Bandos Resort and Spa is everything my wife and I wanted and more. First, they have regular shuttles from the Male' jetty to the island and back. Second, the island and it's facilities are so awesome I believe when God wants to rest, He spends his time there. The white sand beach is pristine and the sea water is crystal clear. Best of all, when we went there in April, there were very few tourists and guests that the beaches were almost all to ourselves. If you wait for the sunset on the west side beach of the resort, the view is mesmerizing. Not only that, under water the view of the fishes and the corals and the reef and all the underwater landscape is even more awesome. Their very helpful staff lent us all the snorkeling and swimming gears we needed for free. The diving gears though must be paid for. They also have a small gym and a spa. And after we've satisfied our eyes with the above water and underwater views, and our skin with all the sun and sea, the dinner buffet was an excellent touch to end the day. All in all, the Bandos experience was an unforgettable one for me and my wife. And we even come from the Philippines where we have a lot of great beaches, too.

We chose Bandos having seen the reviews on Trip Advisor as although we wanted a relaxing break on the Maldives we didn't want a honeymoon seclusion type of holiday and Bandos didn't disappoint.
It was lively enough to not get bored, but was very relaxing too. If you wanted to enjoy cocktails at the bar you could but likewise you could laze on the secluded white-sand beaches without seeing a soul (quite a feat given the resort's size).
The buffet-style food was of a generally very high standard - we always ate from the action corner where the chefs cook in front of you, including fresh omelettes at breakfast. Having just spent a week touring Sri Lanka before arriving at Bandos, the food did seem a little bland after lots of curries and spicy food, but we soon adapted.
We too all inclusive and it did work out to be the best deal.
Ok there are some Swiss and Russian flight crew here as other reviews stated - but I don't see a problem. In fact the atmosphere at the bar just wasn't the same when the crews of various luxury boats moored close by stopped visiting the resort in the evenings.

I spent four days at the Bandos Island Resort, one of the larger islands and close in to the airport island and the capital city of Male. For me, a harried business traveler, it was a joy to have peace, quiet, beauty and an opportunity to relax. I rented a beach deluxe villa, which is a bungalow with an upstairs bedroom and a connected hot tub only steps away from the beach in one direction and the pool in the other. It was heavenly.

In observing those staying there, I noticed a large number of young married couples with babies and toddlers. This was an ideal vacation for them as they could combine relaxation, activity, romance while their young one or ones could feast their senses.

Well I just got back 3 days ago from spending a week at Bandos Island and let me say that it was just wonderful! My boyfriend has already written a review (coolandyman) so i don't want to repeat the same things that he wrote. so I want to write a few tips/suggestions for those of you who plan on going, or have questions about it.
First off, just want to say that if you are looking for total seclusion, in the middle of nowhere experience, this isn't the place. But as my boyfriend mentioned, even though there are "a lot" of people on this island, you barely see them. Only at meals. When I saw the amount of children, I automatically rolled my eyes and was ready for the screaming and running around of children ruining my relaxing/romantic vacation. But thankfully this was NOT the case. So, if you have a family, this place is great! A great pool for the children, a great playground and indoor activities as well. If you don't have children, this place is great because some miraculous way you don't see them.
I met a Singapore flight attendant that comes to the Maldives once a month for years and so he's pretty much became an expert, and said to me that Bandos is a great "beginner" maldives island. Its close to the airport, its reef is amazing, and theres something for everyone! I totally agree.
Now for my tips:
1) this I got from previous reviews and thanks to them we got an amazing room. Standard rooms are DEFINITELY better situated then the deluxe...save the money of that upgrade for a cool tour or diving experience. We were in room 222 and had an unobstructed view of the beach. (see pic below) Priceless. So rooms 220 - 223 are amazing. So is room 231. The only down fall I'd say is that its on the opposite end of the island of the main reception/restaurants. about a 7 minute walk. But worth it if you ask me! The Jacuzzi suites look amazing. But most of them do not have ocean views. then the water villas...there are only 2! But let me say that they are gorgeous and Id say worth a one night stay...or 2 if it fits in you budget!

2) Snacks: Id recommend bringing some snacks from home...bags of crisps, pretzels, power bars, nuts, etc. Not that we were dieing with out, but would of been nice. We would take the nuts and dried fruit from the buffet in the morning for later to munch on on the beach.

3) For those of you who don't know ( i didn't) you cannot bring alcohol to the island, it will be confiscated at the airport and ALL of your luggage goes through and x-ray machine, so don't try to be sneaky and loose an expensive bottle of something (this happened to friends of ours and is still cursing about it till this day) Unfortunately the drinks aren't well made here, so you may go on an alcohol detox...as we did. Unless you like beer! ;o)

4) For the ladies: Shampoo and bath gel is provided, but hair conditioner is not! Don't forget about to bring at least that!

5) Ah...definitely invest in mask, snorkel and fins for this trip as you will be snorkeling everyday...and almost all day! to rent it it costs $10 a day! After a week, you could of have your own and for less!

6) They tell you this when you arrive but I figure I'll repeat it. DONT STEP ON THE CORAL! a) you can seriously cut yourself, b) you are seriously killing and ruining the coral reef and marine life! There are 2 "canals" that take you over the reef where its deep enough that you don't harm yourself or the reef. They clearly explain this, but for some reason you still see ignorant people do what they want anyways. *sigh*

7) No need to pack much (i ALWAYS overpack!) I thought I under packed and still didn't get to half of what I brought. You will live in a bathing suit and pareo/beach cover up. And then something "nice" for dinner. thats it! All the "day" close i brought I didn't touch.

8) This is definitely not a "no shoes" island. Plenty of paved walk ways, and the non paved have a ton of little rocks that don't feel god under your feet. You will live in flip-flops.

9) I have noticed that many of the negative reviews have to do with the service...but Im not talking just about Bandos. I feel that "good customer service" isn't part of the maldives culture. So keep that in mind and you wont be too disappointed. As my boyfriend said, Carlos is your man! He speaks many different languages and his main goal is customer service and making your experience as pleasant as possible. Unfortunately he is just ONE person and can only do so much. So my suggestion is patience! You treat them nicely and respectfully you will receive the same back as we did. We asked to change our room on the first day, with a big smile, and saying please and thank you and it happened without trouble.

10) Internet: They are currently working on putting internet in all the rooms, but in the mean time there is wifi in the reception area, and soundowners bar. It costs $2.12 an hour! Not too shabby! AND you don't have to use the whole our at once. Once you log on you have 24 hours to use it. So lets say you buy it and sign on at noon. after 15 min you are done, you can sign off and have to noon the next day to use the rest of the 45 min! Considering everything in the maldives is expensive, I found this to be VERY reasonable!

11) For some reason the waiters are a pain in the *&s when it comes to sitting where you want. They insist on certain areas. But at the end of the day....sit where you want. You tend to go to the same area. But if you feel like switching, switch!! We made some friends there and we sat with them in "their section" and the waiters freaked out....but they get over it!

12) the electric kettle in every room is GREAT! and using the "tap water" is just fine!!! My tea tasted good!!

Well I think thats about it! I cant think of anything else. I think that Bandos is a great island. The best?? I doubt it, but definitely a great "bargain" and you wont be disappointed if you go with patience and remembering that you are on vacation!!! ENJOY!!