Emboodhoo Lagoon Holidays from AU$2,145

Royal Island is a paradise! This was our first time to the Maldives and didn't know what to expect. The service was top notch from the time we stepped foot on the island. Staff were available to check in all groups arriving on the boat at the same time, so there was no waiting. We were set up with a contact via WhatsApp (Mark) and he kept us up to date with what was going on at the island each day and was available to address all of our questions. The food at the buffet was good and each dinner had a different theme keeping it interesting. Our server Naseer was friendly and efficient. Finally the setting! The island is beautiful! The clearest water outside of a pool I have ever swam in. We were at the west end of the island and there was easy access to snorkelling in the lagoon. There is some damage to the reef, but we still saw so many fish, rays and a shark. We also enjoyed the Wanderlust and Hanifaru Bay snorkelling excursions. The transfers were well planned (don't panic about not having the details until the day before). And bonus, because we had a late departure they gave us late check-out without an extra charge. Overall a fabulous experience. Highly recommend.

Customer service was great, everyone was super friendly and were always making sure we were not missing anything. What probably took this away the opportunity for becoming a 10/10, is the cockroaches at the room….for multiple days we found small cockroaches all over the room (the bathroom…the shower, even our bed). Even some friends we made at the hotel, later told us that they had the same situation (these were overwater villas). We let the front desk know and they said they were going to put poison in the room, but these just kept showing up…

This was the most beautiful and relaxing holiday where upu can do as much or as little as you wanted without ever hetting bored of the scenery, Staff were lovely and always willing to help, We had the most wonderful holiday

Two things stood out: 1) Chef Ali's attentiveness to my gluten allergy. I was treated to bespoke meals (especially desserts) as well as gluten-free options made available at request. 2) The joy of the staff as they did their job, especially their efforts to upgrade me to the finest property available as a solo traveler. The conditions were pristine.

This is a peaceful retreat. The service is incredible, they are there but don't hassle you all the time asking if everything is alright. The transfers both to and fro from the airport are seamless we have been here five times and never had a problem. The food is really good with plenty of options. The reef has many fish,despite having rain most of the week we saw turtles,sharks,ray and over a 100 different fish. The reef is easily accessible from the shore in both low and high tide.