South Male’ Atoll, Republic of Maldives Phone No: +960 6647171 Fax: +960 6647272 Email: [email protected]
“Maruhabaa” Welcome to Biyadhoo!
Dear Guest,
They are over 100 resort islands in the Maldives so we want to say “Thank you” for choosing Biyadhoo! We hope your stay will be everything you expect and more.
We have put together the following information to help make your stay smoother and help you make the most of your precious holiday time.
This information folder provides some general information about the Maldives, and an A-Z Guide of Biyadhoo covering everything from Entertainment to Excursions, Dress Code to Diving, and Tanning to Tipping.
You will also find details of our Spa, Dive Center and Water Sports activities.
If there is anything we have missed or you have any further questions, you can dial “0” from your room and speak to Reception or Guest Relations.
The Maldives is truly a beautiful place. We want you to leave Biyadhoo on the promise that you will return. Anything we can do to make the stay even closer to perfection, please let us know.
Warm Regards,
Biyadhoo Sta & Management
Head O ce: Sunland Hotels Pvt. Ltd. Moonlight Villa 04th Floor, Medhuziarai Magu, Malé, 20079, Republic of Maldives Phone: +960 333 6611 Fax: +960 333 6622 Email: [email protected] South Male’ Atoll, Republic of Maldives Phone No: +960 6647171 Fax: +960 6647272 Email: [email protected]
Located south-west of Sri Lanka, the Maldives straddles the equator and consists of approximately 1,200 islands grouped in atolls, most of which are uninhabited. The Maldives appears in the Guinness World Records as the flattest country in the world, with no land higher than 2.4m above sea level.
Signs of human habitation in the Maldives date back over 1,000 years; the country was then known as the “Money Islands”. This was due to the abundance of Cowrie Shells that littered beaches and surrounding lagoons, and were used as currency not just in the Maldives but also China and Eastern Africa. You can find the cowrie shell on the local currency now in use; Maldivian Rufiyaa.
Arab traders and seafarers on route to India and the Far East used the Maldives as a convenient stop along their journey and introduced the Islamic religion in the year 1153, and it is still practiced today; the Maldives is a 100% Muslim country.
The local language unique to the Maldives is Dhivehi and has its own script and writing system-Thaana. English is now a major part of Education in the Maldives so is understood and used widely by locals.
Our national tree is the Coconut Palm and our national flower is the Pink Rose.
The climate in the Maldives is a result of our location to the equator. We experience two monsoon seasons. The southwest monsoon season is typically wetter and slightly cooler, lasting from May to October. The northeast monsoon season starts around November lasting until April, and is typically drier with less wind, making the temperature feel much higher. The average daily sunshine is 8 hours throughout the year.
In the mid-1970s, tourism quickly took over from fishing as the main industry here in the Maldives. Fishing still remains a very important part of the Maldivian economy, both financially and culturally.
We are so excited for you to experience the beauty of the Maldives, and the hospitality of our people. Biyadhoo remains one of the few traditionally Maldivian-style resorts left in the country!
Head O ce: Sunland Hotels Pvt. Ltd. Moonlight Villa 04th Floor, Medhuziarai Magu, Malé, 20079, Republic of Maldives Phone: +960 333 6611 Fax: +960 333 6622 Email: [email protected] South Male’ Atoll, Republic of Maldives Phone No: +960 6647171 Fax: +960 6647272 Email: [email protected]
Biyadhoo Directory
A
Adaptors - The island has a combination of round 3-pin sockets and square 3-pin sockets. Please ask Reception or your room attendant if you require an adaptor.
Air Conditioning - Each room is air conditioned. You can adjust the temperature to your comfort using the remote control. Please ask your room attendant if you need any assistance. We kindly ask that you please turn the unit o when you are out of the room.
All-Inclusive - The All-Inclusive Package includes breakfast, lunch & dinner served bu et-style from the Palm Restaurant. All-Inclusive guests will receive information upon arrival detailing the entitlements. Guests on full board are able to upgrade to the All-Inclusive Package; please see Reception for more information.
Aavun Spa -Please see the attachments in the back of this book for more information about our Spa.
B
Beach Safety & Sun Beds - When entering the water, please be aware of the tide level and currents. The sun beds on the beach can be used any of our guests, but we kindly ask you to not reserve beds.
Bills - We kindly request a signature on all bills (including items in the All-Inclusive Package). To avoid delays with departure transfers, please settle all bills the evening prior to your departure, between 20:00 and midnight. Additional purchases can be settled shortly before your departure.
Boat Hire - Please see Reception or Guest Relations for boat hire rates and private excursions.
C
Cats - Please do not feed the cats on the island. For hygiene reasons, please wash your hands after touching the cats.
Celebrations – Please inform Reception or Guest Relations if you have any celebrations during your stay so that we may help make the occasion extra-special.
Check-In – International check-in time is 14:00. Whenever possible, we will attempt to allocate your rooms as soon as it is available.
Check-Out – International check-out time is 12:00. For All-Inclusive guests, the package will discontinue at 12:00. Any meals not taken on the day of arrival due a to late arrival time can be taken on the day of departure. Late check-out is subject to availability and can be confirmed the evening prior to departure.
Head O ce: Sunland Hotels Pvt. Ltd. Moonlight Villa 04th Floor, Medhuziarai Magu, Malé, 20079, Republic of Maldives Phone: +960 333 6611 Fax: +960 333 6622 Email: [email protected] South Male’ Atoll, Republic of Maldives Phone No: +960 6647171 Fax: +960 6647272 Email: [email protected]
Coconut Bar – This bar is the central hub of Biyadhoo. It is open from morning 10:00 until midnight. Please be aware that All-Inclusive will start from 10:00 and will continue until midnight. The bar has a snack menu and a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Credit Cards – We accept all major credit cards including American Express, VISA and MasterCard.
D
Departure Information – You will be advised of your departure times one day in advance in the evening. Reception will send a letter to your room and display the information at Reception.
Dietary Requirements – Please inform your waiter if you have any dietary requirements and in case you need any assistance.
Diving – Please see the attachments in the back of this book for more information about our Dive Centre.
Dress Code – In order to maintain the relaxed atmosphere of the island, we do not have a strict dress code. We kindly ask that for hygiene reasons all swimwear is covered whilst in the Palm Restaurant. Nudism and topless sunbathing is strictly prohibited.
E
Entertainment – Our entertainment program operates 7 days a week with a mixture of Live Bands, Disco, ‘Dive Night’ and cultural Bodu Beru Show. Please see Reception or check the restaurant notice board for details of the daily entertainment.
Excursions – Find the list of excursions in your Welcome Pack and visit the Reception to sign up for the day’s scheduled excursion. Please do not hesitate to contact Reception or Guest Relations for more information.
Electronic Safes - Some rooms are equipped with an electronic safe and these details will be given to you upon arrival. If you require assistance in operating the electronic safe, please inform Reception or ask your room attendant.
F
Fax Service – A fax machine is available at the Reception. Charges apply. Our island fax number is +960 6647272. Please inform Reception if you are expecting a fax.
Feedback – At the end of your stay you will receive a questionnaire. We always like to know what we are doing well and where we can improve, so please take a few moments to complete this for us. There is a Guest Feedback book on the Reception Desk in which we welcome your holiday memories.
First Aid – Please contact Reception or Guest Relations for any First Aid needs or assistance.
Head O ce: Sunland Hotels Pvt. Ltd. Moonlight Villa 04th Floor, Medhuziarai Magu, Malé, 20079, Republic of Maldives Phone: +960 333 6611 Fax: +960 333 6622 Email: [email protected] South Male’ Atoll, Republic of Maldives Phone No: +960 6647171 Fax: +960 6647272 Email: [email protected]
Fire Safety – You will find evacuation information on the back of your room door. Please familiarise yourself with exit routes around the room. In the event of a fire, please raise the alarm as soon as possible and leave the room closing any doors behind you. Stay well clear of the building and do not attempt to re-enter the building until instructed it is safe to do so.
Fishing - Morning Fishing and Sunset Fishing are available as part of our excursion schedule. Contact Guest Rela- tions for further information. Fishing around the island is strictly prohibited.
Footwear - Maldives is famous for its ‘No shoes, No news’ policy. However, shoes are recommended for the restaurant as the floor is tiled.
Fruit Bats - Keep your eyes peeled for these amazing creatures. They can grow up to 400cm in length with a wing- span of up to 150cm!
Full Board - This meal plan includes breakfast, lunch & dinner served daily, bu et-style from our restaurant. Please note that no water or drinks are included in the Full Board Package. served daily, bu et-style.
G
Guest Relations - Our Reception team and Guest Relations O cers are on hand to meet your requests. Please let us know if you have any problems we can help with, any forgotten items you need or special occasions to be planned.
G.S.T - An additional Tourism Goods and Services Tax is enforced by the government and will be applied to all payable items on the island.
Green Tax – This tax was introduced by the government in order to protect the environment of the Maldives, and is collected from every guest coming to the country.
H
Housekeeping - Your room attendant will clean your room and replenish your towels daily. In order not to waste valuable resources, please put your towels on the floor if you would like to have them changed. Please place your ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign visible if you do not wish to have your room cleaned.
I
Internet - Internet is freely available in the Reception and Coconut Bar. If you wish to use the internet, please contact Reception to get access.
K
Keys - You will be issued with a room key and a safe key (for rooms which do not have an electronic safe). Please look after these as replacement keys are chargeable. (Room key-$30, Safe key-$250.)
Head O ce: Sunland Hotels Pvt. Ltd. Moonlight Villa 04th Floor, Medhuziarai Magu, Malé, 20079, Republic of Maldives Phone: +960 333 6611 Fax: +960 333 6622 Email: [email protected] South Male’ Atoll, Republic of Maldives Phone No: +960 6647171 Fax: +960 6647272 Email: [email protected]
L
Language - The local language in the Maldives is Dhivehi. Our sta are mainly from the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Laundry - You will find a laundry bag and price list in your room. Your room attendant will organise your laundry needs, so please ask if you require assistance or are missing the price list or laundry bag.
Library - You will find a well-stocked library at the Reception with books in several languages. We encourage you to please leave behind any of your own books that you don’t want to take home.
Lost Property - We request for any found items to be brought to Reception. Please report any lost items as soon as possible.
M
Manta Rays - Dive Ocean and our Water Sports team will be able to advise you on the opportunity to see Manta Rays as they are seasonal.
Male’ - The capital of the Maldives is the smallest capital city in the world. Weekly excursions are organised for those that wish to experience this unique island. Please see Guest Relations for more information.
Medical Facilities - Our closest medical facilities are located on the local islands close by: Maafushi and Guraidhoo. For more serious medical concerns we will use ADK Hospital in Male’. Should you require any medical assistance or in the case of emergency, please inform the Reception.
Mini Bar - Please note that all items in the mini bar are chargeable. A price list is included in the room and house- keeping will re-stock the bar when necessary. Please mark the items consumed and sign the form provided.
Money - All prices are in US Dollars. Currency Exchange can be done at Reception, where various exchange rates are displayed. US Dollars are also the best currency should you wish to tip the sta .
Mosquitoes - Mosquitoes are common in the Maldives. The island is fumigated daily to help control them. If you su er from any breathing di culties please remain indoors during fumigation. Personal insect repellants are always recommended.
N
Newspapers - In keeping up with our theme of idyllic seclusion, we do not print or stock any daily newspapers.
O
Online Check-In – You can check-in online for your flight from the computer allocated for guest use. If you wish to print boarding passes please get assistance from Reception.
Head O ce: Sunland Hotels Pvt. Ltd. Moonlight Villa 04th Floor, Medhuziarai Magu, Malé, 20079, Republic of Maldives Phone: +960 333 6611 Fax: +960 333 6622 Email: [email protected] South Male’ Atoll, Republic of Maldives Phone No: +960 6647171 Fax: +960 6647272 Email: [email protected]
P
Pharmacy - Our nearest pharmacy is in Maafushi, a local island. We have a limited amount of medicines at Reception should you need any.
Photocopying - Photocopying is available free of charge from Reception.
Photos - Please share your Biyadhoo holiday photos on our Facebook page, Facebook.com/biyadhoo.mv or Instagram @biyadhooisland
Postcards - Postcards and stamps are available in the Boutique. The Post Box is in Reception and emptied once per week to be sent from the airport for posting.
Photoshoots - If you wish to have a professional photoshoot for your birthday, honeymoon or just as a lovely reminder of your holiday, please contact Reception for detailed information.
R
Recycling - Sadly we don’t have any modern recycling facilities here on the island. For this reason, we kindly ask you to take items you no longer need with you back home to be recycled e ectively. If the items would be of use to others, please feel free to leave these with us at Reception and we can see to it that to it that they go to good use.
Room service - A Pizza Menu is available in your room for room service from 15.00 to 19.00.
S
Safety Deposit Boxes - These are available from Reception and are free of charge. Please put all valuables, pass- ports and large amounts of money in the safe. Management cannot accept responsibility for lost items of value that have not been stored in the safe.
Service Charge - A 10% service charge is applicable to payable items on the island. (Excluding Dive Ocean)
Snorkeling - Biyadhoo has one of the best house reefs in the Maldives. Snorkeling equipment is available from the Water Sports Centre. Snorkeling excursions can be booked at the Reception. Please read the snorkeling safety information from the reception and always swim and snorkel within your own capabilities.
Special Dinners – All special dinners are organised through your waiter in the restaurant. Seafood Dinners, Beach Dinners and Barbecues are available. Please ask your waiter for more details.
Sun Cream – The Maldives lies across the equator, where the sun is at its strongest. Please be extremely careful when sunbathing, snorkeling or even sitting in the shade. We recommend a sun cream with a high level of SPF. We also recommend that you limit your sun exposure between 10:00 and 15:00, when it is at its strongest. Sun Cream is available in the Boutique.
Head O ce: Sunland Hotels Pvt. Ltd. Moonlight Villa 04th Floor, Medhuziarai Magu, Malé, 20079, Republic of Maldives Phone: +960 333 6611 Fax: +960 333 6622 Email: [email protected] South Male’ Atoll, Republic of Maldives Phone No: +960 6647171 Fax: +960 6647272 Email: [email protected]
T
Tea and Co ee – You will find complimentary tea and co ee making facilities in your room. Your room attendant will replenish these daily. If there is anything missing or you require a refill, please let your room attendant know and he will be happy to help.
Telephones – You will find a phone in your room. To contact the Reception please dial ‘0’. To call another room, please dial Reception and we will be happy to transfer the call. International calls can be made from Reception . (Charges will apply and rates are available at Reception.)
Tipping – We hope you are happy with the service from the sta on the island. For your convenience, you will be allocated the same room attendant and restaurant waiter throughout your stay with us. Should you wish to tip the sta who have looked after you during your stay, it will be greatly appreciated.
Towels – Towels are replaced daily. If you wish to reuse your towels, please hang these in your bathroom, and place towels on the floor if you wish them to be changed. The green towels in your room are your beach towels, so make sure to take them with you when you head to the beach.
TV – A TV for guest use is placed in the Reception. Please be aware that the channels available are limited.
U
Umbrellas - These are kept in or just outside the room. If they are missing or you need additional umbrellas please inform your room attendant or Reception.
Underwater Camera– The underwater camera in the room will be chargeable.
W
Wake-Up Calls – Please book wake-up calls the evening prior.
Water – Please drink lots of water throughout the day to remain hydrated. The water from the bathroom is desalinated; however we do not recommend that you drink it, but it is safe for brushing your teeth and boiling for hot drinks. Bottled water is available in the mini bar (not part of the All-Inclusive Package), the Coconut Bar and the Palm Restaurant.
Watersports – Please see the attachments in the back of this book for more information about our Watersports Centre.
Weather – The weather in the Maldives can be unpredictable. We have two monsoon seasons. Usually, the driest months are November to March and the wettest months are July to September. The temperature rarely drops below 28 degrees Celsius and the rain can often come and go within minutes. Whatever the weather is like, always remember the strength of the sun and take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of sunburn.
Whale Shark – Whale Sharks are not commonly sighted in the South Male’ Atoll. Excursions can be arranged upon request to the South Ari Atoll. Due to the distance, this will be charged as a boat hire and is subject to a minimum number of passengers.
Head O ce: Sunland Hotels Pvt. Ltd. Moonlight Villa 04th Floor, Medhuziarai Magu, Malé, 20079, Republic of Maldives Phone: +960 333 6611 Fax: +960 333 6622 Email: [email protected]