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We
took off on 19 April with Captain Abo starting up engines, First
Officer Mode in touch with the tower, with team work visible from
the cabin. |
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We
landed at the platform of a neighboring resort where crew offloaded
all baggage jointly and cabin crew Bongo is seen emptying the cargo
compartment. |
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Controller Operations & Customer Service Shameem is in the cabin.
Nazeem & Jameel took us by the speed boat to Reethi beach, while we
passed Soneva Fushi guests having a sunset cocktail on their
sandbank. |
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We
passed quite a number of Islands in the Baa Atoll also Khihadu pparu
Resort while sunset proceeded rapidly and beautifully.
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The
sky was clear without clouds or dust. We arrived at Reethi Beach
just before the sun set over the Island beach sports area. |
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Front
office Officer Ashraf proudly received us in the completely
renovated and upgraded Reception area of the administrative block.
After dinner we watched the crab race and the bar crowd bidding on
their favorite Crab. |
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We met
the Reethi Beach MD Mr. Mani Xavier and his GM Sascha Hentz and
their F&B Manager Ralph Schink who has rejoined the Resort. |
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Happiness and pride in the accomplishment of not just repairing but
renewing and upgrading Reethi Beach in just 3˝ months since the
Tsunami can be read from the face of not only Mani, but also Sascha
and the Front Office Manageress Helena as a total team effort. |
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The
next day we had time after breakfast to see all the major
improvements for ourselves. The Coconut Spa has been restored on the
beach to its full glory. |
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The
Beach Bungalows are on the beach which was even increased in size
by the Tsunami effects. |
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The
interior of the Beach Bungalows has been completely renewed with new
wooden furniture and the warm colours of the new upholstery.
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From
the beach we walked to “land’s end”, where the Sunset bar opens
already almost at sunrise.
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From
the sunset bar it is only of a short jetty walk to the Water
Bungalows which were redone both outside and inside. |
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The
interior was expanded with a nice sitting alcove, whereas all the
furniture etc. is brand new in warm colours and ample use of
beautiful wood. |
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Finally we established that all 3 specialty restaurants are back in
full operation. Over water Modern Restaurant, the Maldivian/ Chinese
Restaurant and the seaside Grill. |
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The
Souvenir shop had to be equipped with lots of new items for sale but
is also ready again. |
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The
Southern tip of the island houses the water sports center, just off
the main jetty. The water sports center is a completely new building
as the old one did not survive the Tsunami. |
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Para
sailing, “sailing fast/ living slow” and the beach bar are all part
of the water sports focus this resort has. |
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Diving
and snorkeling trips come and go as the atmosphere of Reethi Beach
is a sportive one. However besides focus on the blue water there is
also a continuous action to restore all greenery to old splendor. |
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Last
but not least the Main bar has a completely new deck on the seashore
where drinks and snacks are available throughout the day and night. |
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In
conclusion: a fantastic job has been done by Reethi Beach Owners,
Management and Staff. In brief 3˝ months all Rooms received brand
new furniture, were re-decorated and upgraded. As a result Reethi
Beach might have been closed for the peak season, but it has come
out of this stronger than ever before.
Our Compliments and
congratulations! We are sure the many repeat guests will therefore
be pleasantly surprised. |
