3 years ago
The staff and the service are what make the Taj Co...
The staff and the service are what make the Taj Coral Reef stand out. After 7 days, I could not think of anything that they could have done better. The attention to detail is great! We were travelling with a 9 month old infant, and the staff went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed.
We had a very nice beach villa which was updated with modern finishes and amenities. It was a bit smaller than I was expecting, but the private deck with hammock and access to a pristine beach made up for the size.
There are good snorkeling and scuba options also. This is not really a diver's resort, so often the scuba boat outings will have only 1-2 people out for the day. The instructors are competent and friendly, and there are a number of good reefs within a 30 min boat ride. The house reef has a wreck that makes the check dive fun. Dives are priced individually, so costs add up. Serious scuba divers looking for a dedicated dive holiday should go elsewhere, but for family trips with diving as a side activity, the Coral Reef is great.
The food quality is high and there are a good selection of Indian, Western and Maldivian choices. Selections for Chinese or Japanese are very limited. The open grill restaurant by the poolside is the way to go, the views and the service make it a lovely dining option. My only two complaints about the food are the price and the portion. Like all 5-star resorts in the Maldives, the prices for food are sky high. While I could accept that, the portions are really too small for anyone with a big appetite. I didn't mind paying the premium, but I felt a bit bitter that I was still hungry at the end of most meals.
The final selling point for the Coral Reef is the convenience. There is a 24 hour a day boat service to Male for your flights, and the jetty is directly across from the arrivals terminal. You literally get your bags and go! As our first trip to the Maldives, it was a great experience and one we will not forget.