MALDIVES EXPERIENCES NOT JUST LIMITED TO RESORTS
A recent article by W Travel Magazine showcases all the different things you can experience at different locations in the Maldives and offers suggestions for resort stays. But what if we told you, all of these can also be experienced on a local island tour at a fraction of the price and still with personalised service?
With over 1,200 beautiful islands in the Maldives; whether you are visiting a local island or a luxury resort, in every part of the Maldives you will still experience the beautiful crystal blue clear waters of the Indian Ocean, breath taking marine life and perfect white sandy beaches. However, as Lindsay Lohan recently discovered there is more to the Maldives than just this and one of the best things about visiting local islands is the Maldivian hospitality.
The Maldives literally has it all for travelers and explorers, from adrenaline pumping water sports, to zen yoga on the beach. Island hopping, deserted islands, star gazing and diving in some of the most breathtaking dive sites in the world. No wonder more and more people are choosing the Maldives to visit every year. Take a look below at just some of the amazing things you can experience even if staying on local islands.
Flyboarding
Just when you think there can’t be another new water sport in comes flyboarding! For those of you who love water sports this is a must to experience, a real adrenaline rush as you lift off over the water, flying high enough to see right around the island. Flyboarding is a hydro device which propels a flyboard, on which you are stood, into the air with jet nozzles.
Recommended Island
Maafushi is a great place to experience flyboarding but any island that is active with water sports will be able to offer this. Let us know the type of holiday you would like and we will recommend the best locations!
Yoga Retreat
Many people will travel to India for Yoga retreats but why not combine a beautiful local island vacation with a revitalizing Yoga Retreat. Enjoy Yoga at sunrise on white sandy beaches overlooking the tranquility of the clear blue waters and evening meditation watching some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
Where to Stay – Barefoot Island
The Barefoot is located within an almost untouched forest on Hanimaadhoo island in the preserved deep North of Maldives. This 4 star Eco Hotel is well connected to Male international airport by numerous daily 45 minutes flights. Due to its luxuriant vegetation and privacy everybody can fall in love with untouched nature, as well as experiencing the genuine and natural Maldives. With a half mile private sandy beach, a turquoise lagoon and modern accommodation facilities you can be assured of a relaxing holiday without breaking the bank!
Check out the 7 night Yoga Retreat here
Liveaboard
If you are an avid diver and are looking to explore a large area during your stay then a dive liveaboard is just for you. The liveaboard experience allows you to dive multiple locations throughout your holiday and be with like-minded divers. With more routes taking in the deep south, with the possibility of encounters with tiger sharks, thresher sharks and maybe the elusive mola mola, this is an experience every keen diver should try.
Recommended Liveaboard
MV Keana offers high standards of comfort and some great sustainable travel initiatives. In order to avoid unnecessary waste draft beer is served and water is available from a water dispenser. Warm water comes from a solar-device and the non-avoidable generators are modern and fuel-effective. All Cabins are above the water line across two decks meaning that all windows and doors can be opened preventing the need to switch on your AC!
Night Diving
Night diving is a must on any scuba divers bucket list. Fulidhoo Alimatha reef is just one of the popular night dive sites in the Maldives and by speedboat is not too far from Male International Airport. The location offers some of the best channel dives and divers have seen up to 100 nurse sharks at one time during their night dives.
Where to Stay
Fulidhoo is the first island in Vaavu Atoll and is historically famous for being a stopover island before Male. The friendly and caring people of Fulidhoo still maintain the tradition of offering a warm welcome today. A typical peaceful and relaxing local Maldivian island Fulidhoo is also known for its traditional Boduberu and bandiyaa “pot dance”.
It has a beautiful beach and a great coral reef abundant with coral and fish life. The reef structure is formed in caves and overhangs perfect for exploration by divers and snorkelers alike.
Desert Island Lunch
One of our favourite locations for a Robinson Crusoe style get away for the day is Island. A small deserted island located a short boat ride from Mathiveri, this is a fantastic experience where you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of these untouched deserts islands. Take along a picnic lunch, explore the natural beauty of the area, lay in the sun or head out for some snorkeling. It is an amazing experience not to be missed.
Where to Stay
The islands of Rasdhoo, Ukulhas and Mathiveri are surrounded by the breathtaking Indian Ocean. This area of North Ari Atoll is widely regarded as one of the best diving spots in the world and when the season is right it is possible to snorkel or swim with manta rays. With an abundance of green vegetation and beautiful white sandy beaches this tour provides the ideal opportunity to indulge in the activities the Maldives is famous for as well as brushing shoulders with local culture and people.
Check out full tour details here
Star Gazing
Did you know you can see the night time stars from both hemispheres in the Maldives? Any local island away from the capital city, Male is perfect for viewing the constellations and you might even be able to make a wish on a shooting star.
Where to Stay
Boutique Beach All Inclusive Diving Hotel is a luxury, contemporary diving property located on the beautiful Maldivian island of Dhigurah in the South Ari Atoll. Set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean’s azure waters and magical sunsets, they offer guests a truly all-inclusive accommodation and diving package. Spend your days diving, snorkeling, relaxing or exploring – making memories, before returning ‘home’ where the Boutique Beach team will welcome you to their rooftop terrace for sun-downers and star gazing lazing on the bean bags. A perfect day in Paradise!
Resort Day Visit
You can still experience resort life without staying for your entire holiday. Our team will happily organise a resort day trip for you to enjoy pure luxury. The location of the local island where you are staying will determine which resort we recommend. However one place that is truly memorable is in South Male called Anantara Veli which has a classic swing out in the ocean. Fantastic photo opportunities and amazing memories.
For more information about how and what to book on your local island Maldives adventures, contact our sales team who will be delighted to help you.
Contact us today and start your Maldives adventure!
