Authentic Maldives: local guesthouses and islands

Itinerary in brief:

• 1 night Hulhumale
• 3 nights Goidhoo
• 3 nights Fehendhoo
• 2 nights Fulhadhoo
• 3 nights Kuredu Island Resort & Spa

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrival in the Maldives

On arrival in the Maldives, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel, checking in for one night. The rest of your day is at leisure in Male – why not head off on a short walking tour of this small city, with local coffee shops and restaurants to be found nearby.

Included: Transfers, 3* local hotel

Day 3: Speedboat to Goidhoo

After breakfast, you’ll be taken by speedboat to Baa Atoll and the island of Goidhoo, around two hours journey north. Check into your local style hotel for three nights before heading to the beach for a sunset swim before dinner.

Goidhoo retains a cultural feel with ancient mosques and wells. The island’s natural wonders include freshwater lakes, which are quite unusual in the Maldives, mangroves and a beautiful beach, as well as many vegetable and fruit farms. Years ago, a female African slave who had been bought by the king on his Hajj trip to Mecca was formally released from slavery, and a house was built for her to settle on Goidhoo. The freeing of slaves before the death of the owner was a common practice among the very high nobility in the Maldives. Even now there are families here who can still trace this ancestor.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, 3* local hotel

Days 4 & 5: Goidhoo

Relax and enjoy this beautiful island. Why not snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and coral reefs that are teeming with colourful fish marine life or head out to kayak on the island’s mangrove lake. You could explore the island by bicycle, escape to an uninhabited island or just kick back and relax on the island’s beach.

Included: Breakfast, dinner 3* local hotel

Day 6: Speedboat to Fehendhoo

After breakfast, you’ll take a short speedboat ride over to Fehendhoo, one of the least populated islands in the Baa Atoll. On arrival you’ll check into your local hotel for three nights.

In 1602, Frenchman Francois Pyrard found himself wrecked on the reef here, before his attempts to learn the language won him favour with the island elders, who subsequently took him to the capital. Pyrard’s account of his time in the Maldives would be the world’s only real glimpse into the mysterious atolls between the 14th and 19th centuries. The wreck of his ship, the Corbin, can still be found on the reef but the treasures within are still to be located. Maybe you will get lucky!

Included: Breakfast, transfers, dinner, 3* local hotel

Days 7 & 8: Fehendhoo

Spend your time relaxing on the island, enjoying the secluded corners when you can relax in a hammock and lie in the shadow of the palms. Feeling more active? Head off on trips organised by the hotel to nearby uninhabited islands, snorkelling with colourful fish and swimming with manta rays.

Included: Breakfast, dinner, 3* local hotel

Day 9: Speedboat to Fulhadhoo

Today you’ll be taken be speedboat to Fulhadoo, where the beach is ranked in the top 25 in the world! On arrival you’ll check into your local style hotel for two nights. Settle in before exploring the island, wandering through the tropical forest and enjoy sunset on the famous beach.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, dinner, 3* local hotel

Day 10: Fulhadhoo

Enjoy a peaceful day in paradise. You could head out on a private catamaran or sail through the natural beauty which the Maldives is so famous for. Sailing by catamaran can be a tranquil, relaxing experience but it can also be a great adventure. Snorkel with manta rays, encounter beautiful coral reefs and colourful tropical marine life. Island hop a string of sandbanks and enjoy a Maldivian style BBQ on a Robinson Crusoe uninhabited island. If fishing is your passion, your hotel can tailor your trip to ensure that you reel in a big catch.

Included: Breakfast, dinner, 3* local hotel

Day 11: Seaplane to Kuredu Island Resort

After breakfast, you’ll be taken by speedboat back to Male, where you’ll hop on a seaplane flight over to Kuredu Island Resort, checking in for three nights of relaxation in a beautiful 4* resort.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, dinner, Kuredu Island Resort

Days 12 & 13: Kuredu Island Resort

Spend your days kayaking through the crystal-clear ocean or learning to dive on the colourful reef. In the evening, settle down for a sumptuous dinner, whether you fancy sushi by the sea or a private candlelit dinner on the beach. Grab a cocktails and then just lie back and soak up the views.

We’ve booked you an overwater bungalow at beautiful Kuredu Island Resort, so you can jump into the turquoise water for a quick snorkel before breakfast or catch a magnificent sunset from your deck.

Included: Full board, Kuredu Island Resort

Day 14: Depart the Maldives

After breakfast, you’ll be taken by scenic seaplane flight back to Male, in time to catch your international flight home.

Included: Breakfast, seaplane transfers

Day 15: Arrive UK