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Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives

Komandoo Island Resort

Komandoo is a good budget-oriented way to visit this area of the world. They have some of the best priced water villas in the country. They are not flashy with 600 thread count sheets and signature bath products, but they do not pretend to compete with the 5-star luxury resorts.

The food is healthy but basic. There is no fresh water swimming pool. With only 65 rooms, the resort is a quiet and peaceful oasis. Komandoo is in a remote corner of the islands, so the sea life is impressive and unspoiled.

Since it is a pretty well run resort with great value, they can be fully booked months in advance. Plan ahead.

 — Mango's view

Komandoo is an idyllic private island retreat, a haven of charm and elegance, only 100 meters wide and 500 meters long, with attractive sugar white sand banks on both ends. A beautiful turquoise lagoon surrounds the island including a magnificent house reef with superb snorkeling. The vegetation is tropical with a beautiful 40-year old coconut plantation as a highlight.

Komandoo is perfectly situated in a channel opening, which makes it very interesting for divers and snorkelers as well. You never know what to expect when entering the waters, turtles, mantas, sharks or rays. Sitting on the Kandu Bar terrace, you may even see a school of dolphins playing as they pass by.

The public areas, bar, restaurant and spa are all built in picturesque Maldivian style. The thatched roofs, exquisite furniture and the sophisticated gourmet cuisine will provide lasting memories at the romantic open-air restaurant on the water. For a romantic evening, do not miss out on the beachfront candlelit dinner, as the sun sets with a glass of champagne or your favorite wine. Together, with their executive chef, you will compose your own menu for the special occasion.

Accommodations at Komandoo include beach villas, Jacuzzi beach villas, and water villas. Beach villas are individual spacious bungalows in the shape of a shell built in wood with well-designed furniture. Every beach villa has a large wooden terrace overlooking the beach with sun lounges. The deluxe bathroom, partly open-air, includes a walk in hot and cold desalinated water shower in a lovely tropical garden. It is equipped with a circular glass shower cubicle.

Jacuzzi beach villas offer the same amenities as the beach villas, but add a beautiful tropical garden area with wooden deck and a Jacuzzi. Jacuzzi water villas are set on wooden columns in the beautiful south lagoon with romantic views from a large, secluded, furnished, partly roofed terrace and sundeck with stairs down to the water. These villas have a spacious bedroom and sitting area and are exquisitely furnished with solid teak furniture. Bathrooms with walk-in rain shower and a Jacuzzi bath overlook the turquoise lagoon.

Includes: All Meals, drinks (except premiums), activities