Banyan Tree Spa Vabbinfaru, Vabbinfaru

It was a wonderful experience to stay here at this luxurious resort. The food was lovely, the service was amazing. We stayed in a beach front villa which had beautiful views all around. There was a private pool too. The hotel had an island all to itself. There were two jetties. Beautiful coral reefs were present all around the island where one can snorkel. Water sports are also available. There are some planned activities like city tours or cooking or yoga or local folk music and dance which are conducted by the hotel. Some are free and some are paid. One can choose as per convenience. There is a sister island too present just beside the banyan tree island where one can go by a boat. The arrivals and departures from airport are well coordinated.

4 stars basic, not 5 star luxury experience Why? 1) Infrastructure is old and dated 2) appliances and amenities in the room :- very outdated. See pictures 3) Restaurant style and food quality-the buffet was reheated food 4) no luxury touch or essence The island itself is a naturally beautiful setting. And this is definitely the best thing to take from it. The beach villas do give you beach front access which was the drawcard for us attending. the island was very limited with one restaurant so would appeal to people who are happy going to the same place every night. Very casual setting. For all of the above it was twice, if not three times more expensive to what it should have been. The entertainment was authentic and genuine but definitely amateur. You have singers reading off their mobile phone. It seemed like you were sitting in a neighbours backyard listening to their music. The staff are genuine, friendly and nice people. If the place was rated at 4 stars my expectations would have been managed. But I was very disappointed in what I had read and expected the place to be a luxury experience and felt it was highly over rated with the prices being charged.