All rooms feature a king size bed, private porch, AC, siting area, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, phone. TV, free wifi and safe.
Euro Divers operate a superb dive centre on site, with daily boat and house reef diving
Manta Trust runs their very own marine biology centre,
Free Wifi

Vilamendhoo Island Resort and Spa | Maldives Resort

Vilamendhoo Island Resort is one of our popular resorts in South Ari atoll. A 25 minute seaplane or a short domestic flight and speedboat transfer from Male, and you will warming your toes in the white sands. There's a great house reef for divers and a fully stocked spa for lounge lovers. It's no wonder Vilamendhoo is one of our go to places for a few nights, or even a week, and ideal companion to a week long Maldives liveaboard.

There are 194 rooms in resort, spread across 4 main rooms grades. All rooms feature a king size bed, private porch, AC, siting area, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, phone. TV, free wifi and safe. Bathrooms are partially open air, with a double sink, rain shower, bath and hair dryer. The garden rooms are constructed in blocks, set inside the island, and the go to choice if you plan to spend your time out on the island or in the water exploring. If you prefer more space and privacy, we'd suggest either the stand alone beach villas or jacuzzi beach villas. These are ocean front and with picturesque views. The jacuzzi water villas are the largest villas on the island, with your own private access into the sea.

Vilamendhoo offers 2 meal packages to enjoy. As standard your full board package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at one of the 2 buffet restaurants - Funama or Ahima, depending on your room grade. The all inclusive plus option is a comprehensive package that adds the 'all you can eat' 24hr snack menu, drinks, free yoga sessions and sports activities into your holiday for a hassle free break. Ask your travel consultant for full details. No matter which package you chose, you can grab a stunning sun downer cocktail at the Bonthi bar, or the boshai pool bar. Or why not try the a la-carte Asian Wok and Hot Rock restaurants (local charges apply). Euro Divers operate a superb dive centre on site, with daily boat and house reef diving, plus the Manta Trust runs their very own marine biology centre, where you can learn more about the most famous residents in the Maldives. Visit the Duniye spa for a relaxing treatment, or mingle with your fellow guests at the nightly entertainment

Melissa recommends Vilamendhoo Resort

Melissa recommends Vilamendhoo because of it's beautiful house reef, which you can dive and snorkel.
The 25 minute seaplane over to the resort offers spectacular views over the amazing atolls and is a great way to start your Maldivian experience. Treat yourself to a Jacuzzi Water Villa upgrade and enjoy the spacious room, sun deck over looking the ocean, private Jacuzzi and private steps into the turquoise waters.

If you interested in going Vilamendhoo Resort don't hesitate to give us a call 01483 411590 or email me at melissa@scubatravel.com

Jacuzzi water villas

(85 sqm) effortlessly extend one's love for the ocean to one's living space and escape to these over-water villas. Crafted from wood, these villas provide a natural carefree ambiance, a Jacuzzi to relax in and a larger living space during your Maldives getaway. With a private staircase into the ocean and beautiful views from the veranda, this is the perfect villa for romance, adventure-seekers and water lovers.

Jacuzzi beach villas

(65sqm) experience beach living with the ocean at your doorstep and views of the turquoise lagoon. Enjoy these spacious villas between your days on or under the ocean, or on the beach. Relax after your island adventures with a soak in the Jacuzzi for two under the stars.

Standalone beach villas

(55 sqm) created for comfort and minimal fuss, these private detached beach villas offer a space to recharge after sun-filled days packed with snorkeling, diving and water sports. Located on the beach, a few meters from the ocean's edge offering picturesque views to create life long memories
If you are going with friends or family, ask us about the adjoining beach villas.

Garden rooms

(55sqm) hidden in the wild island gardens of the resort, there are three blocks of Garden Rooms, each consisting of four to five rooms separated by a privacy screen. These villas offer the comfort and necessities for an escape filled with experiential memories.

Adjoining beach villas available on request

Call us on 01483 411590 or email dive@scubatravel.com to book

Covid Information for Vilamendhoo Island Resort and Spa

The Maldives no longer has any covid protocols or requirements in place

Country Covid Travel Information

View entry requirements here

All travellers must submit a self-declarative health declaration within 96 hours prior to travel online portal of Maldives Immigration, "Imuga", imuga.immigration.gov.mv.

Updated DEC 2024

Location

The Maldives is in the Indian Ocean, a 10-14hr flight from the UK, around 370 miles southwest of Sri Lanka. It is made up of 1200 islands, stretching over 500 miles from north to south. The main arrival airport for all flights to the Maldives is Male's airport island (MLE). The Maldives is famous for its great snorkelling, manta cleaning stations, whalesharks, shark dives and fast drift dives through channels. The water remains a constant 27-28 C year round.

Covid Travel Information

View entry requirements here

All travellers must submit a self-declarative health declaration within 96 hours prior to travel online portal of Maldives Immigration, "Imuga", imuga.immigration.gov.mv.

Updated DEC 2024

Weather and Climate

Whilst there are 2 monsoon seasons (Nov-Apr & May-Oct), the diving remains excellent year round. Diving operators will changes their dive sites in each season to find the best hot spots for the big fish! Traditionally, our summer months tend to be windier with a higher chance of rain, whilst the winter months are flatter. However, the seasons are much less predictable in reality and its a fabulous place to dive whatever time of year!

Travel

Flight options

Our holidays to the Maldives can be quoted with most major airlines. If you would like to depart from a regional UK airport (eg. Glasgow/Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham or Gatwick) or have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. If you make your own flight arrangements to Male, please check the transfer arrangements before confirming your flights. Please do not finalise any flight arrangements yourself before your liveaboard space is confirmed as being held.

Stopovers

As most flights are not direct, it is simple to add a stop over en route - simply ask your travel consultant for a quote. Sri Lanka is our most popular, up coming destination - with beautiful beaches, it's a great alternative to staying in the Maldives resorts. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, why not head into the jungle for look for elephants and leopards. Or if you are a culture vulture, we highly recommend a Kandy city tour. The choice is yours! As we are able to book most major airlines to the Maldives, you can also add a stop to break up your flight. Popular locations include Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

Arrange before you go

Regular Entry Requirements

UK passport holders are able to obtain a free 30 day visa on arrival. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: Please review current FCO advice click here . If transiting via Sri Lanka you must have a visa prior to travel click here to review

Insurance

Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.

Immunisations

Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice for the required travel immunisations for your destination: click here to go to the NHS

Preparing to fly

Seating

You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.

Check in

As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.

Lounge

An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here for more info on Lounge Pass

Parking

Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here for holiday extras

What happens when I arrive?

On arrival in the Maldives, you will need to clear immigration and collect your baggage. You will then be met outside of arrivals by a representative from your liveaboard or resort. They will be holding a board with either your destination or your name on it. If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please turn left from arrivals and go to the information desk at Male airport. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.

Transfers

If your holiday begins in Male you will be met and taken to your boat. The transfer takes around 20mins. Many of our Maldives holidays will include either a domestic flight or seaplane transfer. It takes approx 45mins -1 hour to clear immigration and collect your baggage at Male airport. We endeavour to keep the transit between flights as short as possible and your transfer will normally take place within 3 hours of your international arrival, but please be aware, you may have to wait at the airport between flights. The domestic terminal is right next door to arrivals. This has AC, bathrooms and a small cafe. You will usually be met by a rep, who will assist you in moving between the terminals. The baggage allowance on domestic flights is typically 20kgs hold and 5kgs hand baggage. Excess baggage is charged locally $2-$5/kg. The seaplane check in desk is to your right on exiting the arrivals hall. You will check your bag in here and then be transferred to the seaplane terminal by bus. This has AC, bathrooms, a small cafe and shop. The seaplanes run regularly throughout the day and due to the way the scheduling is organised, the exact time of your seaplane cannot be confirmed prior to arrival in Male. Seaplanes do not run in the dark - the fist seaplane is around 06:00 Male time and ends around 16:00 Male time. The baggage allowance on seaplane flights is typically 20kgs hold and 5kgs hand baggage. Excess baggage is charged locally $2-$5/kg.

Departures

You will be taken back to Male airport in time for your international flight. Domestic flights and seaplanes will arrive in time for you to make your connections. Typically you will arrive at the airport 1 1/2- 2 hours before your flight time. There is currently no departure tax when leaving the Maldives.

Info

Tipping

Tipping is entirely at your discretion. We do not make recommendations as to how much to tip. Should you wish to leave a tip for the staff and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.

Currency

USD cash is the preferred currency. Credit & debit cards accepted although a surcharge may apply. A 12% local GST applies to all purchases made in the Maldives and will be added to bills locally.

Phone coverage

Typically the Maldives has good mobile phone coverage throughout, although it is not 100 percent - please check with your phone contract provider for data roaming, charges and 3G availability.

Plugs and electricity

Either UK 3 pin or European 2 pin plugs. Please do not leave batteries charging unattended in your rooms.

Extras

Hire equipment

Kit hire can be arranged in resort

Extras

EuroDivers teach a wide range of beginners courses, as well as contending education for certified divers

Souvenirs

You can purchase souvenirs from the shops at both Vilamendhoo resort and Euro Divers

Nitrox/Gas

Nitrox is available for certified divers

Payments

Deposits and Balances

A typical deposit for a holiday to Vilamendhoo resort is around £600 per person, although this will depend on your exact flight option and travel class. Larger deposits may be required for some flight options (eg premium economy/business class).

Ways to pay

We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. If you would like a pay by link to complete check out via email please let us know and it can be set up for you. We do not take AMEX. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 3% surcharge. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. Overseas bank transfers must add £8 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions or personal cheques.

Group Payments

If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation

Discounts

Repeat Guests

Included

A return seaplane transfer from Male is included. You may be charged for excess baggage on the flight if you are above the weight limit for your hold baggage.
A standard resort package includes 2 people sharing 7 nights in a garden room on an full board basis
The mandatory green tax has been included and prepaid in your holiday

Excluded

Local taxes on purchases apply in the Maldives (12% GST). Excluded are room service, additional meals or drinks outside of your meal plan - some drinks/restaurants are excluded from the all inclusive programme. Additional local services such as telephone calls, laundry, selected water sports and sports, private lessons, special events and excursions are paid for locally.

Day diving can be booked and paid for on site with the dive centre.

Tipping is entirely at your discretion. We do not make recommendations as to how much to tip. Should you wish to leave a tip for the staff and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.

Please ask for a quote to add international flights from the UK to your holiday

Diving

Euro-Divers Vilamendhoo is centrally located on a private jetty, a few meters away from the reef. Vilamendhoo is located directly between two channels, making the spectacular house reef very versatile and therefore ranks among the best in the Maldives for scuba diving and snorkeling. The location on the eastern reef of South Ari Atoll guarantees a good supply of fresh water for an excellent coral growth and plenty of fish.

With over 50 dive sites and a fantastic house reef with 10 entry points, Vilamendhoo is the perfect diver's paradise for beginners and experienced divers. Even the wreck Kudhimaa is only a 30 minute boat ride away and is one of the regularly visited dive sites. South of the island you find a protected Marine Area, Khudarah Thila, an exceptional place for divers and of course the national park at the outside reef. 3 times a week full day trips are offered to search for whale sharks in this area throughout the year.

The dive sites are between 10 minutes and 1 hour away from the island. These dive sites are reached by comfortable dive boats (dhonis). The unique diversity and variety of underwater life in the Maldives especially around Vilamendhoo has a lot off highlights to offer scuba divers.

The dive centre will offer both house reef and boat diving (local supplement applies) for the ultimate in flexibility. Do as much or as little as you like.

This is your holiday - done your way.

Other Activities

Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room

Beach

Canoeing

Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)

3 pools including adult only Pool

Snorkelling

Tennis court

Fishing

Table tennis

Spa

Shops

Kuda Giri

Skill level: All levels | Ave Depth: 14m | Max Depth: 30m

Kuda Giri is a small reef that starts at just 3 metres and which has overhangs running around the coral block between 12 and 22 metres, before levelling out at 30 metres into a sandy plateau. Kuda Giri is covered in disc anemones and black coral trees. The overhangs are home to lobsters, moray eels and lion fish. In the blue water, keep an eye out for schooling fusiliers and banner fish.

Dhangethi Beru

Skill level: All levels | Ave Depth: 15m | Max Depth: 30m

Dhangethi Beru is a sloping outer reef that starts at about seven metres. As you descend, some small overhangs appear at around 20 metres, that are often full glass fish. Schools of fusiliers can be seen cruising by in the blue water, while puffer fish, porcupine fish, moray eels, lion fish and nudibranches can be found on the reef itself. Keep an eye out as well as for eagle rays, turtles and napoleons.

Kuda Rah Thila

Skill level: Advanced | Ave Depth: 14m | Max Depth: 30m

This small thila in the middle of a channel is a great spot for Macro photographers. This dive is in a protected marine area and is a must with beautiful overhangs filled with schools of fish such as blue striped snappers, oriental sweetlips and squirrel fish. Larger groupers, stingrays and a variety of sharks sometimes swin by. Only a 50 min boat ride from the resort, this is a must see dive site.

Broken Rock

Skill level: Advanced | Ave Depth: 20m | Max Depth: 30m

Only a 50 minute boat ride from the resort, this famous deep thila is good for spotting colourful life of all kinds such as Napoleon Wrasse, Turtles, Morays and Scorpion fish. While swimming through the canyon which splits the thila in two, keep and eye out for the large fan corals which stick out from the walls. Broken Rock is a great dive spot that always throws up something new.

Reethi Thila

Skill level: Advanced | Ave Depth: 16m | Max Depth: 30m

Rheeti Thila is a small circular reef, split into four pieces by up to three metre wide canyons, making it one of the most interesting formations in the South Ari Atoll. The top reef starts at 12 metres and is encircled by a sandy bottom at 30 metres. Interesting overhangs between 18 and 26 metres, beautiful fan and whip corals, different kind of anemones, fusiliers being hunted by jack fish, big barracudas, scorpion fish, nudibranches, schools of oriental sweet lips and white tip reef sharks make for an action packed dive. 'Rheeti Thila' which means 'Beautiful Thila' in the local language certainly lives up to its name.

7th Heaven

Skill level: Advanced | Ave Depth: 22m | Max Depth: 30m

Seventh Heaven reef is situated across a channel and is completely covered in soft corals of every colour imaginable. Beautiful overhangs between 22 and 30 metres are overgrown with soft corals. Look for turtles, white tip reef sharks, stingrays, torpedo rays, moray eels, scorpion fish, nudibranches and much more.

Vilamenhdhoo Thila

Skill level: Advanced | Ave Depth: 22m | Max Depth: 30m

Only a 5 minute boat ride from the resort, this narrow thila runs north to south. On the west side is a steep drop-off with caves and overhangs from 10-25m. The eastern side is less steep and drops off towards the outer atoll providing some interesting caves and overhangs. There are many large sea fans and plenty of fish including batfish, fusiliers and snappers. The corals on the top reef are very nice and provide the fish with shelter from the current. Reef sharks and eagle rays are regular visitors. Mantas and occasionally whale sharks are also seen in this area. With a stronger current this site can be demanding.

Kudimaa Wreck

Skill level: Advanced | Ave Depth: 22m | Max Depth: 30m

Kudhimaa Wreck is a medium sized steel wreck lying very close to the Machafushi house reef. The wreck was purposely sunk in 1998 to provide divers visiting the South Ari Atoll with a wreck. The wreck itself has easy access to the cargo holds on both sides. On and around the shipwreck you can find a school of bat fish, some puffer fish, box fish and the customary large lion fish. Needless to say, the wreck is bursting with macro subjects for budding photographers and film makers. One interesting feature of the wreck is the competition for space that has sprung up on the surface itself. Algae, sponges, sea squirts and corals are all fighting for that valuable piece of metal to start their growth from.

Vilamendhoo Caves

Skill level: Advanced | Ave Depth: 22m | Max Depth: 26m

This is a corner dive located on the eastern side Vilamendhoo. You pass continuous caves and overhangs of varying depths from 12-26m. There are lots of small glassfish, anchovies, squirrel fish, sweet lips and snappers as well as moray eels, lobster and crabs. The top reef reaches shallow water with some nice coral blocks providing an interesting safety stop where, if you are lucky you might spot a turtle. From May to November there is a chance of seeing mantas on the top reef, and perhaps a whale shark passing by. The dive site makes a good drift dive if the current is flowing.

Lily Beach Thila

Skill level: Advanced | Ave Depth: 22m | Max Depth: 30m

This finger shaped reef has a length of 250m and lies on the outside of the channel. There are many beautiful overhangs and corals to be seen and it is teeming with healthy marine life. You can also see sharks, eagle rays, big tuna, stingrays and napoleon wrasse and, with a bit of luck, grey reef sharks too. This site is for experienced divers due to its location, blue water safety stop and depth.

Open air buffet restaurants

The two buffet restaurants, one family-friendly and the other adults-only, uphold the relaxed nature of the island. Reflecting Maldivian traditions, the restaurants are open-aired with sand floors, creating a casual atmosphere to dine in.

A la carte restaurants

Spoil yourself with a la carte dining experiences, whether over-water at Asian Wok or beach-side at Hot Rock. For a truly unique and romantic experience, reserve your table for a private al fresco dinner on the beach. Alternatively, you can take advantage of room service with our extensive in-villa dining menu throughout your stay.

4 bars to ejnoy

Unwind with a refreshing beverage at one of four bars located near the pool (Sunset Bar and Boashi Bar), over-water (Asian Wok Bar) and on the deck (Bonthi Bar).