Women-Friendly Travel in Maldives
The Maldives women-friendly travel guide places explicit women-friendly and family confidence signals first, while keeping uncertain details visible for review.
Maldives
Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi
The Adaaran "Select" Hudhuranfushi Maldives formerly known as Lhohifushi Island Resort situated in North Male' Atoll means "Island of White Gold" in Dhivehi language. This white sandy beach resort with a huge blue lagoon is surrounded by lush green palm trees and tropical flora and fauna. The resort’s Banyan Main Restaurant indulges its guests with an irresistible choice of cuisines from the world over. Furthermore there are bars located throughout the resort. For those who wish to feel the healing effect of nature, the spas have qualified therapists to pamper guests with rejuvenating massages. For those with a flair for active sports there’s the sports complex complete with a fully equipped gym, badminton court, tennis court, football ground etc. The resort also offers many other facilities like baby cots, internet access, karaoke, children’s swimming pool, souvenir shop etc.
Maldives
Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo
The Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo is a world class dive destination with more than 40 dive sites. Underwater enthusiasts from the world over come here to explore the beautiful reef and its thriving underwater marvels. Ellaidhoo's first-class water bungalows facing the stunning blue waters of the Indian Ocean provide a picturesque view to its residents. The hotel’s Madi Restaurant offers a wide choice of delicious food served buffet style. Malamathi Restaurant and Bar is an elegant gourmet restaurant with a casual atmosphere serving up tasty dishes and fantastic beverages. The many facilities available here include banquet/function facilities, a Business Centre, wireless internet, fitness club/gym, mobile phone reception, non-smoking rooms/floors, mini library etc. In addition to diving, guests can play tennis, Billiards, Board/Leisure Games, go boating, fishing/crabbing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling etc.
Maldives
Giraavaru Tourist Resort
The location of the Giravaru Tourist Resort gives its guests access to some of the best diving spots in Maldives. The resort employs professional international divers also to help locate the best dive spots to suit individual needs. The resort provides its guest all the basic facilities like restaurants, bars, café, nightclub, karaoke, souvenir shop, indoor and outdoor spa etc. Recreation for the guests is provided in the form of canoeing, Cultural Visits and Tours, fishing, crabbing, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Table Tennis, Volley ball, Darts, Island Hopping, night fishing etc.
Maldives
Holiday Island Resort
Locally called "Dhiffushi" which means "long uninhabited island", the Holiday Island’s beautiful resort; Holiday Island Maldives has single bungalow style rooms which are nestled amongst the beautiful clean beaches and a spectacular lagoon. All rooms are well equipped with modern amenities. The resort provides an excellent dining experience through its specialty restaurant, which serves western and oriental cuisines in a buffet system. It also has a 24-hour coffee shop, which serves a variety of dishes and drinks throughout the day and a bar where many innovative cocktails are served. Water sports and other recreational facilities provided by the resort include scuba diving, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, parasailing, canoeing, water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, banana boat riding, snorkeling, fishing, floodlit tennis court, volleyball, badminton, billiards, table tennis, and a gymnasium. Location: South Ari Atoll Number of Rooms: 142 Rooms www.holidayisland.co.uk
Maldives
Lily Beach Resort
All suites at the Lily Beach Resort are elegantly furnished and equipped with modern facilities. The resort itself is surrounded by white sandy beaches, exotic aquamarine species and picturesque views. It is located on the beautiful South Ari Atoll, which is around 25 minutes away from the Male airport by seaplane. Locally known as 'Huvamendhoo', Lily Beach provides pleasing surroundings and comfort while staying on a budget. It has a restaurant, a coffee shop, two bars, swimming pools, boutique, disco, video center, CD library and a diving center. Guests can play indoor games like table tennis, carom, billiards, dart, etc in a game room or indulge in recreational activities like Volleyball, Catamaran boating, Canoeing, Wind Surfing, Snorkeling, sunset sailing, Fishing, Surf Biking, fishing, Swimming, diving, Island excursion trips, and aerobics.
Maldives
Marble Hotel Maldives
If you want to experience daily life in the city of Male and be close to the shopping areas and popular restaurants of the city, book your room at the Marble Hotel. The hotel not only maintains your budget but also provides an amazing view of the tropical sunset and lets you experience the cool breeze of the Indian Ocean. In addition to being centrally located, the hotel houses a restaurant also. The Marble Café is a bistro style restaurant with a lounge and is situated on the terrace on the 9th floor with tables set inside the lounge and out on the terrace. The café serves an á la carte menu with a wide variety of hot and cold beverages as well as meals and snacks. The hotel provides Internet accessibility at Marble Café for in-house guests and the facility to use the Business Centre. The many recreational activities include sunrise picnics, night fishing trips, sightseeing Male, trips to islands etc.
Maldives
Manta Point, Baros
This is the smallest island in Maldives, without exaggeration one can walk around it in 15 minutes. Manta Point is a ‘tropical paradise’ and one of the best diving spots. It’s one of the best places in the world to see manta rays maneuver through the water around you. It’s a mesmerizing sight. They swim forward in flocks of four or five, some of them up to three metres across blocking out the sun. There’s a ledge to keep them away but they’re used to people and they’ll swoop down, often close enough for you to touch, then leap back up towards the surface of the ocean. The time between June and November is peak manta season, so be sure to visit here then.
Maldives
Addu Atoll
In the south of the country lies the heart shaped Addu Atoll from where travelers, from Gan can cycle to three inhabited islands via a causeway. Addu Atoll is the main economic and administrative centre in the south of the country and is just a little smaller than Male’. It has a population of 28, 000 across seven islands. The biggest influence on Addu’s modern history has been the British bases, first established on Gan during WWII as part of the Indian Ocean defense. The base had around 600 personnel permanently stationed here with the number rising up to 3000 during periods of peak activity. The British built a series of causeways connecting Feydhoo, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo islands and had most of the population working for them on or around the base. In 1976 when the British went for good, they left an airport, some large industrial buildings, barracks and a lot of unemployed people who spoke English and had experience working for Westerners. In the 70s when the Maldives tourism industry took off, many of the men of Addu went to Male’ to seek work in resorts and tourist shops. As a result, at resorts all over the country, most of the staff are from Addu. There are several flights a day to Male’ and direct charter flights to Gan. Island Aviation flies from Male’ to Gan and back two or three times a day. The standard fare for foreigners is US$ 271 round trip. Private yachts report by radio to the NSS in Gan or Hithadhoo to arrange security and customs clearance, but many have to continue to Male’ for health and immigration checks to complete the ‘clear-in’ process. The best way to get around Gan and over the causeway to neighbouring villages is by bicycle. Taxis shuttle between the islands and around the villages; from Gan to Hithadhoo and cost about Rf100. Taxis wait at the airport and you can order one from any resort. The buses seen on the main road are only for workers in the Gan garment factories. Resorts pick up guests by free minibus from the airport, though you may need to call at arrival.
Maldives
Thulhaadhoo Island
Visiting Thulhaadhoo is important because this is where the traditional art of incised lacquer decoration is widely produced. Thulhaadhoo is the only island in Maldives doing lacquer work and many people come here to watch trained artists at work. This island is one of the inhabited islands of Baa Atoll and has been reclaimed by the government recently. Rasdhoo Madivaru For a thrilling scuba diving adventure one should visit Rasdhoo Madivaru Corner as it has the highest underwater visibility. Rasdhoo Madivaru offers divers the opportunity to see white tip reef sharks, jacks, tunas, barracudas and napoleon wrasse. It is one of the most popular dive spots in Maldives. Hammerhead sharks have been spotted here before sunrise. Dolphins and dog tooth tunas are also among the early risers lurking at the corner of the reef. One can also see ribbon eels and leaf fishes making the channel their playground. Home to beautiful coral formations, Madivaru is one of the best shark sighting sites in Maldives.
Maldives
National Museum
Visiting Maldives, one of the most exciting tourist attractions is the National Museum. An old palace building in the Sultan Park has been converted to house the museum. A large collection of historical objects are on exibit at the museum that portrays the rich past and cultural legacy of Maldives.
Maldives
Rebublic Square or Jumhooree Maidan
The Republic Square is beautifully built with green grass and lush plantation, along the northern waterfront. It is Male's most popular venue amongst adults and children alike for social gatherings and recreation. On the Eastern end of the square stands the official flag post on which the largest permanent flag in the country is hoisted. When you arrive in Male, this is the place where you are mostly likely to step out to when you get off your boat. The sea is active on one side of the square with the placement of the Presidential Jetty used by the President and members of the cabinet on trips to various locations around the Maldives and the world. On the west are some commercial buildings and located in the south is the Islamic Centre and the headquarters of the National Security Service (NSS). The new Headquarters of the Police are located on the east of the square.
Maldives
Fuamulaku
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Maldives is the island of Fuamulaku. The island is exceptionally fertile and has numerous fruit and vegetable farms where one can get delicious locally grown pineapples, mangoes and oranges etc. The fruits and vegetables grown over here are not found elsewhere in the country. Fuamulaku is a secluded island in the middle of the Equatorial Channel and a very unusual place to visit. Since Fuamulaku is located out of the tourist zone, visitors need a special permit and a local person to visit this place with them. This permit can be arranged by the resorts hosting the visitors. The best time to visit the Fuamulaku, Maldives is between the months of December and April, which is the dry season.
Maldives
Huvafen Fushi Underwater Spa & Resort
Huvafenfushi Maldives Resort is a paradise for nature lovers. It is surrounded by picturesque silvery beaches and set amidst a serene lagoon enveloped in lush greenery; it offers just the right locale for a relaxed peaceful holiday. Located on Male Atoll, it is home to the first underwater spa in Maldives. The abundance of aquamarine species is also one of the attractions for nature-loving tourists. The resort offers unmatched extravagant accommodations and hospitality with its beautiful bungalows which overlook the azure sea and charming staff. The resort offers a number of exciting activities for the guests’ leisure like a yoga pavilion, swimming pool, CD/DVD library, in-house souvenir shop, fully equipped gym and a wide range of water sports activities for an adventurous stir. All this and much more makes Huvafen Fushi Resort one of the most fascinating places to visit.
Maldives
Hulhumale
Hulhumale is an artificial island located in the south of North Male Atoll. The island was restored to create more room to meet the existing and future housing, industrial and commercial development needs of the Male region. The official settlement was inaugurated by President Gayoom on May 12, 2004 and the development and management of the island is being undertaken by a Government owned corporation. For many tourists this is an interesting destination as it provides an opportunity to be close to nature as well as see modern Maldivian architecture.
Maldives
Helengeli Island Resort
The Helengeli Island Resort has one of the finest house reefs, making it an ideal place for divers and snorkelers. It is located on an island with a spectacular house reef and a white sandy beach bordered by a magnificent blue lagoon. Helengeli offers a variety of culinary delights at its comfortable restaurants. The resort arranges excursions to inhabited local islands to give you the unique opportunity to learn more of the Maldives way of life. A special excursion which is arranged is the dolphin search, as the waters surrounding Helengeli are home to dolphins. Guests can also go for a snorkel safari and snorkeling with manta rays. Due to Helengeli's location on the outer reef, the unspoiled house reef is just off the beach and is easily accessible to both snorkellers and divers. The "Helengeli Thila" is one of the best diving sites. A diving excursion is arranged twice a day to some of the 36 dive sites nearby Helengeli. The diving school is run by Ocean Pro and equipped with the best modern equipment. Experienced, multilingual European diving instructors teach PADI courses.
Maldives
Adaaran Club Rannalhi
Adaaran Club Rannalhi is located in south Male Island and is known for its untouched natural beauty and fertility. Perhaps this is the reason why the island is also called "Rannalhi”, which in Dhivehi means a "A Measure of Gold”. This is a very lively place where something is always happening. Some guests are enjoying water sports, while others are part of group activities led by friendly animators during the day or become part of restaurant theme nights, enjoy music or dance till the wee hours of the night. Guests can watch the play of wind and water around the award-winning Dhoni bar, or enjoy the more private ambience of the Bungalow Bar.The club also houses a boutique which has a rich selection of clothing, souvenirs, accessories etc. The gem and jewellery shop offers fine Sri Lankan gemstones and a selection of exquisite jewellery. The Ayurvedic Massage Centre uses traditional Ayurvedic massage to rejuvenate the soul.
Maldives
Ari Atoll
South Ari Atoll (Alifu) is one of the most exciting dive locations in Maldives with several world-class dive sites and magnificent tropical plantation. It has thilas and outer reefs which are much better for diving rather than channels. These thilas include: Hangngnaameedhoo Thila, Dhangeti Bodu Thila, Omadhoo Thila, Tinfushi Thila, Kudarah Thila, Broken Rock Thila, Angaga Thila, Mandhoo Thila, Bulhaalohi Thila, Kandholhundhoo Thila Ellaidhoo Thila.
Maldives
Artificial Beach Male
The Maldives is famous for its beautiful white sandy beaches but its capital city Male is not blessed with beaches. So for the people of Male an artificial beach has been constructed. It receives hundreds of visitors in the late afternoon. Infact, the beach is now not just meant for enjoying an evening walk or a swim, but it also is gaining popularity as a number of entertainment and cultural activities take place here like carnivals, parades, different kinds of water sports, live music shows etc.
Maldives
Bandos Island Resort & Spa
The Bandos Island Resort, or "The Island of Hospitality" as it’s also called, was built in the 1970's. It is one of the pioneer tourist resorts of Maldives. Located just 7km from Male International Airport, this tropical paradise is where sun, sand and sea can be found in perfect harmony with comfort and luxury. Recently refurbished, the resort houses very fine restaurants. The Harbour Restaurant defines fine-dining and specializes, among many other culinary delights, in Maldivian game fish, innumerable seafood delicacies, and superb Italian pastas. The Gallery Restaurant is the main restaurant at Bandos and usually has elaborate buffet setups during mealtimes. The Sea Breeze Café is situated at the edge of the water where guests can enjoy the breathtaking view of the lagoon. Guests can view the sunset at the Sundowners Bar, located next to the diving facility or enjoy tropical cocktails at the Sand Bar, while participating in the night-time karaoke events, or just by grooving to the live band at the resort nightclub.
Maldives
Fushifaru Thila
Fushifaru Thila, one of the many sites of the Fushifaru region, is a picturesque diving site. The sea here is calm but there’s a lot of movement happening underneath with fabulous coral and fish species. The thila is nearly 250 m long and 30 m wide, with the reef sides sloping gently from the reef-top at 10 to 15 m to the atoll bed at 30 m, the top of the thila is the best part of the site with excellent hard and soft corals. In many places the water is clear enough to see some marine action without even putting your head under water. Large Porites or finger corals where large numbers of wrasses are found are placed throughout the length of the thila. Mantas are also often spotted here from May to November. Out of the channel divers can see smaller fish ducking and diving on top of the table reef on one side of the channel. This is a great site for diving as well as observing marine life.
Maldives
Hangngnaameedhoo Thila
Hangngnaameedhoo Thila is 150 m long with hordes of various sea creatures. Broken Rock Thila is around 100 meters long and houses fusiliers, trevallies and blue-lined snappers. Hukuruelhi Faru, a great dive spot, is a fantastic manta ray cleaning station. The dive site can be reached easily from Rangali, within 10 minutes by boat, and from Mirihi Island, within 35 minutes.
Maldives
Paradise Island Resort
Located on the eastern tip of North Male' Atoll, Paradise Island Resort, locally known as Lankanfinolhu, is a sight for sore eyes. The third largest resort in Maldives, it offers superb accommodation to tourists with its water and beach bungalows. Paradise Resort offers plenty of recreational and water sports facilities like diving, wind surfing, water skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, canoeing, basket ball, volleyball, gymnasium and island hopping. The five restaurants at the resort offer a wide variety of cuisines like Maldivian, Japanese, Chinese, French, Italian, Thai, and delectable seafood. There are five bars providing delicious cocktails. Theme parties are also arranged to provide an element of fun mixed with entertainment to its guests. www.paradiseislandmaldives.net
Maldives
Isdhoo
This is the site where Buddhist remains from the Maldives' pre-Islamic past have been impressively excavated. Isdhoo or Isd? is one of the inhabited islands of Haddhunmathi Atoll, Laamu. Located on this island are important ruins from the historical Maldivian Buddhist era. These ruins include one of the largest stupas (a structure with Buddhist relics) found in Maldives to date. L?m?f?nu, which are ancient royal edicts written on copper plates, are also found here. The l?m?f?nu were written in the curly Ev?la form of the Divehi script or old Maldive alphabet. These are very important documents as they bear the History of the Maldives.
Maldives
Kuredu Island Resort
Located on the beautiful island of Lhaviyani Atoll, Kuredu Island Resort is quite popular for its sea life, beautiful beaches and tropical plants. It is 80 miles north of the International Hulhule Airport. It has 300 rooms, tastefully decorated with bamboo furniture. There are five restaurants at the resort offering traditional Maldivian atmosphere, which is open walls and thatched roofs. The Grill, Francos, Far East, the Maldivian Teahouse and Sports Café serve excellent quality food. Babuna Bar organizes various games and theme parties and at the Akiri Bar, one can enjoy a quiet evening. Besides these two bars, there are various beach bars at the resort. Recreational activities at the resort include scuba diving, tennis, badminton, wind surfing, island excursions, volleyball, golf, parasailing, and swimming.