Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives
Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives
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Avg. C$644 /night, 10/4 - 10/5
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5.0
#1 of 1 small hotel in Bodufinolhu IslandLocation
Cleanliness
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Value
Experience tranquillity, comfort, and beach chic vibes at the Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives, a unique 5-star resort nestled in the South Ari Atoll. This romantic escape boasts coral gardens, white sand, and turquoise waters, making it ideal for couples, families, and adventurers. Enjoy a wide variety of water sports, including recreational activities including whale shark and manta ray watching, while staying in one of the 100 well-equipped villas. The resort features three restaurants, a snack bar, and three bars, offering authentic culinary experiences. Take in stunning sunsets from one of the two large infinity pools or relax with self-care treatments at the Mandara spa.
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Boating
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Airport transportation
Yoga classes
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Fitness classes
Sauna
Pool / beach towels
Infinity pool
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Private pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Poolside bar
Canoeing
Diving
Snorkelling
Water sport equipment rentals
Windsurfing
Entertainment staff
Board games / puzzles
Spa
Couples massage
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Massage
Massage chair
Neck massage
24-hour security
Concierge
Gift shop
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Umbrella
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Blackout curtains
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Private beach
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Extra long beds
Walk-in shower
Desk
Housekeeping
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
Minibar
Electric kettle
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Business
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Russian
Location
20209
Getting there
3 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
Reviews
5.0
268 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives is lauded for its exceptional service, with guests consistently recognizing the attentive and friendly staff. The hotel's tranquil atmosphere, enhanced by stylish design and luxurious furnishings, makes it an inviting retreat for special celebrations. Extensive amenities, including opulent water villas and diverse water sports, coupled with pristine cleanliness, contribute to a highly satisfactory stay.
Though some additional costs may arise, many find the value favorable. The spacious, well-appointed rooms and the hotel's proximity to vibrant marine life further accentuate its allure as a top honeymoon spot.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Comprehensive
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Detailed Reviews
+1
We had our honeymoon in Barcelo in October, it was our first time in Maldives and we absolutely loved it.
Incredible experience starting from the time we landed in Male. We were greeted there by Saeed, who quickly arranged our next flight and transfer to business lounge while waiting for our flight.
Hotel itself is brand new and beautiful, while booking our honeymoon there were no reviews at all about it, so we were little bit skeptical, but reality turned out to be even better than pictures. Loved the design and decorations, all the details, a lot of wood everywhere.
We stayed in overwater villa, and honestly didn’t want to leave it, such a luxurious experience, bath with view is absolutely amazing. Room was cleaned 1-2 times per day, and our cleaning guy was the sweetest one, always checked with us time when we want cleaning to get done.
Hotel area was maintained very well, even though it already has a lot of beautiful plants, every day we saw people planting more trees and plants, cleaning beach, etc. Also has multiple swings throughout the hotel area to take pretty instagram pictures. Pool areas are amazing as well.
Diving center is pretty cool, we took a manta ray tour, and it was unforgettable! Crew made sure that whole group was able to see mantas up close and enjoy our time in the ocean. Also they provide free snorkeling gear if you want to snorkel around the hotel, check with them the best spots to snorkel, they will give you useful advices. Reefs are small, but marine life is pretty abundant. We saw bunch of pretty little fishes, moray eels, lion fish, see urchins. There are 2 little sandbank sharks always swimming in the same spot, but they quickly swim away if you want to get closer to them.
Sand is white and pretty, but it’s not same everywhere, in some places it feels really soft and smooth, in other places might be little harsh.
Main restaurant has great food choice, every day something new and always beautifully served. Seafood, fruits, pastry choice, desserts, drinks - everything was delicious, and special kiddos to amazing staff - cooks, bartenders, servers, everyone is so attentive, nice and friendly.
Balinese massage was pretty cool and relaxing too.
It might be little boring for the kids, but it’s an absolute paradise for adults, dream vacation where all you do is relax, eat, drink, swim, sleep and repeat :D
Thanks a lot for the whole Barcelo team!
Incredible experience starting from the time we landed in Male. We were greeted there by Saeed, who quickly arranged our next flight and transfer to business lounge while waiting for our flight.
Hotel itself is brand new and beautiful, while booking our honeymoon there were no reviews at all about it, so we were little bit skeptical, but reality turned out to be even better than pictures. Loved the design and decorations, all the details, a lot of wood everywhere.
We stayed in overwater villa, and honestly didn’t want to leave it, such a luxurious experience, bath with view is absolutely amazing. Room was cleaned 1-2 times per day, and our cleaning guy was the sweetest one, always checked with us time when we want cleaning to get done.
Hotel area was maintained very well, even though it already has a lot of beautiful plants, every day we saw people planting more trees and plants, cleaning beach, etc. Also has multiple swings throughout the hotel area to take pretty instagram pictures. Pool areas are amazing as well.
Diving center is pretty cool, we took a manta ray tour, and it was unforgettable! Crew made sure that whole group was able to see mantas up close and enjoy our time in the ocean. Also they provide free snorkeling gear if you want to snorkel around the hotel, check with them the best spots to snorkel, they will give you useful advices. Reefs are small, but marine life is pretty abundant. We saw bunch of pretty little fishes, moray eels, lion fish, see urchins. There are 2 little sandbank sharks always swimming in the same spot, but they quickly swim away if you want to get closer to them.
Sand is white and pretty, but it’s not same everywhere, in some places it feels really soft and smooth, in other places might be little harsh.
Main restaurant has great food choice, every day something new and always beautifully served. Seafood, fruits, pastry choice, desserts, drinks - everything was delicious, and special kiddos to amazing staff - cooks, bartenders, servers, everyone is so attentive, nice and friendly.
Balinese massage was pretty cool and relaxing too.
It might be little boring for the kids, but it’s an absolute paradise for adults, dream vacation where all you do is relax, eat, drink, swim, sleep and repeat :D
Thanks a lot for the whole Barcelo team!
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel- cmanager, Owner at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives
Responded Nov 9, 2023
Dear abayeva92 , Thank you for taking the time to review your stay. We are thrilled to hear that you loved the design, decorations, and luxurious overwater villa during your stay. Our team takes great pride in maintaining the hotel area and providing exceptional service, so your kind words about our staff, especially Saeed and the cleaning team, are much appreciated. It's fantastic to know that you enjoyed the variety of food at our restaurants and had an unforgettable manta ray tour with our diving center. We understand that the sand may vary in texture in some areas, and we appreciate your feedback on this. Our team is continuously working on improving the overall guest experience, and your input is valuable to us. The entire team looks forward to welcoming you back for a future visit. Kind regards, Santi Rodriguez-Bustelo, General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Everything started from the moment of landing where a representative of the hotel was waiting who accompanied us until boarding the seaplane. The hotel is perfect starting with thinking about the smallest details, the staff who responded to every request, the cleanliness, the crazy location in short a perfect place. The staff did everything to make us satisfied, just perfect. Thank you for a perfect and amazing vacation.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel- cmanager, Owner at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives
Responded Sep 24, 2023
Dear Mr. Zilberman, Thank you for taking the time to review your stay. We are thrilled to hear that you found our location, cleanliness, and attention to detail to be perfect. Our team takes great pride in providing exceptional service, and we are glad that they were able to make your stay memorable. It's fantastic to know that you appreciated the seamless seaplane transfer and the amazing vacation you had with us. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future, best regards, Santi Rodriguez-Bustelo, General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
My family of 4 had an amazing time at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives where we spent 12 nights in November/December. The hotel is new, which means the rooms were beautiful, with a lot of space (we stayed in 2 Sunset Villas - my wife and myself in one and our 2 children in the second one). The beach in front of our rooms was beautiful and the ocean was just amazing. Everything is close and walking distance on the island which is also great for kids and older people. Food was delicious, with a good variety of choice and fresh fruits, fish, and seafood that we always look for when on holiday.
The only thing that is slightly confusing is the minibar where they make a difference in what package you have which means a pack of almonds is chargeable for one type of all inclusive while not for the other. In our opinion, once you spend so much money on a holiday like this, dealing with such issues and checking if you pay extra for a few pieces of almonds or a chocolate bar that costs nothing in Europe is rather ridiculous and unnecessary. We have been to many resorts in Maldives and we always appreciate if there is just one type of all inclusive package and things are the same for everyone. This makes the guests feel like they are really on an all.inclusive package and do not need to worry about anything. Not a complaint, but something the resort should consider as we talked about it with quite a few other guests who had exactly the same opinion.
On a positive note, what was absolutely the highlight of our holiday was the experience with the Barceló Watersports guys and how professionally they took care of us, introduced us to all they offer, all kinds of activities and sports we could try and do as a family or individually (jet ski, catamaran sailing, windsurfing, kayak, paddleboarding etc.). The biggest thanks belongs to Bisar from Watersports hut. This guy was just an example of stuff that works with passion and love. Even though we are not into sports too much, he was able to teach our kids windsurfing in a few days and lessons, with such patience, friendly and professional approach that my kids did not want to leave. Communication with Bisar was very easy and he was always ready and prepared on time, willing to explain the theory and help the kids get rid of the fear and feel confident. Even though they tried it for the first time, they left Barcelo with a completely new skill and experience. Bisar also recommended some excursions we should try, such as Whale shark snorkeling (he even taught us how to use fins and mask properly), trip to see manta rays and fishing. We had so much fun on all these 3 excursions and big game fishing was just wonderful. Bisar even went with us and took care of us as if we were a family. Sorry, we do not remember the other Watersport and diving guys names, but even Bisar´s colleagues were great, helpful and caring. Thank you for making our holiday just extraordinary.
The only thing that is slightly confusing is the minibar where they make a difference in what package you have which means a pack of almonds is chargeable for one type of all inclusive while not for the other. In our opinion, once you spend so much money on a holiday like this, dealing with such issues and checking if you pay extra for a few pieces of almonds or a chocolate bar that costs nothing in Europe is rather ridiculous and unnecessary. We have been to many resorts in Maldives and we always appreciate if there is just one type of all inclusive package and things are the same for everyone. This makes the guests feel like they are really on an all.inclusive package and do not need to worry about anything. Not a complaint, but something the resort should consider as we talked about it with quite a few other guests who had exactly the same opinion.
On a positive note, what was absolutely the highlight of our holiday was the experience with the Barceló Watersports guys and how professionally they took care of us, introduced us to all they offer, all kinds of activities and sports we could try and do as a family or individually (jet ski, catamaran sailing, windsurfing, kayak, paddleboarding etc.). The biggest thanks belongs to Bisar from Watersports hut. This guy was just an example of stuff that works with passion and love. Even though we are not into sports too much, he was able to teach our kids windsurfing in a few days and lessons, with such patience, friendly and professional approach that my kids did not want to leave. Communication with Bisar was very easy and he was always ready and prepared on time, willing to explain the theory and help the kids get rid of the fear and feel confident. Even though they tried it for the first time, they left Barcelo with a completely new skill and experience. Bisar also recommended some excursions we should try, such as Whale shark snorkeling (he even taught us how to use fins and mask properly), trip to see manta rays and fishing. We had so much fun on all these 3 excursions and big game fishing was just wonderful. Bisar even went with us and took care of us as if we were a family. Sorry, we do not remember the other Watersport and diving guys names, but even Bisar´s colleagues were great, helpful and caring. Thank you for making our holiday just extraordinary.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel- cmanager, Owner at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives
Responded Dec 24, 2023
Dear Jerryoo, Thank you very much for your kind feedback. We're thrilled to hear that you found our accommodations spacious and enjoyed the beautiful beachfront location. It's also wonderful that your family took pleasure in the variety of fresh food options available at our resort. Regarding your feedback on the minibar and all-inclusive packages, we appreciate your perspective and understand that clarity is key for a seamless guest experience. While we offer different all-inclusive plans to cater to varied guest preferences, we will certainly take your comments into consideration for future improvements. It's heartening to know that our Watersports team provided an outstanding service, and we're proud that Bisar made such a positive impact on your family's stay. Your acknowledgment of the effort and passion our team puts into their work is highly appreciated, and we're glad that the activities and excursions added to the enjoyment of your holiday. We look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable experience. Best wishes, Santi Rodriguez-Bustelo, General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
I would like to start by saying that everything was wonderful. Words cannot describe this dream place.
It was the location we chose for our honeymoon and we can say it absolutely exceeded all expectations.
We stayed in the sunset villa and we can say it is just like in those instagrammable pictures on the internet. Simply perfect. Cleaning is done twice a day and you get absolutely everything you need in your room.
Speaking of the food, they are on another level, absolutely everything we ate was delicious.
The pools and resort locations are perfectly maintained and the staff we interacted with, to put it more bluntly, Manish, Aryan and Mithum were the coolest people I've interacted with on a holiday so far! Guys, you are the coolest! Thank you for absolutely everything. Your help, your pleasant company and especially the professionalism you exemplified, left us speechless! Thank you for everything.
Whoever comes to this place, will surely not regret a second.
It was the location we chose for our honeymoon and we can say it absolutely exceeded all expectations.
We stayed in the sunset villa and we can say it is just like in those instagrammable pictures on the internet. Simply perfect. Cleaning is done twice a day and you get absolutely everything you need in your room.
Speaking of the food, they are on another level, absolutely everything we ate was delicious.
The pools and resort locations are perfectly maintained and the staff we interacted with, to put it more bluntly, Manish, Aryan and Mithum were the coolest people I've interacted with on a holiday so far! Guys, you are the coolest! Thank you for absolutely everything. Your help, your pleasant company and especially the professionalism you exemplified, left us speechless! Thank you for everything.
Whoever comes to this place, will surely not regret a second.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel- cmanager, Owner at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives
Responded Jan 2, 2024
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to review your stay. We are overjoyed to hear that our Sunset Villa provided the perfect backdrop for your special celebration and met the high standards we strive for in both accommodation and ambiance. It's fantastic to learn that the culinary delights at our resort impressed you, as our team prides itself on offering a variety of exceptional dining experiences. We're particularly grateful for your recognition of Manish, Aryan, and Mithum; their dedication to guest satisfaction is a cornerstone of our service ethos. Your commendation of our well-maintained pools and resort premises reaffirms our commitment to providing an immaculate and enjoyable environment for all our guests. The entire team look forward to welcoming you back for a future visit. Kind regards, Santi Rodriguez-Bustelo, General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We are both genuinely impressed at Barceló. The staff were both warm and professional. We managed to brake a vase and a chair two days in a row and their response was more worried about our well-being.
PROS: great snorkel right at the island(south side)-saw one turtle and a huge variety of fish(first time seeing yellow box fish and a couple of others we cant name), saw bioluminescent plankton, excellent food-non repetitive, excellent service by staff, great location, great rooms and amenities(everything is new and hotel grounds are amazing, the pool is unbelievable at night as it sparkles like plankton when u swim through it), its not crowded(at least not while we were there).
CONS: you cant stay forever, the foliage is not so prevalent yet as the island is new but will grow fast and so will the price of a stay per night I recommend you book as soon as possible because at the moment I think it is underpriced. This resort is surely top 3 of our visits.
We also recommend excursions at the Koamas Dive and watersports center and a big thanks to Hisham and the team for being such great people and baring with our attitudes returning only good vibes and smiles and offering great excursions to make our stay more memorable. We saw two mantas on our excursions but not a whale shark due to weather. If you want to see whale sharks i hear that January and February are best.
Also great thanks to Fazeem, who really tried to make our stay and experience as good as possible and succeeded in that.
We will forever remember this island for the exceptional service and amenities and its beautiful nature and would love to come back to see how it has grown in the next years.
PROS: great snorkel right at the island(south side)-saw one turtle and a huge variety of fish(first time seeing yellow box fish and a couple of others we cant name), saw bioluminescent plankton, excellent food-non repetitive, excellent service by staff, great location, great rooms and amenities(everything is new and hotel grounds are amazing, the pool is unbelievable at night as it sparkles like plankton when u swim through it), its not crowded(at least not while we were there).
CONS: you cant stay forever, the foliage is not so prevalent yet as the island is new but will grow fast and so will the price of a stay per night I recommend you book as soon as possible because at the moment I think it is underpriced. This resort is surely top 3 of our visits.
We also recommend excursions at the Koamas Dive and watersports center and a big thanks to Hisham and the team for being such great people and baring with our attitudes returning only good vibes and smiles and offering great excursions to make our stay more memorable. We saw two mantas on our excursions but not a whale shark due to weather. If you want to see whale sharks i hear that January and February are best.
Also great thanks to Fazeem, who really tried to make our stay and experience as good as possible and succeeded in that.
We will forever remember this island for the exceptional service and amenities and its beautiful nature and would love to come back to see how it has grown in the next years.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: stayed in sunrise villa, recommend sunset villas as we found colors are outstanding during...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel- cmanager, Owner at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives
Responded Oct 29, 2023
Dear Mimi, Thank you for your positive feedback. We are thrilled to hear that you were impressed with our warm and professional staff, as well as the excellent food and service. It's great to know that you enjoyed snorkeling and the variety of fish you encountered, as well as the bioluminescent plankton. Our location and the variety of activities we offer, such as snorkeling and excursions, are indeed some of the highlights of our resort. We appreciate your understanding regarding the foliage, as our island is still growing and maturing. Rest assured, we are committed to maintaining our high standards and providing an exceptional experience for our guests. We are also glad that you had a memorable time with our Koamas Dive and watersports center team, and we will pass on your kind words to Hisham, Fazeem, and the rest of the team. We look forward to welcoming you back on a future occasion. Best regards, Santi Rodriguez-Bustelo, General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My holiday at the Barcelo was magical. The island is beautiful. The staff made you feel like a VIP and were so so friendly and helpful . Sunrise water villa was new with extremely comfortable beds and pillows, stunning views and so well appointed. Any requests to reception were handled promptly and efficiently. Food was delicious and varied and as a coeliac was provided with gf options and also guided by the head chef at each meal as to what was safe to eat for me.
I used the spa numerous times and had Elemis facials , wraps and body, head and foot massages. The ladies were like angels and made you feel fabulous.
My husband went on 5 fives , one of them the best dive of his life and he’s been diving for 45 years. Sea life was amazing there. We have been to other resorts in the Maldives’s and it isn’t always as good. He also went snorkelling with the whale sharks and we did the dolphin trip and saw 3 pods. Wonderful experiences.
The equipment was new and of a good standard . The water sport staff are so safe and professional. Patricia in particular was wonderful. Other notable staff were Malini, Gracia and Manesh in the restaurant . Dominic in the bar was hilarious and with Saleem they made a great double act . He was great at providing cocktails and ensuring we had the best time.
The only slight negative is that we stayed in sunrise villa 302 and you could hear the music from the bar till midnight.
I would go back to this island in a heartbeat. Can’t recommend it enough and the staff are its biggest asset.
I used the spa numerous times and had Elemis facials , wraps and body, head and foot massages. The ladies were like angels and made you feel fabulous.
My husband went on 5 fives , one of them the best dive of his life and he’s been diving for 45 years. Sea life was amazing there. We have been to other resorts in the Maldives’s and it isn’t always as good. He also went snorkelling with the whale sharks and we did the dolphin trip and saw 3 pods. Wonderful experiences.
The equipment was new and of a good standard . The water sport staff are so safe and professional. Patricia in particular was wonderful. Other notable staff were Malini, Gracia and Manesh in the restaurant . Dominic in the bar was hilarious and with Saleem they made a great double act . He was great at providing cocktails and ensuring we had the best time.
The only slight negative is that we stayed in sunrise villa 302 and you could hear the music from the bar till midnight.
I would go back to this island in a heartbeat. Can’t recommend it enough and the staff are its biggest asset.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel- cmanager, Owner at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives
Responded Feb 24, 2024
Dear Julie, Thank you for your positive feedback. We are sorry to hear about the disturbance from the music. We strive to ensure a serene ambiance for all our guests and regret any inconvenience caused. Your commendations regarding the Sunrise water villa, the comfort of our beds, and the attentive service from our staff are truly appreciated. It is heartening to know that our culinary team was able to cater to your dietary needs and that the diving and snorkeling experiences exceeded your expectations. Your kind words about Patricia, Malini, Gracia, Manesh, Dominic, and Saleem are a testament to the dedication of our team in providing memorable experiences. We look forward to welcoming you back on a future occasion. Best regards, Santi Rodriguez Bustelo General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amazing place, brilliant service and hospitality. Cannot thank the staff enough for making the stay memorable.
The water villas transported us to a surreal island of blue water and pristine sands. Seeing baby sharks swinming around, digging for shells, watching the gentle lapping of waves transported us as a family to heaven!!
That the staff was attentive to details, giving us a special vegetarian food, making sure we were entirely comfortable.
The ambiance, food and the space made us feel lucky to spend our holiday here.
The water villas transported us to a surreal island of blue water and pristine sands. Seeing baby sharks swinming around, digging for shells, watching the gentle lapping of waves transported us as a family to heaven!!
That the staff was attentive to details, giving us a special vegetarian food, making sure we were entirely comfortable.
The ambiance, food and the space made us feel lucky to spend our holiday here.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Maybe choose activities like swimming with shark whale.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
My family and I recently spent two weeks at the Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives. We had an overall very pleasant experience from the moment we were picked up by a hotel representative at Male airport until we left the island. The resort is located at the bottom edge of the Ari south Atoll, and it takes about 30-minute seaplane flight from Male International airport. The resort opened in September 2023, and everything is brand new and very well maintained. The rooms are spacious and cosy, the island is very clean, the staff is always looking after the guests to accommodate any special requests. The resort offers different types of accommodations: beach villas with/without pool and water villas. The resort has two pools at the opposite edges of the island, three bars (Magical, Breeze and Sea Salt) and two main restaurants (Sea Salt – buffet and Aqua – à la carte). Food is also served at the Magical and Breeze bar. The All-Inclusive package is all together very good, besides food and beverages (minibar is included) it also comprises one hour per day rental of paddle board or kayak. The resort also offers complimentary snorkel gear for to the guests.
Despite the vegetation is still pushing and shade is lacking in some spots, the island is beautiful and very well maintained. Some stretches of the beach are the best I have seen in my many visits to the Maldives. Especially the portion ranging from the Aqua to the Sea Salt restaurant is simply stunning.
The food quality is good but without any wow effect, the food selection is perhaps a bit repetitive, but the chefs and the restaurant staff were always very kind to accommodate any special requests which is particularly helpful for families travelling with children. A special mention goes to Swapnil, Malini and Gracia.
The cocktail and beverage selection are very good as well as the quality and their presentation. A special mention goes to Aryan.
The entertainment is very soft, I really enjoyed the live music both at the Breeze bar and at the Sea Salt restaurant, but other nights were a bit boring…
A special mention goes to Robby, a real globe trotter who takes care of sports, teen’s club and struggles to make your stay at the resort unforgettable. He is a very energetic and charismatic person; he will always approach you with a big smile and goes out of his way to involve guests in various sports and recreational activities without ever being pushy and creating a family atmosphere. I would strongly recommend his acquagym class in the morning or a beach tennis / beach volley session in the evening. It has been a real pleasure to meet him.
I definitely recommend the Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives! We are looking forward to our next stay there.
Despite the vegetation is still pushing and shade is lacking in some spots, the island is beautiful and very well maintained. Some stretches of the beach are the best I have seen in my many visits to the Maldives. Especially the portion ranging from the Aqua to the Sea Salt restaurant is simply stunning.
The food quality is good but without any wow effect, the food selection is perhaps a bit repetitive, but the chefs and the restaurant staff were always very kind to accommodate any special requests which is particularly helpful for families travelling with children. A special mention goes to Swapnil, Malini and Gracia.
The cocktail and beverage selection are very good as well as the quality and their presentation. A special mention goes to Aryan.
The entertainment is very soft, I really enjoyed the live music both at the Breeze bar and at the Sea Salt restaurant, but other nights were a bit boring…
A special mention goes to Robby, a real globe trotter who takes care of sports, teen’s club and struggles to make your stay at the resort unforgettable. He is a very energetic and charismatic person; he will always approach you with a big smile and goes out of his way to involve guests in various sports and recreational activities without ever being pushy and creating a family atmosphere. I would strongly recommend his acquagym class in the morning or a beach tennis / beach volley session in the evening. It has been a real pleasure to meet him.
I definitely recommend the Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives! We are looking forward to our next stay there.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel- cmanager, Owner at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives
Responded Apr 29, 2024
Dear Riccardo, Thank you very much for your kind feedback. We are thrilled to hear that our pickup service and the resort's prime location near the South Ari Marine Protected Area added to the delight of your journey. It is gratifying to know that the upkeep of the Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives, along with the spaciousness and cleanliness of our accommodations, met your expectations. Your acknowledgment of our attentive staff fills us with pride, and we are pleased that our diverse accommodations, including our beach and water villas, enhanced your stay. We are also glad that the allure of our pools and the variety of dining options at our bars and restaurants contributed positively to your experience. Our all-inclusive package, designed for convenience and enjoyment, seems to have served its purpose well during your visit. It is particularly heartening to read your commendations on the island's upkeep and the unparalleled beauty of our beachfront. While we are delighted with the many positives you've shared, we have noted your thoughts regarding the food selection. Our aim is to provide a rich and varied culinary experience, and we shall continue to strive for improvement in this area. We also take note of your comments on the entertainment provided; we are always seeking ways to enhance our guest experiences and will consider your feedback for future planning. The positive remarks about our staff, especially Swapnil, Malini, Gracia, and Aryan, are truly appreciated and will be shared with the team. Moreover, your special mention of Robby and his efforts to engage guests in activities is heartwarming. We are dedicated to creating a memorable and engaging atmosphere for all our guests. Your recommendation is the highest compliment we could receive, and we are grateful for it. Rest assured, our commitment to providing an exceptional stay remains unwavering. We look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable experience. Best wishes, Santi Rodriguez Bustelo General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Spent 11 days here on this stunning island. It’s beautiful, the staff are great esp the staff in the restaurant and swapneil making the eggs at breakfast, sorry i didn’t get all the other names but all are so friendly, helpful and attentive.
We had a sunrise water villa which was brilliant, def recommend walking up and down the villas walkway a couple of times a day to see the many sharks, stingray, eagle ray, fish etc.
The snorkling is pretty good too around the island, we loved going out to the sandbanks and were luckly enough to catch a glimpse of two sea turtles playing and a huge manta ray swimming around and of course a load of fish. The sea parrallel to the sand bank on the left is incredible on a calm day, it’s like a bath so still and clear and warm.
The dive centre also has brilliant staff. Great tours- we swam with a whale shark (but be warned it is carnage!! a ton of boats turn up and it’s crazy in the water with everyone fighting, you will get kicked in the head by someone so take a life jacket, I ended up needing to get one off the nearest boat because I couldn’t cope with the mayhem. We did the turtle snorkling too and saw one deep down. The free snorkling tour is pretty decent too, much bigger fish than in the local bay. You can borrow all masks and fins if needed.
I’ve knocked off one star purely on the basis that between lunch and dinner there is no free snacks included in the all inclusive, when you’re snorkling for several hours working up an appetite or if have kids with you it’s a long time to go between 12ish and 7pm ish without anything to eat (unless you pay). The food in general is lovely, fresh, lots of choice and a clean restaurant but I’ve never stayed in an all inclusive that you can’t get a snack or ice cream for free in the afternoon.
We had a sunrise water villa which was brilliant, def recommend walking up and down the villas walkway a couple of times a day to see the many sharks, stingray, eagle ray, fish etc.
The snorkling is pretty good too around the island, we loved going out to the sandbanks and were luckly enough to catch a glimpse of two sea turtles playing and a huge manta ray swimming around and of course a load of fish. The sea parrallel to the sand bank on the left is incredible on a calm day, it’s like a bath so still and clear and warm.
The dive centre also has brilliant staff. Great tours- we swam with a whale shark (but be warned it is carnage!! a ton of boats turn up and it’s crazy in the water with everyone fighting, you will get kicked in the head by someone so take a life jacket, I ended up needing to get one off the nearest boat because I couldn’t cope with the mayhem. We did the turtle snorkling too and saw one deep down. The free snorkling tour is pretty decent too, much bigger fish than in the local bay. You can borrow all masks and fins if needed.
I’ve knocked off one star purely on the basis that between lunch and dinner there is no free snacks included in the all inclusive, when you’re snorkling for several hours working up an appetite or if have kids with you it’s a long time to go between 12ish and 7pm ish without anything to eat (unless you pay). The food in general is lovely, fresh, lots of choice and a clean restaurant but I’ve never stayed in an all inclusive that you can’t get a snack or ice cream for free in the afternoon.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel- cmanager, Owner at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives
Responded Feb 29, 2024
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to review your stay. We take pride in the exceptional service our team members deliver so it's really rewarding to receive your positive feedback and equally we are thrilled that your dining experience met your expectations. Thank you for your recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you back on a future occasion. Best wishes, Santi Rodriguez Bustelo General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Incredible holiday in an amazing place! Incredible views and wonderful hotel. All this became possible thanks to the sensitive staff who really love their work! It’s always clean, they clean 2 times a day, and not just formally, but they do it “beautifully”, so that each jar is arranged in height and in a line :) Special thanks to the work of the staff in the restaurant, they are always sensitive, they always know that you you love and want. Special thanks to the wonderful Risma, who can cheer you up, help in all matters, and simply - she is an excellent conversationalist and a professional in her field! In addition, the chefs are beyond praise! Stunning masterpieces of gastronomic taste! I highly recommend visiting this hotel :)
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel- cmanager, Owner at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives
Responded Oct 2, 2023
Dear Alice, Thank you for taking the time to review your stay. We are thrilled to hear that you found our location amazing and enjoyed the incredible views. Our dedicated staff takes great pride in their work, and it is always rewarding to receive such positive feedback. We are glad that you appreciated the cleanliness of our resort and the attention to detail in our housekeeping services. It is also delightful to know that you enjoyed the culinary masterpieces prepared by our talented chefs and the attentive service provided by our restaurant staff, especially Risma. Your kind words will surely be passed on to her. We look forward to welcoming you back on a future occasion. Best wishes, Santi Rodriguez-Bustelo, General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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"bring watershoes! the water below the water bungalows are swimmable but there are a lot of coral all over the ground "Read full review
"Be sure to take: women hygiene products, hair conditioner, aqua socks, rashguards, sun protection products, lots of money and a great mood!"Read full review
PRICE RANGE
C$658 - C$1,861 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
MaldivesKaafu AtollSouth Male AtollBodufinolhu Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
100
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives
What are some of the property amenities at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness centre, and a sauna during their stay.
Does Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives have airport transportation?
Yes, Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Russian.
Does Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
Is Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.