Hotel Review: Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We arrived at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef early morning. My first glance at the resort took my breath away. That is, my view from the seaplane. The resort is located in Dhaalu atoll, and I had dozed off for the 45 minute journey to be woken up by my colleague and friend who was travelling with me. “Look!” She whispered excitedly, looking out the window. “We’re here!”

Groggy and yawning I looked out below to an exquisite sight of a rather large island surrounded by sparkling waters. An endless white beach with pops of fuchsia and bright orange called out to me – this I would later find out were beach umbrellas.

The HOD’s of the resort, including General Manager Mohamed Hilmy, and Front Office Manager George William welcomed us at the jetty. A cool drink at the reception and we are directed to our room. We were to spend two nights at this resort, and generously enough, GM Hilmy offered to switch up our accommodation from a Beach Front Suite to a Sun Aqua Pool Villa for the two nights. My friend and I gladly accepted this.

Our Sun Aqua Pool Villa looked right out to a long stretch of beautiful beach, with turquoise waters only a few feet away. Out on the deck, the large Maldivian swing is perfect for a day time nap. Falling perfectly in line with the theme of the rest of the resort, though white, the rooms are decorated with the same colors used on the entire with resort.

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef, offers 103 luxurious rooms/villas for their guests in ten categories which include, Beach Villa, Deluxe Beach Villa, Deluxe Beach Villa with Jacuzzi, Deluxe Beach Villa with Pool, Sun Aqua Pool Villa, Reef Villa, Sun Set Reef Villa, Aqua Villa, Aqua Suite & a Grand Reef Suite. All the rooms are designed and decorated in theme with the rest of the resort, with bursts of colors. The vast island offers guests a variety of dining options including private dining for couples, at their own choice of setting, over water or on the beach.

We had dinner at The “Well Done” (A Maldivian seafood/grill restaurant). Seated right on the beach, we were greeted by charming hosts and waiters. A three piece acoustic band came to sing at our table, while we dined under the stars. The ambiance of the whole place was lively and buzzing with laughter and conversation flowed throughout the entire dinner. The food was exquisite, as were the drinks. The night lingered on.

One wonderful aspect of Sun Aqua Vilu Reef is that the management makes it top priority to grow their own vegetables by themselves. On an island about ten minutes away from Sun Aqua Vilu Reef, the resort grows their own vegetables, some fruits, and leaves. The small effort speaks volumes about how the management and staff like to take care of their guests, and how far they are willing to go to make sure that the guests stay at the resort is nothing short of personal.

The resort also offers different types of entertainment for their guests every night. Some nights, it could be live music from the in-house band or games organised by the recreation team of the resort. In any case, guests are guaranteed a memorable night whether they choose to retire to their private villas for some privacy, or take part in the activities offered by the island.

Our Sun Aqua pool villa was nothing short of a luxury accommodation. The outdoor pool is only a few feet away from the ocean – a very private but comfortable setting.

The resort also offers a wide range of water sports and activities such as diving, snorkeling around the beautiful house reef, or jet-skiing for the thrill-seekers, and stand up paddle boarding, or canoeing for the quiet romantic types.  Excursions such as sunset cruises, catamaran cruises, and a range of other water sports are available for guests who are interested in spending some time out on the sea – a must do, if ever in the Maldives.

The island has gone to great lengths to make sure their guests feel at home at the resort. Guests are guaranteed a truly personalised romantic experience at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]