Embudu Village

With no paved walking paths, navigating this 122-room resort feels a bit like walking through a jungle. Leafy trees are planted everywhere and the grounds are covered in sand (including the lobby floor). Dozens of tiny beaches are tucked between the trees, making it easy to claim a private spot. Larger swatches of beach are also available -- just keep walking around the perimeter of the island (it takes less than 10 minutes to do a complete circle). Small iguanas and geckos dart around in the foliage, and it’s almost impossible to look into the crystal-clear water without spotting a brightly colored fish or reef shark. The on-site reef is so nice that the luxurious Taj Exotica resort, one island over, brings its guests to snorkel at Embudu.

There is one large, buffet-style restaurant that serves three meals a day (food is included, but drinks cost extra). Drinks are available at a bar, which features beachfront seating and a nice patio over the water.

German travelers frequent the resort -- so much so that the signage is in German (in addition to English), and five shelves of German books are available in the lobby library. 

Remember to bring small bills; many of the baggage couriers will linger at your door with pleading eyes until they get a tip.

Situated on its own private island in the South Male Atoll, Embudu Village is accessible by a speedboat that leaves directly from the Male Airport. It takes about 35 minutes to reach the island, which is small enough to walk across in under 10 minutes. Waist-deep water and patches of coral (which are teeming with colorful fish and small reef sharks) surround most of the island. A 160-person staff lives and works on the island year-round.

Most of Embudu Village’s rooms are Superior Rooms situated next to the beach. They include electric teakettles, mini-fridges, patio, and "king" beds (actually two smaller beds pushed together, which can be separated). The decor is basic: white walls, cheap wooden furniture, cartoonish drawings of fish, and no TVs. The nicest rooms are Water Bungalows. In addition to the regular amenities, bungalows include flat-screen TVs, true king beds, jetted tubs, and wooden flooring with glass peepholes (measuring roughly four by four feet). They also feature spacious oceanfront decks with views of Male.

Besides sunbathing and eating, there’s not much to do on the island itself (most of the excitement is on or under the water). Activities on dry land are limited to badminton, foosball, and table tennis. A “disco and acrobatic show” is also performed once a week. Other amenities include a small lobby library, tiny business center (where guests can pay for Internet), gift shop, and a spa that offers massages, facials, scrubs, manicures, and pedicures.

For those willing to pay extra, the resort offers plenty of affordable excursions, including a shopping trip to Male, night fishing, island hopping, and a submarine dive. A dive center also organizes off-site diving trips and rents snorkeling gear. Kayaks, catamarans, and windsurfing boards are available for rent on the beach.

Small, secluded beaches tucked between the trees offer plenty of shade, while a handful of larger beaches are ideal spots for sunbathing or snorkeling just offshore. The beautiful white sand is filled with tiny pieces of coral, so those with sensitive feet may want to wear flip-flops. The water is crystal clear and the temperature was perfect during our November visit -- cool enough to feel refreshing, yet warm enough to slip into without a chill. We couldn’t find a speck of trash anywhere. Remember to bring beach towels because the resort doesn’t provide any.

The resort has one large, buffet-style restaurant and a beachside bar with a picturesque patio over the water. The buffet serves a solid assortment of Western and international cuisine, but we found the quality of the dishes to be hit or miss during our visit. All guests receive free meals with their stay, however all drinks (even water) cost extra. With additional services charges and tourist tax, expect the drink bill to add up fast.