The Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives is a veritable slice of paradise and a bucket list destination with 1,200 islands best known for their soft sugar white sandy beaches, swaying palms and crystalline turquoise waters.
The Baa Atoll is one of 26 atolls and is reachable by either a 35 minute seaplane or a 25 minute domestic flight and speedboat from Male. It is the only UNESCO biosphere in the Maldives, enjoying a paradisiacal location that is just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Arrival Jetty
Here, the tiny barefoot island of Fonimagoodhoo is home to the rustic tropical haven of Reethi Beach Resort, which offers laid-back luxury where you can indulge in a rustic Robinson Crusoe feeling, combined with a tranquil atmosphere that echoes true Maldivian heritage.
Fonimagoodhoo is just 600m x 200m in size, with only 15% of the land area built upon, which means, on arrival, you truly feel as if you’ve stepped into a tropical slice of paradise. Fringed by those famous Maldivian white-sand beaches, the island also enjoys privileged access to its own house reef, just 30m to 100m from shore, which is teeming with colourful marine life, exquisite corals life and tropical fish - as well as the occasional Blacktip Reef or Nurse Shark and a variety of different types of Rays.
Featuring a range of air-conditioned beachfront and water villas set amongst tropical foliage or stilted over the island’s breath-taking blue lagoon, this secluded hideaway has everything you need to relax and unwind without any danger of ever feeling bored.
Water Villas
There are five restaurants and five bars located across the island, with a PADI five-star diving centre that caters to both amateur and experienced scuba enthusiasts, along with a luxurious beachfront spa and wellness retreat, water sports centre and sports complex, and a souvenir shop.
A stay here is all about letting go of the stresses and strains of modern life, switching off and immersing yourself in the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you and truly reconnecting with your inner peace.
But, of course, the Maldives is also an ocean lover’s paradise, and if you’re enthralled by the world beneath the waves – the calm turquoise waters that surround Fonimagoodhoo – then you could easily while away days on end exploring the resort’s house reef.
Manta Rays
Home to an abundance of marine life, there’s plenty to see just off the beach, but if you’re the type who prefers to really take the plunge, then the resort’s fully equipped dive centre and scuba school offers a range of daily excursions, as well as the chance to learn to dive and complete your PADI qualification. Depending on the time of year, dive trips may take you to see everything from manta rays to whale sharks – both breathtaking and memorable experiences you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Manta Snorkelling
Adrenaline junkies are also well catered to at Reethi Beach Resort, with the Ocean Fanatics water sports centre offering the chance to try a range of water sports equipment including jet skis and kayaks – so if you’re eager to get out on the water, rather than in it, then be sure to stop by.
For rustic, laid-back luxury in the Maldives, the Reethi Beach Resort provides the perfect opportunity to switch off, relax, and reacquaint yourself with the joys of the natural environment and the ocean. An eco-conscious, barefoot slice of tropical Indian Ocean paradise that is certain to keep you coming back for more.
Sailing Dhoni
The dedicated travel connoisseurs of Reethi Beach Resort are on hand to tailor the trip of a lifetime.
For more information visit www.reethibeach.com.
For reservations, email info@reethibeach.com or call +9606602626.
About Reethi Beach Resort
Reethi Beach boasts over 20 years of hospitality in the Maldives, located in the idyllic Baa Atoll, the only UNESCO biosphere in the Maldivian archipelago.
The island is a pioneer in the atoll for sustainable tourism and has recently been awarded the Green Globe Certification, demonstrating the long-term environmental commitments of the resort.
It offers a wide array of timeless experiences, from swimming in the infamous Hanifaru Bay to catch a glimpse of the gentle giants that reside within the turquoise blue waters, which promises true escapism.
