Aug 302010

Located in North Ari Atoll, Madoogali is a real gem of a resort which is relatively undiscovered by the UK market. The island is full of lush vegetation, swaying coconut palms along with a soft and fine sandy white beach around it. Madoogali has an excellent house reef with superb coral colors, life and growth. Colorful Acropora, massive brain corals and anemone, are home to myriads of life including manta rays, turtles, guitar sharks, seahorses, etc.The house reef is easily accessible only a few meters away from the beach.

  • Beach at Sunset

    Beach at Sunset

  • Jetty

    Jetty

  • Beach at Sunset

    Beach at Sunset

  • Madoogali Aerial View

    Madoogali Aerial View

  • PADI Qualified!

    PADI Qualified!

  • Thatched Turtle

    Thatched Turtle

  • Villa

    Villa

  • Madoogali Beach

    Madoogali Beach

  • Madoogali Beach

    Madoogali Beach

  • Beach Bar

    Beach Bar

  • Diving with Marco

    Diving with Marco

  • Madoogali Bedroom

    Madoogali Bedroom

  • Leaving Madoogali

    Leaving Madoogali

  • Villa

    Villa

  • Madoogali Villas

    Madoogali Villas

  • Madoogali Villas

    Madoogali Villas

  • Turtle at Madoogali Reef

    Turtle at Madoogali Reef

  • Madoogali Aerial View

    Madoogali Aerial View

  • Madoogali Beach

    Madoogali Beach

The Island

Madoogali is a good example of the type of Maldivian island that we love. Relatively small in size, 450 x 300 metres and with a total of just 56 individual bungalows, the management have gone to great lengths to retain and maintain a natural style environment. The beach is soft, fine white sand and continues around the whole island, although as with most resorts, it is definitely wider in some areas than others, depending largely on the season. There are no coral ‘groyne’ walls to disrupt the views and the interior is particularly lush and attractive. A sandy path winds in front of the bungalows, shaded by mature palms, bowers of bougainvillea and native trees. There is a garden in the middle of the island with driftwood sculptures along the path leading to it. Personally, I’m not too sure about the addition of the bird cage but hey ho! The buildings have all been tastefully designed: for example, the bungalows are constructed from coral and have thatched roofs. Add to that a great house reef just metres from the beach and you have all the ingredients for a wonderful, natural Maldives resort.

The resort is Italian owned and managed and it is fair to say that the vast majority of guests are Italian. For some (including us), this just adds to the relatively undiscovered nature of Madoogali. At the time we stayed, we were the only British guests, although there were a few other Europeans including a French family that we shared some time with. Most of the staff can speak English, although the entertainment programs are conducted in Italian so best to chose another island if socialising and entertainment are important to you.

The Italian influence is also evident in the cuisine, which features pasta more heavily perhaps than at other resorts.

Transfer

Transfer: By seaplane, taking around 20 minutes, or 120 minutes by speed boat.

Accommodation

56 Individual Bungalows. Built of coral with thatched roofs and stylishly decorated inside and out. They are large in size and can accommodate 2 extra beds which is ideal for families. Bathrooms are large and fully enclosed. There is an adjoining sea view terrace with good quality wooden furniture for relaxing. The bungalows are all located around the perimeter of the island, slightly set back from the beach amongst trees and foliage.

Amenities include:
Air Conditioning
Ceiling Fan
Mini Bar
Tea & Coffee Maker
Satellite TV
IDD Telephone
Hair Dryer
Bathrobes
Adapters
Study table

Facilities

House Reef: Superb house reef, easily accessible just a few metres from the beach. The number and variety of fish and marine life is exceptional. Turtles and mantas can be seen regularly just by snorkelling a short distance from the beach. There are a number of marked cut through channels to make entry and exit from the reef easier.  We were greeted by a school of batfish every day when snorkelling at Madoogali.

Diving: Dive Centre Madoogali is a five star PADI centre and is one of the most specialised in the Maldives. English, French, German and Italian are all spoken. With three natural marine parks, Madoogali Diving Center offers 30 Diving Points. The Centre is able to offer courses for P.A.D.I certification and underwater photography. With their expert and experienced instructors, you will find manta rays and giant turtles, be able to discover the magic of a night dive, explore underwater canyons and descend in to a true blue world.We found the level of instruction to be excellent here – our boys (14 & 12 at the time) completed their PADI Open Water qualification whilst we were at Madoogali.  It is also fortunate in having a good number of nearby sites pretty much to itself.

Water Sports: The water sports centre provides Windsurfing, Waterskiing, Canoeing, Catamaran Sailing, Jet skiing, Fun toys & Banana ride.

Excursions: Island Hopping, Night Fishing, Trawling Fishing, Spin Fishing , Snorkeling trips to sandbank nearby reefs, Sunset cruising, Dolphin watching and Private picnics to desert Island.

Mu Spa: The beachfront spa offers a range of treatments including Asian and western massages, Reflexology as well as pedicure, manicure and facials.

Shop: There is a small shop/boutique on the island.

Medical: A Doctor is always on call on the island.

Eating & Drinking

Malafayi Restaurant: A buffet style spacious open air restaurant with a live grill at the centre of the buffet set up serves international cuisine including Mediterranean, Western and Eastern cuisine. The Grill serves freshly caught Wahoo, Marlins or Groupers along with several other accompaniments.

Haruge’ Bar: Just adjacent to the main restaurant is Haruge’ Bar with a vast chill out lounge and breezy outdoor deck under the shade of banyan trees. Cocktails and freshly squeezed tropical fruit juices are served both in the chill out lounge and on the deck. The bar is stocked with well known brands of liquors, wines and beer etc.

Veli Cafe’: Veli Cafe’ is a cozy outlet on the beach serving ice-cream, light snacks, smoothies as well as cocktails. This is the ideal place to have a quenching icy drink after hours in the sun or to watch the magical sunsets.

Meal options available: Half Board, Full Board, All Inclusive

Recreation

Free of charge: Volleyball, Table Tennis, Badminton, selection of Board Games, TV lounge.
Chargeable: Diving, Windsurfing, Catamaran Sailing, Canoeing, Water sports.
Evening Entertainment: There is an evening entertainment  programme (in Italian) and occasional disco.
Excursions: Sunset Cruise, Island Hopping, Snorkelling Safaris, Fishing Trips, Neighbouring Deserted Island.

Prices

< All our holidays are bespoke, tailored to your requirements. Because of this we operate a “price on application” system. However, this page will give you an indication of the cost of your holiday.

Guide Prices for 2 Weeks, 2 People, Half Board, Including flights from the UK and seaplane transfers:

This Resort Type of Resort Total Price – High Season Total Price – Low Season

Good Value £4,750 £3,600
Madoogali Mid Market £5,700 £4,100
Deluxe £10,500 £7,500
Luxury £11,975 £8,300

High season: Early Jan – End April (prices are higher again over Christmas and the New Year)
Low season: May – Mid July

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