It's quite rare that we revisit a place or indeed go back to a hotel. Over the years we have a true love of these beautiful Indian Ocean islands and the magnificent Kanifushi in particular. Like many, we now suffer from an incurable condition - Maldives-itis which takes hold once those withdrawal symptoms set in for not having visited for a short while.
We had only ever planned to travel 'the once' to the Maldives. Our first trip was abandoned as we were due to travel out on Boxing Day 2004 - the day of the catastrophic tsunami. We put plans on hold for a year or so and have now visited 12 times ... the 13th should have been this year for Mr P's special birthday (but COVID put paid to that). After all of our visits, our favourite place remains Atmosphere Kanifushi.
This is a premium all-inclusive resort. But, do you know what? You get what you pay for and we'd rather spend a few more pounds and go every couple of years to Kanifushi than go to another island every year. It really does have a special place in our heart.
So what makes this place so special?
There's the standard of accommodation, the food, choice of restaurants, service, overall atmosphere. It's not one thing. For us, Kanifushi delivers the complete package - with a good dollop of rest and relaxation thrown in.
Getting there ...
You reach Atmosphere Kanifushi by seaplane. It's about a 35 minute flight. But, you get to access the resorts great airport lounge whilst waiting for your seaplane (where you can get soft drinks and snacks). On arrival, as you've already done the necessary paperwork whilst in the airport lounge, you're soon whisked to your villa by golf buggy. The island is 2km in length and the buggy's run up and down the island all day and evening - you don't have to walk too far if you don't want to!
Who would it suit?
It's a great place for couples to relax, especially in the day at the dedicated adults-only pool. Equally, families are catered for really well and there's also a kid's club. Atmosphere Kanifushi is a large island so it never feels that busy.
Premium all-inclusive plan
Atmosphere Kanifushi have taken all-inclusive to a new level. Here's what you receive:
Choice of 4 restaurants and 2 bars, including a la carte dining - you will never go hungry! There's more on the various restaurants in this blog post.
Unlimited orders of selected premium brands of spirits, wines, classic and signature cocktails.
Non-motorised sports - paddle boarding, canoeing
Complimentary snorkelling equipment for the duration of your stay
Unlimited snorkelling excursions for the duration of your stay
In-villa mini bar stocked with beer, wines, soft drinks, snacks - replenished twice daily
Discounts at the spa and diving
Complimentary excursion per stay - choose from a selection of excursions, including one to local island Naifaru and the Atoll Marine Centre (with turtle sanctuary)
Complimentary sunset fishing trip
Use of the clubhouse with well-stocked gym, tennis court
Kid's club
Rooms with a view
The standard of accommodation is fabulous. There's a range of room categories - beach villas, deluxe beach villas, beach villas with pools and the recently launched over-water villas (which we've not seen - yet!). The entry-level beach villas are some of the very best we've experienced in the Maldives. They're really spacious with large comfy beds, separate indoor seating area and an outdoor deck with a couple of chairs and sun loungers.
The outdoor bathrooms have twin sinks (so there's no arguing), a rainwater shower and a great big, deep bathtub! Oh, and don't be alarmed if you get a visit from a fruit bat every now and again.
All rooms face the beach so you are just seconds away from getting dusty, white sand in between your toes.
It's the little extras that make it special
In your room you will find ....
What you'd expect ...
Hairdryer (although it's not overly powerful which is fine for someone like me with short hair).
Toiletries - shower gel, shampoo, conditioner - all in recyclable bottles
Lots of lovely fluffy white towels
Beach towels
Kettle, tea, coffee with lots of cups and glasses
As well as ...
Beach shoes (some parts of the beach have a little more coral than others)
Beach Bag
Mosquito Repellent - although as the island is 'fogged' each evening, you don't see many
SPF30 Suncream
Fridge filled with beer, soft drinks, iced coffee, fruit juice
Wine fridge - with a choice of red or white
Nespresso Machine
Snacks like Pringles, Oreos, Nuts - replenished daily
Bottled water (but no plastic!)
A torch for the evening (although the island is fairly well lit)
#maldives #travelblogger #indianocean #favourite