Eco-luxury experience on the local island of Hanimaadhoo

8 Days

This exclusive itinerary, which we like to call an eco-luxury experience, has been carefully crafted by the experts at Conscious Journeys in each destination to give those who choose to travel with us the opportunity to take part in a journey that is truly one of a kind. In designing this itinerary, we worked in close collaboration with local hoteliers, deep connoisseurs and passionate advocates of their land, which for them is simply home. For this reason, this tour represents a life experience that will allow you to discover hidden places, traditional art, culture, activities, and local cuisine in every destination. This itinerary has been designed thanks to personal experience, direct knowledge, and reliable advice from those who truly know the territory, offering a unique stay in the Maldives that goes far beyond a typical stay on a tourist island. The selected eco-resort is respectfully integrated into its environment, with special attention to every detail, typical of Maldivian hospitality. Our resorts and lodges are more than just a place to sleep… but truly special places where you can live unique experiences!

This program has been designed to offer our travelers an 8-day escape on a charming “local” island (meaning it is inhabited) in the Maldives archipelago. This island is located in the stunning waters of the unspoiled northern Maldives, on the local island of Hanimaadhoo in the Haa Dhaalu atoll. A 45-minute domestic flight from Velana International Airport will provide a scenic preview of the magnificent Maldivian natural setting. Our 4-star eco-resort is immersed in unspoiled nature, allowing you not only to enjoy a holiday marked by absolute privacy, but also to experience the true essence of Maldivian culture; in fact, the resort features an exceptionally long private beach of over 500 meters of fine white sand, offering you the opportunity to relax in complete seclusion on one of the most authentic islands in the entire Maldives archipelago. The style of the selected resort is rustic yet luxurious, organic yet elegant. Traditional craftsmanship blends with the comfort of contemporary amenities. This is a place where the daily stress of life is left behind in favor of reconnecting with nature. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to relax on white sandy beaches, swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and take part in many sustainable, cultural, and conservation activities promoted by the eco-resort. This will give you the unique opportunity not only to unwind in a tropical paradise, but also to learn more about the natural and cultural environment of this wonderful archipelago. At our resort, you will have the opportunity to participate in many eco-responsible activities such as responsible snorkeling, guided by a marine biologist who will allow you to explore the incredible Maldivian coral reefs, learning all about the different species that live in the waters surrounding the island. You will admire the myriad of colorful reef fish and the shy blacktip sharks. You will also be able to visit a coral nursery, joining marine biologists who since 2012 have collected naturally broken coral fragments and replanted them in the island’s lagoon, in areas where corals thrive. In addition to these environmental responsibility activities, you will have the opportunity to take part in activities closely connected with local culture and communities, and your first day in the Maldives will give you the chance to experience the work of a local NGO that fights for coral preservation, as well as to experience the lifestyle of the inhabitants of a local island near the capital.

JOURNEY OVERVIEW AND PROGRAM DETAILS

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MALÉ – EXPLORE VILLIMALÉ AND DISCOVER SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES

Malé – Villimalé
In the morning, a short 10-minute ferry ride will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city of Malé to the island of Villimalé. Previously a prison island and later transformed into a resort, Villimalé is currently an oasis of peace and tranquility for its residents, many of whom commute daily to the capital. At the Villimalé jetty, we will meet a member of a local NGO, founded in 2008 as a youth movement in Villingili (now called Villimalé) for the conservation of the island’s beaches. Over the years, this NGO has also planted trees in Villingili and the surrounding areas, and has organized numerous community activities related to environmental conservation.

A 60-minute walking tour of the island will offer an overview of the conservation challenges that an island must face during its development, showing how Villimalé has transformed from an island with extremely rich biodiversity (both marine and terrestrial) into a territory that is fighting hard to preserve its delicate ecosystem. You will discover firsthand the impact that economic development has had on the island, and you will be shown images of what the island looked like in the past. Later, you will be taken to a local tea shop where you can taste traditional sweet and savory snacks called “hedhika”, served with black tea and typically enjoyed between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Before departure, your guide will take you to the jetty to catch the ferry and will accompany you back to Malé.
Overnight in Malé

DAY 2: TRANSFER TO HANIMAADHOO

Transfer to Malé airport and domestic flight to Hanimadhoo, followed by transfer to the resort. Free time to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the eco-resort and to discover all the available services, such as the well-equipped fitness center, the private beach, the seawater swimming pool, the Spa, the Conservation Center, and the diving center. Take some time to organize your week.
Overnight in Hanimadhoo. (B, D)

DAY 3: RELAX ON THE BEACH

Hanimaadhoo
Free day to relax on the beach, by the pool, or at the resort’s SPA.
Overnight in Hanimadhoo (B, D)

DAY 4: RELAX ON THE BEACH

Hanimaadhoo
Free day to relax on the beach, by the pool, or at the resort’s SPA.
Overnight in Hanimadhoo (B, D)

DAY 5: RELAX ON THE BEACH

Hanimaadhoo
Free day to relax on the beach, by the pool, or at the resort’s SPA.
Overnight in Hanimadhoo (B, D)

DAY 6: SNORKELING FOR CONSERVATION

Hanimaadhoo
After breakfast, you can join the marine biologists for a snorkeling session to admire the coral reef.

You will have the opportunity to actively contribute to this process through initiatives such as “snorkeling for conservation,” which is part of a broader monitoring framework. It is also possible to take part in the activities of the center to discover the daily efforts required to implement programs within the facility and to be involved by the marine biologists in their scientific work. The Conservation Center has developed a series of “responsible activities” for tourists (snorkeling, dolphin watching, etc.) in order to achieve two goals at once: enjoyment for visitors and environmental monitoring. After the tour, free time to relax on the beach or take part in independent activities at the resort.
Overnight in Hanimadhoo (B, D)

DAY 7: CULTURAL ISLAND TOUR BY BICYCLE

Hanimaadhoo
In the morning, you will set off to discover the cultural diversity of the island. Hanimadhoo is an authentic place, and its residents warmly welcome all visitors. During the tour, you will discover the traditions and culture of the island’s inhabitants. You will also have the opportunity to learn about specific environmental education programs carried out in collaboration with local schools. The rest of the day will be at leisure.
Overnight in Hanimadhoo (B, D)

DAY 8: TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT

Transfer to Malé airport and departure with international flight.

ACTIVITIES

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and relax on beautiful white sandbanks.
Snorkel in two spectacular locations to discover the Maldives’ unique marine ecosystem.
Savor authentic Maldivian cuisine.
Discover local culture with a Maldivian family.
Learn about the marine conservation activities of a local NGO.
Relax on the beach equipped with straw umbrellas and sun loungers.

organize a dive at the diving center, which guarantees the highest level of quality and professionalism
practice yoga outdoors, surrounded by nature
join boat expeditions for dolphin monitoring
take bicycle tours to discover the local environment and culture
relax in the seawater swimming pool
discover the environmental activities of the Conservation Center
go night snorkeling
indulge in a spa where treatments combine spiritual and meditative experiences to achieve wellbeing of body and mind

DESTINATION

Malé is the densely populated capital of the Maldives. It is renowned for its mosques and brightly colored buildings. The Islamic Centre (Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam) includes a mosque, a library, and a distinctive golden dome. Near the harbor, a popular fish market sells the catch of the day, while the fruit and vegetable market overflows with local produce.

The island of Hanimaadhoo is located in the northern part of the archipelago and is one of the most authentic and unspoiled islands in the Maldives: lush vegetation, long beaches, and turquoise waters. Hanimaadhoo is a quiet fishing village, rich in shady, swaying trees. Fishing and agriculture are the main occupations of its 2,000 inhabitants. It is customary to finish work in the late afternoon, refresh oneself with a shower or a wash at the household well, dress the children in fresh clothes, and visit friends and relatives, bringing small bowls of freshly made homemade curry, or relax on the beach, enjoying the sunset while children play together.

The services available on the island are: school, mosque, medical center, climate observatory, villages, police station, airport.

SOCIAL IMPACT

The selected eco-resort respects the principles of ecotourism, such as sustainability, conservation, and the involvement of the local community in its initiatives.

The resort was built taking into account important “green” aspects such as:

use of eco-friendly wood, sourced in compliance with the forests of origin;
use of photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, limiting the use of diesel generators (which are widespread and polluting);
electricity demand not covered by the panels is supplied by the Hanimaadhoo power plant, avoiding the construction of a second plant on the island;
use of a heat recovery system, generated by air conditioners, to heat the water in the rooms;
opening of a bottling plant from November 1, 2015, to reduce the use of plastic bottles and therefore the negative effects plastic has on the oceans – and consequently on the planet;
establishment of the Conservation Center, which has developed a series of “responsible activities” for tourists (snorkeling, dolphin watching, etc.) in order to achieve two goals in one: enjoyment for tourists and environmental monitoring. Our marine biologists benefit from the excursions to carry out various environmental monitoring projects, allowing them to collect data on the ecosystem and on the impact of the eco-resort’s activities on the environment. These activities, developed within a monitoring and conservation framework, have a very positive effect on tourists, who gain greater awareness and feel more involved in environmental issues with a view toward global change.

The involvement of the local community is implemented in several ways such as:

direct economic involvement of the community through the employment of local people to fill many positions at the Eco-resort;
sharing knowledge about the environment and culture of the Maldives, particularly Hanimaadhoo, through specific activities for tourists (guided cultural bicycle tours and forest explorations);
all goods (including food) available on the island are purchased locally, in order to promote the local economy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from transportation;
development of specific environmental education programs in collaboration with the local school;
development of a separate waste collection project for the families of Hanimaadhoo, the first step toward recycling.

The entire resort staff works daily to improve the environmental and social conditions on the island.

DEPARTURE TIPS

It is recommended to maintain behavior that respects the local culture in order to avoid any problems or difficulties during the trip. In particular, overly affectionate behavior in public, such as kissing or hugging, is discouraged, as this attitude is not well regarded.

It is advisable to bring practical and informal summer clothing, without forgetting a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sneakers. Clothing must follow certain rules: both during the day and at night it is not permitted to enter bars or restaurants in swimwear or with wet clothes, and guests are required to wear at least a t-shirt in these areas. In the evening and after dinner, bermuda shorts and wrap skirts are appropriate. It is possible to walk barefoot throughout the hotel. Nudity is strictly forbidden.

The time zone of India is GMT/UTC +5, therefore jet lag may also cause discomfort. Setting your watch to the local time even before arrival can be helpful, as well as eating and sleeping according to local time. To make the most of daylight hours, the resort is one hour ahead of Malé time.

Children are more than welcome, but parents are required to supervise them in order to avoid situations that may disturb the tranquility and atmosphere typical of the resort. In general, it is recommended to avoid situations or activities that may have dangerous consequences. Children aged 8 and above can participate in the PADI “bubble maker” course; from the age of 10 they can obtain a license as a “junior open water diver.”

It is strictly forbidden to import spearfishing guns; sacred images or statues; pork or pork products; alcohol of any kind; pornographic magazines; videos and DVDs (except for unused DVDs still in their original packaging). It is not permitted to bring pets of any kind. Very severe penalties are предусмотрed for the importation and use of drugs. It is also strictly forbidden to export turtle shells, corals, or shells not regularly purchased in shops. In respect of the environment, it is forbidden to break or walk on corals. The coral reef may look like rock, but in reality it is made up of millions of living organisms: even the touch of a fin could be enough to destroy work that nature has taken many years to accomplish. Some coral species may cause injuries such as cuts or swelling. For the safety of divers and the reef, it is advisable not to stand, walk, or swim too close to the reef. Maldivian law prohibits the collection of corals, shells, or sand. The government is very strict in this regard, and ignoring these regulations may result in fines. The use of alcohol is not permitted on local islands.

Furthermore, you are kindly requested to collect your own waste, such as empty bottles, used batteries, etc., which may harm the environment.

HOTEL

HOTEL CATEGORY: 4 STARS
The Eco-resort is an ecological tourist facility that follows the principles of ecotourism, such as sustainability and conservation, involving the local community in its initiatives. The resort has maximized the sustainability of the property in order to have minimal environmental impact and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It presents itself as a natural wellness retreat designed to nourish and regenerate body and spirit.

The property features 52 rooms, 40 of which are of a higher category and fully furnished, divided into two-story blocks, each with 4 rooms:

20 Beach Front (ground floor with direct access to the beach);
20 Ocean View (first floor with spectacular views);
12 Seaside (affordable rate and comfortable accommodation just a few steps from the beach).

TRANSPORT

Public transportation from Malé airport to your accommodation is included. A sea transfer from Malé to Villimalé (round trip) is included.
A 45-minute domestic flight from Malé airport and a 15-minute transfer from Hanimaadhoo airport to the Eco-resort are included.

MALDIVES – WHEN TO GO

The Maldives enjoy a tropical climate all year round, influenced by monsoons, winds that blow in different directions depending on the season. The best time to visit is from December to May, during the dry season called “Iruvai,” with monsoons blowing from the northeast, while from May to November there is the rainy season called “Hulhangu,” with monsoons blowing from the southwest. The average temperature ranges between 28° and 31° C throughout the year, and the water temperature is also always pleasant, around 27°–29° C.

Eco-luxury experience on the local island of Hanimaadhoo