Feedback on a trip to the Maldives We rested with the whole family of 6 people in the Maldives at the Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort 5* from March 15 to March 22, 2026. The hotel is located on Baa Atoll, the place for which people fly to the Maldives: a clear ocean, a living reef and a feeling that you have fallen out of the usual reality. The flight was Air Astana, as usual - calmly and without unnecessary worries. Already at the airport in Male, you begin to catch this feeling of vacation: the welcoming hotels are lined up in a long row, there are a lot of people, but everything is organized without chaos. Among the signs, I unexpectedly saw the Kandima resort, where we used to rest, and at that moment pleasant memories covered me - as if you are returning to a familiar atmosphere, only in a new place. The airport itself is modern, spacious, with air conditioning - after the flight you can immediately feel it. Then everything went very quickly: we found our guide, went to the domestic flight hall, where only we were, calmly checked in and almost immediately flew out, everything went easily and without waiting. Already on Dharavandha, we switched to a boat, and here the understanding finally comes that you are in the Maldives - warm wind, ocean around and attention to detail: cool towels with the aroma of lemongrass and water. At the resort itself, you are greeted with drums, drinks and smiles, and the whole atmosphere does not look feigned - rather natural. Separately, I would like to note the staff - they are the ones who create a sense of relaxation. Anel, Amir, Nur, Tamiris and other employees were always in touch, sincerely friendly and attentive. Any issue was resolved quickly, without formalities and unnecessary expectations. It is felt that people care, and due to this, the rest is easy and comfortable. The island is small, you can get around it in just 10 minutes, but at the same time it does not seem cramped. There is a feeling of comfort and thoughtfulness, where everything is in its place. Amir took us for a ride around the island on an electric bus, showed us the main places - special thanks to him, he helped us quickly get used to the island. At the same time, the island is alive - not a "museum silence", but a comfortable, unobtrusive activity. Rabbits, birds, flying dogs live on the island - their sounds create the very atmosphere that is later remembered for a long time. We lived in the 2 Bedroom Ocean View Pavilion - in fact, two rooms on the second floor, connected by a door, which turned out to be very convenient for the family. Upon check-in, they offered champagne with fruit, children - juice and sweets, and this is the moment when you finally switch to rest mode. Everything in the room is thought out: there is water, coffee, good cosmetics with a pleasant smell, and, unexpectedly important, there are no mosquitoes. Snorkeling equipment was given out for the entire period - you don't have to think about it at all. We cleaned every day, regularly changed linen, everything was always clean and tidy. It is clear that the details are approached with attention. One day we made a beautiful birthday greeting right on the bed - it looked very cool and pleasant. He wanted to give them to one of my daughters 🙂 , it was even a little funny, he remembered himself in his youth, how he gave flowers himself. Even the buffet is perceived as a full-fledged restaurant, and not as a standard "buffet". They often cook outside, a lot of meat, seafood, fruits, desserts - the choice is large and at the same time without overloading. We had FB meals, while you could book restaurants and order a la carte at no extra cost, which turned out to be a nice bonus. it was hard to believe how much they could eat 🙂 In the evenings, live music, soft light, the ocean nearby are added - and you get a very correct atmosphere when you don't want to rush anywhere. The ocean is a different story. The house reef is really strong, with a sharp drop into the depths. There are a lot of fish, the variety is good: stingrays, reef sharks, puffers, stonefish. When you swim up to the edge of this cliff, the sensations are a little unreal - as if you are looking into another depth. I managed to dive about 15 meters on one breath hold, and at some point the surface of the water overhead looked like a ceiling - about the height of a five-story building, the feeling is very unusual. There is enough entertainment: there is a game center with billiards, air hockey, PlayStation, a children's club with activities, kayaks. My son and I enjoyed playing PlayStation - such moments are also memorable. To be honest, we didn't even get to some of this - there was not enough time anyway. In the evenings, people dress beautifully, there is a feeling of light resort movement. At the same time, during the day, to be honest, it is not easy for a married man to look around - there are many beautiful girls around, and, surprisingly, many are resting without a couple 🙂 Separately, I remember the birthday that I met there. The staff congratulated me with a small cake - it was very pleasant and unexpected. In the evening, my wife and I danced to the guitar - in fact, alone, without a crowd, and this had its own special atmosphere. On the last day, I had to use the first-aid post - my daughter had a sore throat. They examined, gave recommendations and medicines, everything was calm and without unnecessary fuss. It is better not to joke with the sun here - it is really harsh, so SPF, closed clothes and a hat are mandatory. We flew back on a seaplane - it was the first such experience and very impressive. The view from above of the islands and lagoons is one of those things that makes it worth trying such a flight at least once. Arrival in Male was fast, then a standard transfer to the international terminal. To be honest, the hotel left a very good impression: the service, food and atmosphere are at a high level, everything works as it should. At the same time, it is important to understand that this is not about absolute silence and solitude, but rather about a more "lively" Maldives with movement and activity. This format suited us, so the choice of the five options under consideration turned out to be correct. Separately, I want to thank Zhadyra from HT.kz - she really knows her business. Not just "picked up a tour", but helped to choose exactly the option that suited our family best in all respects. Always in touch, prompt, explain where it is better not to overpay and what to pay attention to. Of the five resorts under consideration, we eventually settled on Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort 5* - and, as the trip showed, it was the right decision.