Thoddoo travel guide and discussion

Dreaming of paradise? The Maldives is THE ultimate island escape, and trust me, it’s even more gorgeous in real life than in your feed! Get ready for crystal-clear water, soft sandy beaches, and major tropical vibes. 🐚✨ Quick Guide to the Maldives 🇲🇻 Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a bucket-list destination famous for its wild blue waters and coral reefs. Most people arrive at Malé International Airport (MLE), your gateway to over-water bungalows – talk about vacation goals! Stay Like a Star: Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives One of my absolute FAVE island resorts is Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives. Address: North Male Atoll, Maldives This place is pure Insta-heaven! Private bungalows, unreal sunset views, and tasty food all in one. The resort offers tons of water sports and spa treatments to help you live your best life. Top 5 Islands to Visit in the Maldives 🏝️ 1. Maafushi – Perfect mix of vibe and value 2. Fulidhoo – Super chill with epic diving spots 3. Thoddoo – Papaya paradise & local culture 4. Dhigurah – Whale shark watching adventures 5. Veligandu – Picture-perfect honeymoon feels Unmissable Excursions in the Maldives 🚤 1. Snorkel Safari – Swim with turtles and rays! 2. Dolphin Cruise – Spot these cuties at sunset 🌅 3. Sandbank Picnic – Dine on your ‘private’ island 4. Submarine Tour – Dive deep, no scuba skills needed! 5. Night Fishing Trip – Try your luck under the stars Pro Tips For Your Maldives Trip: · Best time to visit: November to April (less rain, more sun!) · US dollars are accepted almost everywhere · Book your activities from trip.com for the best deals and convenience Hashtags to make your friends jealous: #maldivesmagic #islandvibesonly #tropicaldreaming #travelwithtripcom #paradisefound Have you been to any of these spots? Drop your faves in the comments and save this guide for your next adventure!

There are two types of vacations in the Maldives: resorts—where a single hotel occupies the entire island—and local islands, where locals live, build guesthouses, and rent them out. The difference? At a resort, you can do whatever you want; on a local island, you can do nothing😂 Just kidding, of course. Vacationing on a local island is all about adventure, staying active, and traveling on a budget. I've stayed at the resort island Sun Island (Villa Park) before, and recently, I took a trip to the local island of Thoddoo. Spoiler alert: I'm absolutely thrilled with it 😍 Highly recommended, as they say. So, here’s the deal... Maldivians are Muslims, which means on local islands: · Alcohol is strictly prohibited. You can't buy it or bring it with you (though some manage to sneak it in, of course😏). · You can only swim in designated areas ("bikini beaches"), which aren't available on every island. · When walking around in regular clothes, you should dress modestly—cover your shoulders and wear longer skirts or shorts. But there’s a massive perk to these islands—they are budget-friendly! 🫰🏻 Thoddoo is a large agricultural island. There's an abundance of fruit; it’s not as cheap as in Asia, but at least it's readily available. 📌 There are two large bikini beaches on opposite sides of the island. Both are stunning. 📌 There’s a spot right near the shore where 🐢 live—some small and some absolutely massive. Just grab your snorkel mask and dive in; you're guaranteed to run into them. 📌 There’s a great variety of restaurants and stylish places. Our guesthouse included meals, but we still went out for hookah a couple of times. 📌 There’s an "alcohol boat" anchored near the island 🙈 Perfect for those who can't imagine a vacation without a cocktail! 📌 Excursions are relatively affordable: snorkeling is around $25, and swimming with manta rays and sharks is about $65. 📌 It's incredibly safe, day and night. Granted, everything shuts down by 10 PM, but if you're in the mood for a late-night stroll, nothing will stop you. 📌 The island has a huge Russian presence! About 90% of the tourists are from Russia, Russian music plays in the establishments, and you hear the language everywhere. 📌 The bikini beaches get very, very crowded. A local island definitely doesn't offer total privacy and seclusion—you’d need to book a resort for that, but the price tag will be completely different. 📌 Your speedboat transfer from the airport (approx. 1.5 hours) is arranged by the guesthouse where you stay. 📌 Make sure to pack aqua shoes and SPF 💯 Bottom line: I absolutely loved it. It was active, fun, and non-stop. Plus, it was budget-friendly. Curious to know how much the whole five-day trip cost in total?

A Beautiful Local Island 🏝️ Returning to the island 10 years after my first visit, I was amazed by how much it has developed and how much has been done for tourists. Numerous restaurants have opened, the bikini beach has been expanded with all the necessary amenities (changing rooms, toilets, showers, stalls with fruits and fresh juices, sunbed rentals, and various water activities). Being here, anyone can instantly forget their problems and worries. You truly relax both body and soul. Although there are many people, it doesn't interfere with the experience, and if desired, you can always find a secluded spot 🥰 A variety of guesthouses and hotels to suit every taste and budget allows everyone to find what their heart desires. We stayed at Sunny Pavilion and are extremely happy with our choice (like cosmic cottages on a paradise island). Love to the Maldives ❤️

I'm Aqin, a professional photographer, and also a travel blogger with millions of followers who has been to 26 countries (on a certain platform). 2017 was my first time visiting Thoddoo Island. Back then, the beaches of Thoddoo were still undeveloped. I remember when I emerged from a wild coconut grove, the scene suddenly lit up before my eyes. Oh my god! A whole stretch of Tiffany blue lagoon was spread out right in front of me. It turned out that the Maldives I had imagined looked just like this place~ Its beauty shouldn’t be confined to just my camera lens. I want to share this treasure island with everyone. Some say the prices in the Maldives need to be lowered. I want to say, the Maldives itself isn’t expensive. Spending a week on Thoddoo Island can be done for just a few thousand yuan per person. If you come in the off-season and just lie on the beach every day without going out to sea, splitting hotel costs between two people, honestly, you won’t even spend 3,000 yuan in a week. This is the real cost of living on a Maldives local island. I have witnessed it with my own eyes: paradise doesn’t have to be expensive. I have been to more local islands than most local workers. I know which island has the most beautiful trailing sand beaches, which coral reef has the most fish for snorkeling, which island’s lagoon looks the best, and which island still preserves authentic local culture. Every island has its own strengths and weaknesses. When I see the very popular Maafushi and Fulidhoo on social media, I feel that Thoddoo Island should not be overlooked. I want more people to see what’s here. If you want to learn more about this island’s travel tips, I will keep updating more travel advice. Photos 1-2-4-5-6-10 show the scenery of Thoddoo Island itself. Photos 3-7-8-9 show the trailing sand beaches near Thoddoo Island.

Beyond the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Thoddoo Island in the Maldives lies like a secluded pearl, nestled in the embrace of the Indian Ocean. With anticipation, I set foot on this pristine land, embarking on a dreamlike journey into slow time. Upon arrival, the sun shone brilliantly, the white sand soft as cotton beneath my feet, and the azure blue of the ocean washed over me. The gentle lapping of waves against the shore created a rhythmic sound, like an ancient, melodious song, soothing the restlessness within me. Strolling along the coastline, coral reefs shimmered beneath the shallows, teeming with colorful tropical fish. Their graceful movements resembled musical notes dancing in the water. I couldn't resist donning my diving gear and plunging into this blue world. I swam alongside sea turtles, watching them glide effortlessly, and encountered playful dolphins, feeling the joy and wonder they brought. In the depths of the ocean, time seemed to lose all meaning as I reveled in exploring the wonders of life and enjoying the intimacy with nature. Back on shore, the afternoon unfolded in lazy tranquility. Thatched-roof huts nestled among coconut trees exuded a rustic charm. I settled into a lounge chair with a book in hand, the sea breeze gently turning the pages as my thoughts drifted away. Glancing up, I watched the sun slowly descend over the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and red. In that moment, the world was bathed in a soft, dreamlike glow. Nightfall brought tranquility to Thoddoo Island. The night sky glittered with stars like sparkling gems. Lying on the beach, gazing at the vast expanse above, I listened to the whispers of the waves, my heart filled with peace. Here, there were no city lights, no busy work schedules, no pressures of daily life, only the pure beauty of nature. The islanders lived simple, happy lives, their smiles as radiant as the sun. I visited the local village, conversing with them, savoring their homemade food, and experiencing their zest for life. Their simple and genuine approach to life deepened my understanding of the meaning of travel. On Thoddoo Island, every moment felt elongated. I stopped chasing time and instead walked alongside it. Here, I listened to the gentle whispers of the ocean, felt the magic of nature and the miracle of life. This slow-time journey was a sanctuary found amidst the hustle and bustle of the world, a treasure I will forever cherish.

We visited the Maldives for the first time and decided not to risk traveling during the off-season. I must say, the weather was great—it didn’t disappoint. Although there were occasional winds and light rain, they were brief and didn’t bother us much. The guesthouse, DIVE VILLA, was amazing—compact, cozy, and well-maintained. The rooms were comfortable, clean, and had everything we needed. We received a warm welcome, and a special shout-out to Mama Rima 🫶, who was so helpful in explaining everything on the island. They provide bicycles, umbrellas, masks, snorkels, and other items you might need if you haven’t brought your own. The food was absolutely delicious 👌👍👍👍👍🤗, with generous portions. We truly loved it 💞 and will definitely come back to stay at this guesthouse whenever possible!

You don’t need a luxury resort to experience the Maldives. Some of the country’s local islands have incredible beaches, turquoise lagoons, snorkeling and marine life, while costing a fraction of a private resort. But which island should you actually choose? Here’s how I would compare some of the most popular local islands: 🐋 DHIGURAH Choose Dhigurah if your dream is whale sharks, long beaches and a peaceful island atmosphere. It sits in South Ari Atoll, one of the world’s important whale shark areas, where whale sharks can be encountered year-round. The island also has a huge sandbank and a much quieter atmosphere than Maafushi. (visitmaldives) 🌴 THODDOO A great option if your priority is beautiful beaches, greenery and a relaxed local atmosphere. The island is also known for its fruit farms, giving it a very different landscape from many other Maldives islands. (Maldives Traveler) 🌊 UKULHAS Pick Ukulhas if you want a combination of beautiful beaches, a good house reef and a more developed local-island experience. It’s a nice middle ground between having things to do and still feeling relatively peaceful. (Madi Maldives) 🦈 RASDHOO For divers, Rasdhoo is particularly interesting because of its famous dive sites and access to the surrounding reefs. The island itself is smaller and less beach-focused than Dhigurah or Thoddoo. (Madi Maldives) 🍹 MAAFUSHI If you want the most choice, Maafushi is the easiest option. There are lots of guesthouses, restaurants, tour operators and excursions, and competition between operators can make activities cheaper. The trade-off is that it is considerably busier and more developed than islands such as Dhigurah or Thoddoo. (Maldives Traveler) 💡 So which one should you choose? 🐋 Whale sharks + tranquility → Dhigurah 🏖️ Beach + greenery → Thoddoo 🐠 House reef + relaxed island → Ukulhas 🤿 Diving → Rasdhoo 💰 Budget + lots of excursions → Maafushi For me, the beauty of visiting the Maldives this way is that you don’t have to choose between an incredible tropical destination and a huge resort bill. Local islands let you experience a completely different side of the Maldives. And if you have enough time, you can even combine two islands instead of choosing just one. Which Maldives island would you choose? 👇 #maldives #dhigurah #thoddoo #ukulhas #rasdhoo #maafushi #maldivestravel #localislands #budgettravel #islandlife #tripmoments

We stayed at Sands Garden as a family from August 16 to 23. First and foremost, we'd like to thank the host, Ali, and the small guesthouse staff for their hospitality, care, and friendliness. Ali greeted us at the pier upon arrival, drove us to the hotel, and showed us around the island. We were welcomed with refreshing drinks, and on one of the days, we were treated to a complimentary dinner featuring delicious fish, vegetables, rice with chicken—our heartfelt thanks for that. Our room was cleaned daily, with fresh towels provided every day. The mattresses and pillows were comfortable, and the air conditioning worked perfectly. Additionally, there was a ceiling fan for extra comfort. Every day, carafes of water were left in the room; if we needed more, we just asked, and they'd provide extra. The room included a kettle, tea, coffee, and sugar. We exchanged currency with Ali at a favorable rate and booked excursions through him as well—swimming with sharks and manta rays, as well as diving. Ali was always available, regardless of the time, ready to help, provide advice, and resolve any issues. Breakfast was included in our stay. When there were few guests, it was à la carte; when there were more, it was served buffet-style. We experienced both options and enjoyed them. Breakfasts included Maldivian dishes with flatbreads and mas huni, continental options with eggs and sausages, as well as toast, pancakes, jam, butter, fruits like apples, watermelon, and papaya. The hotel provided free masks, fins, and life vests, which was a bonus. While we didn’t rent bicycles, we did lease a golf cart through Ali for $30 a day—it was very convenient, especially if you have small children or carry many beach items like fins and masks. Surprisingly, despite the mosque being nearby, we didn’t hear its sounds from the hotel and slept soundly without waking up at 5 AM as we had expected. Overall, we loved everything about our stay. It was our first trip to the Maldives, and we have no regrets about choosing Thoddoo Island and the Sands Garden Guesthouse. Many thanks again to Ali and the entire hotel staff for the warm welcome—you really set the tone for a great, comfortable, and cozy vacation. Keep up the fantastic work!

This is a wonderful place to stay on Toddu Island. Upon our arrival, we were met at the pier and assisted with our luggage to the hotel. First of all, the room was very spacious and comfortable. Secondly, cleaning was done daily. Thirdly, the breakfasts and dinners were incredibly delicious! The manager, Ali, addressed all our needs during the stay. They also offer free bicycles, making it easy to get to the beach in just 5 minutes. The ride takes you through shaded paths surrounded by beautiful jungle scenery. Free drinking water is always available, and they even washed our clothes twice for free. Additionally, snorkeling gear such as masks and fins can be borrowed at no charge from the reception. We've never experienced such remarkable service anywhere else, and we are sure to return. Don't hesitate to book this hotel!

If you want to see more than just white beaches and azure water in the Maldives, then this list is for you. I lived on Thoddoo Island, and all the excursions departed from there: 🦈 Swimming with manta rays and whale sharks Early in the morning, around 6 a.m., you board a boat and set out to search for these wonderful marine creatures. The search takes about 3 hours, sometimes more, sometimes less, but you need to be prepared, after all, this is wild nature. When a shark or manta ray is spotted, you are given the command to quickly put on a mask and fins and jump into the water after the instructors (they give you a briefing beforehand). The instructors will keep an eye on you in the water, trying to take beautiful photos, which is a nice bonus. By daylight, you'll be back on the island and can continue your vacation. 🦈 Swimming and photographing with nurse sharks This is easier than with whale sharks. In the morning, you'll be taken to a designated spot where guides feed the sharks, and a huge number of them gather. Stingrays and other beautiful fish also join in. Then, you take turns entering the water with the guide, who leads you to the sharks. You can do this on an inflatable shell-shaped mattress. From there, you'll be filmed by drone. After everyone's been photographed, you put on masks and snorkel with them. An incredible spectacle. 🦈 Island Resort If your local island isn't quite luxurious enough, you can head to a resort. The entire island is yours for the day: luxuriate on the beaches, swim in the ocean and pool, take photos in beautiful locations, interact with herons, dine at the buffet, and drink unlimited cocktails. The perfect option to combine the lazy Maldives with the active #maldives #thoddoo #excursions

If you’re dreaming of the Maldives but want to skip the "ultra-luxury" price tag, take a look at Thoddoo Island. It’s a local inhabited island where you can experience authentic island life, while still enjoying modern guesthouses and tourist-friendly cafes. Why you’ll love it: · Two stunning bikini beaches with powdery white sand and crystal-clear water—perfect for snapping photos and unwinding. 📸 · A house reef just steps from the shore: grab a mask and snorkel, and you’re instantly in the middle of an underwater blockbuster. · Papaya and watermelon farms: see how tropical fruits are grown and taste them fresh from the farm. · Prices for food and accommodation are significantly lower than on resort islands. And all the while, the ocean is just as turquoise, the sand is just as soft, and the sunsets are a true work of art. 😍 💬 If you’ve been to Thoddoo, share your experience! And if you’re just considering it, I’ll tell you all about transfers, hotels, and the best local cafes. 👇

If your plans include more than just lounging on an island all day, or if you don't have a massive budget, I recommend staying on a local island. Yes, you'll be living among locals, and since it’s a Muslim country, you can’t walk around in swimwear everywhere, and bikini swimming is limited to specific beaches. But these are minor inconveniences compared to what you get in return. I stayed on the island of Thoddoo. It has two bikini beaches—one for sunset and one for sunrise—located at opposite ends of the island. But the island is small, so you can easily walk to both. The sunset beach has a stunning house reef with plenty of fish and turtles. Local excursions are available where you can swim with incredible marine life. I swam with nurse sharks, whale sharks, mantas, eagle rays, stingrays, and more at various reefs. On one tour, we were taken to an abandoned resort where we hung out completely alone, surrounded by the endless ocean. Yes, resorts sell excursions too, BUT they are three times more expensive than on local islands and offer much less variety. You can also take a boat to other local islands; I visited four others besides Thoddoo. If you want a taste of luxury, you can go to a resort for a day. I enjoyed it, but our local island was more interesting, and the reef was more beautiful. I also managed to go fishing, see bioluminescent plankton on the way back, go paddleboarding, take photos on a sandbank in the middle of the ocean, learn freediving, watch dolphins at sunset, and even sleep under the stars on the beach—all in one week! This story is for active travelers who avoid the Maldives because they think it’s boring 😁

I stayed at Belena in July with my family (full board plan). The welcome was very warm. The room was spacious and clean. There’s a lovely pool and easy access to Sunset Bikini Beach within minutes. Bicycles (a bit old) and a buggy service are available. The staff was friendly and helpful. During our stay, a patio was added around the pool. Special mention to the chef who tried to accommodate all our requests. The desserts and dishes were excellent and carefully prepared. Maybe we’ll return one day 😊

My partner and I stayed at this property in July. Here are our thoughts: · *Positive points:** · **Staff kindness:** The team is wonderfully helpful. We felt very comfortable, especially with Tri, who was always present and ready to assist with any needs. · **Great location:** The hotel is the closest to Bikini Beach, reachable in 5–10 minutes through a shaded path. A big advantage compared to other places on the island. · **Modern and comfortable rooms:** Equipped with a TV and Netflix, a very useful feature for quiet evenings in Thoddoo. · **Excellent massages:** The therapist was kind, skilled, and professional. The treatment was among the best we've ever had. · **Exceptional cleanliness:** Rooms were tidy and refreshed daily. · **Recommended half-board:** Breakfast was very filling, and the food quality was good. We enjoyed every dish. · *Areas for improvement:** · **Incomplete structure:** Half the hotel is new, while the other part is still under construction. The room views are not ideal, and construction noise is frequent. · **Unstable Internet connection:** The Wi-Fi was inconsistent, making it hard to use Netflix or contact reception via WhatsApp, especially at night when staff was unavailable. · **Mattress quality:** The bed is spacious, but the mattress is not very comfortable. · **Food:** No breakfast options were available; a single, abundant plate was served, usually savory. The dinner menu consists of around fifteen dishes: good, but after a week, choices become repetitive. · **Noise from adjacent rooms:** Water sounds from other guests’ bathrooms can be heard clearly, which may be bothersome at night. · *Thoughts on Thoddoo Island:** · **Not a resort vacation:** Tourism is developing, and many structures are under construction. The island has areas of significant mess, but locals are extremely kind, and we always felt safe. Some businesses accept cards, though it’s good to have cash in MVR. · **Beautiful Bikini Beach:** Stunning sea, among the most beautiful we've seen. Shade is always available thanks to palm trees and swings. The water often has strong wind and currents. Turtles are plentiful. · **Stray cats everywhere:** Many hungry animals needing attention. They're not problematic, but the situation is out of control. · **Very quiet evenings:** The island offers little evening entertainment, with only a few quiet bars. · **Challenging speedboat transfer:** Traveling from Malé can be very rough in choppy waters, especially in the afternoon. The journey lasts over two hours, and many passengers felt sick—a truly traumatic experience. The morning crossing, though calmer, takes about an hour and a half. Not recommended for small children or pregnant women. · **Dress code:** On the island, tourists feel free and are welcomed. In Malé, however, covering shoulders and knees is required. · **Available activities:** Electric scooters and bicycles (without brakes) can be rented, and various beach activities are offered. · *Overall rating:** The hotel has immense potential thanks to its staff, location, and active services. Some drawbacks are naturally tied to the island and the hotel's developmental stage. We recommend this experience to those seeking an authentic, serene, and nature-focused vacation while being aware it’s not a typical Maldivian resort stay.

If you’re seeking a simple and relaxing stay, this place is a great choice. The rooms are straightforward yet nice, offering great comfort. I must highlight the service staff—they were fantastic and never refused any requests we made. The breakfast was basic but very tasty, and my family thoroughly enjoyed our time there. A big thanks to the amazing team!

This is our second time vacationing on the island, and once again, it's arranged through Anatoly! Many thanks to him and his incredible team for their efforts. Here, you'll be greeted warmly, cared for, and introduced to an amazing underwater world😍 Special thanks to Lyuba with a heart just for her♥️

In April, we stayed at this hotel for a short trip to Thoddoo Island. What stood out was its central location, very close to restaurants and cafes. Although the beach is a bit far from any hotel, it’s easy to reach by the bicycles provided for free by the hotel. Breakfast was included in our package; it was quite simple but adequate. The room had everything needed for a comfortable stay—spacious, clean, and well-equipped. We arrived on the island by seaplane and returned via a boat arranged by the hotel. The island itself is stunning, with beautiful nature and an excellent beach, and the guesthouse added to the overall great experience.

A very charming and aesthetically pleasing place to stay if you’re visiting Thoddoo. The location was ideal for me, with nearby restaurants and easy access to everywhere on foot. The rooms were well-equipped with everything one could need. When I missed breakfast, the room attendants kindly brought it to my room. They also replaced all towels daily and refreshed the amenities; leave in the morning and return to a spotless room. The owner is incredibly friendly and helpful—he even assisted me in booking the speedboat. Thank you for creating such a wonderful experience! ❤️✨

I absolutely loved Toddu Island and the Aholla Hotel! We celebrated New Year 2026 there. The hotel was spotless, with towels changed daily, and the staff were very friendly. Meals included breakfast and dinner as buffet-style, always delicious with plenty of variety. There were always fresh fruits and the tastiest coffee from the coffee machine! Evenings featured live music, and the beach was nearby. The excursion bureau, supermarkets, and numerous cafes were easily accessible. Everything was splendid—I’ll return for sure! Highly recommend this hotel 200 percent!

Sands Garden Hotel is a lovely spot. Tom was outstanding; he genuinely made me feel at home. He’s friendly, professional, super helpful, and very welcoming. The hotel features a charming terrace where you can enjoy views of the village and savor breakfast or dinner in a cozy setting. The location is excellent, conveniently close to restaurants, markets, and beaches. I had an amazing snorkeling experience in Thoddoo. I absolutely adore this island—it offers everything I wanted: lush nature, stunning beaches, and tranquility. My favorite place in the Maldives 🫶 Highly recommended!

The host of the guesthouse, Ali, met us personally at the pier and welcomed us with refreshing coconuts. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, making us feel cared for throughout our stay. They surprised us with a romantic dinner by the ocean—a truly special experience. The food was thoughtfully prepared; during our 12-day stay, the dishes were almost never repeated, delicious, and filling. The guesthouse is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the beach. Guests can use bicycles, masks, and flippers for free, as well as enjoy unlimited water, tea, and coffee. Beach towels are available, the room was spacious, and cleaning was done daily. Huge thanks to Ali and his team for a wonderful vacation!

A very nice hotel for a stay on a local island. The restaurant staff are exceptionally friendly and smiley—10/10, great team! We visited during the windy season, so using the rooftop pool was tricky, but the view from there is amazing! The rooms are equipped with all essentials, but we stayed in one without a balcony, so there was no place to dry clothes. Room cleaning was mediocre—one day, I had to grab a broom myself and sweep the sand from our entrance. The beach access at the hotel's location is uncomfortable due to some bags in the water. We walked to the Meeru side beach, which has a windless lagoon, a comfy entrance, and rentable sunbeds. The island itself is small, everything within walking distance. We chose Stone Hotels for its food, which is more varied and European compared to other island hotels. Vegetables are cooked al dente. Breakfasts don't include a coffee machine, only pre-brewed coffee, with cappuccinos available at an extra charge. They make delicious waffles and pancakes, and fresh fruit is served daily. Few Russian-speaking tourists here, which is a plus—no "Slavic Stare" to deal with. The overall crowd is cultured and pleasant. If we return to Dhiffushi, we’d stay here again. We prefer this island over the more popular Thoddoo because of the lower percentage of Russian tourists.

The hotel is new with high-quality renovations in the room, including the bathroom fixtures and electronics. However, there were no adapters for the sockets provided. Additionally, the renovation work in the hotel wasn’t fully completed. The staff were friendly and attentive to our requests, and the manager was very involved and mindful of the hotel’s operation. On the downside: 1) breakfast lacked variety, 2) towels weren’t well-washed, leaving them with an unpleasant odor, 3) room cleaning wasn’t thorough—floors were swept, towels replaced, and the bed made, but bathroom fixtures weren’t cleaned. Moreover, I noticed my manicure kit was touched during cleaning.

I wish everyone to visit Thoddoo Island - it is a wonderful place that will allow you to enjoy every sound of nature!

The resort is newly built, consisting of six bungalows featuring an entrance area with a sofa and TV, a bathroom, and a loft with a sleeping area. Each unit is equipped with a small fridge, a hairdryer, beach towels, and a drying rack for laundry. Although a safe is provided, it cannot be used as it is not securely mounted anywhere. In our opinion, the facilities, partially managed by Italians, are functional but lack attention to detail in some aspects of the fittings and are not very sturdy since they’re not constructed from masonry. The location is excellent, just outside the central alleys, making it more immersed in nature and only a few steps from Bikini Beach. The staff is highly accommodating and friendly, ready to fulfill any request. They promptly addressed an electrical issue we encountered, with Umad, the manager, and his wife, the head chef (whose name we sadly didn’t jot down), going above and beyond to remedy the situation by offering us a couple of local dishes of our choice. Breakfast rotates between delicious local dishes and a continental-style menu, while dinner mainly features Italian cuisine skillfully recreated by the local chefs. For those staying longer, the dinner menu could use some expansion to provide more variety. We extend our gratitude to all the staff members—Rose, Insha, Krishna, Bhagya, Praful, Danish—as well as the assistant cooks.

I highly recommend this new and spotless hotel! With only 12 rooms surrounding a pool, the atmosphere is intimate and welcoming. The room was huge and spacious, with a special touch—an open-roof shower that added character. Cleaning was done daily, and the entire property was impeccably maintained. Both beaches were within easy reach, and towels were readily available! The food was delicious, especially the fish and salads served at dinner. However, I suggest arriving as dinner starts to secure the best portions. The staff was wonderful and always eager to assist. I appreciated the constant availability of drinking water, mosquito repellent, and rental bicycles/scooters. Transfers to and from Malé by speedboat were flawlessly organized. The island itself is lush, expansive, and never dull. The only thing missing was tinted or frosted glass—when the curtains were open, there wasn't much privacy, yet letting in sunlight is desirable. Overall, like a dream—I mentally revisit it every day! 🏝️🪸🥥

The staff is friendly and accommodating, the rooms are spacious enough and clean, and the food is diverse enough to allow you to try something new. We felt very welcome, and the island offers more than you might expect. Thank you once again! An excellent experience.

We were truly amazed by the kindness and helpfulness of Hassan and Alì, both absolutely fantastic. The food was excellent, and Hassan always gives you the option to try something different if you'd like. The location was perfect. A stunning island. Thank you so much for making our holiday unforgettable. If I ever return to the Maldives, I would definitely come back here.