Hotel reviews: Bathala Island

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

Around 200 islands of the archipelago are inhabited (recorded at the time of our visit in April 2010). Each hotel is set on its own island (unless you stay in the capital or Hulhule, the airport island). Among the 200 or so inhabited islands, few are inhabited by locals only - hotels and locals rarely mix unless in a work environment within a hotel structure. By this, we mean that there are no local villages on the same island as a hotel and vice versa. Tourism and local life are kept separate. This means that there are no cultural activities on hotel islands, although most hotels tend to organise excursions to neighbouring local islands for the day.

Upon arrival at the airport, everything may seem very confusing, with people milling around all over the place looking lost - you will notice a row of hotel kiosks, and a row of Maldivian Air Taxi or Trans Maldivian Airline kiosks behind the kiosks. When you come out of the arrival doors, just look out for your host who should be waving a Bathala Resort placard. Go with him/her. Make sure you have bags of patience with you, as the wait may last a little longer before you board the seaplane (up to two hours). Your host has to collect all the passengers heading the same way as you before asking you to check in at the Maldivian Air Taxi desk. You will then be whisked off into a van to the opposite end of the island to the seaplane terminal. A 5 minute drive later (make the most of it to gaze over at Malé, the capital, on the neighbouring island with its quirky colourful urban skyline), you will arrive at the hotel lounge, where you will be served complimentary refreshments while you wait to board the plane. The process may seem long, especially after a ten hour flight, but it is definitely worth it! Rest-assured that you will reap the benefits sooner rather than later!

Otherwise Bathala is one of the oldest hotel in the archipelago with a whopping 40 years under its belt. It was the fourth resort in the Maldives back then. It has since seen the ravaging development arise but remains one of the favourites and has a very high rate of returners. Last year, 2009, the management was taken over by Italian Tour Operator, Azemar.

The staff here is very passionate, without contempt, about nature and the effect the larger resorts have had on the environment. For example Bathala has no water villas in an attempt to preserve the house reef and coral gardens around the island.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

Upon arrival in the effervescent surrounding waters of charming Bathala Island, you will realise that the island looks just like the peaceful oasis you have always dreamed of. No fuss, no frills, Bathala's charms are simple yet addictive, which explains its high number of returners. The staff here is genuinely kind and helpful, especially the Front Office manager who greeted us in his football kit, and Ilham, the 'king of Bathala' (a titled earned after having spent 20 years on the island). Pure kindness emanates from the staff which adds a layer rarely found in the archipelago's larger resorts. When you arrive, you will notice the welcome sign to the hotel; this was made by Ilham himself quite a few years back! This is worth mentioning as it reflects the feeling of this island; if it isn't too crowded with good-looking sun blushed Italians, guests feel at home here on the perfect Robinson Crusoe island. The buildings here are all in keeping with the surrounding nature, creating a harmonious ambience. The activity tends to be spread around the island with the main attraction being the stunning beach and its waters. The hotel consists of an outdoor reception area, a restaurant split into two thatched-roofed bungalows and a diving centre. There is also a small souvenir shop for guests who wish to take something other than wonderful memories away with them.

The island is fairly small at just five hectares and has 60 beach villas which tend to be full most of the year round. For guests wishing for a spot of pampering, there is a tiny spa. A traditional dhoni has been converted into a treatment room looking out onto the water which is extremely quaint and adds that Maldivian touch.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

The island has 60 rooms divided up into two main categories: standard and deluxe. The rooms are small whitewashed round bungalows with private outdoor bathrooms to the back. There is nothing fancy about the rooms which are just plain white, with a double bed and basic furniture. Most of the time is however spent outside, so most guests do not mind the bare rooms which are clean. The resort resembles something close to a backpackers' hostel but the stunningly lush vegetation and mesmerising turquoise waters raise the standards instantly.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

In terms of food and drink there is a restaurant and a bar. The menu changes daily on a weekly basis and is usually served a buffet at all three meals. The food is mainly a range of international cuisine with Maldivian nights when guests have the opportunity to sample fresh fish cooked in typical Maldivian spices. The resort operates on a full-inclusive basis only.

• Z Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

The beach is beautiful as is the case for most islands here. The island is ideal for snorkelling as Bathala has a great house reef. For diving, a boat excursion is needed. Most of the beach is located north of the island. However, due to erosion the beach tends to get moved around the island throughout the year.