Why we prefer a local island on The Maldives!

The Maldives is renowned for its luxurious hotel resorts that offer guests the ultimate beach holiday experience. But what if we told you that there's an alternative to these resorts that offers a more authentic and immersive experience? Visiting a local island in the Maldives may not be the typical tourist experience, but it's definitely worth considering. Here are some reasons why:

1. Experience local life and culture

One of the biggest advantages of visiting a local island in the Maldives is getting to experience the local way of life and culture. The Maldives is home to a vibrant community of friendly locals who are eager to share their way of life with visitors. You'll get to see how the locals live, eat and work, and experience their traditions and customs firsthand. Watch the locals catching fish during sunrise, climbing up the palm trees to reach the coconuts or participate on a coconut oil workshop.

1. Get off the beaten path

While the hotel resorts in the Maldives are world-renowned for their stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, they can also be crowded and busy. Visiting a local island will allow you to get off the beaten path and explore a quieter, more peaceful side of the Maldives. You'll get to discover hidden beaches, snorkel in pristine waters, and explore the island's lush vegetation. On a resort island you are forced to choose between the very few activities they offer. On a local island you get the chance to find likeminded people, and if you have an idea on what you want to do or see, the locals will try everything to make it happen, for a decent price.

1. Save money

Which leads us to another advantage of visiting a local island. It can be more budget-friendly than staying in a hotel resort. Local island guesthouses offer comfortable accommodation at a fraction of the cost of a resort, leaving you with more money to spend on activities and experiences.

1. Engage in sustainable tourism

By staying on a local island, you'll be supporting sustainable tourism in the Maldives. Many local island guesthouses are owned and run by locals, which means that the money you spend stays in the local community. Additionally, these guesthouses often use eco-friendly practices and support conservation efforts in the area. Most of the guesthouses are being build from whatever was found in the ocean. Like our great Dhiffushi Island Villa, where we will spend our week during the Paradise Yoga Retreat.

1. Learn new skills

Finally, staying on a local island gives you the opportunity to learn new skills and engage in local activities. You can take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Maldivian dishes, go fishing with local fishermen, or even learn to dive and explore the incredible underwater world surrounding the island. In conclusion, while hotel resorts in the Maldives are undoubtedly luxurious and offer an incredible beach holiday experience, visiting a local island can offer a more authentic, immersive, and budget-friendly alternative. You will still enjoy crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and a rich underwater wildlife. It's a great way to experience local life and culture, get off the beaten path, support sustainable tourism, and learn new skills. So why not consider a local island for your next Maldives adventure? Let´s go Maldives!