Nalaguraidhoo Island beach
Nalaguraidhoo Island, affectionately known as Sun Island, nestles in the southern reaches of the Ari Atoll, a jewel within the Maldives archipelago. The locals have dubbed it the "Flower of the Seas," a testament to its extraordinary shape and the enchanting fusion of pristine white beaches, the azure embrace of the sea, and the verdant splendor of tropical gardens. Sun Island Resort & Spa, one of the largest resorts in the Maldives Islands, graces this island. It proudly opened its doors on May 24, 1999, under the auspices of the President of the Republic. In 2016, the resort was honored with the prestigious title of "Leading Eco-Resort in the Maldives," a recognition of its commitment to sustainability and environmental harmony.
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Beach description
Nalaguraidhoo Island, expansive at 1.5km in length and 450m in width, stretches from west to east. It is encircled by a colossal barrier reef, creating a serene and picturesque lagoon with an amazing turquoise hue. The sea's color appears even more vibrant contrasted with the island's white shores, which are blanketed with sand as soft as powdered sugar, and the dense greenery that envelops the island's interior.
The reef extends right up to the shoreline, making it unnecessary to wade into the water to observe the exotic fish. Life in a bungalow offers the unique opportunity to witness the underwater world directly from your room.
The island is fringed by stunning beaches adorned with towering coconut palms. Beneath their shade, it is delightful to unwind during the midday heat and lounge in a hammock, sipping a refreshing cocktail.
In the southern part, the sea is shallower and calmer, with little to no wind, and temperatures can soar during the peak season. The beach here is narrow, with a gentle and safe water entrance. The horizon is partially obscured by water bungalows perched atop the reef, making the northern beach a more popular choice.
The northern beach is broader and more spacious, outfitted with sunbeds, sunshades, bars, and a swimming pool. Fresh breezes that stir up waves are a constant here. A small island lies opposite the beach, home to an Italian restaurant encircled by open terraces that offer breathtaking views. This area is a haven for snorkelers, thanks to the abundant marine life attracted by bread crumbs. Here, tourists can encounter stingrays, manta rays, moray eels, turtles, and even small sharks. Comfortable stairs lead from the terraces into the water, complemented by showers and changing facilities.
The eastern part of the island boasts perhaps the most picturesque and romantic beach, situated on a sandbar that extends far into the sea. From its exposed side, a refreshing breeze whisks up the waves, while the leeward side remains tranquil. The sea depth along the sandbar is about 2-3 meters, ideal for swimming and diving without the worry of scraping against the sharp reef. This beach is a favored spot for wedding ceremonies, romantic gatherings, beach discos, and spectacular shows.
Travelers can reach Nalaguraidhoo from Malé International Airport with ease via speedboat or seaplane, a journey that takes approximately one hour.
Optimal Time for a Visit
The Maldives, with its idyllic beaches and crystal-clear waters, is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit for a beach vacation is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This period is characterized by lower humidity, less rainfall, and plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving.
- November to April: This is the peak tourist season, with perfect weather conditions for beach activities. The sea is calm, offering excellent visibility for underwater adventures.
- May to October: Known as the monsoon season, this period sees more rain and stronger winds. However, it's also a time when the islands are less crowded, and resorts may offer lower rates.
For those seeking the ultimate beach vacation, timing your visit during the dry season ensures the most comfortable and enjoyable experience. However, if you're looking to avoid crowds and don't mind occasional showers, the off-peak months can also be a great time to explore the Maldives' natural beauty.
Video: Beach Nalaguraidhoo Island
Infrastructure
Accommodation in the Maldives is organized on the principle of "one island - one resort" to provide guests with privacy and serene relaxation away from noisy crowds. Nalaguraidhoo is ideally suited for a perfect holiday in the bosom of pristine nature, owing to its size, diverse beaches, and dense tropical greenery. In the center of the island, there are several picturesque parks where tourists can seek refuge from the midday heat, listen to birds singing, watch peacocks, parrots, flying foxes, and other representatives of tropical fauna.
Winding along the island are paved paths, which are excellent for cycling. Bikes can be rented in every part of the resort, including sports, walking, and children's options, complete with special chairs for children.
There are 426 luxurious rooms, comprising standard beach bungalows and water apartments. All are equipped with the necessary facilities, including Wi-Fi and satellite TV. The price includes buffet meals and one sea fishing tour. Visitors have complimentary access to the pool, table tennis, and books from the library. On the territory, there is a beautiful spa with massage and sauna services, several à la carte restaurants featuring Italian, Japanese, Thai, and South Indian cuisine. Bars offer an assortment of local and international alcohol, fresh juices, and exotic cocktails.
Visitors have access to a hairdresser, laundry services, currency exchange, and a souvenir shop. For wedding ceremonies and festive celebrations, a banquet hall is available.
Diving and snorkeling equipment can be rented, and guests can receive necessary recommendations from experienced instructors. There are opportunities for sailing, kayaking, and water skiing, as well as tours to neighboring islands and seaplane flights.
The hotel offers a variety of animations: yoga and fitness classes by the pool in the morning, and in the evening, guests can learn the basics of Latin American and Oriental dance. The staff is really attentive and friendly, and there is a Russian-speaking guide available.
Weather in Nalaguraidhoo Island
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The perfect season for the holiday here is from December to April. During this time there are no rains and most days are dry and sunny. From May to August, the weather depends on the influence of the monsoon, but during this period tourists can significantly save on the cost of a ticket.
Going to the Maldives, people need to take care of repellents and sunscreens, as well as stock up on antihistamines and absorbent drugs.