Addu Atoll – Everything you need to know

Addu Atoll, also known as Seenu atoll or Addu City, is the southernmost below the equator. Addu Atoll along with Fuvahmulah, located 40 km to the north, extends into the southern hemisphere. The atoll is located roughly about 540 km south of Malé, the country’s capital. Addu city is an exclusive destination for retreating in style compared to most of the atolls in the Maldives. It is also intertwined with history and culture. It is home to some of the country’s most esteemed scholars and businessmen.

Addu city also has its own unique dialect called “Addu Bas” and has the highest population after Malé. The atoll is home to Addu city, one of the three cities of Maldives. Both inhabited and uninhabited islands such as Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, Maradhoo, Feydhoo, Hithadhoo form a bigger part of the atoll. It also houses the island of Gan(where the Gan International Airport is located).

Unlike the other Atolls that make up the Maldives, Addu city has a lagoon that doubles as a natural anchorage. This results in a natural harbour that is very calm and safe for ships at all times. These islands are protected from storms and high waves from the Indian Ocean by the barrier reefs. There’s an abundance of palm trees on the islands of this Atoll along with small lakes, wetlands, and taro fields.

How to Travel

Addu City is an important administrative and economic centre in the southern Maldives, almost rivalling Male in importance and magnitude. This atoll is also home to the Maldives’ second international airport on the island of Gan. It also houses the luxurious Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, playing an important role in the development of the tourism industry in the Maldives.

Also Read: Top 10 Budget Friendly Resorts in Maldives in 2021

The Gan International Airport with its restored and expanded runway can serve up to 30 international flights including those of charters and private jets during the peak seasons. The domestic operations come to the tune of around 160 flights per month, with the majority being flown in from Male International Airport itself. Alternatively, you could take a direct flight from Colombo to Gan if that helps improve your itinerary’s logistics. Recently, South African Airlines have also started direct flights from Johannesburg to Gan from December of 2018. 

Within the Addu Atoll, it is fairly easy to get around. You have the option of renting bicycles and scooters in addition to taxis. There is also a good network of buses and ferries operating here. It goes without saying that walking is just as good as anywhere else in the Maldives. There are three major banks in Addu Atoll – Bank of Maldives, State Bank of India, and Maldives Islamic Bank. ATMs are easily accessible and cash can be withdrawn using credit cards themselves.

Best Hotels In Addu Atoll

Shangri La’s Villingili Resort & Spa

Shangri La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives is a 5* ultra-luxury resort located in Addu Atoll. This private hideaway is the perfect setting for couples owing to its secluded location. The lush vegetation, acres of coconut palms, and a golf course differentiate it from every other resort in the Maldives. Shangri La’s offers 9 different types of accommodations mounting up to 143 rooms including water villas. The “smallest” of the rooms still boast an area of 133 square meters while most luxurious ones are as big as 952 square meters.

Also Read: 7 Adventurous Things to do in the Maldives

Beyond these villas, the resort offers many options for water adventures, such as turtle-quest snorkelling, diving to explore a unique shipwreck site, surfing under different wave setups, or parasailing to get a bird’s eye’s view. The island also has a unique set of flora and fauna adding to the beauty of the resort. This adds insane beauty to your cycling rides on the property or while playing on the ONLY golf course in the Maldives. Couples can also utilize and enjoy a range of experiences such as visits to the local farms and samplings of Maldivian Cuisine. 

South Palm Resort Maldives

South Palm Resort Maldives is the place to be to experience serenity, comfort, and privacy. The resort is white sand beaches with a crystal clear lagoon and tranquillising ocean views of the Addu Atoll. The South Palm Resort offers 6 types of accommodation including both land and water villas. The island provides a myriad of activities and facilities. The Kurumba Spa is the first-ever floating spa room in the Maldives and maybe in the world too! The resort has restaurants, bars, and gardens on the property. All of the rooms come with a flat-screen TV with access to cable channels and private bathrooms. The resort features an outdoor swimming pool, Entertainment centres, fitness centres, and an around-the-clock front desk. 

Also Read: Things to do with kids in the Maldives

In the resort, all rooms are equipped with a sea-view balcony, along with air conditioning and a wardrobe. Every accommodation comes with a continental buffet breakfast. Children can make use of the children’s playground and there’s a facility for table tennis, darts, and squash at the resort. The Eedhigamoolu Beach is less than a kilometre from the resort. The nearest airport is Gan International which is 14 km away and you can avail yourself of the airport shuttle service.

Equator Village

What sets Equator Village apart from every other resort is that it is a part of a bigger island and not on its own. It is a part of Gan Island which is connected to 6 islands, therefore, giving you access to the other islands at any point in time. This is the only resort that allows you to cycle/walk to explore the other islands and interact with the locals, thus giving you the natural feel. The resort offers excursions such as island hopping, fishing, snorkelling, etc. There’s a full-size snooker table and organizes disco events too.

This beachfront resort comes with the best spa offering the most therapeutic services. Equator Village offers 78 rooms with access to balconies/patios. They come with all basic amenities and complimentary toiletries. There’s an outdoor pool, a children’s pool, and an outdoor tennis court.

In case you feel a bit confused or overwhelmed with planning the itinerary, do reach out to us at PickYourTrail and one of our travel consultants will reach out to you and help you plan your Maldives vacation. Alternatively, you can check out our Maldives tour packages for your next vacay to Maldives. Happy exploring!