Equator Village Resort

I've wanted to return to the Maldives for a long time but being a solo traveller it's been cost prohibitive. So I was glad to see a hotel that was just about in my budget on an AI basis. Having read the reviews here I went with an open mind as its rated a 3*. I was very impressed - I've been to many 3* hotels and this one surpassed my expectations, I would rate it 4* in some areas. The staff were all friendly and helpful - special mention to the bar and restaurant teams who always had a smile and friendly greeting. The food was good quality and there was always enough of a selection to enjoy the meal and not go away hungry. Nice touch that drinks are brought to your table and that the waiters remember what you like to drink. I was fortunate to be in a room that was seconds from the beach - though as far as I could see, most rooms were literally a minute or two away - the room was clean, had a good sized fridge and a decent sized patio area. The hotel provides trips - some free if you are on AI - and also twice daily boats to take you snorkelling. I recommend the dolphin trip - it took a while to get to them - which wasn't a problem, who doesn't like a boat ride in the Maldives - but when we did get there - the dolphins provided a show worthy of any acrobatic team - and there were a lot of them - an unforgettable experience. The beach was fine - cleaned daily and always enough sunbeds to go round though sometimes you had to go in search of a pad for them. The sea was an amazing temperature but sadly, because of this, the coral had largely died. There is a nature reserve that you can go to - either by bus (a stop is outside of the hotel) or taxi and you can rent the services of a swimming guide who will take you to the best places to see different and more plentiful fish/turtles - plus the coral is a little better here. Be warned it can be a bit of swim - I went with some other ladies and we were glad the guide was with us as the the current was quite strong in some areas. Another top tip, if you're not the strongest swimmer, rent a life jacket, you can then snorkel happily with a bit of assistance. The pool area was impressive - not a huge pool but who cares when you have the ocean a few steps away - clean, good quality and a swim up bar. A few tips: some people had issues with the Wifi reach, I bought a sim card at the airport so it was fine - worthwhile if you want to download a film. Ladies if you're going outside of the hotel, remember to take suitable clothing to cover shoulders and legs and if you're prone to insect bites take repellent, I was very glad I took adequate supplies. Lastly, go outside the hotel to the causeway road if you want to see spectacular sunsets. Hope this helps when making your decision to state at the Equator Village - I'm so pleased I went!

Great location, the staff are fantastic and the manager Mohammed is so accommodating and ensures all visitors expectations are met to the best of His ability, the food is one of the best ive tasted, with the chef Ali on 20 years plus service there,wish all chefs could cook like Ali.