Eden BAANI Lodge

We loved staying on Felidhoo, where the islanders welcomed us and invited us to join in local music and dancing. Being on a residential island gave us a much closer look at Maldivian life than a resort would. Even with monsoon rain, we could head out every day, and the island stayed lush and beautiful. The sea trips were a big part of the stay. Since we were the only guests, Malek was our private guide and took us out on a boat stocked with snacks. Snorkeling was fantastic: we explored colorful reefs, a shipwreck, and sandbanks, and saw sharks, turtles, dolphins, stingrays, and all kinds of local fish. Posters in the dining room helped us identify them. Feeding the sharks was a thrill, and Malek shared the underwater GoPro photos and videos he took with us for free. Gear was provided at no charge too. We also went to a nearby island, took guided walks around Felidhoo, and reached the local tourist beach in about a three-minute walk. The rooms were comfortable and clean, with four-poster beds and strong air conditioning. We were upgraded to two rooms for no extra charge, and the private garden was a peaceful place to unwind. Freshly caught fish and exotic fruit made the meals and breakfasts especially good. The two-hour speedboat ride over was rough in windy weather, though the return trip was much calmer. If you get seasick, tablets might help. Thanks to the whole team, especially Malek and Shuja, the owner, who was kind and helpful and even joined our evening outings. We’re already hoping to come back.

You arrive as a guest, but leave feeling like you’ve gained something. Make sure to visit this little Eden in the Maldives.

I’ve stayed on a lot of residential islands in the Maldives, so I feel I can compare. Here, the rooms get plenty of sunlight and don’t smell musty, and each one has a small balcony. What made the biggest difference was the staff. Everyone seemed cheerful, and our guide at sea stayed close and kept checking back to see where I was. I felt safe going out with him. The sea trips and the service inside the hotel were both five-star. I hope to return next year!

For a week, my family and I were the only guests, and we were impressed by the whole stay. Breakfast was great, the furniture was well made locally, and the shower under the open sky was a lovely touch. There aren’t many places to eat on the island, so we had our meals at the guesthouse. Malek cooked whatever we asked for, from local curries to pasta. Shujau, the owner, gave us snorkeling gear and sand toys for our little daughters at no cost. It feels a lot like a resort, without the outrageous price or a beachside location. The guesthouse is in the middle of the island, about a 200-metre walk from the bikini beach, which was fine for us. Highly recommend it!