Makunudu Island

No News, No Shoes is a Maldivian slogan geared toward those who want to escape in Robinson Crusoe style. While other resorts (newer resorts with overwater villas and infinity pools) apply this to their marketing scheme, Makunudu really means it: Guests cannot access Wi-Fi anywhere on the island. There is a computer in the lobby (Internet tokens can be purchased) and a TV in the library, otherwise, expect technology-free environs. 

Arrival is by speedboat, and staff and managers come out to the jetty to provide a warm welcome, as if it were their own family coming to visit. Guests are led to the restaurant and treated to a welcome drink during the check-in process, while their luggage is transported to the bungalow. The entire island is sand (with the exception of the bungalows and restaurant patio) and each bungalow has easy access to the shore. Natural sandy walking paths are lined with wild vegetation; look closely for little plaques with the names of honeymooners and couples celebrating anniversaries through the years. 

The intimate property has just one restaurant and bar, which facilitates socialization, and many of the staff members and repeat guests have stories to share. The clientele may include a mix of English, French, Dutch, German and Italian visitors. The diversity does not end here: There are about 100 staff members from 10 different nations living on property, and they work hard to learn individual preferences. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet, and then guests -- if not off scuba diving -- tend to spend the afternoons swimming and snorkeling close to shore. Evenings can begin with a sunset stroll on the pretty western beach, and then a pre-dinner cocktail in the lounge. The restaurant offers themed nights and live music twice a week, and the bar closes when the last person leaves -- usually around midnight. It's a low-key scene and most are here to enjoy the peaceful surroundings rather than nightlife (also true of the Maldives as a whole). 

Many staff members have been around for years. They are a close-knit group who live on the island (typical in the Maldives) and are experts at personalized service. 

Makunudu Resort is located on a private island in the North Malé Atoll, part of the Kaafu Atoll. After passing through customs at Malé International Airport, guests are met by a representative (usually at a numbered kiosk) and led, luggage on a cart, to a speedboat towards the property. Depending on the wind and weather, this ride can be choppy and the journey takes just under an hour. The island has a jetty and dock area for its fleet of speedboats and traditional dhoni boats, the latter used for scuba diving and other excursions. A team of staff members -- including the manager on duty -- comes out to warmly greet and shake hands with newcomers; guests are ushered to the restaurant lounge for check-in.

The Maldives is a distinct nation in the Indian Ocean consisting of 26 atolls and over 1190 islands. Each resort (there are over 100 of them) is situated on an individual private island, allowing for peace and quiet as well as easy access to the water and incredible marine life. At six acres, Makundu is one of the smaller islands, making it easy for guests to walk the entire circumference (particularly enjoyable at sunset and sunrise). The resort offers excellent snorkeling in the house reef, a quality PADI dive center, and nightly shark sightings; the island also attracts exotic birds. Heron, in particular, like to call Makunudu home. 

Though the state religion of the Maldives is Sunni Islam, private islands like these are allowed to serve alcohol.

Surrounding the shoreline of this intimate six-acre island are 36 charming bungalows with thatched roofs. They're all the same except for bed size (most have queens; some have double beds) and beach location. They are traditional in style with dark hardwood floors and furnishings, rattan accents, and basic white bedding; expect the floors and furniture to show nicks and scratches. Beds come dressed with red Hibiscus flowers on arrival and striped beach towels. The white walls look a little stark, especially during the day when little natural light comes in, but the setting is much more romantic after evening turndown service. Each unit has a large writing desk and a seating area for two. Closets each have a safe, umbrella, and minibar stocked with a full bottle of sparkling wine, small liquor bottles, soda, water, and cans of Carlsberg beer (items come with a fee). There is also a pack of cigarettes provided. Each front door has a little message holder for communication from the staff. Bathrooms are a little outdated with older tiles and showers next to a gravel area with a few green plants and views of trees. There is a line to dry clothes and toiletries in eco-friendly containers, but no bathrobes or slippers. 

Some bungalows have better beach positioning than others and more privacy from neighbors. Repeat guests know their favorites and request the same units year after year. They also get extras like fruit and wine upon arrival. Long-time guests can buy plaques for their favorite rooms that they come to often (look at the grounds for these touching and romantic contributions).

Rooms are serviced twice daily, including turn-down service while the guests are at dinner. Termites might be feasting on the wooden roofs, so dust may appear on beds (if there are problems, the staff are quick to spray). 

Updates are expected in the the near future — this will include work to the thatched roofs (as mentioned, there are some termite problems) and on the outdated bathrooms. Rooms are kept very clean.

The entire island is surrounded by fine white sand, minus a few areas where erosion has occurred (this is common for the Maldives). It is easy to walk the entire shore of the island to get to other uncrowded sandy beaches. A great spot faces west for magical sunsets, while the jetty area near the entrance offers stunning sunrises. The turquoise water provides great swimming conditions and off-shore snorkel opportunities (gear is free for all guests). Marine life is a highlight and regular sightings include turtles, mantra rays, and (harmless) reef and nurse sharks. There is not a pool on-site, and it wouldn’t fit in any more than overwater villas would. 

There is one restaurant for the property called Ara Iru, which serves international cuisine; weekly specials help prevent long-term guests from getting bored. For instance, Tuesdays tend to have barbecue offerings, while other nights may include land, sea and garden themed specials. Breakfast and lunch are always buffet style, while dinner is a mix of buffet and a la carte options. Romantic beach tables can be set up right next to the water, weather permitting. 

Guests can choose from half-board, full-board, and all-inclusive packages. All-Inclusive guests will have a decent selection of liquors as well as house white and red wines. Live entertainment occurs twice weekly: Friday is a traditional drumming dance and Tuesdays there's a two-piece band that plays. The lounge and bar stays open until the last guest goes to bed. Service is a standout and it is both friendly and formal. Many staff members have been working on the island for decades. If guests are lucky, their visit will coincide with one of the half-yearly staff parties, in which all the guests are invited to partake.

A small spa has two treatment areas and two masseuses from Indonesia. There are facials and body treatments including Swedish and Balinese massages, foot reflexology, coconut scrubs and awaken facials. There is a library for shared books, and a flat-screen TV, but the sofa here is uncomfortable on purpose — the idea is that no on should be partaking in TV. Due to the absence of Wi-Fi, there is one desktop computer is available in the lobby for those who really need Internet connection. A token to use the computer is $6 for a half hour (as of late 2014).

Guests receive a notice in their room for departure the day beforehand with details on their wake-up call, check-out, baggage pick-up, departure time, and payment time. Kids are allowed at the property and cots, extra beds, and high chairs are available. Badminton, volleyball, and table tennis are available no charge. A boutique store sells souvenirs, snacks and stamps. The front desk has a mail slot for dropping the mail.

Snorkel gear is free for use but there is a charge for waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, canoes, catamarans, and windsurfing. All-inclusive packages include a few activities such as windsurfing and catamaran rides. Excursions are available for snorkeling off-shore and night fishing — some are included in the price. There are sign-up books in the lobby. If there are not enough people to join an outing, the staff will be in touch to rearrange another time with the guests. 

The PADI dive school is multi-lingual, and instructors teach in English, Dutch, Arabic, and Spanish. The school offers a range of intro classes, open water courses, emergency courses, advanced courses, and rescue diver courses.  There are rates and packages including equipment for up to 15 dives. Night dives are also available.