Paradise Island Resort

My wife and I had waited a long time for this holiday...having drooled over pictures of the Maldives for years and we couldn't wait for the experience. The wait was well worth it!!....This place was everything we'd hoped for and more. Truly it was a memorable experience and we can't wait to go back again. Whilst on this occasion we went on our own (our kids being left at home..well they are all teenagers) we would take then with us next time to share this wonderful place. The hotel was at all times totally clean and well presented, the rooms exceptionally clean and well fitted out, and the room service (cleaning & provisioning) superb. The food in the restaraunt is of high quality with enough choice to satisfy any appetite and taste with an ever-attentive waiter service which couldn't be faulted at all. We went on a half board basis and thought it suited our purposes very well..i.e. not wanting a lunch meal etc. Yes, mineral water for drinking is to be paid for but at $3 a bottle (roughly £1.50) for 1.5 litres this is by no means expensive. Drinks in general are also not expensive when comparing with UK prices. We stayed in a beach bungalow on the opposite side of the island to the water bungalows, where work to repair the damage from the Tsunami is due to be completed this year. At no time did we ourselves feel that this work impinges on the tranquility or beauty of the island. The beach outside our bungalow was beautiful with a small coral reef within wading distance offshore about maybe 50 yards..the marine life here alone was like fantastic, almost like being in someone's tropical marine aquarium. The staff at the hotel were just fantastic..very friendly, always willling to chat and share stories about family etc, but with a personality we here in the UK have been lacking now for a long time sadly. In short very nice people. Would we go again to this hotel and this island?..you bet..get me on the plane now!!

Just returned from a week at Paradise Island,stayed at Club Dolphin Sri Lanka the week before. The rooms are clean and spacious but did need a lick of paint, the beach is nice but not powder sands, lots of shale and broken coral and no umbarellas on the best and main part of beach. That said the service and food were outstanding and we had a great week. The dive center was great, my husband did his advanced diving course there and was most impressed with the service. For what we paid we got what we expected, the food and service were way above other resorts of 5* we have stayed at in the Caribbean. We would return although there are so many other new places to try!

We booked our Honeymoon with First Choice. We paid the extra so we could be guarenteed to be sat next t one another on the long haul flight. During the year my then fiancee now wife, upgraded us both to Premium Class which was a real treat as we checked in. As we checked in though, we were told we would not be sat next to one another. After a fantastic wedding, it all came down with a bang. We went through our details with the check in girl, I explained we'd only just got married and showed the pre paid tickets which ensured we sat next to one another... she said, "well everyone gets married". We downgraded to economy so we could sit next to one another on the flight. Then as we boarded we were told some of the seat screens were'nt working. (guess what) ours didn't work. After speaking with the very helpful flight attendants we chose to sit seperated in Premium where everything was working. After 11hours of flight we finally landed at Male. The blistering heat took over as soon as we stepped off the flight. The staff were very helpful in taking our luggage and we set off for Paradise Island. Upon arrival we walked down the long jetty leading to reception. We were greeted with a cold drink and wet towels. After completing a brief questionnair we takien to our room. It was a long walk to the east side of the island (room 242) but when your on an island, you have all the time in the world. The rooms were basic but had everything we needed. The outdoor shower was fantastic. Tea and Coffee in the rooms would of been great though. There is a mini bar in the room but this was VERY expensive. Having gone ALL INCLUSIVE we didn't realise until week 2 of our stay that we could drink the water from the mini bar (2 bottles per day). But you get water with your meals and we were taking this back to our room and popping it in the fridge. Daily we checked our room bill with reception and on one occasion they did charge us for water but this was quickly put right. They told us we should'nt need cash as everything can be paid for at the end of our stay. Although we were all inclusive (drinks excluding cocktails etc) we did lots of water sports and my Wife had some massages but we paid cash as we went along. No-one seemed to mind this. There is a small gift shop where we bought snorklling equipment. This was used everyday and worked out cheaper than paying a hire charge of around $10 per day. (Make sure whatever you buy, you have enough room to pack it when you leave) The snorkeling for me was fantastic (having never done it before) I was swimming around and saw a rief shark. I'd never swam back to shore so quickly!! But soon you get used to them and they don't bother you. Sting Rays come in for feeding late in the day at sunset. I stayed out the way of these but got some good pictures. After a week I got brave and went on a snorkelling trip with my wife and other friends we'd made. Fantastic... out in the deep blue see, swam with a sea turtle. Buy an underwater camera from the gift shop! The common spider here in Britain is replaced with Crabs in the Maldives, they are everywhere but soon scuttle off when your walking along. Lizards seem to wallpaper the outside of the bungalow at night. I just sat with a beer staring at one for hours one evening. Food was great, something different every day and there was so much choice. One problem I had was breakfast. It was served daily between 7am & 9am. No chance of a lay in unless you went without. Being a coffee nut, I couldn't miss out and the long walk in the mornings certainly woke you up even though it was very warm. There were obviously set times for all the meals and the honeymoon started to feel like an eating trip. No time to get hungry no matter how much swimming was involved. But there was food for everyone. Our waiter: Ali was very polite. Always looked over to see when our plates needed collecting. I read reviews prior to going and was advised to be careful when being seated for the first time as this table would remain your table for the duration of your stay. Well this is right but your not bundled together with other people. Your table is seperated from everyone elses. You also have the same waiter for 2 weeks so you do build up a good dialogue and get to know them very well. We left Paradise Island Christmas morning. Christmas Eve was excellent. The chefs really go to town on all the food. I counted over 150 items on the menu. The whole restaurant was breathtaking. That night we sat with all our friends we'd made on the island. An evening I'll never forget. Sun Cream! Take lots of it. We only had about 3 days of clear sunshine (VERY HOT) and very warm even when raining. High factor cream is a must. It may become overcast very quickly but you will burn unless you have protection. If you run out, the gift shop has plenty and it's reasonably priced. Drink.. All our drinks were included apart from some whiskeys etc but we were'nt drinking heavily in the evenings due to the heat which does tire you out and a few early nights are welcomed. Walking back in the air-con room was great. The beach is not lit at night, as we were quite far from the main area, we stuck to the paths. A couple of nights we tried staggering back after one too many in the bar. If all inclusive, upon leaving the bar, the waiter would stock up a carrier bag with beer etc and I popped this in the fridge in our room. (great for having a beer the next day on the beach) Being all inclusive, I wasn't prepared to pay $10 for a bottle of beer from the mini bar. All inclusive means wearing a wrist band all the time. You soon forget about it though. Everything you have you sign for and I mean everything. This didn't bother us though. Room boys didn't speak great english but we tipped them every other day. They changed our towels twice per day and kept the rooms very clean from sand we'd dragged in. The bar staff were very funny. Always polite and curtious. Crab racing was fun to watch. The Kareoke was interesting to say the least. Check out the Magic Show... it was so cheesey (something you'd expect on a butlins holiday back in the early 80's. The swimming pool was very small considering the amount of people the island can hold. But when you have the indian ocean at your feet, why be by the pool? Beach Boys swept the beach daily, getting rid of dead coral etc following on from the tsunami. Much of the coral including the local reef was all but dead but there was still an array of fish. (having never done it before) I found it all to be very good but can see why experianced divers would be dissapointed. The water sports bar was very good. We took out a jet ski on a couple of occasions along with riding some weird rubber thing behind a boat. Not so fun when you fall off in the middle of the ocean but thats all the fun of it. The staff made you feel very safe. If your looking to get away from the rush of day to day life in the uk then I reccomend the Maldives. Although it rained alot when we went, it was great to find the peace and quiet we'd longed for. I probably wouldn't go back to this island again but would certainly try others in the future. I've written complaints to First Choice about our flight problems but they just seem to fob you off. (not finished with them yet) but their check in staff certainly need some customer training in how to be polite. Any questions you may have then please do contact me.

Maldives is a glimpse of paradise but stay at Paradise island resort is the worst mistake to make. This staff is cold and gruff and often rude. The prices for everything are astronomical and the hotel manages to charge you for everything without informing you in advance. Paradise island resort is supposed to be 5 star hotel but nothing there convinces you of the same. There are billing errors and so do check your bills very carefully, as some of the errors look intentional. The staff speaks very little English and is by no standards trained to deliver courteous service. We went on a full board package and would recommend that you get everything in writing before you pay for this resort. We had a serious issue about drinking water charges. It was supposed to be included in the package but till last minute of checkout , the hotel kept insisting on charging us. There is some amount of racial prejudice towards Indians (Europeans are certainly given a smile). DEspite this, The beach and the view is amazing and Maldives is a must visit destination.

Don't stay at Paradise Island. Our family of 5 stayed in 2 beach bungalows and we will never go back. The cleaners were very good but so grumpy ! The bar and waiting staff were often non attentive and always looked at us disapprovingly. Bascially be prepared to spend a lot of money on the island even after you have paid 5 star 'all inclusive' deals. You even have to pay to use the 'games' room. Don't bother to visit the capital Male island unless you like being stared at and followed by strangers. We couldn't wait for the boat to take us back to the resort spending most of the day camped at the dock next to the police station ! Don't bother with the deep sea fishing either unless you enjoy getting your hands cut by HAND lines. Yes, buddy no fabulous rods and reels here. Go to Cairns in Queensland instead. A quarter of the price and fabulous Aussie hospitality.

No matter how many good reviews you read about this hotel, DO NOT stay here. The location is beautiful but the hotel is run horribly. Everyone who works here is rude and uncooperative, especially the management. The rooms, all of which are called 'super deluxe" are hiddeous with dirty decor and ants all over the place. The hotel is owned by the Maldivian Minister of Finance and it shows. There are hidden fees all over the place. It is 5 USD for a water bottle and no water is provided for you anywhere at the hotel in the searing heat. They provide absolutley nothing and charge for everything: the gym, snorkeling, airport pick up. It is unbelievable. Their only pool is tiny and has maybe 20 chairs around it for the 600 people staying here. The beach is dirty and unkept. The hotel staff insisted on holding our return tickets for us and then LOST THEM and would take no responsibility for the missingn tickets. And i could continue with all of the disappointments for hours. The bottom line is, with the low price,you think you are saving money but with all the extra fees, it is better to stay at a nicer more expensive hotel and actually enjoy your trip.

We were scouting for a perfect place for our Honeymoon and we did find one in Paradise Island, Maldives. Everything was taken care of to the lowest possible detail. The speedboat at the airport was ready and the ride to the island took us 20 mins. Checking into the room took some time with the forms being filled in, but checkout was fast. We did get our complimentary bottle of Champagne and fruit basket since we were honeymooning. The room was nice, big and spotlessly clean, and so was the bathroom. We stayed in a beach bungalow facing the east. The beach was clean and beautiful, but I did see some construction in progress at a distance. May be I will opt for the west side next time. The room service was excellent and the boys really serve you well, I was happy to tip them well. The island itself is very beautiful on the inside, the landscaping is very well done and we used to enjoy our walks to the restaurant and spa too. The food is good, with a lot of variety (multi-cuisine). We went in for a full-board meal plan, but water needs to be bought ($3 per bottle at the restaurant and $5 in the minibar in the room). The Araamu massage spa is worth a visit. The pool is nice and big, but make sure you go early in the morning to avoid the crowd. The bar is good, and the DJ plays your music on request. The crowd was majorly European, more of russians, british, and italians. Everyone we met were good to talk with. Some advice - use the safe in the room, be prepared to pay $5 for a bottle of water or a can of coke/beer, carry a sunscreen, go for a full-board meal plan, and opt for a return flight that leaves Male around late noon. Our flight left at 10.40 AM, and we had to check out at 6.15 AM, so we could not even have breakfast before leaving. Overall a beautiful experience for both of us. Loved the place.

Mainly Russians at the Island, which is not pleasant as they drink too much and are to noise. Besides that also lot of British and Germans, they are ok and at least we can talk with them. The hotelrooms are large but very very clean, gives the feeling of a hospital. Rooms on the south side are much beter, because of the view. On the north side you see the waterbungalows which are under construction. The employees are very very nice.... just tip them and they do everything for you. The food is excellent, main restaurant is just ok and you do not need to go to the other restaurants. Don't forget to feed the baby sharks at 17pm when they are close to the bar.

We were originally booked at Bandos Island but our travel agent made a mistake and Paradise Island were offered to us. Only 20 minutes from airport by speedboat. Check in took nearly an hour. The welcome drink was warm while we were sweating due to the humdity. No-one showed us where our room was, we were just pointed into a direction and had to findit ourselfs. The room was ok, about 2-3 star quality. Our room was right on the beach. Please take note - Halfof the rooms are on a side where you have a terrible view. Your view looks like a dumping site of rubble. Please make sure you don't get one of those rooms. We were lucky and had a beautifu view. Beach were beautiful. Lovely corals for snorkeling. Food ok but restaurant had no ventilatin of air. In summer it is terrible especially the humidity. Ceiling fans are placed too high ad does nothing for the heat. I will not recommend you take full board. We were there for two wees and you get tired getting the same food for lunch and supper. Take half board and t least try the other restaurants. Service not too good. Not much for children to do, in fact nothing. We went to Bandos Resort one day and was surprised to see that it was a REAL family resort. If you have children avoid Paradise Island. If you look for 5-Star facilities, also avoid.

We arrived at the airport on Christmas day at around 9am and it was lovely, we didn’t have to wait more than 5 mines and we were on the speed boat to the island which only took about 15mins. We booked this island because there was no sea plane involved; it had a lovely pool and 5 restaurants and great weather. When we arrive we were told we could only eat in the main buffet restaurant under the all inclusive board, we were not happy after all the holiday had cost us £3400 for 1 week! We went to our room, we were a little disappointed because I had imagined having drinks outside our room watching the sun go down but the view was not a good one and there were lizards everywhere. It seems from the tsunami the sand has not been turned over and there are lots of shrubs and coral which makes it difficult to walk on. Even though we were disappointed with only being able to eat in the main restaurant it was fine every night they had a different theme for example, Thai night, Mexican night, Indian night ect. There was a lot of choice. A couple of nights we went to the Italian at the end of the pier it was so lovely watching the fish and reef sharks swim about. The entertainment was good on the Island you can’t say the hotel didn’t try, they had live bands, crab racing, dancing contests, singing contest and Miss Paradise contest. They were all enjoyable to watch. New Year was great, we were going to eat in Japanese restaurant but decided not too and go the main restaurant. It was the best decision the atmosphere was great everyone was so happy and because you sit at the same table every day you get to know the people around you. The Island made a big effort at New Year and had fireworks and a count down it was lovely.