Holiday Island Resort | South Ari Atoll

Holiday Island Resort is a beautiful, serene resort located on Dhidhoofinolhu Island, part of the South Ari Atoll in the Maldives. Known for its stunning natural beauty, tranquil environment, and affordable luxury, Holiday Island Resort offers a peaceful and laid-back escape in the Maldives. The resort is well-regarded for its excellent service, diverse accommodation options, and the opportunity to experience both relaxation and adventure in a pristine tropical setting.

Geography and Location

• Location: Situated in the South Ari Atoll, Holiday Island Resort is about 97 kilometers south of the capital, Malé. It is easily accessible via a 30-minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport (Malé International Airport), offering stunning aerial views of the Maldives' turquoise lagoons and coral reefs.
• Island Size: The resort is located on Dhidhoofinolhu Island, which is a relatively large island in the Maldives. It offers spacious grounds for guests to enjoy, with beautiful beaches, lush greenery, and clear waters.

Accommodation

Holiday Island Resort offers a range of accommodation options, catering to different guest preferences. The resort is known for its comfortable and well-maintained beachfront bungalows and villas.

• Beach Bungalows: The resort’s Beach Bungalows are located just steps from the beach, allowing guests to enjoy direct access to the shore. These spacious, air-conditioned bungalows come with modern amenities such as satellite TV, minibars, private bathrooms, and outdoor verandas. The design of these bungalows blends traditional Maldivian style with modern comforts, offering a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
• Superior Beach Villas: For those seeking more space and luxury, the resort offers Superior Beach Villas, which are larger than the standard bungalows and feature additional amenities like a private garden and a larger terrace. Some villas also include a private plunge pool, providing guests with more privacy and comfort.
• Water Villas: The resort also features Water Villas, offering stunning views of the lagoon and direct access to the water. These overwater bungalows provide a more luxurious experience, with private sundecks and spacious interiors. Water Villas are perfect for honeymooners or couples looking for a romantic and exclusive retreat.

Dining Options

Holiday Island Resort offers a variety of dining options, ranging from local Maldivian cuisine to international dishes, allowing guests to enjoy a diverse culinary experience.

• Main Restaurant: The resort’s main restaurant, Fisherman’s Wharf, serves a mix of buffet-style meals and à la carte options, featuring a wide variety of international and local Maldivian dishes. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared seafood, grilled meats, salads, and tropical fruits. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing guests to dine with views of the ocean.
• Themed Dinners: The resort hosts themed dinners throughout the week, offering a variety of dining experiences. These dinners include BBQ nights, seafood feasts, and Maldivian specialties, providing guests with an opportunity to enjoy local flavors and global favorites in a relaxed atmosphere.
• In-Room Dining: For those who prefer privacy or a more intimate dining experience, Holiday Island Resort offers room service, where guests can enjoy meals in the comfort of their own bungalows or villas.

Activities and Attractions

Holiday Island Resort is ideal for guests seeking a mix of relaxation and water-based activities. The resort offers a range of activities suitable for couples, families, and solo travelers.

• Snorkeling and Diving: The surrounding waters of South Ari Atoll are famous for their rich marine life, making the resort an excellent destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Guests can explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter various species of fish, turtles, rays, and even whale sharks. The resort offers guided snorkeling tours to nearby reefs, and its on-site dive center provides PADI-certified courses and diving trips to some of the best dive sites in the area.
  • Diving Sites: Popular dive sites around the resort include Maamigili Beyru, where divers can see whale sharks, and Dhangethi Kandu, which is known for its vibrant coral gardens.
• Water Sports: For those who enjoy more adventurous activities, Holiday Island Resort offers a range of water sports including kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. Guests can also enjoy boat rides and big game fishing excursions.
• Fishing: The Maldives is famous for its fishing opportunities, and the resort offers both traditional Maldivian fishing trips and deep-sea fishing for those looking to experience the island’s fishing culture. Guests can catch a variety of fish species, such as tuna, barracuda, and snapper.
• Excursions: The resort offers excursions to nearby islands, including sunset cruises, dolphin watching, and island hopping tours. These excursions allow guests to explore the surrounding islands and enjoy the beauty of the Maldives in a more intimate way.

Wellness and Spa

• Duniye Spa: The resort features the Duniye Spa, a luxurious wellness center offering a variety of treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate guests. The spa offers services such as aromatherapy massages, body scrubs, and facials, along with more holistic treatments. Guests can enjoy these services in tranquil, open-air treatment rooms overlooking the lagoon.
• Fitness: For guests looking to maintain their fitness regime, the resort offers a gym equipped with modern equipment. There are also yoga classes and wellness programs available for guests who want to unwind and focus on their health.

Family-Friendly Experience

Holiday Island Resort is a family-friendly destination with amenities and activities suitable for guests of all ages.

• Kids' Club: The resort has a dedicated kids' club, where children can enjoy supervised activities such as arts and crafts, games, and nature walks. This allows parents to relax while their children engage in fun, educational activities.
• Family Accommodations: The resort’s spacious Beach Bungalows and Superior Beach Villas are ideal for families, offering comfortable living spaces and easy access to the beach.

Local Culture and Experience

• Cultural Immersion: While the resort is designed for relaxation and luxury, guests can still experience the local culture by taking excursions to nearby inhabited islands, where they can observe traditional Maldivian life, visit local markets, and experience the island’s history and heritage.

Sustainability and Eco-Tourism

Holiday Island Resort places importance on eco-tourism and sustainable practices to minimize its environmental impact. The resort uses energy-efficient systems, employs water conservation techniques, and is actively involved in marine conservation and the protection of coral reefs.

Accessibility

• Transfers: Guests can reach Holiday Island Resort from Malé via a 30-minute seaplane transfer. The resort offers direct transfers to and from the airport, making the arrival and departure process seamless for guests.

Summary

Holiday Island Resort offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and Maldivian culture, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, and solo travelers. With its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and diverse range of activities, including snorkeling, diving, water sports, and fishing, it provides a comprehensive Maldives experience. The resort’s affordable luxury, combined with its laid-back atmosphere and eco-conscious practices, ensures that guests can enjoy a memorable, sustainable vacation while surrounded by the beauty of the Maldives.