A Trip to Paradise
As part of a recent study trip to Sri Lanka and its proximity as a reason (or excuse), I was stopping over on the mesmerizing Maldivian island of Havodda, part of the Southern Gaafu Dhaalu atoll.
The Maldives are enchanting. I never knew there could be so many shades of blue and that they could all enthral me. These islands with their pure white sand and palm trees were even more beautiful with the realisation that climate change is causing sea levels to rise, and they could be underwater within the next 50 – 100 years. With tourism only starting here in the seventies, it is sad to contemplate their disappearance.
The fabulous Amari Havodda is a private beach resort situated in the most untouched archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
We flew to Male airport from Colombo, which took a mere 50 minutes. Make sure that you get yourself a window seat (preferably on the right-hand side of the plane) for best views of the turquoise dots of islands, surrounded by different shades of blue of the sparkling sea. After arrival, we walked across to the lounge of the domestic airport terminal where we waited for our inter-Maldivian flight. After a 55-minute flight in a smaller plan to Kaadhedhoo we took a speedboat for a speedy 10-minute transfer directly to Havodda Island.
We were greeted with an invigorating cocktail and hot towel to freshen up after our journey. The whole management team welcomed us and introduced the hotel and layout of the island.
I loved the local feel of the resort with a modern twist – inspired by ‘natural sustainability’. I was handed the key to one of their wonderful over-water-villas, which was a very nice surprise. I enjoyed the convenience of slipping right into the big blue, with the house reef keeping the waves calm for an early morning swim, straight off your private balcony.
Another key feature, the villa’s spacious, luxurious open-air bathroom with free standing bath tub, outdoor and ‘indoor’ showers, was greatly appreciated. I loved taking a refreshing shower whilst the monsoon rain was falling into the open bathroom section.
The resort is great for water sports, from kayaking, SUP boarding and windsurfing to water skiing and wakeboarding as well as snorkelling and PADI diving. We encountered some bright coloured tropical fish that swam close to your face with no care in the world, spotted some turtles peacefully swimming past and even saw some rays and small sharks swimming underneath our water villas.
My favourite part of our stay in Havodda was undoubtedly the sunset dolphin cruise where I managed to catch some spinner dolphins on camera as they were surfing our wake.
The hotel also surprised our group with a delicious and very romantic beach BBQ on an uninhabited island and a few cocktails to finish off a fantastic evening.
Amari Havodda offers 120 villas, all featuring private terraces. There are two main restaurants and two bars to watch stunning sunsets and enjoy delicious, high quality meals. If you are travelling with children, the hotel offers a kid’s club and babysitting services.
Having spent three beautiful, relaxing days in paradise, I agree that few places are still secluded, untouched and completely exotic. Avodda will let you truly get away and leave it all behind.
I would recommend this Maldivian island resort to anyone who is looking to return home completely recharged and full of fantastic memories.
If you are dreaming of a stay in paradise, then why not get in touch with me for inspirations and information on the many magical Maldivian islands in the Indian Ocean?
I am looking forward to helping you find your dream holiday.
With us, it’s personal