Rattehi Inn at Rakeedhoo

We went to Rattehi Inn on Rakeedhoo for five nights just after Christmas with my family, and it was such a relaxing getaway. The island is tiny, quiet, and peaceful. The hotel is thoughtfully arranged and nicely decorated, with a natural feel that suits the island. Our bedroom was lovely, the beach was unreal, and everything felt calm and unspoilt. The owners, their team, and the other guests made the place feel like one big family. The staff were welcoming and personal, and the owner and his wife were especially kind. Daminda was so attentive and went above and beyond. They also arranged a wonderful birthday surprise for my partner that we won’t forget. One thing I’d have liked to know beforehand is that the speedboat ride from the airport takes around 90 minutes. I’m a nervous traveller, so I found it a bit challenging, though knowing the duration earlier would have helped me prepare. The transfer is run by a third party rather than the hotel. We’d still absolutely return and recommend Rattehi Inn for a peaceful island stay.

This guesthouse was absolutely beautiful. For a stay on a local island, I don’t think you could find a better place. 10/10. Our welcome included fresh coconut juice and cold towels, and the brand-new room was lovely. It had a hair dryer and insect repellent, plus a modern bathroom with a glass shower wall and small touches like aloe Vera in glass jars. Housekeeping cleaned discreetly each day. Dinner was served on the beach every night; the food was reasonably priced and generally tasted good. Breakfast was great too, with made-to-order omelettes, fruit, cereals, and local dishes. There wasn’t a huge selection, which I liked as it means less food waste. Fresh filter coffee was available without the extra charge some other guesthouses add for it. The beach is clean, gorgeous, and safe for children, and the sunset there is stunning. At low tide, there’s a blue hole about a ten-minute walk away. Stingrays and baby sharks are often by the beach around midday, while reef sharks can be seen near the jetty and harbour at night. We had dinner on the jetty twice, surrounded by sharks and rays, which was brilliant. They also organized our excursions well. They weren’t cheap, but that seems to be the case around the Maldives unless you join a large group. We were the only tourists on our trips, had a sandbank to ourselves, and the staff set up a beautiful lunch there. I highly recommend the excursions. Because of the conflict in the Middle East, the inn was very quiet. That didn’t bother us, and at times it felt like we had a private island. I hope the family-run business gets more guests soon; everyone there works incredibly hard. The island is tiny and, in my view, five days is enough if you want to switch off. A local shop takes cash only but accepts US dollars, and it’s handy for snacks and drinks. Island hopping around the atoll is easy too: the local ferry costs €1.50 each to nearby islands, and the boat staff were friendly. The inn kindly helped us with the ferry schedule. We spent the first night at another guesthouse on the island before moving to Rattehi Inn. Its rooms were terrible, the food made us ill, and there was no soundproofing. The meals there were also very expensive and tasted awful. It did have free kayaks and snorkeling equipment. It seems it may once have been a lovely guesthouse, but now it feels neglected, and it wasn’t any cheaper than Rattehi Inn.

Rakkedho is a peaceful, beautiful island with wonderful access to the ocean and snorkeling spots. We found the room spacious, spotless, and comfortable, and the food was fresh and delicious, with a nice balance of local and international dishes. The staff were friendly, attentive, and helpful with every request. You could tell they genuinely cared about making guests feel welcome. Rahetthi felt like a home away from home, not just a hotel. Everything went smoothly from arrival to departure, and we’re already planning another trip.

We had only four days, but left with memories we’ll never forget. Everyone who helped make the trip special deserves thanks, especially Niya and the captain. From the minute we arrived, Niya met us at the island port and walked us to the hotel. He told us about the island, the locals, his own story, and the hotel. We felt like family straight away. The welcome included coconut water and leaves with our names on them. Our room was just right in size and had everything we needed: water outside to rinse our feet, mosquito repellent, a hairdryer, soap, umbrellas for rain, a mini fridge, tea and coffee, and even a clothesline inside the shower. The wooden furniture was handmade by locals, and the room felt beautiful and well thought out. Breakfast was filling, with local food, bread, juice, coffee, and cereal, plus a menu to order more. The menu had plenty to choose from, including noodles and a seafood platter I’d highly recommend. The portions were generous and the prices very low. On our first day we mostly relaxed on the hotel’s private beach, where the sea was breathtaking. The activities were a highlight. On the sunset fishing trip, we learned to fish and catch our dinner over about two hours. When we returned, we chose a fish for the chefs to prepare. We saw sharks and stingrays near the port while the fish was being cleaned, and the seasoning was incredible. It was the best fish I’ve had, and even my partner, who isn’t a big fish fan, devoured it. Huge thanks to the chefs. The next day’s full-day outing began with snorkeling among coral, turtles, and fish. Niya kept checking that we were safe and doing well. We then relaxed and had a delicious lunch on a small island, and snorkeled around it to see more fish and coral. Dolphins swam alongside the boat on the way back, leaping out of the water. It was beautiful to see. For my partner’s birthday, the staff surprised us with a beach dinner and a heart lit up with lights. We hadn’t asked for anything. After dinner, they brought out a delicious birthday cake and we sang together. I don’t even like chocolate, but I loved it. Earlier that evening we’d walked around the whole island, which takes only about ten minutes, and chatted with the welcoming locals, always smiling. My partner was keen to swim with sharks, so Niya offered to take us night snorkeling. I was too scared to join in, but watched from outside as sharks and stingrays gathered around our boat. It was so thoughtful of him to make the extra effort, and it made the birthday trip even more special. We were sad to leave and sat by the beach trying to hold onto that last moment. This is the longest review I’ve ever written, but I couldn’t leave out what the staff and locals did for us. It may be a 3-star hotel, but the experience felt like 10 stars. We’re so grateful to everyone on Rakeedhoo island for treating us as family. We’re already looking forward to coming back.