Honest review
A jungle island in Raa Atoll: of its 17.5 hectares only 16% has been built on — the cottages scattered across the island have all but merged with the greenery over the years, and buggies run along the paths. The resort opened in 2000, and that is part of its charm: everything looks lived-in, real.
In effect there are two resorts on one island: ADAARAN SELECT MEEDHUPPARU 4* and ADAARAN PRESTIGE WATER VILLAS 5*. In the main part — villas with a simple but pleasant design: cream walls, parquet floors, turquoise decor, a terrace, an open-air and an indoor shower. In the Prestige part — just 20 water villas of luxury standard with jacuzzis and a glass panel for watching the fish; they take couples only — the current around the water villas is strong.
The house reef is alive: corals grow well and there is plenty of fish — from butterflyfish to reef sharks, rays and turtles. The dive centre runs trips to the best sites of Raa Atoll. A caveat about the main part's beach: corals turn up as you enter the water, and the depth sometimes drops abruptly; on the water-villa side, by contrast, the entry is perfect.
In the evenings — nights of calm music, karaoke, crab races and barbecues of fresh lobster right on the beach. For romance, we suggest the à la carte dinner at the ADAARAN PRESTIGE WATER VILLAS restaurant — for an extra charge.
A resort for those who love big green islands and a living reef; couples should look towards the Prestige water villas.
