WOW Thinadhoo Maldives - A Favorite Among Tourists All 365 Days of the Year

Vaavu atoll is popular for its marine life and home to various different types of sharks, dolphins, eagle rays, manta rays, and turtles. A 01 hour 30-minute speedboat ride from Male’ city, Vaavu atoll is a favourite among tourists all throughout the year. What makes Vaavu atoll even more significant is Vaavu Thinadhoo.

Have you ever been in a place so quiet and peaceful, you do not even know what your problems are anymore? Well, that’s Vaavu Thinadhoo! It is one of the least populated islands in the Maldives with a population of 214 people. However, roughly 60 of them actually live on the island. Taking this into their advantage, Vaavu Thinadhoo has built a unique tourist destination that will make you say ‘wow’; a place where you can relax and experience the true Maldivian culture and island lifestyle.

The island’s streets are lit up with warm lights, unlike in other local islands, normally having white street lights. Despite lacking a school and even a hospital, you can find luxury guest houses packed with tourists, a grocery shop, a couple of souvenir shops, two volleyball courts, an outdoor gym, cafes, and restaurants around the island. There are no high buildings on the island with the intention of maintaining the island vibe.

Guesthouse Tourism was introduced to the island by Mohamed Nazim, a local man with his Italian wife in 2007 as an attempt to deliver an exciting holiday experience on the island for close friends and family. Later, the rest of the island joined in order to further develop his vision and turn Thinadhoo into the ‘local’ resort it now is.

Nature of Thinadhoo people

You cannot take a stroll around the island without being greeted with a friendly smile followed by a ‘ciao’. The people of Thinadhoo are extremely kind and amiable that you are bound to feel at home in no time.

Where to Nest

Casa Barabaru is the first guest house built on the island. ‘Barabaru’ is a Maldivian term for ‘great’. Having started with just two rooms, this cozy guest house has been successfully expanding and running for over a decade now. Offering independent rooms with air conditioning, hot water, a mini-bar and a private veranda where you can sit back and enjoy the picturesque view of the sea or a private garden. Spacious Italian bathrooms equipped with a bidet, a shower, part open ceiling to reveal the sky. Casa Barabaru also features a restaurant serving international cuisines and a bar area on the terrace overlooking the sea. Your stay here will definitely be Barabaru.

Plumeria Hotel a recreational complex of 3 living blocks with 16 beach villas located at the beach-side, 29 super deluxe rooms and 19 super deluxe rooms with the view of the sea. These spacious well-furnished rooms come with queen size beds, attached bathrooms, air conditioning, Wifi, hot water, and even a safety locker. Besides this, the hotel also included a diving and water sports centre, restaurants, a SPA and dancing grounds.

Rai Nika comprises rooms with air conditioning, a minibar, private bathrooms, WIFI (surcharge) and a separate seating area. It also features a children’s club, a restaurant serving free continental breakfasts daily, a garden picnic area. Rai Nika also has a banyan tree; a Nika Gas (in Dhivehi) which is over 100 years old.

Maldives sunset lodge and Village offers comfortable rooms with parquet flooring, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, attached bathrooms, and a patio. In addition to this, the guest house also features an on-site restaurant.

Vavoy Beach View offers rooms that open to the white sandy beach with a view of the crystal blue ocean. The rooms are well furnished with a queen-size bed and a semi-open bathroom giving you a sense of the island life. All rooms include a mini-fridge, office space with a table and chair, air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, free Wifi, and a patio.

Hudhu Raakani Lodge is situated near the beach offering comfortable rooms with air conditioning and Wifi, a private bathroom, a restaurant specialized in international cuisine, a children’s club, an indoor tennis court, a library, and a garden.

Wow Experiences

Thinadhoo isn’t just another inhabited local island. It is a unique cultural experience that is bound to leave you wanting more.

All guest houses offer full board packages which usually last a week, with carefully organized schedules of daily activities in order to ensure you have the most of this tropical island experience.

Thinadhoo is extremely quiet and peaceful with beautiful well-maintained beaches where you could just spend your day on one of the sunbeds by the bikini beach, relaxing and enjoying the serene view of the ocean stretching for miles. Locals are not allowed onto this area as to respect your privacy.

If you are more adventurous and want to experience the wow marine life, there are various water sports activities for you to choose from: from snorkelling in the turquoise waters, to swim with the sharks. Types of sharks seen in this area include, white tip sharks, lemon sharks, nurse sharks, hammerhead sharks and the occasional whale sharks. You can also find pods of dolphins playing around as well as the Eagle Rays, Manta Rays and turtles.

Thinadhoo reef is especially for the tourists to enjoy, hence lots of effort goes into the maintenance of the reef and protecting its marine life. Dhiggaa Reef is also a popular area near the island with its fluorescent coloured corals with plenty of colourful reef fishes to be seen. Snorkelling in this area would definitely make you say ‘wow’.

You can also find various uninhabited islands and sandbanks just a few minutes away from Thinadhoo. Taking this into their advantage, Thinadhoo also offers excursion trips to these islands where you can go and enjoy a picnic on any of the uninhabited islands and truly experience being stranded on an island (well, you won’t really be stranded on the island as you will be with local tour guides who will ensure your safety, so don’t worry about that).

Full board packages also include fishing trips and diving trips to the most popular spots in the area. What you catch would be later cooked well in Maldivian style and offered to you for dinner the same night. Talk about a reward after a good catch! Dinners on boats, sunset cruises to catch the dolphins in action will definitely be a wow experience.

During the nights, you can take a walk along the beach and find planktons during the north-east Monsoon. Normally, we find blue planktons whenever there are any planktons anywhere in Maldives. However, in Thinadhoo, its green!

Taking a stroll around the island and interacting with the local people also gives you a sense of the Maldivian lifestyle

This unique cultural experience cannot be found elsewhere; an overall wow experience that will definitely make you want to come back for more.

The article was originally published in FIYA Magazine, Issue 10, Published by MVHOTELS.

Photo Credits – Hassan Faiz

A trip to the Maldives is more than just a vacation—it’s an invitation to experience paradise in its purest form. Picture yourself surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldives, where every moment feels like a scene from a dream. From its crystal-clear waters to its vibrant coral reefs, this island paradise offers experiences that go beyond traditional travel. Nestled in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is known for its luxury resorts, white-sand beaches, and a serene atmosphere that stays with you long after you return. Here are five unforgettable takeaways that will leave you longing to return to this magical destination.

The Unrivaled Natural Beauty of the Maldives

The moment you set foot in the Maldives, nature’s charm captivates you. Walk along pristine beaches, feel the soft, cool sand between your toes, and hear the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore. Surrounded by vibrant, lush vegetation, the islands are a sanctuary of tropical flora, where palm trees sway gently in the breeze and colorful flowers dot the landscape. The Maldives’ beaches offer a sight to behold, with sparkling turquoise waters that stretch endlessly before you, so clear that you can see the coral beneath the surface.As you gaze at the vivid hues of a sunrise or sunset painting the sky in shades of pink and gold, you quickly realize that the Maldives is more than just a destination—it’s an experience.

Each resort is nestled in a private, secluded island, offering unmatched views of the crystal-clear waters, where the ocean shimmers in shades of blue and green, giving you a sense of peace and tranquility. Moreover, as evening approaches, the beauty of the night sky takes your breath away. With little light pollution, the Maldives’ clear night skies become perfect for stargazing. Just imagine lying on the beach, watching the constellations twinkle above you—it’s a tranquil experience that adds to the magic of the island.

Imagine the Ultimate Luxury Experience

Now, imagine waking up in a luxury overwater villa, with the sound of the ocean just beneath your feet. Maldivian luxury is about more than just opulence; it’s about complete personalization and serenity. From private beaches to infinity pools with panoramic ocean views, your stay feels like a dream. Whether you prefer a romantic dinner under a canopy of stars or taking a private sunset cruise, every detail gets curated to perfection. Wouldn’t it be incredible to have every need taken care of, from personal butlers to all-inclusive services? Luxury resorts in the Maldives offer just that, ensuring you fully unwind. For those on a honeymoon in the Maldives or anyone seeking the ultimate indulgence, the Maldives becomes the perfect escape where luxury meets tranquility.

The Maldives: An Underwater Wonderland

One of the most captivating aspects of the Maldives is its underwater world. From avid divers to first-time snorkelers, the marine life here leaves everyone speechless. Swim alongside whale sharks, sea turtles, and schools of colorful fish as they glide effortlessly through vibrant coral reefs. In other words, it’s not just a chance to see marine creatures up close—it’s an opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level. Alternatively, for those who prefer staying above the water, take a glass-bottom boat tour to catch a glimpse of the ocean’s treasures without getting wet. The Maldives offers an unforgettable encounter with the ocean’s beauty, reminding us of the importance of protecting our planet’s fragile ecosystems.

Dive into Maldivian Culture and Warmth

Beyond the beauty and luxury, the Maldives offers a rich cultural tapestry. Stroll through local islands, where you can experience the warm hospitality of the Maldivian people. The rhythmic sounds of the bodu beru drums and the intricate designs of Maldivian handicrafts transport you into a world deeply connected to the sea. Furthermore, Islamic traditions and a centuries-old seafaring history blend to create a vibrant culture that welcomes visitors with open arms. When you explore the local culture, it gives you a deeper, more meaningful connection to the islands. Visit markets, interact with locals, and learn about their way of life to add another layer to your Maldives vacation, making it a journey of both relaxation and discovery.

The Art of Slow Living in the Maldives

Perhaps one of the most enduring aspects of a trip to the Maldives is the sense of slow living it instills. Time moves at a different pace here, and you quickly find yourself unwinding as you reconnect with nature. For instance, lounge in a hammock, feel the cool ocean breeze on your skin, or stargaze under an unpolluted sky—the Maldives offers a profound sense of peace. In today’s fast-paced world, this return to simplicity is a welcome change. The Maldives encourages you to embrace the present moment, savor the beauty of your surroundings, and enjoy the company of those you’re with. It’s a place where relaxation and mindfulness come naturally, making it the ideal destination for anyone seeking serenity.

The Lasting Impressions of a Maldives Getaway

The Maldives is more than just a destination—it’s a promise of unforgettable moments that linger long after you’ve left. From the stunning natural beauty that greets you with each sunrise to the peaceful stillness that settles in at night, every corner of this island paradise offers a unique experience. Indeed, the luxurious pampering, the vibrant underwater world, and the sense of peace that envelopes you all contribute to making the Maldives a place that leaves a mark on your soul.

Ultimately, imagine returning home with not just photos, but a treasure trove of memories. So, the only question left is: what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to the Maldives today and discover a world where time slows down, beauty surrounds you, and every moment feels like a dream come true.

Feature image: Ayada Maldives

WOW Thinadhoo Maldives – A Favorite Among Tourists All 365 Days of the Year

Nature of Thinadhoo people

Where to Nest

Wow Experiences

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