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In the October 2019 half term, we travelled from London Gatwick to Kuredu Island Maldives on Emirates Airlines via Dubai.
This was the second time visiting Kuredu - the first was in 2007 - and things had changed significantly.
On arriving at Male, we were transferred by minibus to the seaplane terminal which had not only grown since the last trip, but was also enclosed and now had air conditioning!
Kuredu has its own seaplane lounge, which is only shared by visitors to its sister islands. Here we relaxed in comfy chairs in the cool, and were given unlimited complimentary drinks while we awaited our seaplane.
The seaplane journey from Male to Kuredu was an adventure in itself. Watching all of the beautiful islands in the turquoise ocean, with little boats bobbing up and down in the blue.
A warm welcome was waiting when we reached the island. We were helped off the seaplane and walked along the pier to a group of local Maldivian staff singing, clapping and beating drums. We were shown into the bar and given a refreshing drink while we waited to be shown to our villa.
The staff across the island are very warm and welcoming. Each go out of their way to make sure you feel like you are special, and it is amazing how fluently they all speak so many different languages. Absolutely nothing is too much effort for them and you they always greeted us with a beaming smile.
Our room was amazing with an outdoor shower at the back, a large super king wrought iron four poster bed, and a mini bar fully stocked with every drink imaginable. There was even a Nespresso machine for that early morning coffee as you watched the sun come up over the ocean on the porch of the villa.
This was booked as a relaxing getaway, but as divers, we knew that we would be enticed by the crystal clear ocean and extensive marine life that surrounded the island. This island is inhabited by nearly 200 turtles and so even when snorkelling, they can be regularly seen in the lagoon lazily eating the seagrass, and baby black tip reef sharks swim around your legs.
The food was fantastic, with a different theme each night. There was also a number of à la carte restaurants to choose from, and when you are all-inclusive, they are half price and the drinks are included within your package.
There isn’t one part of the holiday that would stand out from anything else, but this island must be commended for their dive centre and the attention that they give young and older divers alike. Even our seven year old spent hours chatting to the staff and learning signs for all the different marine life that could be seen.
This is an island that you are able to do as much or as little as you like. Also one that you can see as many people or be as alone as you wish. You can sit on the end of the jetty and watch the world go by with a coffee, or equally you can enjoy the Friday night party with music and a few alcoholic beverages.
Will we return? Most definitely! This is paradise and somewhere where we can dive to our hearts content.
Nikki was amazing and we can’t recommend her enough. This trip was a last minute booking when our Thomas Cook Holiday collapsed. Nikki went above and beyond to find us the best price and the best flights to make sure that our holiday was stress free, and it certainly was… We can’t wait to return!
Kelly Cunningham