1 | secret paradise

1 | Secret Paradise

2Secret Paradise |

WELCOME TO THE MALDIVES

The archipelago of the Maldives located 300 miles southwest of

the southern tip of India and 450 miles west of Sri Lanka, is a

string of 1,190 low lying coral islands nestled north to south in

the vast expanse that is the Indian Ocean. Coconut palm fringed

islands, sparkling white beaches, tranquil lagoons, turquoise

blue waters filled with an abundance of marine life all combine

to form breath taking beauty that will stay with you long after you

return home.

Visit the Maldives and you truly visit a tropical paradise. The 14th

Century Moroccan traveller, Ibn Battuta, described the Maldives

as ‘one of the wonders of the world’. This natural beauty together

with the friendliness and warmth exuded by traditional Maldivian

hospitality has made the Maldives the ultimate destination for sun

lovers, beach wanderers, snorkelers, SCUBA divers, surfers and

for those who just seek peace in the pleasure of doing nothing!

Until recently, the Maldives experience has been restricted to an

exclusive – in more ways than one – resort lifestyle. However,

recent changes in local laws has permitted tourists to stay on

all islands, allowing travellers the opportunity to experience the

real Maldives everywhere in the archipelago and at a less than

exclusive price.

The Maldives now demands the attention not only of those

looking for an indulgent break or exceptional snorkeling and

dive locations but of those who are looking for adventure and

discovery and the opportunity to experience the tradition and

culture of living alongside a local.

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INTRODUCINGSECRET PARADISE

Secret Paradise is committed to providing

affordable Maldives holiday options. We believe the idyllic white beaches, turquoise lagoons, clear warm waters and coral reefs

abundant with marine flora and fauna should be available to everyone regardless of budget.

We offer what most operators in the Maldives don’t - Local Island Adventure, Discovery Cruises, and Local Island

SCUBA Diving, as well as the options that the Maldives is famous for – Resorts and Liveaboards.

Whichever your preferred option you can expect holidays that are affordable, fun and provide comfort along with a warm welcome allowing you, our guest, to

experience the best from the paradise we call home.

LOCAL ISLAND ADVENTURE

Secret Paradise local island adventure packages combine local island life with watersport activities, excursions and relaxation. Travelling by public ferry between local islands in North and South Male Atoll, travellers will be able to share breakfast and dinner with a local family; participate in traditional Maldivian singing and dancing; join in with a lesson at the local school and learn how a boat is built at the local boat yard. Other activities more commonly associated with the Maldives include discovering the abundance of marine life through snorkeling or SCUBA diving; windsurfing; surfing; sunset dolphin cruises; beach BBQs and fishing. We have also taken into account the restriction of the consumption of alcohol and the wearing of bikinis on local islands and ensure guests benefit from excursions to picnic islands and resorts where the laws do not

apply.

So if you feel like it is time to sit in the shade of a palm tree, slip off your shoes and adventure Maldivian style contact the Secret Paradise team at [email protected] or check out

the website www.secretparadise.mv

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SHORT STAY ADVENTURES

THREE DAY ESCAPE

DAY ONE:Arrive Male International Airport and transfer by local ferry to your

guesthouse on the local island of Maafushi, South Male Atoll.Meals – Dinner

DAY TWO:

Local Breakfast, Local Island Tour, Sandbank picnic lunch, Cultural Dinner

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY THREE:Transfer by early morning local ferry to Male where accompanied

by a guide you can discover the history of the capital city.Meals – Breakfast

4 DAY DISCOVERY

DAY ONE:Arrive Male International Airport and transfer by local ferry to your

guesthouse on the local island of Maafushi, South Male Atoll.Meals – Dinner

DAY TWO:

Local Breakfast, Local Island Tour, Sandbank picnic lunch, Cultural Dinner

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY THREE:Half day snorkeling excursion, Dolphin and sunset cruise, Local

family dinnerMeals – Breakfast, Dinner

DAY FOUR:

Transfer by early morning local ferry to Male where accompanied by a guide you can discover the history of the capital city.

Meals – Breakfast

PRICES FROM $349 PER PERSON

Please check our website for departure dates and up to date

pricing and offers.

For travellers who still wish to experience resort life in the Maldives or are planning

a trip to Sri Lanka, our 3 & 4 day local island adventures offer an excellent way

to combine both styles of holiday, particularly as all packages start and finish

at Male International Airport and should a package not entirely suit the team at

Secret Paradise are able to customize.

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LOCAL ISLAND HOPPING 8 DAYS

Travel on a Secret Paradise’s local island adventure to discover culture and tradition, deserted islands, beautiful sunsets and the beauty of the underwater world. Enjoy the hospitality of the Maldivian people whilst experiencing those things the Maldives is renowned

for; diving, snorkeling, sunset safaris and relaxation. Staying in local island guesthouses the accommodation on this tour is designed to provide a balance of comfort, local atmosphere and value for money. These are not luxury properties,

but are clean, comfortable, have friendly staff, and provide some excellent local food.

DAY ONE: Arrive in MaleUpon arrival at Male International Airport you will be greeted and transferred to your guesthouse on Hulhumale. Settle in after your flight before taking your first steps on the sands of this tropical paradise.

DAY TWO: Male Tour, public ferry to GuraidhooThis morning your guide will accompany you on a tour of the capital city before transferring by local ferry to the local island of Guraidhoo, South Male. Upon arrival you will have time to settle in before either relaxing on the beach or on the terrace of your guesthouse to watch the sun go down, followed by dinner freshly cooked at the guesthouse. Meals – Breakfast, Dinner

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DAY THREE: Breakfast with local family, Guraidhoo tour, sandbank visit with dinnerBreakfast this morning is taken with a local family allowing you true access to Maldivian local life before exploring Guraidhoo with the opportunity to learn about the local way of life including a visit to the Mosque, perhaps participate in a lesson at the school and at the boatyard learn how the common wooden boat known locally as a ‘dhoni’ is built. The afternoon is at your leisure before being taken to a deserted sandbank where you will be able to swim and snorkel before enjoying dinner served Robinson Crusoe style! Meals – Breakfast, Dinner

DAY FOUR: Picnic Island, BBQ lunch, dinner with local familyYour day is spent on an uninhabited picnic island where you have the opportunity to swim, snorkel or just lie back and relax before enjoying a BBQ lunch and then more of the same! Dinner this evening is spent with a local family just don’t expect silver service as traditionally meals are eaten without the aid of a knife and fork!Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY FIVE: Transfer to Maafushi, Snorkeling half day boat trip, Free time, Bodu Beru dinnerTransfer by local ferry to the local island of Maafushi before a half day snorkeling excursion takes you to some of the best reefs to discover this underwater world for yourself. Following an afternoon at your leisure dinner will be a selection of local dishes accompanied by traditional dancing and the beat of the ‘bodu beru’. Meals – Breakfast, Dinner

DAY SIX: Free time. Sunset Dhoni trip with evening fishingToday is yours to enjoy as you please, relax on the beach or for those feeling energetic participate in the various optional watersport activities on offer. Optional diving trips can be organised for certified divers.Just before sunset you will board a traditional Maldivian fishing dhoni in order to cruise the Indian Ocean and weather providing enjoy a Maldivian sunset with the possibility to catch a glimpse of schools of dolphins. You can also try your hand at fishing Maldivian style. The Maldives is unique in that its history depends on tuna fishing and the locals are excellent fishermen using pole and line and are happy to share their line fishing skills with you. Your catch will be freshly prepared for you to enjoy as a BBQ dinner.Meals – Breakfast, Dinner

DAY SEVEN : Free timeFollowing breakfast served at the guesthouse today is a day of relaxation on the beach. In the afternoon, visit a local cafe to sample traditional ‘hedika’ - Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea. Meals – Breakfast

DAY EIGHT: Transfer to Male airport for departureAfter breakfast you are transferred back to Male by public ferry and on to Male airport where the tour ends. Meals – Breakfast


Please check our website for departure dates and up to date pricing and offers.

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DISCOVERY CRUISES

DAY ONE: Board Safari, cruisingUpon arrival at Male International Airport you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your safari dhoni; home for the next 7 days. After lunch cruise Male Atoll, during which, time is yours to do as you please, relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy and watch the beauty of the Maldives pass you by and maybe catch sight of dolphins. When at anchorage you can choose to do as much or as little as you please. Options include snorkeling and swimming, fishing or just relaxing. Meals – Lunch on board, Dinner on board

DAY TWO: Cruising, local island visitFollowing breakfast depart south enjoying lunch on the way. This afternoon you have the opportunity to visit a local island fishing village where accompanied by a guide, time is spent exploring the island with the opportunity to meet the local people, learn about the local way of life including a visit to the Mosque, the local school and the boatyard where you can learn how the common wooden boat known locally as a ‘dhoni’ is built before experiencing traditional ‘hedika’ - Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea.Meals – Breakfast on board, Lunch on board, Dinner on board

Our vessels differ in their design; size and services offered but all provide a truly magical experience. The crew familiar with the local waters will navigate you through the beautiful reefs and channels of the Maldives. Awake to the sun rising over the azure ocean, snorkel areas that are famous throughout the world for their stunning beauty and abundance of marine life, surf waves that will accommodate every level of experience, visit unspoiled islands and sample the local way of life and

by night relax on deck gazing at the millions of stars above you.

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DAY THREE Cruising, Picnic Island, BBQ dinner, option to camp overnight on deck.Following breakfast depart to a beautiful uninhabited picnic island, with a picture perfect sand bar. Here you have the opportunity to swim, snorkel or just lie back and relax. This evening enjoy a beach dinner ‘Robinson Crusoe’ style before having the option to spend the night camped on deck under the stars!Meals – Breakfast on board, Lunch on board, BBQ beach Dinner

DAY FOUR: Sunrise fishing, Free timeThis morning an early start before sunrise is required in order to experience the art of Maldivian fishing! Your catch will be freshly prepared for you to enjoy later in the day. Following breakfast the day is one of relaxation on board or on the beach. For those feeling energetic snorkelling and swimming are available. Meals – Breakfast on board, Lunch on board, Dinner on board

DAY FIVE: Cruising, Local island visit, Cultural dinnerFollowing breakfast cruise to another inhabited local island, whilst cruising the time remains yours to do as you please, relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy and watch the beauty of the Maldives pass you by. Late afternoon transfer ashore for a tour of the island before enjoying dinner comprising of a selection of local dishes accompanied by traditional dancing and the beat of the ‘bodu beru’. Meals – Breakfast on board, Lunch on board, Cultural Dinner

DAY SIX: CruisingAfter breakfast this morning we begin our cruise back north to Male Atoll. Stopping close by to a lagoon there will be time in the afternoon for swimming, snorkeling

and sun bathing.Meals – Breakfast on board, Lunch on board, Dinner on board DAY SEVEN: Cruising, Male VisitFollowing breakfast we head towards the capital Male enjoying lunch on the way. Upon arrival in Male a guide will accompany you on a tour of the capital city. There is time for souvenir shopping and the opportunity to sit in a local café and watch the world go by! Late afternoon we depart to a close by island where there will be opportunity to snorkel on the reef.Meals – Breakfast on board, Lunch on board, Dinner on board DAY EIGHT: Transfer to Male airport for departureAfter breakfast you are transferred back to Male International Airport where the tour ends. Meals – Breakfast on board


Please check our website for departure dates and up to date pricing and offers.

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When it comes to diving the Maldives is in a class of its own, but the best dive spots do not have to cost a fortune. Secret Paradise have teamed up with local guest houses, local PADI dive centres and local liveaboard operators to offer great diving at affordable prices. We will connect you with dive experts who have more than 20 years diving experience in the Maldives and as well as a Maldives

based UK guest representative.

We keep it simple but without cutting corners. You can expect reliable equipment; knowledgeable Instructors, experienced Dive Masters and guides; comfortable, clean, guest houses, clear communication and reliable airport transfers. We do our best to save you money and still provide a dive

trip to remember.

DIVING

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DIVE LOCAL NORTH MALE ATOLL

DIVING OVERVIEWThe presence of deep, clear waters all around the atoll means excellent visibility, especially with ingoing currents. Palagics such as barracuda, trevally and tuna and big schools of fusilier, snapper and sharks all congregate at the entrance to the channels. Most of the diving in North Male Atoll is in channels and drift diving is the most common method. Popular dive sites include HP Reef, Okobe Thila, Nassimo Thila, Lankan Caves, Maagiri Caves, Banana Reef and

Maldive Victory.

DIVE CENTREDive Club Maldives, a PADI affiliated dive centre on the island of Hulhumale, is operated by a group of local dive professionals who take a personal interest in promoting scuba diving through education and awareness about the underwater environment of the Maldives. Their objective is to encourage underwater conservation and safe

diving practices.

ACCOMODATIONFor divers looking to visit the Maldives on a budget Hulhumale Inn, situated on the developing island of Hulhumale, provides an ideal

base from which to explore the dive sites in North Male Atoll.

There are plenty of local coffee shops, a handful of restaurants and a small local shopping area. The beach located behind the hotel is an endless stretch of sand and provides the ideal location to swim, snorkel or just relax after a great days diving. The capital Male is just a 20 minute ferry journey away and for those who like to end their day with a beer the only hotel serving alcohol on a local island is a short

bus journey.

- 10 en-suite rooms , including 2 with small private balcony

- Twin or double bed - AC and ceiling fan in all rooms - Terrace - Complimentary Tea/Coffee- Guest access to kitchenette- Complimentary water

- Free Wi-Fi - Flat Screen TV- Reception with safety deposit

box- In room charging facilities- Transfer from Male International

Airport by private taxi - 3 nights BB plus transfer $285

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DIVE LOCAL SOUTH MALE ATOLL

DIVING OVERVIEWThere are many dive sites with spectacular drop offs and caves along both sides of the channel that separates North Male and South Male Atoll, as well as a further 18 channels located along the eastern and western sides of the atoll. Predictably currents at the channel entrances attract barracudas, grey reef sharks, white tip sharks, groupers, jacks, trevally, napoleon wrasse and eagle rays. Popular dive sites include the protected marine area of Embudhoo Kandu, Embudhoo Express, Kandooma Thila, Guraidhoo Corner, Kandooma

Caves.

DIVE CENTREMaafushi Dive, a PADI affiliated dive centre on the island of Maafushi is a professional scuba diving operation run by highly qualified and motivated locals. Their facilities are equipped with comfortable classroom space, plenty of room for wet storage and a modern compressor system. There are only a few Maldives Dive operators who are certified Bauer Pure Air stations and Maafushi Dive can claim

to be one of these.

ACCOMODATIONArora Inn and Stingray Beach Inn are located on the local island of Maafushi. A typical Maldivian local island, think palm trees and sand, Maafushi has a close knit community and since the introduction of local island tourism it is proving a popular destination for those wishing to dive the Maldives without paying resort prices. There are a growing number of guesthouses providing several options for dinner, snacks or a cooling drink. As with all Maldives local islands alcohol is unavailable on Maafushi, but this is easily remedied by taking a short

boat trip to the nearby resorts to quench your thirst!

- 6 en-suite rooms - Twin or double bed - AC and ceiling fan in all rooms - Terrace- Complimentary Tea/Coffee- Complimentary water- Free Wi-Fi

- Flat Screen TV- In room charging facilities- Transfer from Male International

Airport by private speedboat or public ferry

- 3 nights BB plus transfer $499


DIVE LOCAL ARI ATOLL

DIVING OVERVIEWStunning coral formations, incredible colours and a huge variety of fish life have made Ari Atoll one of the top diving destinations around the world. Add into the mix regular Manta Ray and Whaleshark sightings, and it’s clear why people keep coming back for more. From January till end of March visits to manta dive sites are made several times a week and in April, May and then again September through to November there is a good chance of seeing whalesharks in the area. Popular dive sites include Broken Rock, Protected Marine Area

Kudarah Thila, Panettone and Angaga Thila.

DIVE CENTREIsland Divers offers a wealth of experience in diving in one of the Maldives diving hot spots. Based on the island of Dhigurah, South Ari Atoll, Island Divers offers an extensive range of daily dive trips, as well as a host of PADI courses catering for beginners and experienced divers. With a beautiful house reef and a fantastic range of nearby

dive sites you are guaranteed a dive trip to remember.

ACCOMODATIONTME Retreats is situated on the beautiful local island of Dhigurah. The property is well-equipped with modern amenities and whilst located a little out of the main village centre it still allows guests to enjoy the unique island lifestyle of the Maldives. Stroll along the refined, white sandy beach with a length of more than 3 km and you will feel as though you have the beach all to yourself or treat yourself to dinner at

one of the many close by 5* luxury resorts.

- 8 en-suite rooms- Twin or double bed- AC and ceiling fan in all rooms- Terrace or patio per room- Complimentary Tea/Coffee- Complimentary water- Free Wi-Fi

- Flat Screen TV- In room charging facilities- Transfer from Male International

Airport by domestic flight and speedboat


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DIVE LOCAL LAAMU ATOLL

DIVING OVERVIEWDiving season is open all year round with the calmest conditions from December through to June. Laamu Atoll is an untouched paradise for snorkelers and divers. With relatively few channels, great visibility, beautiful hard coral formations and weak currents, this area is perfect for photographers and inexperienced divers. Inner reefs are home to both small macro and larger animals such as turtles. The channels to the north provide adrenalin-charged current diving for the more experienced and are packed with fish, sharks and eagle rays while on

the outer reef; you may encounter mantas and whale sharks.

DIVE CENTRELaamu Dive and Surf, operated by PADI Instructors Judith (French) and Harvey (Kiwi) is the first PADI scuba diving and watersports center on a local island in Laamu Atoll, one of the most remote and under-developed atolls in the Maldives. From beginners to experienced divers, they offer a full range of services, PADI courses and dive sites

that fit any level.

ACCOMODATIONReveries Diving Village stands proudly as the first and only hotel with full resort facilities on the local island of Gan, Laamu Atoll. A thirty-five minute scenic flight from Male’ International airport and twenty-minutes’ drive from Kadhdhoo Domestic Airport, Reveries is built in a unique contemporary Maldivian style nestled in a beautiful garden setting adjacent to the beachfront. Welcoming guests from all parts

of the world to explore the hidden treasure of untouched reefs,

- 25 Deluxe rooms- 1 Villa (3 rooms)- Twin or double bed- AC in all rooms- Balcony per room- Restaurant- Roof top mocktail bar- Garden BBQ- Conference room

- Boutique- Gym- Plunge pool- Wellness- In room charging facilities- Transfer from Male International

Airport by domestic flight and taxi



DIVE LIVEABOARD

Tried and tested Secret Paradise’s liveaboard selection combine the beauty of the Maldives with your passion for diving. Our vessels differ in their design; size and services offered but all provide a truly magical experience. The crew familiar with the local waters will navigate you through the beautiful reefs and channels of the Maldives. Awake to the sun rising over the azure ocean, dive the many dive sites that are famous throughout the world for their stunning beauty and abundance of marine life and by night relax on deck gazing at the millions of stars

above you.

OUR LIVEABOARDSSharifa

DhinashaTLM CruiserPrincess AifaConte Max

Liveaboard itineraries are generally for 7 nights, cruising Sunday – Sunday, however, 10 night and 14 night itineraries can be arranged allowing you more time to travel and explore an extensive area.7 night cruises will generally cover Male Atoll and Ari Atoll, with routes decided by the Dive Guides dependent on the weather and the current whilst still ensuring you dive the best sites. Longer cruises will head to atolls further north and further south and dive sites that are dived less frequently. - Return transfer from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport .- Accommodation – En-suite Double or Twin sharing rooms with AC.- Full board meal plan - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (Water, Tea and

Coffee at meal times included). - Complimentary 1.5L water daily- Maximum of 3 dives per day, with an additional night dive per week. - PADI certified English speaking Diving Instructor/ Dive Master will

guide all dives. - Tanks and Weights. - Additional diving equipment / accessories rental


Itineraries can be customized to suit your needs and charters are available.

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Set on their own tropical island providing seclusion & relaxation far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Secret Paradise’s resort selection allow you to

do as much or as little with your time in paradise.

Lounge on white coral beaches and soak up the abundance of sunshine, explore underwater treasures, indulge in a spa treatment, take an excursion and experience the culture and tradition of life on a local island or just sip a cocktail as you watch the ever changing colours of the sunset. Whatever your mood you can be assured of an unforgettable experience.

We have hand picked our resort portfolio to include those resorts that we personally feel offer warm hospitality, a choice of accommodation, house reefs worth snorkeling, notable dive centres and the traditional barefoot holiday the Maldives is known for.

Whether you are looking for an affordable or luxurious escape to this tropical paradise visit www.secretparadise.mv or contact [email protected] and start shaping your

dream holiday.

RESORTS


RESORT OPTIONS

For many guests a holiday to the Maldives is not complete without a visit to sample the luxury and relaxation of resort life. With this in mind we offer resort stay extensions to all our trips as well as offering the

traditional 7 night or 14 night resort holiday.

With over 100 resorts to choose from we have worked to build strong partnerships with a small number of resorts, personally selected by us to ensure they provide you with the resort experience of a lifetime. All of our resorts offer great house reefs ideal for snorkeling and professional dive centres that cater for both the novice diver and the

experienced diver.

Choose from:3*, 4*, 5* resorts

Beach or over water accommodationBB, HB, FB or All Inclusive meal plans

Speedboat or seaplane transfers – dependent on the resort’s proximity to Male

3* RESORTS

Eriyadu Island ResortFun Island Resort and Spa

4* RESORTSBandos Resort

VakarufalhiHoliday Island

Vilamendhoo Island Resort

5* RESORTSBeach House, Iruvelhi

Paradise Island Resort and SpaRoyal Island Resort and Spa

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TAILOR MADE Should the tour, liveaboard or resort options in this brochure not fit with what you are looking for, or you are a family with children under the age of 12 then please contact us at [email protected] as we are happy to provide tailor-made itineraries for all levels of budget.

GROUPSWe appreciate that not everyone wishes to travel solo or with their partner and for many, part of the holiday is about sharing it with friends. With this in mind we are happy to offer all of our tours and liveaboard options with group discounts, please contact [email protected]

for more information.

ADVICE

With over 12 years experience of travelling and diving in the Maldives, as well as an abundance of knowledge at a local level, the Secret Paradise team can provide you with all you need to know about your holiday destination and how to get the best from your trip to the

Maldives before you arrive.

PARTNERS

We are delighted to work in partnership with the following companies:Encounters Travel

www.encounterstravel.com ECD Global www.ecdglobal.info

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HOW TO BOOKWhen you have chosen your tour,

liveaboard or resort please visit our

website

www.secretparadise.mv where

you will find additional information,

maps and photographs together

with a direct booking link or you can

contact us directly by email at sales@

secretparadise.mv

FLIGHTSIn order to provide our clients with flexibility and to take into account varying travel plans, we do not include international flights in our prices. We are, however, able to provide information concerning flights and for many routes we can offer a selection of times and fares to choose from.

Please contact us [email protected] for more

information.

PRICEPrices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements apply in most cases.Unless specified, all our tour, liveaboard and resort prices include airport meet and greet, domestic transfers, local taxes

and high season supplements.The details within this brochure were correct at the time of printing

(September 2013).

FINAL WORDS

Following 27 years’ service with BHS in the UK, I packed my suitcase, gathered my SCUBA dive gear and headed for a new challenge in the Maldives, a destination I was no stranger to having visited the archipelago on more than 30 occasions. My aim was not only to offer affordable holidays but to be able to share my knowledge and understanding of the Maldives, it’s people and it’s culture. I look forward to welcoming you to the place I

call home!

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