3 independent reviews for Sri Lanka and Maldives vacations
Reviews for Sri Lanka and Maldives vacations
Barbara Huntsman review 23 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole exposure to the adventure, culture, history and way of life in Sri Lanka coupled with the total relaxation of the Maldives. Elephant safari, tea plantation, curry cooking, sea plane transfer and reef snorkelling were all highlights.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Choose as high end hotel as you can afford. Make sure that you have a driver / guide in Sri Lanka - ours was brilliant. Be aware that it will effectively takes a day to transfer from Sri Lanka to a resort in the Maldives. Be aware that Maldives use a reef time, which is one hour ahead of Male. Look carefully at the direction that the selected villa faces in terms of sun exposure time of day and likely cooling breeze direction. Be aware that All Inclusive on the Sun Aqua Villu Reef is not really 'all' inclusive and that you may have to pay a very high price for selected dining and drinks. Be sure to look at the view of any adjacent islands to your selected resort. This one overlooks an island on the reef side which has a communication antenna structure and storage buildings that are less idilic than you may expect.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
In Sri Lanka, yes. The April '19 bombings had clearly hurt the tourist trade and they are struggling to recover. It is perfectly safe now, at least as safe as any of us are in Europe, so we would encourage people to visit to experience this wonderful country. In the Maldives, there is clearly a plastic pollution issue and I suspect that our trip did not help the situation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic, and unforgettable experience. It leaves us wanting to return as soon as possible!Pauline Clark review 2 Feb 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Meeting the Sri Lankan people, seeing a leopard in Yala national park, staying in very interesting unusual accommodation.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Use a small tour operator like this one who can tailor your vacation to your requirements. Go early to busy tourist sites.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, to an extent. The hotels were all very "green", reducing plastic waste, using local foodstuffs, employing local people etc. Our local guide was very good. Our only gripe really was with the bad management of the national parks, particularly Yala, which felt like an overcrowded theme park, with the wildlife being exploited for commercial profit.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent.Annmarie Woodcraft review 23 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Staying in Ella and walking in the hill country and snorkelling in the Maldives.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be very specific in your requirements as we felt there was a limited amount of time we had to ourselves in certain locations e.g. Kandy. We asked if we could be met later and that did not happen. The planning and timing was too rigid.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes i believe so, although several large hotels were used, where a more local hotel or accommodation would have been more appropriate.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good, loved the Maldives.Holiday Reviews
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