Veligandu Island Resort — All‑Inclusive Plus (AIP) Guide 🍹🏝️
Overview ✨
- Plan name: All‑Inclusive Plus (AIP)
- Concept: A generous, easygoing plan with buffet meals at the main restaurant, a broad selection of beverages by the glass at key bars, and relaxed, reef‑forward activities.
- Island vibe: Romantic, barefoot‑classic, and couples‑oriented. Expect toes‑in‑the‑sand dining, sunset cocktails, and superb house‑reef access.
- Accuracy note: Inclusions, hours, and brands can change by season/contract. On arrival, request the latest AIP fact sheet and Beverage List.
What’s Included ✅
1) Meals 🍽️
- Buffet dining (3 meals daily)
- Dhonveli Restaurant (main buffet): Breakfast, lunch, dinner with live stations and rotating international/Maldivian themes.
- Seating: Open‑sided, ocean‑breezy, barefoot‑friendly.
- Dietary support
- Vegetarian/vegan/gluten‑free/halal options with notice; basic allergen guidance.
2) Beverages (by the glass during outlet hours) 🥂
- Alcoholic
- House spirits (e.g., gin, vodka, rum, whisky, tequila, brandy) from the AIP list.
- House wines by the glass (red/white; rosé if listed).
- House beer (draft/bottled as per list).
- Classic and resort‑signature cocktails + mocktails from the AIP cocktail menu.
- Non‑alcoholic
- Soft drinks and packaged juices (as listed).
- Still mineral water by the glass in bars/restaurants.
- Hot drinks: Regular tea and brewed coffee; many AIP contracts at Veligandu also include espresso‑based coffees (espresso/cappuccino/latte) during bar/restaurant hours—confirm on arrival.
- Important
- Only labels printed on the current AIP Beverage List are included.
3) Bars & Venues 🍸
- Thundi Bar (main/pool bar) and Athiri Bar (secondary bar)
- AIP beverages during posted hours (typically late morning to late night).
- Dhonveli Restaurant
- Meal‑time beverages per plan.
4) Snacks & Afternoon Tea 🥪
- Afternoon tea/light bites
- A small selection of snacks (e.g., pastries/savories) typically offered at a designated bar during a posted window in the afternoon (times vary—see weekly program).
5) In‑Villa & Minibar 🧊
- Daily bottled water replenishment.
- In‑room tea/coffee facilities.
- Minibar
- Many AIP contracts include a once‑daily restock (commonly water, soft drinks, and beer) per the AIP list. Brands/quantities vary—confirm at check‑in.
6) Activities & Experiences 🌊
- Non‑motorized watersports
- Typically complimentary use of kayak/SUP (duration limits per plan and weather).
- Snorkeling
- Complimentary snorkeling equipment for the duration of stay or for a daily window (policy varies—confirm locally).
- Fitness & leisure
- Gym access; beach volleyball/table games; casual evening entertainment on select nights.
- Nice‑to‑have (often tied to stay length) 🌅
- One scheduled group experience (e.g., a sunset cruise) is sometimes included per stay for AIP guests, subject to weekly program and length of stay. Check the current matrix at check‑in.
7) Connectivity & Essentials 📶
- Wi‑Fi across the resort (coverage/speeds vary), beach towels, and sun loungers.
What’s Not Included ❌
Dining & Service
- À la carte dining at Madivaru (signature grill/seafood) unless your contract states a dine‑around credit/inclusion.
- Private dining (beach/sandbank/in‑villa), floating breakfasts, chef’s tables, and special event/holiday menus.
- Room service/in‑villa dining and any tray/delivery fees (if/when offered).
- Premium/supplement items (e.g., lobster, wagyu, premium seafood platters) even in included venues.
Beverages
- Ultra‑premium/aged spirits; fine/cellar wines; champagne/sparkling by the bottle; craft/rare labels not on the AIP list.
- Fresh‑pressed juices/smoothies and specialty coffees if not printed as included.
- Bottled service, carafes/pitchers, and take‑away to villas beyond standard minibar policy.
- Any drink outside AIP hours or at non‑designated venues.
Activities & Wellness
- Dive center services: scuba courses, guided dives, equipment rental, and boat fees.
- Motorized watersports, private lessons/charters, and big‑game fishing.
- Excursions (manta/reef snorkel safaris, dolphin cruises, sandbank picnics, island hopping, sunset/night fishing) unless explicitly listed in your booking.
- Spa treatments and private/specialty yoga or wellness sessions.
- Professional photography and bespoke/private experiences.
Transfers & Other Services
- Seaplane or speedboat transfers (typically packaged by operators; not inherent to AIP).
- Laundry, boutique purchases, and medical/clinic services.
- Government taxes/service charges on paid items.
How the Plan Works (Fine Print) 📝
- Identification: Expect a wristband or room‑card flag for AIP verification.
- By the glass: Included beverages must be ordered and consumed by the glass at designated outlets during operating hours; sharing/take‑away isn’t permitted.
- Lists rule: Only items on the printed AIP Beverage List are included; off‑list items are chargeable.
- Hours: Bars typically operate from late morning to late night (often ~10:00–23:00/00:00); buffet meals have fixed times. On‑island schedules prevail.
- Start/End: Benefits generally begin at check‑in and conclude at checkout; early arrivals/late departures may have limited coverage—confirm locally.
- Reservations: À la carte (Madivaru), any included group excursion, and popular bar/restaurant time slots should be reserved early. Missed reservations typically count as used.
- Alcohol policy: Service for guests 18+ only; responsible service rules apply.
Style & Audience Notes 💘
- Couples‑oriented ambiance; no large kids’ club. Children may be accommodated in some seasons/categories, but programming is minimal. Mocktails/softs included for minors; alcohol excluded.
- Reef‑forward: Multiple easy house‑reef entry points—supervise less‑confident swimmers.
Smart Value Tips 💡
- Photograph the AIP Beverage List at check‑in to target your favorite included wines/cocktails.
- Book Madivaru early if you plan a splurge night; ask about any AIP dine‑around discounts or credits.
- If an included sunset cruise is offered for your stay length, reserve it on day one and pair with Thundi Bar sundowners before/after.
- Bring a well‑fitting snorkel mask if you’ll be in the water daily; comfort matters even if gear is included.
- Espresso or premium‑wine fan? Keep AIP for daily value and budget one or two curated add‑ons.
Quick Compare: FB vs. AIP ⚖️
- Full Board (FB): Breakfast + lunch + dinner at Dhonveli; most beverages chargeable beyond water/tea/coffee at meals.
- All‑Inclusive Plus (AIP): FB meals + an extensive list of beverages by the glass at designated bars/restaurants during posted hours, afternoon snacks, daily minibar basics (on most contracts), and complimentary non‑motorized watersports/fitness perks; occasional group experience tied to stay length.
