What a glorious stay in the most incredible surroundings - I will return !
I am a solo female traveller and felt very safe indeed bar the weird experience of being sat in a public eating area on arrival and left for an hour (its normal but was a bit uncomfortable). Male don't have a dedicated waiting area for visitors on arrival and having got through security, you are placed in a general eating zone for as long as it takes for your transport to have enough people to warrant the trip out (sea plane of water boat) - they do come back for you but this feels a bit haphazard and unsettling
However, on arrival to the island after a 40 minute, choppy, speed boat ride, we were greeted with drums, very accommodating staff and a welcome mocktail. After a brief island induction you are taken to your villa
Accommodation
Stunning, an island villa with the biggest bath and bed I have ever seen, my own private pool, lounge area, balcony and walk way to my very own piece of the island. The bed was incredibly comfortable, the mini bar, free water, coffee and tea were very welcome. Totally and utterly private and in truth could be used as a retreat except for the eating together. My bed was dressed daily with messages and pictures made from island flowers and leaves. Alongside the occasional tailored towels, it always generated a smile for such kind consideration. Blown away an understatement
Food
This has to be one of the best, beautifully cooked buffet arrangements I have ever come across during a vacation. It can be spicy, but flavoursome and if you are struggling to choose from the vast array of foods, they restaurant will accommodate and cook you something if needed if you before a less complex flavour - it didn't matter whether, breakfast, lunch or dinner the choice is vast and if you want to, you can eat in other restaurants on the island - Aqua was stunning
Staff
Wow, so attentive, caring, protective and simply kind - there was a constant stream of good morning, good evenings when ever you passed staff, they would help you in all ways they could to make your stay the most memorable for you.
The Spa
Glorious, superb treatments, not cheap but worth everything you pay. I felt pampered and truly spoiled on my birthday, with messaged windows, candles and happy birthday sung to me - truly touched for how special they made me feel that day. I even had a birthday cake delivered to my room on return - wonderful
Nature
You are surrounded, if you don't really like creepy things :-), you may find this a challenge. I totally embraced it all and am quite captivated by the hermit crabs that surrounded by sunbed. The land crabs, geckos, bees, tropical birds, fruit bats, cats are just for starters. This is without getting in the water, black tipped reef sharks, turtles, sting rays easily visible from standing in the water, and the most glorious abundance of colour as you move to deeper waters. Has to be seen to be explained
The island was party to a fair few storms during my stay, equally dramatic and lovely to drop the temperature for a few hours but didn't diminish the experience, added in fact
Sunrise and sunsets - absolutely out of this world, colour and drama - bonkers
The downsides
Yes, some of the apartment was a little tired, the pool was losing tiles, and the internal shower could do with a good scrub with a brush around the seams BUT for me it is a nonsense because the tiredness does not stop you using them and the pool a blessing. They are in a renovation programme so you may hear noise of villas being upgraded during the day but it doesn't really impact your experience
Things to think about taking
Sea shoes - the broken corals can be sharp under foot on the beach
Mosquito spray - they like you after the storms
Phone to have a torch - much ambient lighting means it is a little dark on the walk ways - very pretty but can be a little dangerous when some of the lights are not working
Overall I am captivated, what a way to experience a holiday. You are taken away from the majority of every day life, yes you have WIFI and television if you wanted to have it but the island is magical, quiet, spiritual if you want to release from all the trappings of our every day life. My holiday was healing - simples