The short answer
Bandos Maldives: what visitors should know first
A reasonable choice if you like the idea of an all-inclusive plan and a buffet where you can see the food before you choose it. Check room type, meal plan and dietary needs with the resort before you book.
History and context
The story behind Bandos Maldives
Wikipedia records that tourism in the Maldives started in 1972 with two resorts, Kurumba and Bandos, giving about 280 beds in total. Bandos lies on Bodubandos in North Malé Atoll.
Useful facts
Bandos Maldives facts at a glance
- Location
- Bodubandos, North Malé Atoll
- Stay style
- Island resort with beach rooms, villas and water villas
- Dining
- Gallery buffet, Grill Bar, Sea Breeze, Huvan, Umi Yaki
- Meal plan
- All-inclusive plan covers three meals at the Gallery
- Origins
- One of the two first resorts, 1972
- Best suited to
- Families who want a fixed meal plan
Why it matters
Why Bandos Maldives is worth your time
Bandos is one of the two resorts that began Maldivian tourism. According to Wikipedia, President Ibrahim Nasir started tourism in 1972 with Kurumba and Bandos, about 280 beds in all. For a family wanting an older, established resort with an all-inclusive plan, it offers a straightforward answer to the question of what to eat and where to go each day.
Its value to Indian families is predictability. A fixed meal plan means no daily negotiation about food and drink at the table, and a buffet means you can see what is vegetarian. The trade-off is that you rely on one dining room, so confirm the arrangement for your diet in writing.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The Gallery buffet
Main restaurant; you can see dishes before you choose.
- 02
Beachfront rooms
Easier for older guests than water villas.
- 03
A 1972 resort
One of the country's first two.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The resort's site describes the Gallery as the main restaurant, with an international buffet. For vegetarian and Jain families, a buffet has one advantage: you can see each dish before you take it. Even so, ask the chef which dishes use fish stock, shrimp paste, onion or garlic, and ask whether a separate vegetarian counter is set up.
Beyond the Gallery, the site lists a Grill Bar on an overwater deck serving meat and seafood, Sea Breeze, the sunset spot Huvan and Umi Yaki, a teppan grill. Its all-inclusive plan covers breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Gallery plus premium drinks and non-motorised water sports. The page we opened does not mention a vegetarian, vegan, Jain or Indian menu, so confirm the choices before you travel.
Room types listed include standard and deluxe beachfront rooms, garden villas, several pool villas and sunset water villas with a pool. For older travellers, beachfront and garden rooms are the easier choice. Alcohol is served on the resort, as it is on all resort islands, so tell your family beforehand if any member prefers a dry holiday.
Plan with confidence
Before you book the room.
- Ask the chef which dishes use fish stock or onion-garlic
- Request ground-level beachfront or garden rooms
- Confirm what the all-inclusive plan covers
- Buy travel insurance with medical evacuation cover
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Bodubandos island, North Malé Atoll
- Time needed
- A stay of three to seven nights
- Best time
- January to March for the driest weather
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The resort offers beachfront rooms and garden villas as well as water villas, so ask for a ground-level beachfront or garden room if stairs or jetties are a worry. Check the transfer arrangements with the resort.
- Tickets and access
- Guests only for stays; non-guest day visits are not confirmed, so ask the resort. Book through the resort or an agent and confirm the meal plan in writing.
Best for
Plan it with
Book with confidence
Check rates at Bandos Maldives
Compare room types, cancellation terms and breakfast before you book. Ask for a ground-floor or lift-access room if anyone finds stairs hard.
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Travelling with parents?
The resort offers beachfront rooms and garden villas as well as water villas, so ask for a ground-level beachfront or garden room if stairs or jetties are a worry. Check the transfer arrangements with the resort.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Does Bandos have vegetarian food?
The page we opened does not describe vegetarian options. Ask the resort in writing; the Gallery buffet at least lets you see the dishes.
What does all-inclusive cover?
The site says it covers breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Gallery, premium drinks and non-motorised water sports. Check current terms.
Is alcohol served?
Resort islands are where alcohol is permitted; the site lists a Sand Bar and Pool Bar.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.