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Written by Saif Ahmed on June 18, 2021 Share on

Gaafu Atoll – Everything You Need to Know

Gaafu Atoll is a place that is unrealistically beautiful and relaxing; you might have a tough time leaving. The Maldives is a place you must visit at least once in your lifetime, especially with your significant other, by booking Maldives honeymoon packages. To stay in a water villa and enjoy the stunning coral reefs and magnificent sunsets that reflect on the clear smooth lagoon, let’s learn more about Gaafu Atoll.

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Here is all you need to know about Gaafu Atoll

gaafu atoll
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Gaafu Atoll comes under the world’s top 10 largest natural atolls. It is located in the southern Maldives 50 kilometres above the equator, is administratively separated into two parts. The Gaafu Alifu Atoll is the northern part of Gaafu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu is the southern part. These atolls have 235 islands and their capitals being Villingili and Thinadhoo respectively.

Let me take you through the two parts of the Gaafu Atoll, individually.

Gaafu Alifu Atoll

This northern part of Gaafu Atoll is the popular one of the two Atolls to explore on Maldives tour packages. It takes 1hr to 1hr 45mins to get to this Atoll through a domestic plane. It has renowned islands along the boundaries with excellent round islands in the centre and has gorgeous resorts. The magnificent atoll’s immaculate beauty has permitted the establishment of many luxury private island resorts such as:

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort

maldives resort
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This luxurious resort is an ‘All-Inclusive’ type resort which means you can access all of their exceptional perks. It definitely offers you the holiday you deserve. This resort has an aqua-villa that is literally underwater and all of their villas are just beautiful, grand and unique. They strongly believe in having a balance between work and play and Pullman definitely knows how to satisfy your appetite. Unlimited meals from 3 restaurants and it is also said to be the home for first veg restaurant in Maldives. This vegetarian restaurant is set in their beautiful organic veggie garden. They also have one of the best fitness retreats in Maldives. A holiday in this resort can certainly make you feel reborn.

Also read: Seaplane Ride in the Maldives

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Park hyatt maldives
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Recognised as the first eco-friendly resort, Park Hyatt Maldives is elegantly constructed to meet not just the needs of guests but also our beautiful Earth. It has also received the Green Globe award in construction and resort operations. This resort promises to provide all the pleasures of the Maldives facilities. It is a truly tropical paradise, complete with palm trees, banyan trees, coconut trees, and many types of flora, all surrounded by lovely, magnificent beaches.

The Residence Maldives Dhigurah

maldives beach
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The Residence Maldives is also an ‘All-Inclusive’ resort. It welcomes you with wonderfully lined spectacular resorts that have a mixture of traditional architecture and modern comforts offering seclusion. This resort is best not just for couples but families as well. Relax in the pleasures of modern conveniences while feeling the calming bliss of pristine nature in this resort. There are a variety of kids club activities that will keep your young ones happily engaged. Discover nature’s complicated eco-systems on a garden tour and pick out the fresh grown fruits and veggies. This is the resort that helps you create unforgettable memories with your family or significant other.

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort

beach resort
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Mercure Maldives is one of the affordable luxury resorts in the Gaafu Atoll. It does a great job in giving their clients a value for money. The Suvadiva Spa offers a variety of treatments and therapies like massages, wraps, scrubs and facials in their marine-themed spa. They have over 70 villas and most of them offer amazing sunset views. There is no extra speedboat journey for this resort. This resort is filled with serenity and romance making it perfect for couples.

Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll

Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll is the southern part of Gaafu Atoll and its capital is Thinadhoo. This part consists of over 153 islands and only 10 of them are inhabited. One interesting thing in this Atoll is that some important Buddhist archaeological relics can be found. There is still exploration to be done as there are other ruins that have not yet been explored. Some of the top resorts in this atoll are:

  • Ayada Maldives
  • Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
  • Amari Havodda Maldives

Ayada Maldives

ayada maldives
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This world-class contemporary resort awaits to give you an unforgettable luxurious experience by combining traditional Maldivian and Turkish design influences. This resort offers you perfect butler service making you feel like you are part of the royal family. Located on the southern rim of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the southern Maldives, making it a great spot for diving and surfing right off the beach, as well as various types of water activities such as sailing, water skiing, and fun tubes. Ayada Maldives has it all.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

maldives beach
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Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort is the true embodiment of tropical bliss of remote luxury set up on a secluded island destination marked with pristine and white sand beaches, lush tropical flora, and crystal-clear shallow oceanfront in the unspoiled paradise of coral islands and captivating azure lagoons. This five-star all-inclusive resort provides an unrivalled sense of solitude while enjoying an authentic Maldivian feast of fun and hospitality.

Amari Havodda Maldives

Gaafu atoll maldives
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Amari Havodda Maldives is literally a tropical paradise for the perfect getaway for couples and families. This is also an award-winning resort, designed by the well-known French firm. Focuses on giving a unique luxury experience based on the theme of natural sustainability. Whether you are here for a romantic honeymoon or a family vacation. The Amari Havodda Resort Maldives is the best holiday island with all the amenities for a relaxing stay. The Watersports Centre offers a variety of activities such as fun tubes and banana rides, kayaking, and snorkelling. Surfers will find that Haa Dhaalu Atoll offers some great and uncrowded surf points, many of which are close to one other and can accommodate surfers of all experience levels.

FAQs on Gaafu Atoll

Q: Which are the highlights of Gaafu Atoll?

A: This beautiful atoll is home to stunning white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and is ideal for snorkelling, diving, and water activities.

Q: Where is Gaafu Atoll located?

A: Also known as Gaafu Alifu Atoll, it is situated in the southern part of the archipelago in the Indian Ocean.

Q: What type of marine life can I expect to see at Gaafu Atoll?

A: You can explore colourful coral reefs, reef sharks, manta rays, turtles, and an array of tropical fish species at this marvellous atoll in the Maldives.

Q: Are there inhabited islands in Gaafu Atoll?

A: Yes, there are some inhabited islands in Gaafu Atoll where you can interact with locals, explore the culture, and witness traditional activities.

Q: When is the best time to visit Gaafu Atoll?

A: You should make plans to visit Gaafu Atoll during the dry season, which is from November to April.

Plan your Trip Now!

Can’t wait to visit this beautiful Gaafu Atoll? Reach out to us at Pickyourtrail and let us customise a vacation for you with the help of our vacation experts.

Also Read: Water villas in Maldives

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