Honest review
Practical advice for manta hunters: Hanifaru Bay — the world's largest feeding ground for giant rays and a UNESCO biosphere reserve — sits in the immediate vicinity of this guest house on Maalhos island in Baa Atoll. Neighbourhoods like this are exactly why people choose local islands.
The ocean is 20 metres away, first line. Snorkelling on the house reef brings turtles, rays and tropical fish; among the organised options — diving, swimming with manta rays, a dolphin cruise, fishing, a picnic on an uninhabited island and a trip to a sandbank in the middle of the ocean.
The lodging is modest but well thought out: 14 rooms on two floors — standard, family and VIP, with air conditioning, a rain shower, a safe and Wi-Fi; family rooms come with children's beds. A restaurant and café are on site; a spa and a small pool are promised later — for now they are not there, so factor that in.
There will be no language barrier: the staff speak English, and there is a Russian-speaking manager. An airport meet-and-greet and transfer are arranged around your flight.
A choice for active travellers and families for whom the underwater world matters more than luxury infrastructure.
