Ataraxis Grand and Spa Fuvahmulah

- Before arriving, we booked flights from Male to Fuvahmulah with them. Until the day before the flight, we had not received the confirmation or the reservation number to check in or to know at what time we were leaving. After insisting and insisting, they sent the confirmation number and we were able to travel without any problem. - When asked if there was going to be someone to pick us up at the airport, the answer was that there would be someone at the airport upon our arrival (without specifying the price or who was going to pick us up). Having been on the island previously, and the hotel owners having picked me up and taken me to the airport at no additional cost (4,7km away), I assumed that this would be the same (my mistake). - We booked for 6 nights. On the website where we booked, they explained exactly what we had to pay and described the corresponding taxes. Everyone was “extremely friendly” until we had to pay.. he started to do the math and it turned out that we had to pay about 40 dollars more than what was in the reservation. When we asked for an explanation, he began to be unable to verbalize where those 40 dollars more came from, between the percentage for paying by card (he didn't even know how much it was, a colleague had to tell him), the “taxi” to and from the airport that supposedly cost 10usd each way and the taxes. We all did the math again, and although our was always 3 usd less than his, we agreed to pay. - Charging 10 usd per way on an island that is no more than 5 km from one end to the other feels like an exaggeration. In Male it is less than 5USD and the distances are bigger. But even worse is that the client was not informed before providing the service. - Due to poor communication on their part and my complaint, “they gave me back the 10usd for the trip from the airport to the hotel, for not having communicated it” - One of the glass bottles they leave in the room with water broke. When we asked for the room to be cleaned because of it, the same person told me that this glass bottle (just a normal one) cost 15usd and that I had to pay for it “because in all hotels, if something breaks, you have to pay”. Yes, of course, if I break a lamp, a bed, a door… I pay for it. Nevertheless, 15 USD for a bottle is way too much. Their explanation for the extremely high price is that “of course the bottles had to be brought from China by boat and that is why they cost 15usd”.. 
I have photos (attached) of glass bottles that are sold on the island, 65 maldivian rufiyaas.. (less than 5 usd…). - Before leaving we asked about laundry service. 1USD per piece of clothing and 0.25 for underwear. Clearly we did not accept. The price of laundry service on the island is 10 Maldivian rufiyaas per item (shirt or pants) and underwear is free. Again, charging 2 or 3 times more than the current value. - They didn't clean the room on the first day and the day before leaving despite leaving a sign saying "please, make up the room." - The roo

Ataraxis Grand and Spa exceeded our expectations! The hotel was spotless, and the spacious rooms made for a very comfortable stay. The staff were amazing throughout, with a special mention to Haam, who brightened our day every time we saw him. We will definitely return!

This must be the best place to stay in Fuvahmulah, as evidenced by the number of travellers at other hotels on the island who moved here while we stayed. It’s walking distance to the beach, and good views over this end of the island from the rooftop (note that the palm trees prevent direct sea view, but you’ll see great sunsets). Note that spa services are not on site, we didn’t take up those. The rooms are super comfortable and well thought out, specific note should be made of the mattress which was the most comfortable in our month of travelling. The food in the restaurant is very good, (surprisingly great burger!) and while being a non-resort island alcohol is not available, there is non-alcoholic beer and excellent mocktails. But the main reason you’d stay here is the service, we were wonderfully looked after by Haam, Khokon and the team, nothing was too much trouble. Unlike most people, we weren’t there to dive with sharks, but have a relaxing holiday in a non-resort setting and do some surfing. Unfortunately, my partner injured their knee on the first day and so we spent more time in the hotel than we expected, luckily it was great! The team can organise board hire and lessons / surf guiding via Aarifiyaalho who were great. It’s worth noting that the local tourism website calls the beach on the corner of the island a beach break, but that’s a bit of a misnomer as it’s a standard coral reef once you are off the sand. While you wouldn’t make it a surf destination over the many world-class waves in the Maldives, there are good options here for beginners and advanced surfers (with guides). Otherwise, enjoy the relaxed ambience, the bats, the sea life and the great hospitality at Ataraxis Fuvahmulah!