Meeru Island Resort :: View topic

Chas & Maxi · Last edited by Chas & Maxi on Wed Sep 07, 2011 9:43 pm; edited 3 times in total

Island - Biyadhoo
Date Sun 02/05 - Sun 09/05 - 2011
Camera used - Canon 500D & Panasonic Lumix TZ7 with underwater housing.

This is a long over due report on our trip holiday to Biyadhoo in May 2011. We have visited the Maldives 4 times. We’ve stayed on Meeru twice, followed by Bandos & Kuramathi.

We spotted a one week all inclusive bargain with Hayes & Jarvis for £799 & snapped it up. We did our homework on Biyadhoo & new that it was a cross between 2* & 3*.

We flew with Emirates via Dubai. Have flown with them before & can't fault them although they were a little shy with the drinks run. The atolls are always a pleasure to see on the approach to Male.

The rooms are very basic (like the standard rooms on Meeru) but all are sea facing (if you can see the sea through the trees) with the beach only 10 meters away.

Biyadhoo only takes 20 minutes to walk right round the island

This was the first time we went in May which is that start of the Monsoon season & we were very lucky with the weather. A bit breezy to start with but got better as the days progressed. We only had one day of rain which consisted of two 1 hour bursts. The rest of the rain happed at night which we slept through.

Biyadhoo is a very rustic island …. No luxuries …. Just basics. The food was fine with a very accommodating chef. After I asked for some green chillies on my first visit to the restaurant, the chef brought me a plate of hot chillies daily, boy were they hot!!!! Our waiter was great (sorry can’t remember his name) and always had time to make conversation.

The bar staff were distant to start with & on the first night we found it hard to grab their attention. But it wasn’t until we tipped them a couple of dollars on a daily basis that the service greatly improved. Drinks were fine with San Miguel & Fosters on draft. Nice choice of cocktails which were fine.

Did the night fishing as part of the all inclusive …. The fish were not interested in biting & those that did were too small so they were returned to the sea.

Dive centre was fine with friendly staff. As Biyadhoo has its own reef going all the way round the island, you could buddy up with a fellow diver (without a guide) & sign your self in & out on all shore dives. Check dives were compulsory even though I had been diving in Egypt 2 weeks earlier. Unfortunately, as it was the start of the Monsoon, the tides had changed & visibility was not as good as it was in the previous weeks. Never the less there was still plenty to see.

Lots of Titan Trigger Fish around the island but none were nesting .... thank god.

On one of the shore dives, we came across this sleeping nurse shark. I got a chance to get real close to her.

Go on ... give us a smile????

Lion fishes of all colours ...

... and sizes ... this beauty pretty impressive

I did my first wreck dive. The front end was at 17m, the other end went down to 30m.

Whilst diving around the wreck I came across this deadly scorpian fish. I didn't spot it until the dive guide pointed it out to me.

Would we return? Most definitely if we can get a similar price to what we paid. Currently looking into booking a live-a-board on the Yasawa Princess for Jan 2012.

Thanks for reading. Feel free to PM if you have any questions.

soobs

Thanks for the report great price and not a Thomson flight either where did you fly from?

We flew with Thomson in June to Meeru 1248 each for 2 weeks AI beach villa and were so lucky we were upgraded so got a real good deal and it was our best trip yet just keeps getting better.

But if an offer like your's was on offer I would think about it - it's all down to expectation and it seams they didn't let you down.

Chas & Maxi

Flew from Gatwick (even though Heathrow is 15 minutes from my door). But for the price, I wasn't complaining.

You has a brilliant deal for the price. I'll return to Meeru one day ... if the price is right.

sams

Really lovely underwater photos the colours are amazing, thanks for posting Smile

Chas & Maxi

Thanks for your comments.

Have just booked 2 weeks on the Yasama Princess Live-a-board in the first 2 weeks of Feb 2012. This way I get to see as much of the Maldives as possible as well getting to dive all the best dive sites. I'm really excited.

Would love to hear from anyone that has experienced a live-a-board. I guess it's the same as the 3 day cruises Meeru offers when they are over booked .... only this is 2 weeks.

Lorr & Gary

Thanks for the report. Often see bargins for this Island and have been tempted to book. Loved Meeru however to us as long as its quiet and we can relax ideal... I shall start looking for a bargin Razz

1ee

Excellent pics Chas! Love the leopard eel.

And very jealous of the liveaboard!

Chas & Maxi

On the 2 holidays I had on on Meerru, I had the kids with me. At the time , Dillan was 5 & Alisha was 7. Both returnedto Merru with us 2 years later but because of their ages, we couldn't experience the cruises Meeru had on offer.

I guess two weeks on the Yasawa Princess exploring both the North & South Atols will more than make up for it. Wink

I can't wait Very Happy

debandmark

Hi,

Just read your trip report, loved the photo's.

Just wondered what your experience with the beach was...do you get your own sunbeds...are sunbeds an issue, heard somewhere that it was, so just wanted to clarify.

We keep looking at this island and are really tempted...we have been to Meeru now 7times, but one of our children will be 12 in just over a year, so Meeru I fear will be out of the question, and we need to find a viable and affordable alternative.

Thanks in advance of any info.

Deb

Chas & Maxi

Hi Deb, remember that Biyahoo is more a 2.5 star island compared to Meeru's 4*+ status.

You can't really compare the 2 islands as they are a league apart. But, if you look at this island through open eyes, accept the fact that you are still in the Maldives (the same gorgeous turquoise sea, the white sand, swaying palm trees) and accept the island in it's rustic state, then you'll have a great time.

The rooms are very simple & if you don't like your room or location, then ask to change.

I didn't really have a problem getting sunbeds when I was there .... but you'll always find someone will be selfish enough to reserve their sunbeds thinking it's there god given right as the sunbeds are in front of their villa.