Ayala Ocean View

I was quite surprised by the positive reviews I read, but after staying at Ayala, I can confidently state that they are mostly paid/fake Pros: - Gulhi is not far from Male, quick to get to, speedboat service working fine - Beach is near the hotel - Sunbed/umbrellas available - Excursions Cons: - booked a room for 3, turned out to be a regular room for 2 with a cot near the bed. Rooms itself is very small, so making 3 people stay there is inhumane. Cot had no mattress on it, felt like sleeping on the floor - rooms get 'cleaned' twice a day, but they hardly replace sheets and provide fresh towels only once a week. They don't take out the used/dirty towels. Floor is not being cleaned - no robes, no slippers. Problems with hot water, very hard to regulate the temperature and water in the shower constantly and randomly goes from hot to cold. Hot water also smells unpleasant. TV in the room is basically useless: not set up, does not connect to internet - no variety in breakfast, always the same. Dinners differ, but overall food quality is average. Shortage of deserts and, especially, fruits, which is quite disappointing. - waiters seem to take care only of the big families staying in, they set up tables for them in advance and no one is allowed to use that area. Should be constantly reminded to proved basic stuff like tissues. Staff may also confuse you with false promises (eg. promised to provide robes, mattress, turned out to not have those) Wouldn't stay here the second time

Amazing experience! Gulhi is a beautiful small island and Ayala Ocean view is located beautifully just a minutes walk from the jetty. From connecting with us prior to our arrival to dropping us off at the airport and everything in between was well coordinate — the staff and management were absolutely the friendliest, supporting and most caring. This hotel opened up only a few months ago, the facility is clean, wi-fi is good and overall safe for single or group travelers. The bikini beach is only a minutes walk from the hotel and if you ask, the hotel will also give a free snorkeling gears. Also, if you need to get your PCR test done, there’s a hospital within the island, if you inform the hotel reception they will coordinate and help You get the test done. Gulhi is inhabited by laid back and welcoming locals. You can walk around the island uninterrupted. We would recommend Gulhi for solo, group or family travel. Overall this has been one of our best travel experiences so far.

What can I say... it is a superb! From the services, cleanings, dedicated beach umbrellas closest to the sea, and of course the amazing food! We have stayed for 6 days including breakfast & dinner, but we were also coming back to have lunch here because the chef is awesome! Overall service charge was low, but all the staffs were friendly and very kind. Their SPA is almost the only one within nearby islands and they got amazing esthetitians as well. Extended excursions to watch dolphines, nurse shark, whale shark, sting gray, turtle were all successful - thanks to Iron from sandyheaven! Overall, we could also see their management on contingency was perfect. Once the toilet on groundfloor nearby restaurant was broken they started immediately repairement and guiding all guests not to have an impact from unpleasant smell. The manager of this hotel seems to have a mild but extraordinary leadership, and he takes care of the hygiene the most. The beach closeby is very friendly for family with kids, white sand beach with low tide before noon. All other guests are very friendly and you can easily make friends, too! It was splendid days in Ayala!