First off, if you're looking for a party island, move along, nothing to see here (in fact you may want to consider another country if you're after a boozy beach venue. Similarly, it's a very small island with not much other than beach and Indian ocean, so if you want to do something other than read on the beach or swim, carry on searching. OK, still with us, then we continue.

Let's get the obvious thing out of the way - this resort's house reef is amazing. Although my missus no longer dives, we've been on dozens of beach hols with our mask and fins for a wee snorkel over the years in Carib, Med and Indian Ocean and the snorkelling is the best we've seen by a country mile. The water clarity and amazing variety of critters is the sort you get on an Attenborough Documentary on the Beeb, that's what we're talking here. There is a very high proportion of divers staying here for a good reason, but even mask and fins will let you see some beautiful stuff.

OK, taking things in a slightly more orderly way, first the location and island itself.Transfers are dhoni only it seems, it's a little too close to Male to merit water taxis, but not so close there's airport noise. 30-40 mins depending on weather and conditions. The island is small to medium by Maldives standards, and is actually pretty tiny, there are various excursions to other islands available if you're bored, but we never felt like we wanted to go anywhere else to be honest - our only excursions were on snorkelling trips.

Most of the facilities are in one area, restaurant, main bar (which has a small stage area for showing TV, films, bands etc) reception, shop, plus games rooms and "lecture hall." There's a small (and a little dingy) pool room, plus fussball, ping pong and a tiny library with a couple of board games available to borrow. There is also internet available, plus postings of printouts from news sies every couple of days. We're talking pretty basic, this is not a party isle, but there are efforts made to provide some basic facilities and something to do in the evening, but don't expect Cirque du Soleil to be making an appearance.

The other facilities are on the opposite side of the island near the water villas - snack bar and smaller bar, water sports centre if you fancy a blast at kit surfing, paddling or similar and the spa (at time of writing, there is legislation being mooted to shut all resort spas in the Maldives - research further if spa is an essential for you.) The other little outpost is the dive centre which is between the two main centres, slightly nearer the "main" stuff. Even if you don't dive, they post tide times to get the most out of your time in the water and can give helpful advice. We didn't use the spa or dive centre, but trips booked through watersports centre were fine. Either through watersports or main reception - Ray trip 'nuff said.

The downside for the island for us was the restaurant. Even bearing in mind the location and (relative) budget nature, it felt like there was something missing. Not a great selection for vegetarians, some days food was a bit meh and somehow the layout meant it was the least relaxing element of the holiday. Lot of people ended up sharing a table, which can be a hassle for some people. We were told they never have people share a table with people with a different first language though, so don't worry about being placed with a Croatian couple! You'll tend to have the same table for the duration, so if you're not keen on where you are, shouting up early is the way forward. Don't get me wrong, it was far from awful, but was the weak link as far as we were concerned. We actually ended up skipping lunch several days and getting stuff from the snack bar instead, who were more than happy to do "takeaways" for us.

As a general comment on the visitors, Brits are very much in the minority, but this is not a problem by any means, with many of the German guests happy to chat away in English. Expect mainly Germans, with a lot of Italians and French, plus a smattering of Russians and so on. Although the island is small, it doesn't feel cramped by any means. One other misc thing - the island has a radio mast. Yes, it looks a little out of place as you approach, but you'll be looking out to sea or down at fish most of the time anyway and you'll forget it's there, because you won't see it.

Now the rooms. Having been in water villas elsewhere in the Maldives, we were pleasantly surprised by the room. Very large, nice bathroom, 2 separate AC units and a great terrace layout. The ease of being able to go from your room into the ocean and back for a shower after a long snorkel can't be overstaded. The one weak spot with the room for us was the show cubicle was a little feeble, but the other shower over the (separate) bath was fine. One thing we didn't miss at all, but may be a factor for some people is that there's no telly - when they say it's a "no shoes, no news" resort, they mean it. Water villas also have loads of storage space, more desks and chairs than you can need, a wee radio/CD player a fridge for bunging water, sunscreen etc in. Didn't hear anything bad about the standard rooms, but some don't have kettles, so if you need a brew or two, check for your particular room type and whip a travel kettle, some teabags and cow sticks. As snacks tend to be expensive in resort we tend to always take a few bit of tea making stuff, sweets and savouries. You'll be taking so little, it won't be a hassle, trust me. Same goes for sunscreen, much cheaper at home but please go for a reefsafe one.

Final tip or two - you can hire snorkelling kit in resort, but if you buy at home, you can check fit and seal and get comfy with kit before you go away. Give serious consideration to an U/W camera to help remember the critters. You may also want to consider a snorkelling suit - this is basically a very thin wetsuit that is more for sun protection and very light barrier against less savoury things in the water. Great way to avoid putting loads of sunscreen into the ocean and avoid getting the classic back of legs burnt that's all too easy to come by on early days of your hol especially. A torch can be handy, as lighting is patchy and getting to and from restaurant can be a little adventurous. Books - lots of books or an e-reader of some nature. On the pessimistic side, in case you get a touch of the sun or take on too much seawater, goes without saying, but basic first aid kit, insect repellant etc etc etc.

We'd be back without hesitation as it's truly a gorgeous resort with an unparalleled house reef and beaches - the rare fifth star is only held back for the restuarant and the fact that although it's cheap-ish by Maldives standards, prices have gone up since we booked and the water and drinks do add up a little. You still aren't going to get anywhere else with diving and snorkelling as good for the money though. If you're after a relaxing beach getaway and don't need all the trimmings like a bustling night life, multiple bars, pools and 300 channel TV - this is the place for you.

Pics to follow when I get round to it, feel free to get in touch for more info.

Cheers

Went here for 1 week returning on the 23rd Jan for our honeymoon, really nice island and its just like the pictures we saw before travelling! We saw rays, turtles and a baby shark which kept swimming along the beach everyday.
Restaurent is nice, we had a lovely couple sat at our table, the food is great and they clearly have tried to provide for everyone.
Rooms were cleaned everyday and the water bungalows are amazing :)

sorry for late review but been busy and xmas got in the way

Start the holiday off early and book into the airport lounge. £17.50 for unlimited alcoholic/non-alcohlic drinks and snacks/sandwiches in comfy chairs is a good deal. No hassel at all

Flights
Went with First Choice, No problems with the thomson flights, left on time and arrived a little early than expected. Food on the flights was edible. I bought cheap headphones from comet for the in flight entertainment, which were well worth the money ( approx £14 ) , I find the little ones they issue that you have to put in your ears hurt after a while.

Island
This is my 2nd trip to Fihalhohi in 1 year, and I love the laid back feel of the island. I kicked off my sandals as soon as arriving on the Island and didn't put them on until getting back on the boat to go home.
I stayed in the classic room this time and preferred them to the comfort rooms. I've read that returning guests stay in the classic rooms and i can see why. They rooms are not only bigger but on the better side of the island and theres no-one above you.
Rooms are cleaned twice a day and towels changed whenever you need them too. We would always take our beach towels with us either diving or to the beach and when we came back to the room, we had fresh ones there. The cleaner would then pick up the used ones in the evening.
The garden boys were out very early sweeping up the palm leaves before day break every mornng so you had fresh sand to walk on. Our garden boy would always go out of is way to way and say good morning. We tipped ours at the end of our holiday and he was genuinely greatful.
The Palm tree boys were amazing to watch, they manage to climb up the palm trees to get the coconuts with a bit of cloth around their feet!!!. My hubby paid them $1 for a coconut one day and they felt they didn't have one suitable so he climbed a different tree to get a nice edible one. Apparently there are ones for eating directly and ones for drinking, not only did they go out of their way but thet cut it up in segments for you too. Having a fresh coconut fresh the the tree is amazly thurst quenching and we made sure that if we were around when they were cutting them down we would go and give them money for one. I think if you asked them, they'd give you one for free, but £1 for us is nothing but a lot to them and well worth watching them climb the trees and they were genuinely greatful for the tip. ( in GB health and safety would have a fit lol)

Diving and snorkling
The dive school is wonderful, they give you a choice of dives every day. The dive boats go out every day to at least 2 different dive sites, and the boat boys are really helpful, especially with helping you on the boat.
Most of the dive school staff had changed since our last visit but the owners and suzanne made a big fuss of us when we returned ( can't believe they remembered us, considering all the people that go to the island)
We managed to see mantas on this trip, once on the way home from a trip and the boat stopped to let us jump in but the mantas went before we could all got into the water although we did see some more x2 on a drift dive the following day, just amazing.

House Reef
The house Reef is out of this world, both the north and south side of the island proved to be a dream come true. you tell the dive school which side of the island you want to dive on, and if it was in the morning/afternoon/sunset and they will put the tanks there ready for you. So you just walk up to which ever side of the island, gear up and walk in together ( all romantic) you sign out and sign back in again so they know you are safe.
One house reef dive consisted of; so many different fish you cant believe, a lovely turtle resting, 3 massive sting rays, 1 female and 2 males doing a courting dance ( out of this world) eagel rays above us, honey combed eagle eels plus other types of rays, lovey frog fish and 1 black tipped reef shark. I came up with a smile on my face as big as ever.
Snorkling aroung the island you see nearly as much as the divers but just not as close up, after our diving trips we would also go snorkling on the house reef as it was so good.
There are facilities for other water sports including wind surfing/ kayaking/jetskies/banana boats, but luckily enough the motor powered sports were very few ad far between, so the area wasn't spoilt.

Food
Buffet style breakfast/ lunch/tea, always something you fancy although menu wasn't as varied as on our previous trip and puddings a little poor although fruit was a plenty.
This occasion we were on half board basis, which we found much better for us. After diving in the morning we didn't feel the rush of washing equipment etc, eating then back to prepare kit for pm diving. If we were peckish at lunchtome we went to the bar and had lunch, menu ranges from salads/pizza's to 3 course lunches of lobster and was cooked lovely and not expensive.

evening entertainment was very low key, although after a busy day you just want a couple of drinks then back to your room to rest for the following days activities even if they consisted of sunbathing on the wonderful beach.

Shop
food items in the shop are expensive but they have travelled far to get there
buy a t-shirt to support the island, they wash really well and are hand painted and well worth the money

Tips
Take a travel iron
Take travel kettle, powdered milk, tea/coffee
Take heinze soup sachets, incase you want a snack for lunch
could take airbeds for the loungers but not necessary, I took them the first time but only hubby used his on this trip

would i go again?..........definately, tomorrow if i had the money
2 weeks on the island, seems like a months break, wish i could go yearly

My new husband and I booked our honeymoon "last minute" to Fihalhohi, through the fab Antonetta Jones at the Travel Counsellors and she was fantastic; making sure we could get up to Manchester airport without difficulty, arranging our travel there, seeing as it wasnt our nearest airport- and more importantly making sure the resort knew it was our honeymoon!

The flight with Thomson/First choice was ok, just over ten hours to get to Male. My only complaints would be that drinks on a long haul flight should surely be complimentary as they are with other long haul airlines; and also the choice of inflight entertainment wasnt extensive- just a small niggle- you can't stop and start the films or programmes when you want, you have to try and catch them as they start! We travelled in economy but for £5 you could upgrade to watch the extra films on offer that premium economy customers have access to. We didnt bother as we had books, but trying to sleep was almost impossible!!

When we arrived Zita our rep met us and we were told where we could form an orderly queue to board the dhoni boat to Fiha. It was only a short wait and we were soon on our way across the Indian ocean and as it was our first trip to the Maldives we were very excitedly pointing out islands and guessing where was ours! On arrival at Fiha, be prepared, it really does take your breath away; despite being a bit shattered and all over the place from travelling-we were just constantly taking in the views of the beautiful beaches and clear waters :-)

We were greeted by the staff with a coconut drink and cold towel which was lovely, and then given our room key. A lovely member of staff brought our suitcases,bless him on his back in that heat (!) we were in room 120 which location-wise we couldnt fault, a deluxe room with a sea view. It was basic inside but very clean and with an amazing view- you literally opened your balcony door walked a few steps and you were at the sea edge! Inside, you had air con, table chairs, dresser, we did request a double bed but unfortunately there were just two twins pushed together. And just slightly a bit too hard for my liking, but the bathroom was fine and did the job. To be honest we were hardly in the room much, when you are somewhere so beautiful you wouldnt want to spend all the time in your room! As we were honeymooners we were given a lovely fruit basket and bottle of wine which was a nice gesture by the staff.

We tipped the two men who brought our suitcases there and then, but as we didnt have the room cleaned every day we left a tip at the end of the week for the room boys.

We then had a phonecall inviting us to lunch, we had gone for the half board option so we would have missed breakfast and we were a bit all over the place time-wise so it was good to have some food! Handy tip- Male is five hours ahead of the UK but Fiha is one hour ahead of Male time, so we were actually 6 hours ahead of the UK. A bit strange to get used to, when we had the lunch and trying one of the curry dishes, it was only 7.30am back home!

The weather was amazing thirty degrees plus and sunny, which I was very relieved about as all the weather reports had said rain. We only had one overcast day out of seven and even then it was very hot, but with a nice breeze.

With your room you are allocated two sunloungers to take where you like, we left ours just in front of our room near the little "cove" to sunbathe and just dipped into the sea when it became too hot. Tip- the loungers can get quite uncomfy so best to take a cushion or lilo!

The sea- wow where to start, just the right temperature to cool off in, crystal clear waters and the sea life is amazing- we completely got the snorkelling bug! We saw loads of all different kinds of fish, although I was very gutted I didnt see a turtle :-( The mantas came out to play when we were walking along the "harbour" where the dhoni's drop off and we managed to get some fab video's of them splashing around and chasing each other. There isnt a swimming pool here but you are surrounded by the most amazing Indian ocean do you really need one?!

The food was great, a buffet style restuarant with different themes every night, plus chef's cooking live for you. They try to cater to and please everyone so there should be something someone likes! My problem was eyes bigger than my stomach, and finding out the second time Id gone up for food I really had no room to eat it! I had emailed ahead and requested a table on our own, we were lucky and they did oblige us, despite having a reply to say they were very full and probably couldnt. But I am aware it was probably because we were on honeymoon that they did, as everyone else appeared to be sharing their tables, more common when you are travelling as a couple. We had a lovely waiter Abdullah, he was fantastic and couldnt do enough for us.

Drinks prices weren't too bad, Im in two minds as to whether this resort would be better with an all inclusive option as you really wouldnt need to take any cash with you! We paid our bill every other day just to stay on top of it, my husband treated me to a traditional indian head massage at the Sanctuary Spa and it was lovely, so relaxing.

There is a small gift shop and you can go on excursions such as swimming with the mantas, visiting Male the capital, snorkelling, nightfishing etc, but as we only had seven days we were determined to do absolutely nothing apart from chilling and swimming!

The evening entertainment for the nights we managed to stay awake was hilarious- we played bingo one night and lost by only one number! They have some very generous prizes first prize included a free candlelit dinner on the beach. The entertainment is held in the Fisherman's Bar, they held a film night which we were a bit too tired for, and then the last few nights we went along for live music and karaoke.

We also did two nights in the surf cafe bar with some cocktails, watching the sunset and enjoying the peace.

The wildlife is amazing, fruitbats, geckos, crabs, herons, amongst a load of other creatures are abundant, I just felt sorry for the two parrots that are meant to be attractions near the watersports area, they are out in the open, but tethered to their ledges and didnt ever seem to move which being an animal lover concerned me. But we did meet another parrot at the fisherman's bar who belonged to the owner and had quite a bit of freedom to fly about, (and go for your ice cream!) so maybe they were released at the end of the day.

We took a mozzie plug which Im not quite sure worked properly as I did wake up with a few bites. We took a travel kettle along too, very handy when you fancy a cup of tea because you've overslept and missed breakfast.. oops!

Favourite bits: the relaxation factor, beach, perfect temperatures, most amazing sunsets, sea, quietness, (just couldnt get over how peaceful it was) friendly staff and snorkelling. No one is pushy trying to sell you anything, all information about trips etc is in reception and you can find out if you are interested.

Least favourite: Food times! I love my sleep- please Fiha move the breakfast time to go on till 10.30 at least!!

When we left the staff came out to wave us off and I honestly could have cried, another seven days there would have been just heaven.

All in all, an absolutely amazing holiday and honeymoon, for a three star it is excellent value for money and it has spoilt me for beach holidays forever... if it wasnt for the fact we have an expensive house renovation project to do this year we would be booking up to go straight back!