Reethi Beach Island Resort

Resort class: ****
Location: Baa atoll
Transfer: 35 minutes from Male by Seaplane (Trans Maldivian Airways)

Reethi Beach island resort is a 4 star resort, very charming and, although in the mid-range price category for a Maldivian resort, it offers excellant value for what it provides. It has been recently renovated in a modern traditional style similar to neighbouring Soneva Fushi. The staff are a mix of Maldavian’s and European’s and extremely polite and in jovial mood which gives this resort a really nice feel good factor. I found the dining here to be exceptional, especially since alot of the guests, including my party, are actually on an all-inclusive package. There are some specialist dishes and themes to be found in some of the restaurants, Argentina night being very popular when we were there, and the Moodhu bar over the water is a real delight. The lunch buffet in the main restaurant varies every day for a fortnight so its unlikely you’ll get bored of the food here.

The Baa Atoll lies to the north of Male' Atoll and is comprised of two geographical atolls with a combined total of 50 islands. The smaller Goidhoo Atoll (also known as Horsburgh Atoll) to the south, is part of the administrative region of Baa Atoll. The population of the atoll is about 11,000 spread out over ten of the islands out of a total of 50. Up unitl the 1998 there was just a single tourist resort here, and now there are 5. The rest of the islands lie are untouched and their beaches are rarely trodden. Many of them are used for snorkelling, diving and picnic excursions by resorts in the atoll.

The reefs of this atoll are pristine, providing for some of the finest snorkelling and diving to be found in the Maldives.The large numbers of mantas and whale sharks that visit Ba atoll, during the southwest monsoon make it particularly attractive marine lovers. Transfer from Male to the resorts is either by seaplane and speedboat, however due to the distance involved seaplane is the more convenient option. Eydhafushi, the capital island was famous for it 'feyli' weaving - a wraparound skirt for women. The main industry in the area, as well as tourism, is tuna fishing, however some of the islands are well known for their skilled crafts as well. Most of the lacquer ware you see for sale in the souvenir shops and resort boutiques are the work of the people of Thulhaadhoo.

The island is extremely beautiful, even for the Madlives, and this is something the resort is highly committed to keeping untouched. The trees have hardly been disturbed here, and there are no walls or groynes to break the continual run of the superb beach around the island. These efforts to preserve the beauty of the island has been recognised in a Green Award from Kuoni. The spa here isnt particularly special apart from the Balinese therapists who are excellant, and the price, which is reasonable.

The Accomodation

All the accomodation has access to fine beaches here. The Reethi villas line the west side of the island and all have ample shade and beach and the deluxe villas have the southern tip of the island. The northern tip is where the semi-circle of water bungalows are located, which, also have a stretch of fine beach.The bunglaows are very spacious inside and stylishly done.The island rooms are furnished just as well as the water bungalows, and have fine sea views, fine beach, and goos snorkelling just a few steps away. The deluxe villas have a bit more space than the Reethi villas plus a swing joli and bathtub.

Activities

Reethi beach is unhurried and tranquil overall, but it does offer a lot of options for activites. The watersports center here is very well equipped and has several sandbanks and desert islands to complete the playground for windsurfing and sailing in the surrounding waters. You can also try kite surfing here, equipment you won’t find available on some other resorts. The resort has an indoor sports complex with squash courts, tennis courts, badminton courts and a gym. If you don’t have an opponent, the staff are available to play against you and also offer inexpensive lessons. The main bar area has table tennis and table footbacll and the beach bar organises a daily volleyball game. 

Reethi Beach diving, like alot of other things at this resort does not disappoint. The dive center is very well-equipped and helpful, and organise up to 4 dives every day. The atoll has a large number of sites, some of which are still relatively unvisited, providing some great diving.

suziw writes more about Reethi Beach Island Resort at the Maldives Holidays Guide