South Ari Atoll Holidays from NZ$2,889

From the moment we found the Cinnamon representatives at Malé airport to take us to our seaplane, we didn't have to think for ourselves for the remainder of one of the most relaxing weeks ever. The staff at the resort were incredibly welcoming and friendly throughout our stay. The buffet food was varied and plentiful; every meal also had at least one station with a chef to make you, depending on the mealtime, custom eggs, pasta dishes, stirfys, plus a special station that would change daily, from burgers to pizza to tacos, curries, fresh catches, bbq'd meats, etc. We enjoyed the adults only aspect and appreciated the peaceful atmosphere all over the resort. Even the architecture was calming; the overwater villas with their white sail rooves and the sweeping pathways across the reef all felt so natural with the white sand and palms and added a tremendous feeling of peace. The other resorts we saw from the seaplane just didn't look quite as good! Our overwater villa was just as fantastic as the pictures advertising it. We spent several hours on our private deck, lazing in the floor hammock, tanning on the loungers or just sitting on the edge, watching the marine life in the shallows from above. On one of the days, we went on one of the free excursions to go snorkelling in deeper waters; special thanks and admiration to the captain of the boat, who dove to the bottom of the reef to retrieve a snorkel mask one of us had dropped. Must have been at least 6 meters. A true hero.

Overall it was a great experience. The service was exceptional. The facilities were great and we never hard a hard time finding a seat by the pool or the beach. The reason I have given 4 instead of 5 stars is that the resort allows smoking in too many places. You can be sitting there enjoying your time in your pool or beach lounger, when the person sitting a few chairs down lights up a cigarette and the smoke just wafts over for the whole time. There should be non-smoking areas so that non-smoking guests do not have to breathe that in while trying to enjoy the beach.

The Rooms were great. The buffet was not 5 star with little bespoke cooking as per other resorts ive been to in Maldives. Male staff mostly seem disinterested and slow. Females are great. Smoke, staff and food was great. Entertainment bsnds were average to poor . Philippino duo however were excellent. Management never seem to interact with guests. Seemed aloof . Lovely location but not really 5 star.

From start to finish, amazing service. Highly recommend!