Felidhu Atoll is a small arc of islands about 60 kilometres south of the capital of the Maldives, Male. Despite its proximity to the main northern atolls, it is one of the least populated atolls of the Maldives group and just two of its secluded islands have been developed as exclusive tourist resorts. Felidhu is a popular destination for scuba divers, and both resorts specialise in scuba dive training and guided tours of the best local diving sites, including several sites within nearby national park areas.
The two resort islands, Dhiggiri and Alimatha, are both situated on the eastern side of the atoll group, about an 8 kilometre boat ride from each other and from the main local settlement at Felidhu island. The rest of the atoll is almost entirely uninhabited, and includes the easternmost point of the Maldives at Foiytheyo - which also said to be the least visited island in the Maldives, because it is 17 kilometres from its nearest neighbour. Both resorts offer a blend of the idyllic tropical scenery and modern luxury typical of Maldive resorts: white sand beaches shaded by coconut palms, bathed in the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Guests have their choice of modern bungalows scattered in the tropical gardens and trees beside the beach, or romantic water villas built out over the sheltered waters of the islands' coral reefs.
Both resort islands in Felidhu Atoll can be reached by speedboat in about two hours from Male, and by local ferry in about six hours. Most visitors prefer to make a 30-minute seaplane transfer from the capital, to experience the thrill of flying low over the jewel-like tropical islands and landing on the water near the beach - as well as giving them more time to relax in the luxurious surroundings of their chosen resort. Facilities for guests include tennis and volleyball courts, fitness centres, and health spas. Traditional dhoni sailing boats are available to take guests on picnicking, fishing and snorkelling excursions to several nearby uninhabited islands and secluded beaches, where they can place the first footprints of the day on the fine coral sand.
Felidhu Atoll is a popular destination for live-aboard scuba diving cruises, and both Alimatha and Dhiggiri are well placed to take advantage of some of the best underwater scenery in the Maldives. The Dewana Kandu national park is one of the top dive sites in the region, and can be reached by local dive boat from either resort in about 10 minutes. Two other marine park areas are also within range. The signature dive site at Dewana Kandu is famed as one of the most exhilarating drift dives in the world, where the currents from an ingoing tide speed divers past underwater caves and overhangs populated by eagle rays and reef sharks. Dive training is available at both of the resorts, and the dive schools also run night-time snorkelling tours for those who want to glimpse the astonishing variety of life on the house reefs after dark.