EEgor KorolOur two-week vacation at Arrival Beach and Spa on Gulhi Island was the perfect trip for us. If you're looking not just for a beach holiday but also for a chance to experience authentic Maldivian life, this is an excellent choice.
Overall Impression:
We spent 14 days at the hotel and were truly sad to leave. It was our first such long vacation abroad, and it was simply wonderful.
About Gulhi Island:
This island is a great example of a ”local” Maldivian island. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay: a designated bikini beach, its own house reef for snorkeling, several shops, cafes, and restaurants. For entertainment, there are football fields, water sports, and various excursions. In the evenings, stingrays and nurse sharks swim up to the pier – a very unusual sight!
Island Pros:
- A small but very interesting island – if you stroll around leisurely, you can discover something new every day.
- The local residents are very friendly and speak decent English.
- The island is easy to get to – just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Male.
- No mosquitoes – a big plus for evening walks.
- You can observe fruit bats.
Island Cons:
- Sometimes you can smell paint from the repair shipyard.
- There are flies.
- Not very much vegetation.
- Occasionally you see some trash.
About Arrival Beach and Spa Hotel:
The hotel left us with the most pleasant impressions. The staff is very responsive and the location is convenient.
What We Liked:
- Attention to detail: daily cleaning, towel changes, complimentary water in the room.
- The rooms are clean and fresh, with good soundproofing and a wonderful view.
- Amenities: beach towels and snorkeling sets are provided, universal power outlets.
- Free sun loungers and umbrellas provided by the hotel on the beach.
- Varied dining – buffet or a la carte menu.
- Musicians perform on weekends – creating a pleasant atmosphere.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pool seemed rather cold.
- The gym is very small.
- During heavy rains, we noticed minor leaks.
- The menu became a bit repetitive in the second week.
About the Hotel Team:
We would like to give special thanks to the staff who made our stay special:
- Arif Sha - a great guy who knows a lot about sports and the hotel.
- Ripha - the best expert on the Maldives and marine life.
- Dilshani - a charming girl, pleasant to chat with on any topic.
- Revil - the sweetest girl, her smile charged us with positivity for the whole day.
- And of course, a huge thanks to the cleaning staff for their daily and important work.
Verdict:
We definitely recommend both Gulhi Island and Arrival Beach and Spa. This place is for those who value not only comfort but also genuine human connection. We left feeling like we had been visiting good friends.