Our Island - Mahibadhoo
Blessed with crystal clear water and picture perfect sunsets, Mahibadhoo is the capital island of Alif Dhaal Atoll. Located approximately 78km (49 miles) south West of Male, Mahibadhoo is easily accessible by speedboat or ferry from Male city.

Mahibadhoo measures just 2.4km (1.5 miles) long and 1.2km (0.75 miles) wide, which makes getting around extremely easy. An easy jog around the island takes 20 minutes and 5 minutes on foot from Noovilu Suites to the main streets where you can enjoy a stroll through the streets to experience the local Maldivian life scene. 

On the west side of the island where we are located, you will find a small lagoon bordered by a nice house reef to snorkel around. And on the main street of the island, there are local shops, restaurants and cafes. If you’re lucky, you might even catch an exciting game in play at the football field, a sport the locals love! 

 At the island harbour, you can see dhonis (typical Maldivian wooden boats), local fishermen doing their work, and at times the ferry coming in from Male.

More importantly for visitors, Mahibadhoo is very well-provisioned with basic services within easy reach. These include ATMs, banks, telecommunications shops, convenience stores and even medical facilities including a hospital and three well-stocked medical pharmacies. (US dollars are generally accepted on the island.)

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 The People & Culture
Approximately 2,000 people live on Mahibadhoo and their sources of livelihood include fishing, construction, boat building, carpentry, handicraft and tourism. A vast majority of the local young men work in nearby tourist resorts.
 
Maldivian people are generally very warm and friendly. On the island and at the guest house, it is a close-knit community where guests are made to feel welcomed and at home. Islam is the only official religion in the Maldives and when staying on a local island, there are a few local customs and religious practices that non-locals are asked to respect.
 
Alcohol: As Islam is the official religion in the Maldives, alcohol is forbidden on local and inhabited islands such as Mahibadhoo and visitors are also not allowed to bring their own alcohol along with them. However, alcohol consumption is permitted on resort islands which is built for tourists.
 
Attire: When going about the island, do dress appropriately and avoid wearing swimwear such as bikinis. Nonetheless, you are free to enjoy the sun and ocean in your swimwear within the guest house area, at our exclusive rooftop terrace, on the boat and outside the inhabited island.