How we usually choose a hotel for our vacation? We spend hours leafing through bright photographs, reading reviews, and carefully studying the map. Everyone is looking for something that will touch their heartstrings – for some it will be a sunset over the sea, for others a huge bathtub, for others it will be admiring a hammock among the shady thickets. Some people love hi-tech, glass and concrete, others are delighted with reed roofs and handmade mats.
When choosing a hotel for a holiday in the Maldives, choosing one of the island resorts, do we often pay attention to which atoll the island belongs to ? At best, we are interested in the distance from Male airport – in kilometers, the size of the island – in meters, and the number coconut palms – in pieces. But belonging to a certain atoll sets the whole tone for the holiday, colors it with those bright colors that make the holiday — perfect, and the impressions — unforgettable. And it may turn out that the road to the farthest hotel is shorter and faster than you thought – because there are 2 airports open on the atoll, on the most beautiful island – unbearably boring, because the atoll has only recently become popular with tourists, and not yet “overgrown” with the necessary infrastructure, but the hotels of the neighboring atoll are noisy until late and shoot beams of light and music into the sky.
Each of the 26 atolls in the Maldives, like each of the 1,192 islands, is invariably ideal and captivating in its beauty. And yet, they are different from each other.
Let's start our story with the atoll, which is often called the “sunken garden”, so rich and diverse is the world of its underwater inhabitants.
What makes Baa Atoll special?
Relax in the UNESCO Nature Reserve? See the unique Furchermore coral reef? Swim with manta rays? Come to Baa Atoll!
Distance from Male: 95-125 kilometers.
Length: 42 kilometers long and 32 kilometers wide.
Number of islands: 75. Among them are inhabited -13.
First of all, Baa Atoll should be chosen by those who want to get up close and personal with the legendary manta rays. Visiting the Biosphere Reserve is not so easy, the influx of tourists greatly influenced the flora and fauna and strict rules were established to save the unique ecosystem. All tourists must undergo mandatory registration; scuba diving is prohibited; snorkeling is possible with a licensed guide. But the opportunity to be just a few meters from the giants – and the fin span reaches 4.5 meters – is worth all the restrictions. Here, in Hanifaru Bay, the largest feeding station for these unique marine animals is located, and a large specimen of a stingray can eat up to 25 kilograms of plankton per day. During feeding, up to 200 stingrays can be observed in the bay, often joined by several reef sharks. Whale sharks also come to the bay during mating season.
And also Baa Atoll — these are 61 types of coral, unique huge birds — frigates, Red-listed Hawksbill turtles, and, of course, luxury hotels whose names are well-known among guests from all over the world:
1. Soneva Fushi
2. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
3. Four Seasons Private Island Maldives At Voavah
4. Milaidhoo Maldives
5. Anantara Kihavah Villas
6. The Nautilus Beach & Ocean Houses Maldives
7. Amilla Maldives
8. Avani+ Fares Maldives
9. Dusit Thani Maldives
10. Finolhu
11. Royal Island Resort & Spa
12. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
13. Vakkaru Maldives
14. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Resort & SPA
15. Reethi Beach Resort
16. Kihaa Maldives
17. Kiha Beach
