Stayed in Bandos over Xmas and New Year 2009 with our 2 children aged then 5 and 2.5. Bandos is a smallish island which can be circumnavigated in 15 -20 minutes. The Accomodation is situated around the edge of the island and is a mix of jacquzzi beach villas,junior suites and standard rooms.

AIrport/meet greet/ transfers.

Met at the Airport by a Bandos representative and straight onto a speed boat and within 20 minutes we were sat in reception with a cold drink and flannel checking in. Check in was very effiicient our bags were delivered to our juniour suite and we were taken to our room. A very efficient and speedy process.

Rooms - We stayed in a Deluxe Suite/ Junior suite which was very spacious, it had a seperate living space which doubled up as a bedroom for the children. A very large bathroom with huge shower, bath tub etc. We found this more than adequate for our families needs. There was a small veranda to sit out on aswell which was lovely in the evening and the beach was 100 yards away.

Dining- We stayed B&B, the food at Bandos was faultless, we chose to eat at the Buffet restaurants most nights as the selection of food was so good, and the curries were to die for. I came home with several receipes. There are another 3 dining options, the only one we didn't eat at was the Harbour. I can honestly say that I did not have a bad meal in the whole 2.5 weeks, As we were there over xmas we also had the Gala dinner, which is undescriable.

Pools - Bandos had a small childrens pool and a larger pool, plenty of sunbeds around the pool and towels available.This is situated in the center of the island.
It had a swim up bar and the service was very efficient.

Kids club - We did not use the kids club whilst at Bandos as our children were more than happy dipping in out of the sea and playing on the beaches however as it was xmas there were lots of extra activities that we were able to take part in (t - shirt making, kids discos, crab racing) which were well organised and the staff were friendly and approachable.

Excursions - I think we were very unlucky with this part of our trip as the weather was not playing very nicely. We did go out on the glass bottom boat and it gave our children chance to look at the reef I would definitely recommend this.The Sunset dolphin cruise is lovely and you get a free cocktail and get to see some other island whilst out. My son and husband went out on the night fishing trip and sadly only caught a barrucuda but my son still speaks of it and all trips were well organised and life jackets were always available.
There is also there sister island Kuda Bandos that you can visit.
The Reef - this has to be the biggest selling point of Bandos, the house reef is simply amazing it is literally 10 yards of the beach and teaming with wildlife. The drop off of the reef is beautiful and a memory i will treasure forever it is like nothing I have ever seen.

The Spa - The spa is like a little oasis, very calm an tranquil and one of the best massages my husband and I have ever had, it was reasonably priced and the staff were very friendly and helpful and there was no hurry for you to leave. The ginger tea was lovely and I would visit just for this!!!

The downside of Bandos is that in the center of the island is the staff accomodation which you have to walk through to get to various points, this is in need of refurbishment and a bit of an eye sore but I wouldn't let this deter you from booking Bandos.

In summary is Bandos the best island in the Maldives probably not, but for a first time visit with children I woulld definitely recommend - the short boat transfer is a definite bonus after a long flight and the reef is amazing.
Would I return - Yes, if the price is right.

Stayed March 2010, in room: 299