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.
Eydhafushi, the capital island was famous for it ‘feyli’ weaving – a wraparound skirt for women. The main industry in the area, after tourism, is tuna fishing, however some of the islands also produce some finely crafted lacquered ware. Most of these products you will see for sale in the souvenir shops and resort boutiques are the work of the people of Thulhaadhoo.
The Resort
Reethi Beach island resort is an excellent all-rounder and, although in the mid-range price category for a holiday in the Maldives, offers excellent value for what it provides. Transfer from Male to the resorts is either by seaplane and speedboat, however due to the distance involved seaplane is the more convenient option. Recently renovated with modern stylish comfort similar to the neighboring island of Soneva Fushi, this tasteful resort blends perfectly with the tropical nature of the island. The staff are a mix of Maldivian’s and European’s and evoke a sense of politeness and happiness which gives this resort a really nice feel good factor.
The island is blessed with natural beauty, something the resort is highly committed to keeping as untouched as possible. The trees have hardly been disturbed here, as is the beach, which has never had any sand pumped onto it unlike some resorts, and no walls or groynes to break its continual run around the island. These efforts to preserve the beauty of the island has been recognized in a Green Award from Kuoni.
The dining in the resort is exceptional, especially since a lot of the guests are on all-inclusive packages. The specialist restaurants put no some special dishes, Argentina night being very popular when we were there, and the Moodhu restaurant over the water is a real delight. The main restaurant is also exceptional, the lunch buffet, for example, varies every day for a fortnight so its unlikely you’ll get bored of the food here.
The Accommodation
All the accommodation has access to great beaches here. The Reethi Villas line the west side of the island and all have ample shade and beach. The deluxe villas have the southern tip of the island, where there is a great bulge of sand, and the northern tip is where the semi-circle of water bungalows are located, which, unusually for the water rooms, also have a stretch of fine beach. The water bungalows also have a bonus in a nice hut bar that is open all day. The water bungalows are very spacious inside and stylishly done with parquet floors. For those visitors who don’t want complete solitude there is also satellite TV and a music player. The island rooms are furnished just as well as the water bungalows, and have fine sea views, fine beach, and good snorkeling just a few steps away. The deluxe villas have a bit more space than the Reethi villas plus a swing joli and bathtub.
Activities
Overall, Reethi beach is unhurried and tranquil but does offer a lot of options for activities. 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 football and the beach bar organizes a daily volleyball game. The water sports 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 kitesurfing here, equipment you won’t find available on some other resorts. The spa here isn’t particularly special apart from the Balinese therapists who are excellent, and the price, which is reasonable.
The reefs at Baa atoll are in pristine condition, which provides 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 popular for many of the marine lovers that visit. The dive center at Reethi Beach resort is very helpful and efficient and organize up to 4 dives every day. The atoll has a large number of sites, some of which are still relatively un-visited, providing some great diving.