Description

The Southern Atolls consists of a cluster of 14 administrative atolls that are located far south of Malé and are scattered over the equator. Development for purposes of tourism has been relatively minimal here with most of the atolls inhabited with the local population and following a more traditional Maldivian way of life. Addu Atoll located at the southern most tip of the Maldive islands, is the main administrative and economic centre of the Southern Atolls where about 18,000 of the local population live scattered over seven islands. One of these is Gan island which was originally a British air force base during World War II, and now home to the country’s second international airport. There are several daily flights to Male’ from here. Gan island still retains a Colonial feel and is connected to three inhabited islands (Feydhoo, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo islands) via a 17 km causeway, which is the longest roadway in the Maldives.

Diving is rewarding in this region with several Protected Marine Areas, ship wrecks, and caves that are inhabited by schools of fish and colourful coral. Unlike in the northern regions, tourism is still in its early stage here and the dive sites are secluded and remote and waiting to be explored. Indian Ocean waters surrounding Meemu Atoll is especially good for surfing with several good surf spots located a short distance away including Muli, Veyvah, and Mulha.

Getting there

The Southern Atolls are located far south of the Hululle international airport and the capital city, Malé and can be accessed via a 40 to 70 minute sea plane ride depending on where your island resort is located. Shanri-La Villingili is the only resort situated south of the equator and is reached by via a 70-minute seaplane ride to the Gan airport on Addu Atoll and thereafter, a further 10 minute speed boat ride to Villingili. The five-star Medhufushi Resort is somewhat closer and will take a 40-minute seaplane ride.

Choosing your accommodation

Each of the resorts is located on its own white sandy island surrounded by a turquoise lagoon, house reef and then the shimmering Indian Ocean waters. Red Dot promotes three island resorts in the Southern Atolls – the mid-ranged Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa and the five-star Medhufushi Island on Meemu Atoll; and the super luxury boutique resort Shangri-La Villingili on Addu Atoll. Although all the resorts provide wonderful tropical beach holiday experience, facilities vary and some are more active and offer a range of water based and land based activities while others are more peaceful and relaxed. Whether you are looking to escape on a romantic honeymoon, a fun-filled family holiday, a holistic wellness retreat, or an adventurous scuba diving exploration, choosing the right island resort makes all the difference.

Diving Resorts: There are several little-visited dive sites around Meemu Atoll which Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa takes advantage of and is popular with divers. The dive centre at Shangri-La Villingili on Addu Atoll conducts diving excursions to some interesting sites including British naval relics. Medhifushi Island resort is more geared for surfing with several good surf spots located a short distance away.

Family Resorts: The Southern Atolls take a while to get to by sea plane and is more for the adventurous. Travelling to this destination with very young children might be inconvenient. The super luxury Shangri-La Villingili is recommended for families with teenage children and has an interesting entertainment centre equipped with arcade games, pinball games, and computer gaming stations that will keep children entertained, once they get tired of all the exciting water sports on offer, surfing and snorkelling. They also have an Eco Centre that conducts nature trails and awareness programmes on marine conservation and a children’s Adventure Zone offering a range of indoor and outdoor activities.

Spa Resorts: All three resorts have in-house spas offering relaxing massages and beauty treatments. The Shangri-La’s Chi Spa set over an area of four acres, takes spa pampering to another level and taps on ancient Chinese, Himalayan, and Asian mind and body wellness philosophies. Private yoga and meditation sessions are offered here to supplement the mind and body wellness programmes.

Honeymoon Resorts: Being cast away on any of the tropical islands in the Maldives is a wonderful experience. The resorts adds to this romance with bespoke experiences such as dining on the beach with the ocean waters lapping at your feet, picnic for two on a remote island, dinner on a private yacht on a starlit night, sunset cocktail cruises, and his & hers spa treatments. Medhufushi Island resort, Chaaya Lagoon and Shangri-La Villingili are all ideal for a romantic escape and offers special packages for couples on their honeymoon.

Eco Resorts: Shangri-La Villingili is an eco centered resort which is perched on its own 30 acre island that is covered in lush vegetation including old Banyan trees, coconut palm and flowering plants that attract many species of birds. There are three natural lakes on the island which is a rarity in Maldives. There is an in-house Eco Centre that conducts nature trails and awareness programmes on marine conservation.

Activities

Diving: There are several fascinating dive sites around Meemu Atoll including the `Shark’s Tongue’ which is for the more experienced divers located at the mouth of the Mulah Kandu; and the 'Giant Clam' which is an easier dive where giant clams can be spotted just 8 – 15 metres below the seas and colourful butterfly fish, clown trigger fish, stone fish and scorpion fish swim in and out of underwater caves. The waters around Addu Atoll are known for its huge tables of coral which are over hundreds of years old. The British Loyalty wreck nearby has schools of reef fish inhabiting the decks as well as turtles and a good growth of soft coral. The Maa Kandu is another fascinating dive site with a variety of coral such as big brain corals, table coral and long branching staghorns. Manta rays, Eagle rays and White-tip reef sharks, turtles and an array of reef fish can also be spotted at this dive site.

Watersports: All the island resorts offer the standard water sports activities such snorkelling, fishing, and sailing. Medhufushi Island is popular for surfers and conducts certificate courses and even has a surfer’s bar. There is plenty more on offer here for the active including wind surfing, kite surfing, water skiing, knee boarding, catamaran sailing, canoeing, kayaking, fun tubes, and banana boating. The Shangri-La Villingili also offers a good range of watersports including private boat charter.
Cruises: Explore the Indian Ocean waters at sunset when the views are breathtaking or go on a dolphin safari. Island hopping is another adventurous activity where you can visit nearby deserted islands with a picnic lunch in hand or visit an inhabited island where the local population live and go about their daily lives.

Fishing: Deep sea fishing, big game fishing, sunset and sunrise fishing are all offered by Medhifushi Island resort and Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa.

Maldivian culture & heritage: Get to know this wonderful tropical island nation and its warm and friendly people by visitingsome of the inhabited islands of the Southern Atolls. Muli, Boli Mulah and Holhuvaariyaafushi islands situated on Meemu atoll can be visited. Yams which is an alternative to rice and an important part of the local diet, is grown on these islands. Addu Atoll which is the administrative and economic centre of the Southern Atolls is more developed. Previously a British air force base during World War II, the Gan island on this atoll still has a Colonial feel and is linked to three nearby islands via a 17 km causeway. The best way to explore Gan and the connecting islands is to cycle along this causeway. En route, stop at wayside café and have a local meal or shop at the local handicrafts shops.