Sandies Bathala
Hi, I’ve read really good comments on TA re this resort. However just come across a few negatives on Booking.com.
If someone has been recently I’d welcome your comments -
Negatives -
animation is on the whole in Italian due to greater numbers of Italian guests. I don’t think I’d have a problem with this but would welcome any comments
Beach is not like on the pictures as it has eroded and is now a lot narrower
Cannot jump into water from water villas as wate4 level is too low.
Breakfasts not good on AI
TIA
I was considering this resort for our next trip and ultimately decided to discard it.
Apparently the snorkeling is outstanding, but everything else isn't. The pictures from visitors I saw on Google and TA are a bit depressing, honestly.
I don't think you'll find anyone from the forum who's been there recently, as we were discussing it a few times and no one had the resort in their plans.
@ventsi
Is there a particular reason that you think that the snorkelling is outstanding at Bathala (videos, friends who have visited, etc)? We looked at Bathala previously when we were looking for something to pair with Kandolhu, and none of the videos that I saw on YouTube looked particularly impressive, so it would be interesting to hear if I got the wrong impression from those.
@ Stu_and_Nicki -- Not at all, it was just mentioned many times by forum regulars and DEs. I didn't make an extensive research as I really disliked the way the villas are, the beach erosion and a couple of other things. WVs look like mini prisons from the outside.
Can anyone shed any light on Sandies Bathala, particuarly the beach and dining options?
TIA
Ventsi, it was outstanding (according to people who stayed there) back in the days. But I have not seen any new good videos either. Whether it has not recovered well after El Nino, or the construction of the water villas damaged the reef, no idea. But until I see some really good videos, I am not sure I would take the chance.
Hi,
Just coming to the end of our stay at Bathala (12 nights, WV) - here’s my thoughts:
Snorkelling - mostly decent with one super area around the WVs (specifically from 207 - 212 on the north side - never seen such a variety of fish in one area). At low tide access to the reef is difficult. Also, seen some rays, sharks, turtles.
General service - standard, lacks a bit of ‘polish’.
Beaches - nice amount of beach right around the island. Much of the ‘lagoon’ is stony though, apart from the area near the swimming pool. Sandbags in places.
Rooms (WVs only) - might look a bit boxy to some, but the interiors are great although they’re really missing a trick as the (very comfortable) bed doesn’t face directly onto the ocean.
Food - buffet only, Italian influenced. I much prefer buffets to a la carte, and the food here is fine but overall perhaps slightly fewer choices to others I’ve experienced.
Overall we’ve enjoyed Bathala (apart from the untypical non-stop torrential rain/thunder for 3-4 days just after our arrival - had sheer lightning throughout one whole night), but I wouldn’t return here. Without the snorkelling here, would have been disappointed overall.
Snorkelling is our main thing - have visited Ellaidhoo, Vilamendhoo, Kuramathi, Thudufushi, Kudafushi & Ihuru previously all since 2017 onwards - and would happily return to any of those.
One other point - seaplanes apparently can’t land at Bathala at low tide. Our 15-20 minutes seaplane from Male took some 50 mins with stops at Maafushi, Safari Island & Halaveli & we went by boat from the latter to Bathala.
Edited: 8:01 pm, March 05, 2025Thanks for taking the time to let us know your thoughts Sharon.
