Description
South Malé Atoll’s islands are scattered far between with only three of the islands being inhabited by the local population and the rest are mostly resort islands. The islands are remote and more secluded. The inhabited fishing islands of Guraidhoo (population 1,200) and Guilhi (600 people) are located on the eastern edge of the atoll. These islands can be visited on an island hopping excursion where you can experience traditional Maldivian dance and drumming and shop for souveniours made by the villagers. There are several dive sites in the vicinity of South Male Atoll including caves and shipwrecks that are well worth exploring. These include the Velassaru Caves, Vaadhoo Caves, the Embudhoo Express and the Yacht Thila.
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Choosing your accommodation
South Malé Atoll has a good choice of resorts ranging from value for money budget resorts to the super luxurious boutique properties. Each of the resorts are situated on its own white sandy island which is surrounded by a turquoise lagoon, house reef, and the shimmering Indian Ocean waters beyond. One is spoilt for choice in the Maldives where accommodation is concerned with each island resort sounding better than the previous one. Whether it is a romantic escape you are looking for, a thrilling sun and surf holiday experience, or a family holiday, make sure you read through and select a resort that fits into your holiday plans.
Diving Resorts: With several good dive sites around South Male Atoll, many of the resorts have a dive centre and offer PADI certified dive courses. Some are more seriously geared towards this activity than others. For the true diving enthusiast, Red Dot recommends Adaraan Club Rannalhi, Biyadhoo Island Resort, Holiday Inn Kandooma, Olhuveli, Anantara Dhigu, and Adaraan Prestige Vadoo. These resorts, like many, offer snorkelling and diving excursions as well as PADI certified dive courses.
Family Resorts: Holiday Inn Kandooma goes out of their way to welcome children and have exciting activities including a Kids Club which conducts nature conservation activities, mini-snorkelling in the lagoon, arts and crafts activities, and indoor games. Older children will enjoy the range of watersports including bicycle polo, extreme croquet, underwater hockey, and surfing. Other resorts that are more family oriented include Adaaran Club Ranhaali, Olhuveli, and Anantara Dhigu.
Spa Resorts: There are several exquisite spa resorts in South Malé Atoll with some providing mind and body wellness through a combination of relaxing massages, yoga and meditation. The Jiva Grand Spa at Taj Exotica has an authentic Indian Ayurvedic spa that combines all these ancient healing philosophies amidst tranquil surroundings. Naladhu also has its spa treatment centres built over the lagoon. Other spa resorts are Anantara Dhigu and Veli, and Adaraan Prestige Vadoo.
Honeymoon Resorts: Fabulous sunsets, star filled nights, and remote islands where there is nothing but soft white sand and turquoise waters - all this spells romance. Many of the island resorts take this further with exquisite water villas where you can spend your entire holiday without ever being disturbed. Some have private villa dining, terrazzo Jacuzzi for two on your private sundeck, in-room spa facility and the list goes on. Red Dot recommends the luxurious and secluded Naladhu, Taj Exotica, Adaraan Prestige Vadoo and Anantara Veli island resorts for your honeymoon or romantic getaway.
Eco Resorts: Adaaran Prestige Vadoo has a deep rooted eco-friendly philosophy and has developed the islands tropical tree canopy and foliage to attract birds and other animals. The resort conducts valuable conservation research on the endangered marine turtles. The in-house naturalist is ever willing to share his knowledge with guests and will keep in touch through the `Field Guide Newsletter’ that is e mailed to guests once they leave. Anantara Dhigu has a resident Marine Biologist who conducts conservation and awareness programmes on the fascinating marine life of the Maldive Islands and will accompany guests on snorkelling and diving excursions.
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Activities
Diving: Some of the best dive sites in the Maldives are around South Malé Atoll around the Vadhoo Kandu channel. Some popular dive sites for the more experienced divers are Velassaru Caves, the Vaadhoo caves, and Embudhoo Express which is a two kilometer drift dive. Beautiful coral growth, shark, turtles, sting rays and eagle rays can be seen in these sites. For beginners, the Yacht Thila ship wreck, Vaagali Caves and Guraidhoo Kandu dive sites are more suitable.
Watersports: All the island resorts offer watersports activities ranging from snorkelling to sailing. Holiday Inn Kandooma offers a more interesting range of watersports such as bicycle polo, extreme croquet, underwater hockey, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and sailing. Anantara Dhigu’s Aquafanatic Centre is a well organised set up and offers parasailing, yacht sailing, canoeing, kite boarding, catamaran rides, and big game fishing.
Ecological conservation: Be a part of the valuable efforts directed towards marine
conservation and protecting the islands coral reefs. Island resorts such as Adaaran Prestige Vadoo has well recognized marine biology research initiatives and conservation programmes that include protecting the endangered marine turtles.
Island Hopping: Goisland hopping to a nearby deserted island with a picnic lunch in hand and go on to visit an inhabited island such as Guraidhoo and Guilhi and get to know the Maldivian people and their lifestyles. There are several craft workshops on the islands where you can buy Maldivian souvenirs made by the villagers.
Visiting Male: Malé is the capital of the Republic of Maldives and is built on an island which is just four sq. kms surrounded by the Indian Ocean waters. Perhaps one of the smallest capitals in the world, Male’ is the seat of government, industry, and trade. Over one third of the 300,000 population of Maldives live in Malé. Very unlike the resort islands where life is laid back and unhurried, Male’ is a busy modern city dominated by high-rise buildings, paved road ways, shops, cultural sites, and cafes. Visit Malé to get to know the people of Maldives, their cultural heritage and sumptuous local cuisine.
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