NH Collection Havodda All-Inclusive Review: What's Included, What's Not & Hidden Costs

What's Actually Included

First, the good news. The all-inclusive package at NH Collection Havodda delivers solid value for a Maldives resort.

Daily meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Reef Restaurant, the main buffet-style dining venue. Breakfast includes unlimited still water, tea, coffee, and selected juices. Lunch switches to à la carte during quieter periods, which many guests actually prefer.

Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic): The all-inclusive rate includes unlimited drinks from a selected menu. Guests consistently praise the cocktail quality and the wide selection of wine, beer, and whiskey.

Snorkeling gear: Free mask, snorkel, and fins for the duration of your stay—a significant saving given the resort's exceptional house reef.

Minibar: Stocked daily with soft drinks, beer, and a bottle of wine. Note that minibar snacks are not typically included.

Daily activities: Complimentary offerings like beach cinema, coconut bowling, leaf crafting, and snorkeling sessions with the dive center (subject to availability and weather).

Transfers: The resort handles the domestic flight booking and speedboat transfer from Malé. You're met at the airport and escorted to a private lounge while you wait.

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What's NOT Included (And What Catches People Out)

Here's where things get tricky. Several guests have flagged the same surprises.

1. Water at Dinner – Yes, You Pay For It

This is the #1 complaint across reviews. While breakfast includes free water, tea, and coffee, dinner does not. Water is charged separately unless you're on a premium all-inclusive plan that specifically covers it.

"With the FB system, paid water and tea for lunch/dinner. It's very strange—in other hotels 5 such drinks are included. That's a very big downside for an A* hotel."*

One guest noted that on half-board, "water at dinner was not included and you will need to pay for it."

What to do: Check your specific package details before booking. If water at all meals matters to you, confirm whether your plan covers it or budget accordingly (expect $5–10 per bottle).

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2. Specialty Coffee Costs Extra

Coffee at breakfast? Included. An espresso or cappuccino at the bar later in the day? That'll be $10.

"While coffee at breakfast was included, ordering an espresso or cappuccino during the day cost $10."

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3. Alcohol Pricing – Beer vs. Pizza Math

One honeymoon couple put it bluntly: a beer costs $11, while a pizza costs $14. That's an unusual ratio that caught them off guard.

"A beer for $11 seemed a bit high compared to a pizza for $14. We found this pricing structure to be somewhat unbalanced."

What to do: If you're a moderate drinker, calculate whether the all-inclusive upgrade makes financial sense compared to paying per drink. For heavy drinkers, all-inclusive is likely still worth it.

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4. Premium Dining Has Spending Limits

The resort has two à la carte options: Surf Restaurant (fine dining) and Pizza Kaage (casual). Both are excellent—but they come with daily spending limits per person that aren't always clearly communicated upfront.

"The website did not clearly indicate before booking that the Pizza Kaage and Surf restaurants have daily spending limits per person."

If you exceed the limit, the excess goes on your bill. The menus provided via email and on the website were also noted as out of date by one guest.

What to do: Ask about the spending limits when you book, and check the current menus on arrival.

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5. Spa and Activities – Not Included

Massages, boat trips, jet skiing, diving, and most excursions are extra. Prices are high by any standard—typical Maldives resort pricing.

One guest noted a 45% spa discount was included in their package but required "some insistence on site" to actually apply.

What to do: Book spa treatments early—appointments fill up, especially during high season. Confirm any package discounts at check-in.

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The Transfer Reality: Expect Waiting

NH Collection Havodda is located 400 km south of Malé in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Getting there involves:

• A 55-minute domestic flight from Malé to Kaadedhdhoo Airport

• A 15-minute speedboat to the resort

The catch: You may wait 2–5 hours between your international arrival and the domestic flight.

"The journey can be too long, the island is very far from Malé with a lot of waiting between transfers (example: 3 hours waiting between the domestic and international flights for the return trip and 2 hours on the outbound journey)."

The upside: The resort provides a comfortable lounge with food, drinks, and Wi-Fi while you wait. One guest who arrived at 5 a.m. and waited until noon actually appreciated it: "I appreciated waiting until 12. We were escorted to the lounge where we had breakfast, showered and slept in full lie-downs before the domestic flight in silence and cool."

What to do: Book flights that arrive early in the day to maximize your chances of catching an earlier domestic connection. If you're traveling with young children or have mobility concerns, factor the total journey time (6+ hours from Malé) into your decision.

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What Guests Wish They'd Known Before Booking

Based on review patterns, here's the insider checklist:

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The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

Yes—if you go in with your eyes open.

The house reef is consistently rated among the best in the Maldives. The service is exceptional—staff remember your name, your drink order, your preferences. The food quality is high, with chefs who'll customize dishes on request.

The all-inclusive package delivers solid value if you drink alcohol and plan to eat all meals on-site. For light drinkers or those who prefer à la carte dining, half-board or full-board may work out cheaper.

"If you are looking for a place with amazing snorkeling where you will feel like you are in paradise and do not need extreme luxury, then I would definitely recommend Havodda Resort, as it offers great value for money."

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Quick Tips for a Smooth Stay

1. Confirm your meal plan's drink inclusions before booking—especially water at dinner

2. Budget for extras—specialty coffee, premium dining overages, spa, and excursions

3. Pack water shoes—some beach areas have coral fragments

4. Request a Sunrise Beach Villa if you want a wider beach; the Sunset side has some erosion and sandbags

5. Message your villa host on WhatsApp for any requests—they're responsive and genuinely helpful

6. Book the Surf Restaurant early—limited tables, excellent food

7. Ask about the free snorkeling session with the dive center—it's offered but may require follow-up

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👉 Plan Your Stay

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