Olive Goidhoo
Goidhoo Island, Baa Atoll
We’re partial to daydreaming about a blissful week or two in the Maldives, and can while away plenty of hours thinking about those impossibly pristine sands and turquoise-clear waters... the photos don’t lie! But for us, the full cherry-on-the-cake wish fulfillment includes a good sprinkling of the archipelago’s history and culture too, and that’s where the Olive Goidhoo steps in. A stay at this streamlined and welcoming resort makes the Maldives experience even richer, with real local connections and immersion in daily life.
The resort is stylish in an understated way, with crisp, clean lines leading the eye towards the gorgeous views over the coast and the garden. Couples can enjoy cosy seclusion, and families can fully unwind, with everything set up to make each experience as relaxing as possible. There’s adventure on tap with water sports, underwater wildlife and island exploration, but it’s the local community that really takes this experience up a notch. Surround yourself with island culture, and experience a true taste of daily Maldives life.
Location
On the north-west corner of Goidhoo Island in the Baa Atoll just an hour and a half north of Male, making it a convenient and laid back destination to get the classic Maldives experience.
A little more detail
Local island community
Sea views & golden sands
Water sports & cycling
Family-friendly
From a client…
We took things at our own pace without ever feeling rushed. Snorkelling was a highlight, and we really loved heading to the local cafes for some traditional treats.
Image gallery
Why we love it
Discover what to expect from staying at Olive Goidhoo
Balance in paradise
While the Maldives is famed for its uber-luxury, adult-only hideaways, these don’t suit everyone’s circumstances or budget, and the Olive Goidhoo is proof that there are more inclusive options out there that still deliver the full Maldives package. The Olive’s uncomplicated yet welcoming spaces are the perfect balance - somewhere to relax while still keeping the focus firmly on the island’s pristine surroundings. This is our kind of luxury - one that keeps you connected to the destination in a low-key, sustainably focused way. The self-contained suites feel bright and homely, with private balconies for enjoying an early morning cuppa with a view.
A local link
One of the things we love most about Goidhoo is that it’s a lived-on Maldives island with a thriving local community. There are several fruit and vegetable farms, as well as a handful of locally-owned restaurants and cafes where you can rub shoulders with those who call this corner of paradise home. One absolute must is taking time to enjoy a traditional ‘hedika’ afternoon-tea-come-tapas treat. Served daily between 3pm and 5pm, this charming spread of sweet and savoury morsels, washed down with black tea, is the perfect way to take time out to refresh and regroup, Maldivian style.
What can you do there?
While the Olive may be a little less ‘bells and whistles’ than the swankiest Maldives resorts, the range of activities and facilities on offer is no less extensive and there are plenty of family focused options. Explore the island’s freshwater lakes and mangroves by kayak, or step into the crystal-clear ocean waters to try the whole range of water sports from kite surfing to boat trips. Snorkel offshore or take your underwater adventure up a notch with diving expeditions further afield. Watch the marinescape change again with night dives, and glimpse dolphins leaping through the waves at sunset. Explore the island by bike, take things slow with a few hours fishing, or just soak it all up on those golden sands.
Family-Friendly Focus
Whether you’re travelling with toddlers or taking teenagers on the trip of a lifetime, the Olive offers a warm welcome where families can feel fully at home. Interconnected family rooms offer extra space and convenience, and there are babysitting and playground facilities onsite too.