馬提維利度假旅館(Holiday Mathiveri Inn)

Mathiveri was our first experience on Maldives and it was an excellent choise! First of all, a few words about Mathiveri island itself. It is a habited island, so you will not feel cut off from the civilization. There are several cafés and shops, medical centre, playground, regular public speedboat to Malé (2 times a day, $50 per person). Beaches are located at north-west side ('stingray beach') and south side (bikini beach on the south-west and public beach on the south east). There is also a small separate 'picknick island' on the south east. This time of the year (July) west mousson creates the currents along all these beaches, and it causes inconveniences while swimming with kids. On the other hand the water is enough deep for swimming (in the other seasons it can be shallow along bikini beach). Beware of rising water level and do not leave anything on the beach, it would be washed away with waves and current. Bottom is covered by corals parts, so 'coral shoes' are recommended. It is possible to reach the picknick island by yourself just by swimming from bikini beach downstream, it is rather simple. But the way back is challenging, cause you have to cross the current betwee the islands and it is rather strong. Anyway I did it 3 times and even with kids. Picknick island has two major advantages: sandy bottom without corals and no current. But beware of scorpions under the trees, we found one there. Near the harbour (northen part of the island) you can find a small pier, where one can observe sharks, turtles and even sea rays in the evening hours (6-7 p.m.) ------------------- And now about the hotel. It is the nearest hotel from bikini beach, just 2 minutes walk. We stayed at family room with two queen-size beds. Room is divided with screen into 2 parts. Aircon was is good state. We had some sewege issues, but they were fixed quickly. We ordered half-board and it was a mistake, full board is a better choise! Food is modest but good enough for adults. Kids refused to eat some items so we requested special menu for them (plain rice, french fries, corn flakes etc.), so finally everyone was satisfied. Cafes 'Mosu' and '2nd kitchen' located ~200m from the hotel are nice, but you have to wait the order for 1-2 hours, I believe there's better way to spend your time. We ordered two snorkeling boat trips in the hotel (just reaf and mantas), both were nice. I would like to express my personal gratitude to hotel's manager Rishwan who was friendly and responsible (and always available via whatsapp/ phone) and all the team of Holiday Mathivery Inn. You helped to make our stay comfortable and unforgettable! Hope to come back again! Ivan.