Absolute Magazine

Holidaying
IN MALDIVES
The Amazing Noovilu
Accessed easily via speedboat from the capital, Mahibadoo
is in one of the very best atolls for marine
life spotting and beautiful beach enjoyment. It is not
the metropolis that Male is and at a mere fraction of
resort prices could be the perfect way to experience
the real Maldives.
The small boutique guesthouse The Amazing
Noovilu is only 3 minutes away from a beach with a
beautiful reef and the five spacious rooms all have
air conditioning and daily cleaning service. The
garden leading into the guesthouse is shaded by
small palms and banana trees, and there are lawn
chairs and a small outdoor kitchenette. The island
itself can be walked around in an afternoon. There
are ATMs, small conveniences stores and plenty of
coffee houses. Activities are the real treat, because
the owner Mazin acts as your tour guide. He offers
manta watching and whale shark snorkelling tours
in his speedboat, offering a relaxed but essentially
private-tour atmosphere.
Thundi Guest House
Thundi Guest House is located in the beautiful island
of Fulidhoo in the Vaavu Atoll, 57 kilometres from
Male. The island is just 675 metres long and 200
metres wide with a population of around four hundred.
Despite its small size, Fulidhoo has a mosque,
school, health centre, community centre, council
offices and a number of general stores selling snacks
and basic supplies. The sandy main street running
down the centre of the island also has a number of
souvenir shops selling colourful sarongs and dresses,
but they only open twice a week when guests
from a nearby resort come to visit. It’s entirely
uncommercial with no restaurants or bars, but the
guest house offers authentic local food. Vaavu Atoll
can be reached by public ferry in about 3.5 hours
and costs only a few Maledivian Rufiyaa.
Thoddoo Island
Thoddoo island in the Ari Atoll is known throughout
Maldives for its thriving plantation. One-third of the
total area is agricultural and it is one of the largest
exporters of fruits and vegetables in the Maldives.
The island is larger than many (about 2 km in length
and 1 km in width), so hiring a bike to explore it
makes sense. Thick bushes grow along the coast
and numerous pathways take you to the ocean.
naturally, most people visit this part of Maldives for
underwater adventures: there are several coral reefs
located near the island, some only a short swimming
distance away. Enthusiastic snorkelers will be in
heaven here.
Budget accommodation like the Serene Sky Guest
House or the Thoddoo Retreat make the ideal base
for discovering the area. Serene Guest house offers
packages for all types of travellers; honeymooners,
solo backpackers, families and divers can all find a
deal perfectly adjusted to their needs. You can get
to Thoddoo directly from Male in one hour by speed
boat; the public ferry takes four hours.
TRANSPORTATION
Hotel transfers don’t usually excite most of us, but in
the Maldives things are different. Forget long minibus
rides from the airport or endless hours stuck in a taxi.
The unique formation of this island nation means that
to reach your exclusive resort you’ll need to cruise or
fly. Some islands can only be reached by boat while
some require a seaplane ride. But for others you’ll
have the choice between the two.
Speedboat
Speedboats are the most cost-effective option and are
usually included in your package costs. The process
is effortless. Once you arrive at Male airport, your
speedboat will arrive at the jetty just across the road
from the terminal. Hop aboard, feel the wind in your
hair and enjoy the anticipation of spotting your hotel
coming into view. Speedboats are operated by individual
resorts and come in various forms, but all offer
a comfortable start to your holiday. Depending on
the location of your resort, you’ll pass other islands
en route – both resort islands and tiny uninhabited
‘picnic islands’ and be sure to keep your eyes peeled
for dolphins.
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