Ulrike R
Reviewed: 3 weeks ago
5/5
November 28 - December 12, 2024||Here follows a very detailed review of Eriyadu, which is worth reading for those looking for a resort in the lower price segment and willing to compromise on food and drinks.||Introduction:|We’ve been vacationing in the Maldives regularly since 1991, often twice a year. We previously stayed on Eriyadu in 2003, 2004, and 2013. Back then, the house reef was so spectacular and vibrant that guests from other resorts would take snorkeling trips to Eriyadu — and rightfully so.|At that time, there was a buffet restaurant located directly on the beach with an open view of the sea. |The swimming pool was considered an unnecessary luxury, and all accommodations were distributed as duplex bungalows around the island.||For the last ten years, we weren’t interested in how Eriyadu developed. We moved on to “better” resorts. About six months ago, however, I came across a blog by an Englishman about Eriyadu. The pictures and videos showed a relatively dull reef but an astonishing variety of fish. That convinced us to visit Eriyadu once again. Back to the roots….||Arrival and Departure:|After a 1.5-hour wait at Velana Airport, we had a rough speedboat ride to Eriyadu, which took about an hour.|The resort staff gave us a warm welcome, provided a brief orientation, and handed over the key to our bungalow.|The return transfer was punctual, and with calm seas, it took just under 50 minutes.||The Island:|The first view of the island revealed a construction site for a new jetty, which was urgently needed after 40 years. This didn’t surprise us, as I’d read that the new owners had carried out safety checks during the takeover and found the old jetty no longer met regulations. After contacting our travel agent and the operator (Schauinsland), we were assured that there would be no construction noise in our bungalow. Trusting this information, we decided not to rebook and make the most of our holiday. While we occasionally heard the excavator or hammering, it didn’t bother us. Other guests, even those staying on the far side of the island, complained loudly and demanded compensation.||After a week, the excavator was gone, and construction continued manually. We estimate the new jetty will be operational in six months, after which the old one will be dismantled.||The second glance revealed a “row housing development”: a two-story building with 12 units where the buffet restaurant once stood. The restaurant was relocated behind this building, set back from the beach, which is definitely a downgrade. There’s now no view of the sea from the restaurant.|The island cannot currently be circumnavigated on foot due to erosion. The southern side has very little beach, while the northern side has plenty.||There’s no need for parasols, as the area between the bungalows and the beach is densely vegetated, providing ample shade. The resort is due for a complete renovation at some point.||Accommodation:|We booked a renovated bungalow and were assigned No. 205 on the windless southern side. To us, it didn’t look renovated.|A definite highlight was the air conditioning, which was nearly silent.|The furniture is dark, but there’s plenty of closet and drawer space. Previously, the bathrooms were fully enclosed, but now there’s an opening above the shower, which we found amusingly referred to as a “semi-open” bathroom. Double sinks, a bathtub with a shower, a toilet with a wash hose. An outdoor foot shower by the entrance is a convenient addition.|The terrace was small, and the chairs were uncomfortable without cushions. Overall, everything felt dated.||That said, the staff made every effort!|Not enough hangers? No problem — they brought more.|The mattress was extremely hard. They brought one topper, then another, and even a third until it was comfortable. I asked for one of the old wooden loungers with thick cushions to avoid back pain (having experienced discomfort from worn-out plastic loungers on Vilamendhoo). Within 30 minutes, two wooden loungers were placed outside our bungalow. Fantastic!||Thanks to Mainuddin, who made a very good job, housekeeping was excellent, with twice-daily cleaning, towel service, soap/shampoo refills, and restocking of coffee, tea, sugar, and creamer.|Two 0.5L bottles of water per room per day were included, though only in plastic bottles.||Restaurant:|Tables and chairs are still in the sand, while the buffet is set up in a tiled area.|There’s free seating and full self-service.||We intended to book half-board but ended up with full-board plus, which includes water or a soft drink per meal. Coffee at breakfast is served from a large pot.||We remembered the food being simple but acceptable ten years ago. This time, it was downright awful. Breakfast was the exception, with freshly prepared egg dishes, tasty waffles, a good selection of sweets, and fruit. However, the savory options, like processed cheese slices and chicken salami, were dreadful.||Lunch and dinner were bland, overcooked, lukewarm or cold, unimaginative, and carelessly prepared. Pasta and potatoes were mushy. How do you make chicken or fish so dry? The curries were reportedly decent, though.|In the end, we stuck to salads and desserts.||We were frequently asked for feedback on the food. At first, I thought they genuinely wanted to improve, but with the current kitchen staff, nothing will change.|In summary, anyone nostalgic for the Maldives of 1990 will be 100% satisfied here 😉||Bar and Entertainment:|On the first evening, my husband wanted a draft beer — unavailable. I fancied a glass of Prosecco — also unavailable. Aperol Spritz? They hadn’t heard of it. The next day, they said Prosecco would be back but only by the bottle, starting at $60++ per bottle.|We tried cocktails and house wine (included in AI) but didn’t like them. Bottled wine? Many on the menu were marked as unavailable. The same frustrating conversation repeated daily.||Evening entertainment began at 9:00 PM and included diving presentations twice weekly, live music twice, karaoke twice, and a DJ once. We enjoyed this 🤗||Snorkeling:|Great !!|The easiest entry point is mid-north side, where the drop-off is 25 meters out, or via stairs at the dive center. At high tide, entry and exit are possible anywhere. During our stay, there was almost no current.||The reef is vast and teeming with life. We snorkeled more than ever and discovered something special every day, though visibility was sometimes reduced due to plankton.||We spotted devil rays, eagle rays, nurse sharks in action, six different turtles, batfish, and many more. A highlight was finding a scorpionfish.|Night snorkeling with flashlights was also a lot of fun.||The reef itself is mostly gray. We’re particularly concerned about the surviving healthy corals, as we saw roughly 80 crown-of-thorns starfish, which have devastated reefs on other islands like Angaga and Vakarufalhi (now Nova).||Weather:|The forecast predicted five days of continuous storms and heavy rain. What we got: a strong 2.5-hour shower on day two and a few drops early morning on day four. The rest of the time was sunny with occasional clouds.||Spa, Watersports, Gym, Excursions, Island Shop:|We didn’t use these facilities.||Guests:|The majority were British, Italian, and Russian, with a few Germans, Dutch, Poles, Hungarians, Austrians, and some Asians. A good mix, with no one behaving poorly.||Staffing Issues:|A receptionist shared insights about Maldivian work culture, noting that 60% of young people in Male work at most 50% of the time, spending the rest “chilling.” Work-life balance is emphasized, but often without much work. The result is a massive skills shortage — a problem that we know very well in Europe.||Costs:|Regarding HB, FB, or AI:|We like AI, but only when it’s truly all-inclusive, covering the minibar, bar, and restaurants. We would have also used the money that we spent on expensive wine on site for the very limited all-inclusive.||Conclusion:|Two weeks barefoot 😁|A very relaxing holiday without luxury but filled with amazing experiences above and below water. Friendly and helpful staff everywhere. |Thanks to Naf for always having a smile and a nice chat with us. |We won’t return to Eriyadu, but we don’t regret going either.
