Vilamendhoo Island Resort — All‑Inclusive Plus (AIP) Guide 🍹🏝️
Overview ✨
- Plan name: All‑Inclusive Plus (AIP)
- Concept: A generous, easygoing plan centered on buffet meals in your allocated restaurant, a broad selection of beverages by the glass at key bars, and relaxed island time on a superb house‑reef.
- Accuracy note: Exact inclusions, hours, and brands can change seasonally and by contract. On arrival, request the latest AIP fact sheet and Beverage List.
What’s Included ✅
1) Meals 🍽️
- Buffet dining (3 meals daily)
- Funama Restaurant (family zone) OR Ahima Restaurant (adults‑only) — allocation depends on room category/guest profile.
- International buffet with live stations and themed nights (Maldivian evening appears regularly).
- Afternoon tea/snacks
- Light bites (e.g., pastries/savories) at a designated bar during posted hours.
2) Beverages (by the glass during outlet hours) 🥂
- Alcoholic selections
- House spirits (e.g., gin, vodka, rum, whisky, brandy, tequila) from the AIP list.
- House wines by the glass (red/white; sometimes rosé as per list).
- House beer (draft/bottled per list).
- Classic/house cocktails and mocktails from the AIP cocktail menu.
- Non‑alcoholic
- Soft drinks and packaged juices (as listed).
- Still mineral water by the glass.
- Hot drinks: Regular tea and brewed/filter coffee; many contracts also include espresso-based coffees during bar/restaurant hours (confirm locally).
3) Bars & Venues 🍸
- Bonthi Bar (family area)
- Sunset Bar (adults‑only)
- Asian Wok Bar (over‑water, adjacent to the à la carte restaurant)
- Meal‑time beverages in your allocated buffet restaurant
- AIP beverages are available during posted opening hours; late‑night cut‑off typically around midnight.
4) In‑Villa & Minibar 🧊
- Daily bottled water replenishment.
- In‑room tea/coffee facilities.
- Minibar: A basic daily restock (commonly water, soft drinks, beer) is often included under AIP; exact lineup/quantities per current fact sheet.
5) Fitness & Facilities 🌴
- Access to the gym and standard resort facilities.
- Beach towels, sun loungers, and island‑wide Wi‑Fi (coverage/speeds vary).
- Casual evening entertainment on select nights.
Nice‑to‑Have (Commonly Offered) 🌟
- Preferential pricing or a small discount at à la carte venues (varies by contract; see below).
- Short group activities (e.g., light fitness or games) per the weekly program.
What’s Not Included ❌
Dining & Service
- À la carte restaurants:
- Asian Wok (over‑water, with Teppanyaki counter)
- Hot Rock (lava‑stone grill experience)
- These are typically chargeable; some seasons offer a dine‑around discount or limited inclusion — confirm at check‑in.
- Private dining (beach/sandbank/in‑villa), floating breakfasts, chef’s tables, and special event/holiday menus.
- Room service/in‑villa dining and tray/delivery fees (if/when offered).
Beverages
- Ultra‑premium/aged spirits; cellar wines and champagne/sparkling by the bottle; craft labels not on the AIP list.
- Freshly pressed juices and smoothies unless printed on the AIP menu.
- Bottled service, pitchers/carafes, and take‑away to villas beyond standard minibar entitlements.
- Any item not printed on the current AIP Beverage List.
Activities & Wellness
- Dive center services (courses, guided dives, equipment rental, boat fees) — Vilamendhoo sits in whale‑shark territory, but diving/snorkel trips are extra.
- Motorized watersports, private lessons/charters, big‑game fishing.
- Excursions: snorkel safaris, whale shark/manta trips, dolphin cruises, island hopping, sunset/night fishing (unless listed in a specific promo).
- Spa treatments and private/specialty yoga/wellness sessions.
- Professional photography and bespoke/private experiences.
Transfers & Other Services
- Seaplane transfers to/from Malé (usually packaged with your booking but not part of AIP).
- Laundry, boutique purchases, medical/clinic services.
- Government taxes/service charges on paid items.
How the Plan Works (Fine Print) 📝
- Identification: Expect a wristband or room‑card flag to verify AIP entitlements.
- By the glass: Included drinks must be ordered and consumed by the glass at designated outlets during operating hours; sharing/take‑away is not permitted.
- Lists rule: Only items on the printed AIP Beverage List are included; off‑list items are chargeable.
- Hours: Bar service typically runs from late morning to late night (often ~10:00–00:00); buffet meals follow set times. Exact hours are posted on‑site.
- Start/End: AIP generally begins at check‑in and concludes at check‑out; coverage for early arrivals/late departures varies — confirm on arrival.
- Venue access: Adults‑only areas (Sunset Bar, Ahima Restaurant) are reserved for 18+ and/or specific room categories.
Families & Adults‑Only Notes 👨👩👧👦👩❤️👨
- Family‑friendly: Kids access the buffet on AIP (alcohol excluded); mocktails/softs per the Beverage List. Bonthi Bar and Funama Restaurant are family zones.
- Adults‑only: Sunset Bar and Ahima Restaurant are adults‑only spaces, commonly allocated to guests in Jacuzzi categories; rules may vary by season.
Smart Value Tips 💡
- Snap the Beverage List at check‑in to target included wines/cocktails you’ll enjoy most.
- Book Asian Wok/Teppanyaki early for preferred nights; it’s not typically included but worth a splurge.
- Whale shark day? Plan a light buffet lunch and enjoy the bar inclusions at sunset afterward.
- Bring a well‑fitting mask if you’ll snorkel daily (rental is typically chargeable); ask for a house‑reef orientation at the dive center.
- If you’re espresso or premium‑wine fans, keep AIP for daily value and budget a couple of curated add‑ons.
Quick Compare: HB / FB / AIP ⚖️
- Half Board (HB): Breakfast + dinner at buffet; beverages largely chargeable beyond standard water/tea/coffee at meals.
- Full Board (FB): Breakfast + lunch + dinner at buffet; beverages largely chargeable.
- All‑Inclusive Plus (AIP): FB meals + a wide selection of beverages by the glass at designated outlets, afternoon snacks, daily minibar basics, and resort facilities.
