Unforgettable Family Stay at Villa Rosa
I stayed for a week in August with my family and a couple of friends at Villa Rosa on the island of Feridhoo, North Ari Atoll. The guesthouse, expertly managed by Michela and Claudio, consistently ensured guests felt welcomed and at ease, making the stay truly memorable thanks to their attentive care. The guesthouse features just five spacious rooms, all with private bathrooms and small gardens. The rooms are tastefully furnished, equipped with air conditioning and ceiling fans, and cleaned thoroughly each day with fresh towels and beach linens provided.
The food was excellent—diverse and never repetitive—artfully blending Maldivian traditions with Italian flavors. A special highlight were the desserts, with elaborate recipes prepared directly by Michela. The well-maintained bikini beach was private and equipped with comfortable sun loungers and umbrellas. A short walk through a forest of palms and mangroves leads to the beach. Thankfully, the island hasn’t yet experienced mass tourism, preserving its lush vegetation.
The reef, accessible directly from the beach, is abundant with corals and all kinds of marine life, including stingrays, small sharks, turtles, and the fascinating guitar shark, which impresses every time it appears. As certified divers, we also used the Noohiri dive center, which is managed by Claudio. The dives, including Maahia Thila and Feshdhoo Wreck, were among the most stunning we’ve ever experienced. We were accompanied by Mukhtahar, a dive master, and Elena, a marine biologist and instructor, both of whom were highly knowledgeable and attentive to our needs. Elena even hosted an evening dedicated to marine biology, helping us learn more about preserving the Maldivian ecosystem.
Noohiri Diving is actively involved in the Coral Restoration Project, collaborating with the University of Padova to restore and safeguard the coral reefs of Feridhoo Island. Deeply passionate about the ocean, we felt truly at home here, fully immersed in its splendor, vibrant colors, and intoxicating scents. The island’s tranquility made our stay an exceptional experience, one we whole-heartedly recommend and would repeat without hesitation.