The Hulhule Airport Hotel

I do enjoy going out by myself. A warm fuzzy feeling of freedom to do as I please, when and where I want to do it. Today I decided that it would be on of those evenings. I catch the boat from Male to the Airport Island Hotel Hulhule, just 10 minutes across the gorgeous turquoise Indian ocean, on this charming little ferry, carrying passengers free of charge to and fro. There is a charming young Maldivian boatsman, seemingly working every single day of his life on this boat. On some occasions when I had a few beers and a couple more, I got him to pose with me in pictures. He always smiles when I get on or off the boat and I grin back, slightly embarrassed.  I must ask him his name some day.
So little ferry aside, what’s the lowdown on the hotel? To be honest I cannot tell you anything about the state of the rooms or service within, as I have never stayed here, but what I can tell you is, that the Tandoori Night themed evening by the pool and Bar makes for a nice and unexpected surprise .

Normally a visit to Hulhule is solely for the purpose of getting a beer or such like, as Male itself is a ‘dry’ Island and doesn’t of course serve these little indulgences. For local workers and us tourists, who stay in Male, this is the preferred meeting place for a sundowner.
So when they start setting up their Tandoori cart and oven right next to the pool, the taste buds light up on a foodies mind like mine. Fresh reef fish marinated in the chefs own mixture of exotic spice and traditional Indian favourites are freshly prepared as you watch (if you’re not to busy chatting).
I’ve not frequented India very much in my travels (yet), so for me having tasted a freshly prepared Nan Bread from this very side of the pool oven was an amazing revelation. A bit like a real Neapolitan pizza, it’s all about the dough. So fresh and chewy, soft with edges of subtle crunch, simply Nan perfection. Talking of which, they also do an awesome Maldivian Tuna Pizza here. Super tasty and spicy, with little Maldivian Bullet Chillies!
Tonight I treated myself to a whole Reef Fish Barbecued in the Tandoor Oven. Apart from the slight lack of condiments (after one mouthful they were  gone) I was very pleased indeed.  The chef’s marinade has given the Fish a lovely kick, just enough to tease, but not burn. This little beauty has cost me $25 which is way more expensive then you’d expect to pay on Male Island, but the novelty of watching it cook right next to me made it well worth it.

Ok I guess I better get some facts up here for you also. If you consider staying at this hotel, say you have an early flight to catch and need to leave your resort island, then do. Even if Hulhule Airport Hotel has a spa and a pool, this ain’t no place for a holiday in the Maldives. It’s pure convenience, but a nice one at that.

Here is the Hotel Website:
http://www.hih.com.mv/

Lemongrass Fifth Restaurant Male

Finally! My favourite Restaurant in Male is Lemongrass Fifth.

Fareedhee Magu, Male 300-9000 

 

I‘ve eaten there so many times, they’ve given me a discount card.
The Restaurant has an airconditioned Downstairs, but we always favour the Semi Open Air area Upstairs or even right outside on the Balcony,  where the Fruit Bats do their evening rounds.

When I first discovered Lemongrass Fifth, I was looking for something to eat for lunch on a Friday afternoon. In the Maldives Friday is like a Sunday, most Shops and Restaurants are closed.
If you ever find yourself facing the same dilemma, Lemongrass Fifth to the rescue! So it’s open on Friday but surely that’s not why it’s my favourite. You’re right. The real reason is the menu. It’s like an encyclopaedia of Thai food. I could study it for hours before I decide what I’m going to have.

Tonight we shared a Tom Yum Steamboat, then I had one of the fried whole fish dishes. The waiter looked at me a bit funny , hesitated, then said with a side to side head shake ‘ok’. It is an indulgence even for me, and really it is for sharing  (comes with 3 portions of rice) but you know me, I am having what’s left as my crew meal!

The side dishes are Garlic Water Spinach and Green Papaya Salad. Two of my ‘Must Haves’ in any Thai Restaurant.
Once again everything was lovely. The only one small thing I missed here, was my beloved Chilli Fish Sauce, but then hey will bring some, if asked.

Do: Have a Cola Float! It’s old fashioned and very nice.
Don’t: Think that a green Curry is mild. 
Is is unusual that I am already contemplating what I’m going to have next time,  and why do I always seem to be envious of the person who has the Green Curry?