Holiday Reviews > Indian Ocean > Maldives > Lhaviyani Atoll > Lhaviyani Atoll Hotels > Komandoo Island Resort > Read Reviews
Komandoo Island Resort Reviews
| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
May 2008 |
| Tour
Operator: |
On Your Travels |
| Submitted
By: |
Ms D Queen |
| Overall
Rating: |
7/10 |
| Comments: |
This is a beautiful island! You can walk round it in just ten minutes, often without bumping into anyone else. The beaches are beautiful, the snorkeling is fantastic. Its very quite, there's only one bar and restaurant, so if you want lots of entertainment, choose somewhere else. The atmosphere is very relaxed and laid back - nobody bothers with shoes, even in the bar, as the floors are all covered with sand. (Don't pack any high heels or going-out clothes!)
However, there are a few things you should be aware of....
All-Inclusive is not all inclusive!! If you have been to the Caribbean, or other destinations where this means you can drink and eat what you want, when you want, you will be surprised at the conditions imposed at Komandoo. Firslty, it only includes certain drinks. For example, a brand of Rum called Typhoon, produced in the Philipines. If you're into your rum, you'll wince at this. If you want any of the good stuff, you'll have to pay. As one of the bar staff said to me, they wouldn't even cook with the stuff, its so bad :-)
Secondly, all-inclusive doesn't include the mini bar in your room, which is ridiculous. If you're sitting out on your terrace and fancy a drink, you'll have to pay for it - although if you get the same drink from the bar, its free.
The staff will constantly try and sell you things - wine, champagne, cocktails, excursions. This was a bit too full on during our first couple of days, and we had to make it clear that we weren't interested. The service is not quite what you would expect from a 4 star resort, for example if you ring reception for anything you can expect a long wait.
The food was excellent, a great buffett every day for breakfast / lunch and dinner. The staff are all lovely and very attentive. Worth noting though, that if you miss any meals. you have to wait for the next one to be served, as food isn't available outside of the set meal times.
We stayed in a water villa, and it was simply amazing! Very spacious, with a jacuzzi and walk-in shower. It had a coffee-maker, plasma tv and dvd player. The views and the sunsets were fabulous.
However, if you looked closely you noticed that the cushions were a bit tatty and worn, and in the bar the chairs needed a good dusting. You have to overlook this, the sometimes-slow service, and the fact that its a little bit faded at the edges, and just go with the flow.
Its a very, very pretty island and this more than makes up for the down-sides.
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| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Sep 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
HAYES AND JARVIS |
| Submitted
By: |
Ms C A BLAKE |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
WE HAVE VISTED THE MALDIVES 7 TIMES THE LAST 3 STAYING ON KOMANDOO. WE ARE RETURNING AGAIN THIS SEPTEMBER. WE HAVE NEVER BEEN ANYWHERE THAT WE HAVE BEEN LOOKED AFTER AS WE ARE ON THIS ISLAND. THE 2ND TIME WE VISTED MY PARTNER WAS IN A LOT OF PAIN THOUGH A BACK INJURY THE STAFF COULD NOT DO ENOUGH FOR HIM TO HELP.(THE INJURY WAS NOT DONE ON HOLIDAY) LAST YEAR WHEN WE RETURNED WE COULD NOT BELIEVE THE FIRST THING WE WERE ASKED WAS HOW WAS MY PARTNERS BACK AND HOW DID THE OP GO? WE ARE SO LOOKING FORWARD TO GOING BACK THE STAFF, THE VILLAS, THE FOOD WE CAN NOT FAULT ANYTHING ON KOMANDOO WE HAVE RECOMMENDED KOMANDOO TO FRENDS AND THEY HAVE ALL SAID THE SAME, BUT IT WILL ALWAYS BE OUR LITTLE PIECE OF HEVEN ON EARTH.
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| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jun 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Kuoni |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs B Dennison |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
On arrival, our transfer from Male to the island resort was unbelievably trouble free and went so smoothly. The Air Taxi system is really well organised and the 40 minute flight was very enjoyable.
Komandoo is an absolutely beautiful tropical island. It was everything we had hoped for and more besides. The water villa we stayed in was stunning and so comfortable, the staff are so friendly and can't do enough to help.
The facilities generally are superb and if it's total relaxation you are after, then you will not be disappointed. One advantage of the place is the small number of guests, relative to other more commercial islands.
There are just 60 villas of varying kinds on this island so it remains quiet and peaceful and feels like being part of an exclusive club.
Things to watch out for; the welcoming committee (you will feel like royalty) and the flora and fauna. We spent lovely evenings, glass in hand watching the sunset and the gorgeous Heron fishing for his supper.
Don't take lots of shoes. One pair of flip flops is enough so expect sand between your toes at meal times!
We can't wait to go back!
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| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
May 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Kuoni |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs D Palphramand |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
We have just returned from Komandoo and I cannot praise it highly enough.
I am recovering from a broken leg and, whilst I would not recommend anyone going on a beach holiday in a similar situation, I can honestly say that, without exception, all the staff were so helpful and I cannot begin to thank them for their help and kindness.
Nothing was too much trouble and Riza, our waiter became my personal butler escorting me back to the table and choosing my favourites from the buffet for me! The food, incidentally, was excellent and very varied.
We had to change from a water villa because I could not mange the walk, so was rather disappointed.
However, once again, the manager -Birgit- could not do enough for us and we were offered a choice of alternative rooms. Our room was spotlessly clean, on the side that faced the 'factory' island, which we didn't find intrusive at all-nice to see a bit of real life going on.
We will return to Komandoo one day so that we can really enjoy it to the full-we were so impressed by the friendliness of the hotel staff, the breathtaking location, and the 'no-shoes' policy. I just can't wait.
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| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
May 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Key2Holidays |
| Submitted
By: |
Miss J Roche |
| Overall
Rating: |
8/10 |
| Comments: |
We spent 1 week at Komandoo in May 2007 and we thought the place was wonderful.
The food was great, the staff friendly and the diving was brilliant. The house reef is well and truly alive with turtles, rays, sharks and thousands of other fish.
Unlike the week before spent at Kuredu, you could safely dive or snorkel the house reef without fear of being run over by a seaplane. Prodivers knew their stuff and the dive sites were amazing.
One side of the island does have an unattractive view of the tuna cannery and a LOT of rubbish from the inhabited island ends up on the shore on this side but the staff do their best to clear this away as quick as possible.
Our beach villa overlooked the cannery and it wasn't the best but it's also the side with the sea breeze, which was welcome on 31 degree days.
Komandoo is a very small island so be prepared to see the same people day in day out, whether you like them or not! If you want a larger island with a choice of bars then this is not for you - try Kuredu.
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| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Feb 2007 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Tony Backhurst Scuba Travel |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs J Saunders |
| Overall
Rating: |
3/10 |
| Comments: |
Having read the earlier reviews I am beginning to wonder if they were actually on the same island.
If this had been my first visit to the Maldives, it most certainly would have also been my last.
This Island is awful. First they omitted to arrange transfer from Male, their error, but did they apologise, Oh no! It was 'Maldivian Air Taxis got it wrong.
We arrived 4 hours late after being re-routed to another Island and then having endured a rough and wet 35 sea minute crossing in a small speed boat.
The Sea plane would have taken 25 minutes total.
On a visit to Reethi Beach one couples' room was not ready on arrival - they were sent to the excellent spa for free massage treatment as compensation for their wait.
We were actually left feeling that our misfortune was somehow our fault and weren’t even offered a free drink as compensation.
All inclusive does not mean all inclusive on Komandoo, you have to buy water, cocktails ice-cream.
Our view from our shabby grubby room with is frayed and torn towels and un-ironed bed linen, was of an inhabited island complete with Tuna Canning Factory, cranes and dredgers - paradise? I think not.
The beds were not decorated Maldivian style once during our fourteen night stay, though we did have to share it with some very large ants.
The only thing good about this place is the food, it is wonderful, but then I have good local restaurants without a ten hour flight just to eat.
The house reef is a bone yard of dead coral, with ugly pipes and littered with junk. The dive sites are no better, no colour, poor visibility and strong currents.
We are experienced Advance Open Water Divers and were appalled at what went on here.
All in all a complete holiday nightmare, if we could have left a week early we would have grabbed the chance.
Anyone who thinks this is a good resort should head for Athuruga in the South Ari Atoll, they will think they have died and gone to heaven.
All inclusive means ALL, ice-cream, sun lotion, cocktails, cigarettes, tea coffee and cakes on demand plus fabulous food a wonderful house reef and the best diving we have ever experienced.
There is a designated animation team here to ensure that guest are made to feel special and important. The entertainment is great and unobtrusive for those not wishing to partake.
We were wrong - Oh so wrong to try somewhere new.
We shall return to Athuruga which incidentally is cheaper to visit.
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| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Sep 2006 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Thomas Cook |
| Submitted
By: |
russt1969 |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
After a 10 odd hour flight from Gatwick and a 40 min sea plane flight then a very small boat trip we made it to the island. And it was well worth all that travelling.
The weather was great. We had a days worth of rain, but the rest of the time was full sun. Maybe the odd shower which only lasted 15 mins then the sun comes out and you would never have guessed that it had rained.
We stayed in a Jacuzzi Beach Villa which is situated on the east side. The Beach villas are on the west side and the water villas are down south. In my mind the east side was less windy and had a better view. The west side was windy and there is a factory island opposite. It does not spoil the view but in my mind I'm glad it wasn't in my view.
The food is great. You get a good choice of everything. The Tuna is out of this world.
All the staff were great. Riza our waiter is lovely. Our room boy Ismail was out of this world with his designs with the bed sheets. How they do that in such a short time, I do not know. The bar staff were friendly. Infact, everyone is.
I would return at a drop of a hat but there is too much more of the world to see.
Komandoo gets a big thumbs up from us.
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| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Aug 2006 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Hayes and Jarvis |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs C Wilkins |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
Second visit to Komandoo and can't wait for 3rd.
Beautiful, intimate quiet Island - not for those seeking a busy holiday.
Staff are fantastic and make the island even more special!! Especially amith, Silva and Thilak at the bar.
Honeymooner’s paradise
Great snorkelling, excellent dive centre. Spa is fantastic and a must.
Food is fabulous, as are Asraf and Kaleel who serve it.
Water villas are superb and very luxurious.
I cried both times we left this island!!
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| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Jul 2006 |
| Tour
Operator: |
First Choice |
| Submitted
By: |
Mr A Wilkins |
| Overall
Rating: |
10/10 |
| Comments: |
Stayed here for our honeymoon and couldn’t ask for a destination closer to paradise. Rated as 4 star bit id give it 5.
A quiet island, perfect for R&R, not for party goers!
Diving and snorkelling is superb with great sites really close and own coral reef.
Food amazing with wide and varied choices. The new Mrs. raved about the 4 hand massage in the spa.
Very friendly and helpful staff. Outstanding rooms cleaned at least twice a day.
Couldn’t ask for more and will definitely visit again.
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| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Apr 2006 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Not Specified |
| Submitted
By: |
Mrs R Taylor |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
Imagine a deserted island you could walk from one end to the other in 10 minutes, covered in white sand, clear, blue water, no cars, no pollution and a few dozen people. If you're after a place to unwind 100% and kick back, then this is the place for you. Komandoo is paradise! We went to Komandoo for our honeymoon as an all inclusive, and were thrilled. We didn't want to leave.
We were a little worried that somewhere like this would be filled to the brim with honeymooners, but there's a really good mix of people all there for different reasons - predominantly British, but lots of other people from Switzerland, France and Germany too, so a great mix of nice people.
After jetting in via 'Air Taxi' (very cool), we found Komandoo to be magnificent. We stayed in a beach villa on the beach for the first 2 nights before changing to our water villa (our water villa wasn't available, which was a bit disappointing). The upside was that we got to experience 2 different sorts of rooms (and got a free 'His n' Hers' massage & bottle of champagne, and refunded the difference). Not a hardship to have to endure!
The places on the beach are really great - air-conditioned rooms with a door leading into an outside bathroom. The standard of rooms is very good all round, but my preference was a water villa opposed to a beach villa, as the bathroom is inside and air-conditioned. That said, the water villas are utterly amazing, but don't get much wind so get very, very hot. However, the beach villas do, particularly on one side of the island (I think these were the 'Coral/Turtle/Shell' villas). So pro's and con's of each - and entirely dependant on what you want out of your holiday.
The island itself is everything you would expect and more. Clear blue waters and coral reefs - amazing fish, tiny reef sharks, manta rays, dolphins to name but a few (snorkeling or diving is a must), loads of tiny lizards, fruit bats and NO MOSQUITOS!
TIP: Bring one pair of flip-flops only. No-one wears any shoes at all - everywhere is covered in sand (even the bar and restaurant). The only time you'd need shoes is to do any activity like go off on a boat or walk across the jetty/wooden gangplanks in the heat of the day. The sand is wonderfully white and clean as well.
Regarding the all-inclusive set up, you only get one bottle of water free (in your room) between two every day, even though they recommend you drink far more than that. You obviously get free drinks if you're sitting in the bar or restaurant, but if you want to drink anything (on top of your free bottle of water) in your room, you've got 2 choices - use the mini-bar (not free) or buy extra water from the shop or bar. If you want a bottle of water with dinner, you will only get it given to you by the glass unless you buy it. Bit annoying, but that's how it is. Same goes for beers and other drinks. That said, the mini-bar wasn't too dear.
The food selection is fantastic as well - really varied and tasty. The evening entertainment is a bit thin on the ground, as its not really the sort of place for discos and karaoke. The island also has a brilliant spa - well worth booking in for a massage - we had one of the best we'd ever had.
Komandoo is everything you'd imagine the Maldives to be and more. Another elderly couple told us that they'd been to the Maldives on many occasions, and this resort was by far the best they'd ever been to.
I'd recommend this place 100% without hesitation, whether you're after a good 2-week break or a honeymoon. I've never been anywhere where I've been so relaxed. Brilliant. If you can do it - go. You won't regret it and it'll be money well spent. Just figuring out when we can get back there.
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| Board Basis: |
All Inclusive |
| Date of
Holiday: |
Feb 2005 |
| Tour
Operator: |
Hayes And Jarvis |
| Submitted
By: |
Ms C Wright |
| Overall
Rating: |
9/10 |
| Comments: |
We had to change our original booking from Reethi Beach to Komandoo because Reethi, our original choice, closed because of tsunami damage. We were not disappointed with Komandoo. When we visited, there were only two grades of accommodation - standard rooms and Jacuzzi villas. Both were excellent. We understand that they are now building water villas there.
All the rooms are right on the beach and have great views of the sea, unlike some other islands where the sea view is obscured by trees and shrubs. Our room was so close to the sea that it actually came up under our room at high tide, which was a little noisy at night but better than traffic or aircraft noise! The rooms are basically pine boxes with good quality bathrooms attached at the back. They are much nicer than the usual concrete huts that populate many of the Maldivan resorts. They are very well equipped and have CD player and tea/coffee making facilities in all rooms. The bed was excellent - very large - excellent for tall people, and extremely comfortable.
The dining was excellent. There was always plenty of choice. The only thing that lets down the restaurant is the wine. The house wine, frankly, is atrocious. And we’re not wine snobs. You can buy wine by the bottle but it is very expensive. When you’ve paid for all-inclusive, you don’t want to shell out extra for wine with dinner. That said, the food and service is excellent. Unlike some other islands, you don’t have to share your table with another couple!
One of the biggest pluses for me on this island, is that they spray for mosquitoes, so you don’t have to wear repellent in the evenings. Nor was there any evidence of sand flies. I got just one bite during a whole fortnight, which was brilliant compared to other places I’ve been to.
The house reef is pretty good, although the best bit is a bit of a swim from the beach, if you want to just float with the current down the length of the island. There are other bits of reef closer, on the other side of the island. The dive shop also do weekly snorkelling trips, which are very good. We saw turtles, rays, plenty of small reef sharks (and a bigger one), octopus, and legions of the usual reef fish. Watch out for the lionfish, which can be seen near the jetties! Don’t touch! You can see loads of great fish in the lagoon if you don’t feel confident enough to go out to the edge of the reef.
There are no motorised water sports at Komandoo and I hope it stays that way. You are in no danger of being hit by jet skis or any of the other rubbish that spoils so many great beautiful coastlines these days, while you swim or snorkel. Just be careful around the jetties because there are a lot of boats coming and going all day.
Komandoo is a lovely place. Don't expect any excitement, other than the occasional pod of dolphins performing leaps just off the cost. Nightlife is almost non-existent. For a relaxing, chill-out, it's just the job. I'm not sure I should be putting this on the web, because it might make it too difficult to book there again!.
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