Mention South Ari Atoll to seasoned divers and wait for a faraway look to drift into their eyes. And it’s not just scuba enthusiasts that this part of The Maldives captivates: romantics are naturally susceptible; nomads love it; and families venturing this south side, are seldom tempted by the north again. So in the world’s most ethereally lovely archipelago, where every island is idyllic, what is it about South Ari Atoll that enchants families more than most?
Amaya Kuda Rah, on Kuda Rah island right at the heart of South Ari Atoll, has quite a few of the answers. It’s the resort where they believe in making Maldivian culture as much a part of a holiday as infinity pools, indulgent spas, and flawless, white sand beaches.
Luxury is still very much part of the experience; it wouldn’t be The Maldives otherwise. But Amaya encourages exploration beyond their spectacular resort island. They invite you to visit other islands, get to know local communities, and discover intriguing ways of life. They even manage to make family picnics more of an adventure by taking you sailing to remote and gorgeous locations on traditional dhoni; built by local craftsmen to designs passed down through generations.
From intriguing ways of actively engaging kids with conservation to underwater thrills in some of the world’s most legendary dive sites, Amaya Kuda Rah has a refreshing approach to making every moment of a family holiday unforgettable. Take a closer look at some of the very good reasons to think about joining them soon on lovely South Ari Atoll.
1/5 Snorkel the underwater wonders of South Ari Atoll
Seasoned divers know South Ari Atoll for the almost miraculous Kuda Rah Thila dive site. One of the most famous in all of The Maldives, it’s minutes from Amaya Kuda Rah, and almost as close to the equator. No surprise to find that the marine life here is rare, bordering on almost never seen, grey reef sharks are in permanent residence, and the soft coral is some of the world’s most pristine, and carefully protected.
Even truly daring kids might not be quite ready to venture down into the depths of Kuda Rah Thila, but guided snorkelling expeditions around the resort reefs aren’t any less thrilling. Unless of course, young explorers are nonchalant about gliding through clouds of colourful tropical fish, eyeballing sea turtles, and seeing living coral in all its many forms; up close and quite probably more astonishingly lovely than they ever dreamed possible.
Find yourself falling for the idea of Amaya Kuda Rah in South Ari Atoll? Book between now and March 2018 and save up to 20% on luxury family suites, beach villas, and duplex family beach villas with pools.
Find out more about Amaya Kuda Rah Resort & Spa in The Maldives
2/5 Cruise away for the day and discover The Maldives
There are dozens of reasons to stay put on Kuda Rah all holiday long, from the sugary soft beaches and endlessly tempting Indian Ocean to soothing spa treats, cute beach bars, and the fun of just cycling around and getting better acquainted with this little paradise isle.
But if you can tear yourself away, the resort sits between the islands of Dhangethi and Dhigurah, and a cruise to either is a unique opportunity to glimpse traditional Maldivian life, and experience local culture first-hand, in a part of the world where the pace is gentle, and not much has changed for centuries.
Both islands are inhabited and quite small. Although Dhigurah is three kilometres long, immense by Maldivian standards, and the more famous of the two thanks to impressive whale sharks inhabiting its beautiful reefs. If you’re feeling bold and want a closer look at these grand creatures, snorkelling expeditions are easy to arrange as part of an island cruise.
Find yourself falling for the idea of Amaya Kuda Rah in South Ari Atoll? Book between now and March 2018 and save up to 20% on luxury family suites, beach villas, and duplex family beach villas with pools.
Find out more about Amaya Kuda Rah Resort & Spa in The Maldives
3/5 Learning made light for junior conservationists
Engaging young guests with the serious business of conservation in an interesting and creative way is one of Amaya’s many talents.
Helping to plant a coral garden is another wonderful experience, which gives kids ownership of a real conservation project, and allows them to follow its progress, even when they’re back home.
Dolphin cruises with some subtle learning squeezed in, make conservation an adventure for younger children. And since every family is supplied with their own bikes to get about the island, there’s plenty of scope to do your own environmental research too: if you need any advice on where to go and what to see, simply ask and the friendly Amaya team will be only too happy to point you in the right direction.
Find yourself falling for the idea of Amaya Kuda Rah in South Ari Atoll? Book between now and March 2018 and save up to 20% on luxury family suites, beach villas, and duplex family beach villas with pools.
Find out more about Amaya Kuda Rah Resort & Spa in The Maldives
4/5 Wild watersports and brilliant beach games
When you’re surrounded on all sides by the Indian Ocean, it’s natural to assume watersports will play a big part in a family holiday. Assume away, Amaya is incapable of disappointing on that score.
Get together to scoot around on a banana boat, go solo on jet skis or try out the ridiculously exciting fun tube. Guided snorkelling expeditions are easy to arrange with the resort dive school. Experienced scuba enthusiasts can take to the world famous dive sites in the company of local experts, and the warm, clear ocean is paddle or swim perfect, when you just want to do your own thing. Plus kayaking and canoeing are also available.
Treasure hunts, frisbee contests, family movie night under the stars, and fantastic bonfire barbecues, are just a few of the ways Amaya take advantage of the island’s gorgeous beaches.
Find yourself falling for the idea of Amaya Kuda Rah in South Ari Atoll? Book between now and March 2018 and save up to 20% on luxury family suites, beach villas, and duplex family beach villas with pools.
Find out more about Amaya Kuda Rah Resort & Spa in The Maldives
5/5 Creative culinary classes
Maldivian seafood is legendary, and quite rightly so, but the country also knows a thing or two about sweet treats, and you’d need a will of iron not to fall in love with some of the more delectable desserts. Learn the secrets for yourself with one of Amaya’s traditional cooking classes. While you’re creating, kids can pick up tips on cookie decoration, and help out with the tasting, of course.
Decorating coconuts is another sneaky way to introduce conservation into the holiday: art from waste, and eco-souvenirs too, what could be greener? Older kids might prefer to take home some traditional gaming skills, in which case get one of the Amaya team to teach you all the ancient game of Carom; be warned, once you get the idea, things get very competitive, very fast.
Find yourself falling for the idea of Amaya Kuda Rah in South Ari Atoll? Book between now and March 2018 and save up to 20% on luxury family suites, beach villas, and duplex family beach villas with pools.