Relaxation on theThe length of the Baa Atoll is 42 km and the width is 32 km. The atoll consists of 10 inhabited and 41 uninhabited islands. Until recently, "Soneva Fushi" was the only resort on the atoll, but four uninhabited islands – Fonimagoodhoo, Kihaadhuffaru, Horubadhoo, and Dhunikolhu – were designated for the construction of hotels. On the island of Dhunikolhu, the "Coco Palm" hotel was opened, and in December 2000, the 5-star "Royal Island" hotel was opened on the island of Horubadhoo. The Baa Atoll is located 110 km from Malé. The locals live exclusively from fishing and selling souvenirs. The atoll comprises 51 islands – 10 inhabited and 41 uninhabited. Until recently, "Soneva Fushi" was the only resort, but four uninhabited islands were designated for hotel construction. Soneva Fushi is a dream come true for a luxury resort in a tropical paradise! White sand and crystal-clear, turquoise water – like in a fairy tale! And all this just 45 minutes from Malé airport on the exotic little island of Kunfunadhoo. Diving here is breathtaking – wild, unexplored atolls like the Baa Atoll inspire even experienced divers. This island is ideal for those who do not want to sacrifice comfort and service, but are looking for peace and seclusion. Dhunikolhu is a small island (700 x 350 m) located at the southern end of the Baa Atoll, 124 km from Hulhulé International Airport and the capital, Malé. The seaplane transfer takes 30 minutes. There is only one hotel on the island – the best in the Maldives – Coco Palm Resort 5*. Dhunikolhu is a true tropical paradise. The nature is lush, and the bungalows are located slightly away from the beach in dense vegetation. You can walk around the island without seeing a single bungalow – they hide among the trees. Only a few pretty stilt bungalows with palm-leaf roofs are visible. The Coco Palm Resort is one of the latest and best resorts built in the Maldives. The concept combines the style of Robinson Crusoe with modern comfort. The island of Fonimagoodhoo is surrounded by a whole chain of small coral islands and features an excellent yacht club and a diving center with equipment for deep-sea diving. Beautiful cotton fabrics and lacquer miniatures are produced in the Baa Atoll, which are considered the best souvenirs of the Maldives. The island of Horubadhoo is located 110 km from Hulhulé International Airport. The seaplane transfer takes 30 minutes. The island is 800 m long and 200 m wide. A Russian-speaking assistant works at the hotels. Addu Atoll Among the tiny islands of the Maldives, almost every one of which has a diameter of less than a kilometer, there is an atoll that is huge by local standards – the Addu Atoll. It lies at the southernmost edge of the archipelago, even south of the equator. Recently, the first resort of the atoll was opened on the island of Gan, which belongs to the Addu Atoll – the Ocean Reef Resort. The Addu Atoll consists of seven islands. Sights of the Addu Atoll The Addu Atoll is also interesting because of a small freshwater lake on one of its islands. Small red-orange parrots nest there, and brown bustards from the mainland recover from their flights. In the waters of the island of Gan, a sunken British warship lies at a depth of 20 meters. Dozens of marine species live in its cargo holds, which have been eroded by salt water. Island of Vahamana Fushi About six kilometers from Hulhulé Airport in the capital, Malé, lies the island of Vahamana Fushi, which belongs to the group of islands of the North Malé Atoll. It can be reached by a traditional Dhoni boat. The island is small (approx. 500 x 200 m), but large enough for a relaxing stay away from the hustle and bustle. Snorkeling, boat trips, beach holidays – this is just a small part of what you can do here. The hotel also offers excursions to Malé. Giraavaru In the western part of the Malé Atoll lives the small community of the Giraavaru (about 200 people). They used to live on the island of Giraavaru, located west of Malé, but had to relocate due to the airport construction on Malé. They are considered the oldest inhabitants of the Maldives. The Giraavaru are descended from Tamils from South India, although some experts consider them related to Australian Aborigines. Despite later settlement by Buddhists and later Muslims, the Giraavaru largely retained their ancient traditions and were therefore long considered outcasts. Today, they are adapting quickly to modern life. However, their numbers are declining sharply. Women continue to tie their hair on the right side – unlike all other Maldivian women – and decorate their clothing with unusual silver embroidery. The Giraavaru speak with a special accent that differs from the Malé dialect but is similar to that of the Addu Atoll. Dhaalu Atoll The South Nilandhe Atoll, also known as the Dhaalu Atoll, is located 150 km north of the Malé Atoll and 5 km from the Faafu Atoll. It is 38 km long and 23 km wide, comprising about 46 islands, many of which are uninhabited. The seaplane transfer takes 40 minutes. The atoll was only recently opened for tourism. The opened islands are located in the north of the atoll and offer excellent opportunities for diving. The main island is Kudahuvadhoo, a large island with good infrastructure and around 1500 inhabitants. On Velavaru, a tourism center was recently opened. The Maldivians call it "Turtle Island," and indeed, "velaa" means "turtle" in Dhivehi. Even the bungalows are reminiscent of turtle shapes. Lush vegetation, tall palm trees, sandy beaches, and a beautiful lagoon make Velavaru an attractive place for anyone looking for untouched nature. The island is about 500 x 200 m in size. Island of Dhifushi It is located about 90 km from Hulhulé Airport (southern part of the Ari Atoll) and near the Sun Island Resort. Seaplane transfer – 35 minutes. By speedboat – 2.5 hours. The hotel opened on September 1, 1994. The island is 700 x 140 m in size. Kuramathi In the north of the Ari Atoll, 60 km from Malé, lies one of the most famous and beautiful holiday resorts – the island of Kuramathi. Beautiful nature, clean blue sea, warm sunlight – all this awaits the guests. In addition to beach relaxation, there are many activities: windsurfing, water skiing, canoeing, excursions to neighboring islands, deep-sea fishing, and much more. There are shops, souvenir shops, discos, karaoke bars, and grill restaurants. Kuramathi is small (1500 x 500 m) but houses three hotels: Kuramathi Village, Kuramathi Blue Lagoon, and Kuramathi Cottage Club. Kuramathi Coconut Village is a renowned luxury hotel with a high level of service and 71 bungalows. All three hotels have bars, restaurants with national and European cuisine, and alternating discos. Nearby is a sports center with a pool, gym, tennis court, and beauty salon. Kuramathi is ideal for families and anyone looking for peace and comfort. Ari (Alifu) Atoll The atoll is 96 km long and 33 km wide. 26 islands are resort islands, 18 are inhabited. The nature is unique – here you can find almost the entire flora and fauna of the seas and oceans. The inhabitants hunt turtles, make sails, collect and engrave corals, but are also excellent fishermen. The area is so rich in fish that divers call it "fish soup." The cultivation of coconut palms is also common. Island of Rangali Among the many islands of the Ari Atoll, Rangali is particularly noteworthy. It is located 97 km from the airport; the seaplane transfer takes 35 minutes. The world-famous Hilton hotel chain built a resort here that enjoys great popularity. The resort is located on two islands – Rangali and Rangalifinolhu – connected by a 500 m long bridge. There are no hotel rooms in the usual sense – each accommodation is a private villa on the beach or on stilts over the water. A SPA on stilts, swimming in the turquoise lagoon, sea breeze, diving in the clear ocean, and the world's only underwater restaurant visit – all this becomes reality here. In addition, you can take a picnic trip to an uninhabited island or a yacht cruise. North Malé Atoll The most important atoll of the Maldives, including the capital, Malé. It is 69 km long and 39 km wide and consists of 50 islands and several small islets. Only 8 islands are inhabited, 42 are uninhabited, 27 of which are resort islands. Many resorts are close to the airport, so transfers are often made by traditional Dhoni boats. More distant islands can be reached by speedboat or seaplane. The longest transfers by Dhoni can take over 4 hours. The islands of this atoll were the first to develop into tourist resorts due to their proximity to the airport. Today, there are more than a dozen excellent resorts here. The proximity to the capital allows for quick and cheap transfers and easy excursions to Malé. Despite the traffic, many islands have retained their secluded atmosphere. Malé is the only real city in the atoll. There are mosques, markets, souvenir shops, small cafes, and more bicycles than cars. The streets are simply laid out, so you can hardly get lost. Many hotels own excursion boats. South Malé Atoll 36 km long and 19 km wide, consisting of 30 islands: 3 inhabited, 10 uninhabited, 17 resort islands. The nature is less altered than in the North Malé Atoll and the diving opportunities are better (Biyadhoo, Villingili, Bolifushi, Velassaru, Kandooma, Olhuveli, and others). Transfers are usually by speedboat; to nearby islands, they continue to be by Dhoni. Kandooma is particularly attractive, near the Guraidhoo nature reserve, which is famous for its waves in March–September. Underwater areas such as Embudu-Kandu, Guraidhoo-Kandu, Embudu-Canyon, or Kandooma-Thila impress with caves and reefs. Resorts such as Laguna Maldives 5*, Taj Exotica, Club Rannalhi 4*, Olhuveli Beach & Spa, Embudu Village 3* offer convenient transfers. Snorkelers do not have to worry here – a colorful underwater world begins right at every bungalow. Those who do not dare to snorkel can feed the fish at the pier – including rays and reef sharks. Laamu Atoll Laamu or Hadhdhunmathee is characterized by large islands. The three largest are Gan, Fonadhoo (capital), and Isdhoo. In total, there are 82 islands, 12 are inhabited. One island houses the Six Senses Resort 5*. The atoll airport allows arrival by domestic flight, about every hour. There is a unique surfing area without strong winds (except for east wind), but with high, gently breaking waves. It is located in the northeast of the southern atoll edge between two coral walls. For snorkelers and divers, there are small shallow reefs in the southeast and massive, deep lagoon reefs in the west. Lankanfinolhu The island is only 15 minutes by boat from Malé. It is 1 km long and 500 m wide, but despite its small size, it offers everything for a perfect holiday: seafood restaurants, activities, white beaches, comfortable bungalows, shops, and the endless sea. Lhaviyani Atoll Near Felivaru are two famous wrecks. The bow of one wreck protrudes 5 m out of the water. Both lie at a depth of 30 m: one anchored with its stern in the ground, the other on its starboard side. There are 30 m between them. These two Japanese refrigerated ships were sunk in 1980 for no apparent reason with a full cargo. The wrecks are completely covered with corals and alcyonarians, surrounded by all kinds of tropical reef fish. Millions of glassfish and angelfish swim inside, and you can also meet a large nurse shark. The second wreck is particularly known for its moray eel population. Mulaku (Meemu) Atoll The Meemu Atoll consists of eight fishing islands in the east and two tourist islands. Before the hotels opened, numerous cruises were organized to this area – there are excellent diving and snorkeling spots here. The Meemu Atoll is located 130 km south of Malé. The Medhufushi Resort hotel offers visits to the eastern part of the atoll, where only two islands are accessible to tourists. The seaplane transfer takes about 40 minutes, followed by another five minutes by boat. If you would like to get to know the culture of the Meemu Atoll better, exciting jeep or bicycle safaris are offered. You can visit a typical Maldivian village, watch the fishermen at work, or even try fishing yourself. Afterward, you can buy some cheap souvenirs and then enjoy the sunset at the hotel on the veranda of a cozy bungalow. Noonu Atoll The Noonu Atoll is located 150 km from the international airport and consists of 71 islands, two of which are resort islands and 13 are inhabited by locals. The atoll is known for its impressive underwater world: large depth differences in the ring of reefs as well as the famous "Christmas Rock," a naturally formed underwater reef that looks like a decorated Christmas tree. There are also numerous caves where a wide variety of marine life – even predators – live. Raa Atoll The Raa Atoll comprises 16 inhabited islands, which are mostly located on the east side. The reefs are located inside the atoll. The island of Alifushi is known for the construction of traditional Dhoni boats. On the island of Kandolhudhoo, fishing is highly developed. One island was designated for tourist purposes – Meedhupparu. The lagoon offers excellent conditions for water sports and fishing. The seaplane transfer from Malé takes about 40 minutes. Faafu Atoll The Faafu Atoll has an area of 32 x 24 km and comprises 15 inhabited and 16 uninhabited islands. So far, only one island has been developed for tourism – Filitheyo. It is now considered the only tourist spot in the still almost untouched North Nilandhe (Faafu) Atoll. Filitheyo is located in the middle of channels in the eastern part of the atoll. Lush tropical vegetation, mangroves, palm shadows on bright white sand – all this leaves unforgettable impressions. Narrow paths lead through the thicket to the villas, which are harmoniously embedded in the landscape. From the coast, jetties lead to the water bungalows. Island of Furana Fushi – North Malé Atoll The island of Furana Fushi is located in the picturesque North Malé Atoll and houses a renowned resort. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, safe, TV, daily replenished minibar, and other amenities. The hotel offers a large selection of fish and meat dishes, numerous national and European appetizers, fruits, desserts, and juices. Furana Fushi is ideal for a comfortable Maldives holiday. The resort offers high-quality service at fair prices. A stay here is guaranteed to leave unforgettable, beautiful impressions. Find out about the special features of a holiday on Furana Fushi and book a trip to this dreamlike island. Haa Alif Atoll The Haa Alif Atoll is located in the far north of the Maldives archipelago and is still little developed for tourism. It was not until August 2005 that the first resort was opened on the island of Dhonakulhi – Island Hideaway 5*+. Two more hotels are currently under construction. The climate differs from other regions of the Maldives, and the underwater world is still waiting to be discovered. The Haa Alif Atoll is a paradisiacal place with a rich culture and deeply rooted traditions. Huvahendhoo Huvahendhoo is a small island (550 x 110 m) in the southeast of the Ari Atoll, 80 km from Malé International Airport. The seaplane transfer takes only 25 minutes. Here is a luxurious five-star resort in a typical Maldivian style, with a "house reef" for snorkeling and diving as well as a beach with bright white sand. You can relax in bungalows and sea villas standing over the water and enjoy the tropical sun. Shaviyani Atoll The Shaviyani Atoll is located in the north of the Maldives and belongs to the northern half of the Miladhunmadulu Atoll. It consists of 51 islands, 16 of which are inhabited. The capital of the atoll is Funadhoo.
