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ID here 139744

Experience the Real Maldives

From £2758 pp

Maldives

14 Nights

Private Group (2-8)

Experience the Real Maldives

From £2758 pp

What You'll Do

Indulge in a beach front room, surround yourself with an endless sandy beach and rich turquoise horizon from your very own doorstep!
Experience first-hand conservation monitoring while spotting magnificent dolphins, sea turtles and snorkelling coral reefs with marine biologists. Explore Maldivian culture and history through authentic guided tours at Hanimaadhoo and Utheemu Island. These 14 nights will be unforgettable!

The Maldives offer so much more than their white sand beaches and turquoise sea.  Get under the skin of the Maldives during this bespoke 15 day trip to untouched Hanimaadoo Island, deep in the North. Stay at the stunning Barefoot Eco Hotel in a luxury beach-front room, enjoy the Indian Ocean from your front door whilst contributing to vital conservation.

Learn an array of biological and ecological knowledge about the fauna and flora of this special ecosystem. Discover stories of years gone by on the historical island of Utheemu. Explore the tropical forests and mangroves of Baraah and learn how these vast areas of vegetation are the lifeblood of the Maldives. Dip into the past on Kelaa and find out why the British established a staging position on this most north eastern Maldives island. With opportunities to relax on quiet white sandy beaches, snorkel tropical waters and enjoy uninterrupted views of Maldivian sunsets this is experience should not to be missed.

Tour Summary:

Day 1: Welcome to paradise

Day 2: Private Bicycle tour & hedikaa

Day 3-4: Free time

Day 5: Private dolphin monitoring and snorkelling

Day 6-7: Free Time

Day 8: Private boat trip to Utheemu Island

Day 9-10: Free Time

Day 11: Private sea turtle monitoring & snorkelling

Day 12-13: Free Time

Day 14: Sandbank visit & snorkelling

Day 15: Departure

All the tours included in this trip are private, making your experiences more intimate and special.

Adventure to the island of Hanimaadhoo on a half day bicycle tour. Learn about the local way of life including a visit to the Mosque to understand how their faith underpins their daily routine. Stop and chat with children playing in the street, visit the agricultural centre, identify the tropical vegetation and experience traditional ‘hedika’ – Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea.

Spot one of the most majestic animals of the sea, dolphins! Collect data, aiding evidence of their population dynamics and behaviour over short and long term scales. You will be helping the conservation of these beautiful species whilst admiring their beauty.

Take a quick speedboat journey to the historical island of Utheemu and learn about the rich history here. The kings of the Utheemu Dynasty, Sultans Muhammed Imaduddin I, Ibrahim Iskandar I, Kuda Muhammad and Mohammed Moheyeddin. Visit Utheemu Ganduvaru (Palace) and Kandhuvalu Mosque. Utheemu is famed as the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, who with his brothers and his companions fought an eight-year-long war to drive out the Portuguese invaders who occupied the Maldives from 1558 to 1573

Locate, observe and collect data on sea turtles! This data can indicate population and behaviour dynamics on short/long term scales. The marine excursions have been created and developed to reduce the impact on the environment, while also contributing to the monitoring of biodiversity. You will have the opportunity to support the process by joining this “conservation snorkelling” trip that is operated within a monitoring framework.

Explore the pristine sandbank of Alidhoofaru, ideal for picnics or for merely enjoying time sunbathing, snorkelling and swimming in the clear blue lagoon. You wont want to leave this hidden treasure as the rich turquoise sea surrounds you from all angles.

Accommodation:

The Barefoot Eco Hotel operates in the same way as a small island resort. However, as opposed to being on a private island, as resorts are, it is situated on part of a local inhabited island allowing you access to explore day to day life in the Maldives.

Located on the ground floor, beach front rooms are surrounded by lush greenery, with the Indian Ocean at your doorstep. They are hidden away on a palm-fringed island with direct access to the private white sandy beach. Each room is large, creatively designed, and has an en-suite elegant natural stone bathroom with shower.

The hotel is located on the local island of Hanimaadhoo in the preserved deep North of Maldives and provides the opportunity to experience untouched nature and the genuine and natural Maldives.  The island is a quiet fishing and agricultural village with lots of tree-shade and swings.

The Barefoot Eco Hotel provides a gateway for a Maldives adventure where you can experience true Maldivian hospitality.

Guests will enjoy a welcome drink and refreshing towels upon arrival. There are also free daily activities such as volleyball, snorkelling by dhoni with the marine biologist on the house reef, bikes for adults and children, seawater swimming-pool, fully equipped gym, canoes, library, board games, telescope, biology lectures, test of underwater respiration. All to enjoy during your free time!

Food:

The Barefoot Restaurant takes pride in sourcing the best ingredients available. Fish arrives freshly caught and is served to the guests full of flavour. The Restaurant is fully committed to supporting local suppliers and vegetarian options are always available on the buffet, whilst a request to the chef will ensure a favourite meal is served!

Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the main sea view restaurant. For private and romantic dinners, seafood menus may be reserved at an extra charge.

The “juice bar” next to the main restaurant is a gathering place to sip soft drinks, fresh juices and mock-tails.  As Barefoot is located on a local island where alcohol is not available, a floating bar located in the hotel lagoon offers alcoholic drinks and can be reached by complimentary speedboat from 17:00 each evening making your evenings even more special.

*Please note, prices are shown per person, based on sharing a twin/double beach front room.

Experience
Highlights

Stay in a luxury beach front room with lush vegetation, long beaches and a turquoise lagoon on your doorstep

Experience unforgettable dolphin and sea turtle snorkelling trips with a marine biologist, aiding conservation monitoring

Discover local culture and history with authentic tours

Your Local Host:

Maldives Paradise Team

We are an award winning sustainable tour company. We are mindful of ensuring we promote local tourism in line with Maldivian culture and traditions. Through education of our team, our guests and locals, we aim to protect the environment and limit where ever possible any negative impact to local life. We are based in the Maldives and we specialis Read More

Experience Itinerary

Welcome To Paradise

Arrive at Velana International Airport by 14:00pm and prepare for the holiday of a lifetime!

Leave stress behind as you will be met by a guide and assisted to check in for your domestic flight transfer. We would advise arriving by 14:00 to ensure ease of transfer.

The flight time will soon ‘fly’ by as you admire the picture-perfect archipelago from a bird’s eye perspective. On arrival in Hanimaadhoo it’s a short 10 minute vehicle ride to the property where you will have time to settle in and freshen up before dinner.

Accommodation

The Barefoot ECO Hotel, Beach Front Room

Located on the ground floor, the beach front rooms have direct access to the white sandy beach. Enjoy your complimentary welcome drinks and relax in your new home for the week.

Each room is large, with an outdoor deck area and has an en-suite elegant natural stone bathroom with shower. There is free wifi in all rooms.

Dinner will be served between 20:00-21:30

The Barefoot Restaurant takes pride in sourcing the best ingredients available. Fish arrives freshly caught and is served to the guests full of flavour.

The Barefoot Restaurant is fully committed to supporting local suppliers and vegetarian options are always available on the buffet, whilst a request to the chef will ensure a favourite meal is served!

Meals

Dinner

Private Bicycle Tour & Hedikaa

Wake up feeling refreshed to the rich turqiose sea as you open your curtains and enjoy a delicious breakfast between 08:00 – 10:30.

Today accompanied by a guide explore the island of Hanimaadhoo on a half day bicycle tour. Learn about the local way of life including a visit to the Mosque to understand how their faith underpins their daily routine. Stop and chat with children playing in the street, visit the agricultural centre, identify the tropical vegetation and experience traditional ‘hedika’ – Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea.

Dinner will be served between 20:00 – 21:00

Accommodation

The Barefoot ECO Hotel, Beach Front Room

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Free Days

Lay in and catch up on sleep or go on a go SCUBA diving to explore the fauna that the Maldives has to offer. If these don’t float your boat, soak up some sun by the sea.

Complimentary activities include:

volleyball, snorkelling by dhoni with the marine biologist on the house reef, bikes for adults and children, seawater swimming-pool, fully equipped gym, canoes, library, board games, telescope, biology lectures, test of underwater respiration.

Chargeable Activities include:

Snorkelling trips by boat, SCUBA diving, Kitesurfing, Desert island trip, Fishing, Spa Treatments

Dinner is served between 20:00 – 21:00

Accommodation

The Barefoot ECO Hotel, Beach Front Room

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Private Dolphin Monitoring & Snorkelling

Fuel yourself at breakfast before experiencing an unforgettable trip to see dolphins!

The marine excursions have been created and developed to reduce the impact on the environment, while also contributing to the monitoring of biodiversity. You will have the opportunity to support the process by joining this “conservation snorkelling” trip that is operated within a monitoring framework.

Observe these magnificent creatures and collect data indicating their population dynamics and behaviour on short and long term scales.You will also be able explore the beautiful coral reefs that are rich with biodiversity as you snorkle.

Dinner is served between 20:00 – 21:00

Accommodation

The Barefoot ECO Hotel, Beach Front Room

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Free days

Recover from your busy day of snorkelling with the option to have some amazing spa treatments or lose yourself in a book by the gorgeous pool!

Complimentary activities include:

volleyball, snorkelling by dhoni with the marine biologist on the house reef, bikes for adults and children, seawater swimming-pool, fully equipped gym, canoes, library, board games, telescope, biology lectures, test of underwater respiration.

Chargeable Activities include:

Snorkelling trips by boat, SCUBA diving, Kitesurfing, Desert island trip, Fishing, Spa Treatments

Dinner is served between 20:00 – 21:00

Accommodation

The Barefoot ECO Hotel, Beach Front Room

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Private Boat Trip to Utheemu

Make sure to prepare for today’s trip with a delicious breakfast before taking a short speedboat journey to the historical island of Utheemu. The kings of the Utheemu Dynasty, Sultans Muhammed Imaduddin I (1632 to 1648 AD), Ibrahim Iskandar I (1648 to 1687 AD), Kuda Muhammad (1687 to 1691 AD) and Mohammed Moheyeddin (1691 to 1692 AD) all descended from this island. Regents from Utheem also ruled the Maldives from 1573 to 1632 AD.

Visit Utheemu Ganduvaru (Palace) and Kandhuvalu Mosque. Utheemu is famed as the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, who with his brothers and his companions fought an eight-year-long war to drive out the Portuguese invaders who occupied the Maldives from 1558 to 1573.

Dinner is served between 20:00 – 21:00

Accommodation

The Barefoot ECO Hotel, Beach Front Room

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Free Days

Spend your day exactly how you’d like with a vast array of opportunites. Explore more of the beautiful ocean by snorkelling with a marine biologist!

Complimentary activities include:

Volleyball, snorkelling by dhoni with the marine biologist on the house reef, bikes for adults and children, seawater swimming-pool, fully equipped gym, canoes, library, board games, telescope, biology lectures, test of underwater respiration.

Chargeable Activities include:

Snorkelling trips by boat, SCUBA diving, Kitesurfing, Desert island trip, Fishing and Spa Treatments

Dinner is served between 20:00 – 21:00

Accommodation

The Barefoot ECO Hotel, Beach Front Room

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Private Turtle Monitoring & Snorkelling

Fuel yourself at breakfast this morning and get your waterproof camera ready for some beautiful macrofauna!

Locate, observe and collect data on sea turtles. This data can then indicate population and behaviour dynamics on short/long term scales for the species. The marine excursions have been created and developed to reduce the impact on the environment, while also contributing to the monitoring of biodiversity. You will have the opportunity to support the process by joining this “conservation snorkelling” trip that is operated within a monitoring framework.

Accommodation

The Barefoot ECO Hotel, Beach Front Room

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Free Day

Spend your day exactly how you’d like with a vast array of opportunites! Why not try out the canoes in the beautiful sea, perfect for fun with families or couples.

Complimentary activities include:

Volleyball, snorkelling by dhoni with the marine biologist on the house reef, bikes for adults and children, seawater swimming-pool, fully equipped gym, canoes, library, board games, telescope, biology lectures and tests of underwater respiration.

Chargeable Activities include:

Snorkelling trips by boat, SCUBA diving, Kitesurfing, Desert island trip, Fishing, Spa Treatments

 

Dinner is served between 20:00 – 21:00

Accommodation

The Barefoot ECO Hotel, Beach Front Room

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Sandbank Vist & Snorkelling

Today we journey to the untouched sandbank of Alidhoofaru, ideal for picnics or for merely enjoying time sunbathing, snorkelling or swimming in the clear blue lagoon. This trip will feel like heaven as you walk across the soft white sand with the turquiose sea encompassing you.

Accommodation

The Barefoot ECO Hotel, Beach Front Room

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Departure

Enjoy your last breakfast with us before saying your goodbyes.

You will be transfered to Male Airport for your domestic flight to Velana International Airport.

 

Meals

Breakfast

Location Information

Barefoot Eco Hotel, Hanimaadhoo, Maldives

This 4 star hotel is situated in an almost untouched forest on Hanimaadhoo island in the preserved deep North of Maldives. Fall in love with the  luxuriant vegetation, privacy, untouched nature, half mile private sandy beach and a turquoise lagoon framing your room.

Enjoy authentic excursions and amazing modern facilities. There is a restaurant, bar, pools, fully equipped gym, dive centre, boutique shop, conservation centre and spa! Choose from an array of activities available in your free time:

Volleyball, Snorkelling by dhoni with the marine biologist on the house reef, Bikes for adults and children, Seawater swimming-pool, Canoes, Library, Board games, Telescope, Biology lectures, Test of underwater respiration., Snorkelling trips by boat*, SCUBA diving*, Kitesurfing*, Desert island trip*, Fishing* and Spa Treatments*

*Activities/experiences that are not included in the price of this trip*

  • 14 Night Beach Front Room luxury accommodation
  • 14 breakfasts and dinners
  • Return Domestic flight transfer to Male - Hanimaadhoo – Male
  • Hanimaadhoo Bicycle Tour and Maldivian evening tea
  • Entrance Fee Utheemu Ganduvaru and speedboat transfer
  • Dolphin Snorkelling tour with Marine Biologist
  • Half Day Sand Bank Visit and Snorkelling
  • Turtle Snorkelling tour with Marine Biologist
  • All Local Tax
  • Arrival and departure airport and transfer assistance.
  • Welcome drink and refreshing towels upon arrival
  • Free daily activities such as volleyball, snorkelling by dhoni with the marine biologist on the house reef, bikes for adults and children, seawater swimming-pool, fully equipped gym, canoes, library, board games, telescope, biology lectures, test of underwater respiration.
  • Free Wi-Fi connection available throughout the resort including all room categories.
  • Sun beds, shade umbrellas and beach towels for all guest rooms
  • For all room categories 1 glass bottle of water per person/night in the room.

FAQs

Direct access to the beautiful beach
Each room is large, creatively designed, and has an en-suite elegant natural stone bathroom with shower.
Full AC rooms with individual temperature control
Ceiling fan
Tea and coffee makers free of charge
Fully stocked mini bar on charge
In room personal safe box
Hair dryer
Beach towels
Telephone with direct external line
Twice daily housekeeping service
Wireless internet access free of charge

Guests can choose between:

Buffet lunch in the main restaurant, snacks from the juice bar, sandwiches, toasted sandwiches, cake etc. There is also a small room service menu. The cost charged to the room and paid at the hotel before check out.

Walk to a local cafe in the village for a main meal and drink!

Yes! Pick up/Drop Off Location: Velana International Airport, Maldives

Arrival in Maldives before 14:00 to ensure ease of domestic transfer. You will then be driven to the luxury hotel

Conservation Centre

The establishment of a Conservation Centre has enabled development of a series of responsible activities for guests (such as snorkelling, dolphin watch, turtle identification and more). This way, during the activities a double goal can be pursued: “fun” for the guests and environmental monitoring at the same time.

During excursions at sea, marine biologists can carry out several projects of environmental monitoring in order to collect data on the ecosystem and monitor the effect of tourism. Open lab sessions provide the chance to discover marine research efforts and get involved with the marine biologists in their scientific work.

Boutique

There is a well-stocked and original boutique (clothing, souvenirs, and personal care products). Two highly skilled tailors can do ‘made to measure’ clothes of guests’ choice with typical material in a short time. The boutique always offers an excellent selection from the latest collection and local made hand crafts. Purchase a perfect gift or memorabilia for your stay.

Spa

Further your relaxation at the natural health retreat offering Ayurvedic, holistic treatments and classic massages services. Detox programs are research-based and combine medical science with holistic therapies.

Dive Centre

There are 20-30 dive spots at a boat distance of 20-40 minutes; all of them can be reached by traditional dhoni and/or speed boat. Manta and dolphin dives are offered according to the season.  The area offers drift dives, cave diving and even the Maadhoo wreck. Wall dives are among some of the best you will find in the whole of the Maldives scuba diving region and the coral reefs shine in the sunny weather and clear waters that make for great visibility of up to 30m. The diving centre guarantees the highest level of quality and professionalism.  They offer complete sets of rental equipment including BCD, masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits, dive computers and underwater digital cameras as well as customized services, suitable for both adults and children. All level courses are available including “PADI ENRICHED AIR DIVER”. Free try dive.

It is not necessary to know how to swim in order to snorkel, but you do need to be comfortable in the water. We provide buoyancy aids for all non-swimmers and our guides will initially take you to a shallow lagoon where you can put your feet down onto the sand in order to allow you to learn to float with the aid of the buoyancy aid before then adding a snorkel and mask. Our guide will provide instruction and coaching on how to snorkel and utilize the equipment. Our guide will assess your confidence and ability in the water to ensure it is safe to proceed to a coral reef area for your first snorkel encounter.

Please be sure to advise us at the time of booking if you are a non-swimmer

It is possible to encounter dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, mooray eels, giant pelagic fish, small tropical fish, whale shark and reef sharks (don't worry they are safe to swim with)

Child ages are 2-11 years old.