🌎 The Awesome Maldives Travel Series 🌎

An Idyllic Slice of Paradise in the Indian Ocean

When people dream of the Maldives, they often visualise pristine white sands, crystal-clear lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and overwater villas suspended above turquoise waters. While this dream is true for much of the Maldives, few places capture its natural magic quite like the Raa Atoll.

Located in the northern region of the Maldives, the Raa Atoll is a tranquil, less-crowded sanctuary that offers a blend of authentic Maldivian culture, marine biodiversity, and premium island hospitality. Whether you’re a couple seeking romance, a diver chasing colourful reefs, or a wellness traveller seeking serenity, Raa Atoll is a destination worth knowing.

📍 Where Is Raa Atoll?

Raa Atoll is situated north of Baa Atoll (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) and south of Lhaviyani Atoll. Although more remote than the Malé Atoll, Raa is easily accessible via a scenic 45-minute seaplane journey, or a short domestic flight followed by a speedboat transfer.

Its relative seclusion, compared to the more frequented southern atolls, makes Raa ideal for those seeking a quieter, more exclusive slice of the Maldives. Expect pristine lagoons, rich coral reefs, and a slower pace of island life. It’s a perfect choice for travellers who value barefoot luxury, untouched nature, and a true escape from the everyday.

🐠 A Marine Wonderland

One of the Raa Atoll’s biggest draws is its rich marine life. The atoll is surrounded by coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, manta rays, turtles, reef sharks, and sometimes even the amazing whale shark. Its underwater topography, featuring drop-offs, overhangs, and coral gardens, makes it a dream for both snorkellers and divers.

The atoll is also involved in reef restoration projects and marine conservation efforts, making it an excellent place to learn about sustainable travel and ocean protection. By choosing destinations like the Maldives, you can help support vital environmental initiatives and responsible tourism. Every visit plays a small part in preserving this incredible marine ecosystem for future generations.

🏝️ Unique Resorts in Raa Atoll

Raa Atoll is home to a growing collection of luxury and eco-conscious resorts, offering something for every type of traveller. Here are three standout resorts that reflect the diversity and appeal of the atoll:

🌟 Furaveri Maldives

If you’re seeking barefoot luxury blended with island charm, Furaveri Maldives delivers. This five-star resort is set on a lush, natural island fringed by white sand beaches and a turquoise lagoon. Furaveri offers an array of accommodation options, from garden villas tucked into tropical foliage to luxurious overwater villas with private pools.

Highlights include:

• A large house reef for snorkelling
• Exceptional spa and wellness facilities
• Cultural cooking classes and Maldivian experiences
• Family-friendly amenities

Furaveri is particularly popular with those who want to enjoy Maldivian culture alongside modern comfort.

🌊 Reethi Faru Resort

Translating to ‘Beautiful Reef’ in Dhivehi, Reethi Faru truly lives up to its name. This sustainable resort is built with natural materials and a deep commitment to eco-friendly tourism. The island itself is ringed by one of the atoll’s healthiest reefs, offering a vibrant underwater spectacle just metres from shore.

What to expect:

• Overwater and beachfront villas with traditional design
• Diving and water sports centre
• Organic garden and eco-conscious initiatives
• Affordable luxury with a strong sustainability ethos

Ideal for nature lovers, divers, and those seeking a peaceful, planet-friendly getaway.

💑 You & Me Maldives

Exclusively for adults, You & Me Maldives offers a romantic escape in an elegant, secluded setting. Think candlelit dinners under the stars, couples’ spa treatments, and private overwater villas with uninterrupted ocean views.

Standout features:

• H2O – an underwater restaurant offering a unique dining experience
• Sophisticated design focused on privacy and tranquillity
• Tailored experiences for honeymooners and couples
• No children, ensuring a serene ambience

If you’re planning a honeymoon or a special celebration, this resort offers unrivalled romance in the Maldives.

🌅 Things to Do in Raa Atoll

While relaxation is central to any Maldivian break, Raa Atoll also offers a wealth of experiences:

• Snorkelling & Diving: Explore coral reefs, caves, and wrecks.
• Island Hopping: Visit local inhabited islands for cultural insights.
• Dolphin Cruises: Sunset tours that often include dolphin sightings.
• Water Sports: From kayaking and jet-skiing to parasailing.
• Spa & Wellness: Indulge in massages, yoga, and wellness rituals with ocean views.

Whether you’re an adventurer or a lounger, you’ll find your rhythm here.

🧘 Why Choose Raa Atoll?

Unlike some of the busier southern atolls, Raa offers a quiet charm with all the luxury of the Maldives. Here, you get:

• Fewer crowds
• Healthier coral reefs
• Diverse resort options (from romantic to family-friendly)
• A genuine sense of connection to nature and community

It’s ideal for repeat visitors looking for something new, or first-timers who want a true Maldivian escape.

🌎 Final Thoughts

Raa Atoll is a shining gem in the Maldives, offering the perfect blend of privacy, nature, luxury, and authenticity. Whether you’re falling asleep to the sound of the sea in an overwater villa, dining under the ocean at You & Me Maldives, exploring the coral reefs around Reethi Faru, or reconnecting with yourself at Furaveri’s serene spa, one thing is for certain: the Raa Atoll will leave a lasting impression.

📞 Planning Your Escape?

Let Awesome Travel Holidays help you design your perfect Raa Atoll adventure. From flights and transfers to resort bookings and exclusive perks, we’ll create an unforgettable Maldives escape tailor-made just for you.

🌴 Contact us at:
📧 enquiries@awesometravelholidays.com
📞 0208 004 9400

🌎 Creating Awesome Travel Experiences 🌎

📌 Coming soon in our Maldives Travel Series:

• 🌴 Baa Atoll – Coming Soon
• 🌺 Lhaviyani Atoll – Coming Soon
• 🐢 South Ari Atoll – Coming Soon
• 🌅 Noonu Atoll – Coming Soon

Other blog posts in 🌎 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 🌎 include:

The post Discover the Enchanting Raa Atoll in the Maldives first appeared on Awesome Travel Holidays.

In Part 1 of our Siyam World blog series we revealed the stunning accommodation options available at this fabulous island resort and showcased the various Beach Villas, Suites and Water Villas. This luxury Maldives resort offers the perfect getaway for families, honeymooners, couples and groups of friends. With accommodation at The Palace accommodating up to 18 guests, ideal for a multi-generation family breaks or a group of friends celebrating a special occasion. While the over-water villas provide that perfect honeymoon holiday destination.

Siyam World is located on the Dhigurah island in the Noonu Atoll, just 45 minutes by seaplane from the Malé international airport. Siyam World offers its guests access to a natural paradise with lush tropical vegetation fringed by unspoilt beaches, a destination where there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you are honeymooners, celebrating a special occasion or it’s a family holiday, at Siyam World there is the space, facilities and activities for everyone to enjoy a memorable holiday.

In this blog post we uncover the bars and restaurants that make up the 24-hour WOW! With twelve restaurants and bars guests can choose from the freshest seafood to the finest Indian and Italian dishes, to gourmet vegetarian and vegan dining.

Restaurants and Bars at Siyam World

Choose from a romantic dinner on the beach to a casual meal around the pool to a scrumptious dinner at a choice of fine eateries. Siyam World certainly provides the ‘Wow’ factor in dining excellence.

Dining at Siyam World Maldives

With eight dining outlets to satisfy your culinary desires, Siyam World offers a wide choice of options. When in the Maldives we always recommend choosing the ‘all-inclusive’ packages as prices can be rather steep in resort. You need to also check the various ‘all-inclusive’ packages as they can vary and exclude certain restaurants. 

At Siyam World there are many dine-around opportunities with cuisines including, vegetarian, raw, vegan, Italian, Indian and grill specialities.

Tempo

Located on a beach terrace on the eastern side of the island, Tempo offers a stunning casual setting to enjoy a selection of mouth-watering international dishes, served from the live cooking stations. This is casual dining at its finest with a variety of delicious dishes to choose from. Tempo is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Friday nights.

Baraabaru

Baraabaru is your destination for breakfast and lunch with beautiful lagoon views, what a great way to start the day. This restaurant offers a variety of cuisines from around the globe. Open for breakfast and lunch daily. Baraabaru is also open on Friday nights for dinner.

Salutte

There is something romantic about enjoying fine Italian cuisine at a beautiful beach setting. The authentic inspired Italian home-cooked favourites on offer at this restaurant come straight from the Tuscany region. The Salutte Restaurant offers a selection of delicious pasta dishes and delightful oven baked pizzas. The Salutte menu also includes daily specials, signature favourites and the best ever tiramisu, its delicious. Salutte is open for dinner daily apart from Friday nights.

Pure

With many people changing to a plant-based diet it is refreshing to see that Siyam World have included a restaurant in their selection which caters for vegan and vegetarian diets and teases the most ardent meat lover to sample some of their delicious dishes.

Pure provides a refreshing alternative to everyone looking to embrace a more sustainable diet. Pure offers its patrons some of the best meat-free cooking in the whole of the Maldives. The menu includes gourmet vegetarian and vegan cuisine, International favourites and house specialties. Pure is open for dinner daily apart from Friday nights.

Tamarind

Popular with us Brits is Indian cuisine and at Siyam World’s Tamarind Restaurant you will have your taste buds teased with a selection of the finest Indian specialities. Whether its a rich creamy korma that you settle on or a spicy jalfrezi you will be delighted with the quality of food. If you prefer grilled meats, you will love the tasty meats grilled in the open-air kitchen.

With stunning ocean views this restaurant is the perfect setting for a enjoyable dinner. Open every evening for dinner apart from Fridays with an option to enjoy Al fresco dinning.

The Wahoo Grill

The emphasis on the menu here at The Wahoo Grill is on ingredients. Sourcing the freshest seafood and meat cuts to create a variety of mouth-watering dishes. The Wahoo Grill is a carnivore’s dream. The freshest fish are sourced from the local fishermen and prepared to perfection by the talented chefs. Favourites dishes at The Wahoo Grill include lobster, yellowfin tuna and the namesake, the wahoo. Open for dinner apart from Friday nights.

Fresh

You won’t find fresher food than at the Fresh Restaurant. Providing diners with a concept that incorporates fresh, raw and organic ingredients creating a delightful selection of dishes that are gluten free, nut free and always organic. Fresh showcases a lifestyle where the art of clean eating is celebrated. If you have always wanted to try a raw food diet here is your opportunity. The dishes are delicious, and the setting is divine. Try Fresh you will be pleasantly surprised. Open for diners apart from Friday nights.

Barrique

Make your reservation for Barrique and enjoy an intimate setting in the underground wine cellar. This unique setting makes for fun evening where you can pair delicious gourmet tasting menus with a selection of excellent wines. Let the sommelier suggest from the hundreds of world-renowned vintages. This restaurant is an excellent choice for a fun evening of discovery. Barrique is open for dinner only.

Bars at Siyam World

This wonderful resort offers you four bars to choose from. At Siyam World you can enjoy a refreshing drink in the setting you most prefer from a lively sports bar to a relaxed poolside setting. The main bar, Together is open 24 hours and offers late night revellers a light snack buffet.

Together

The beating heart of Siyam World is aptly called Together. This is the ideal setting to make new friends and share stories or just chill out and enjoy a few drinks. Open 24 hours seven days a week, Together is a great meeting place.

At midnight, the kitchen serves up a selection of light snacks for those still feeling peckish. Tuck into delightful noodle dishes, freshly baked breads and other snacks or satisfy that sweet tooth with a delicious dessert.

AQVA Pool Bar

Gosh you will need to pinch yourself to remind yourself where you are. This idyllic setting is just wonderful. With an infinity pool with views reaching out over the Indian Ocean and with the finest cocktails and freshest tropical juices to quench your thirst, AQVA Pool Bar is the perfect place to spend the day relaxing. If you are feeling peckish there are selection of bar snacks to satisfy your hunger. The AQVA Pool Bar is one of the most popular venues on the island.

Kulhivaru

You may be on a desert island in the middle of paradise, but you can catch your favourite sports on the big screen if you want to. At Kulhivaru guests will be entertained with a variety of sports events beamed straight into the bar from around the world. Celebrate the game with a selection of cask beers and bar snacks. The Kulhivaru is a great place to make new friends.

Amazon

Last, but certainly not least, is the Amazon. A delightful bar nestled amongst the lush tropical vegetation. Amazon offers a relaxing haven to sit back and enjoy your favourite drink. A great place to chill out and enjoy the secluded bar and pool setting.

Siyam World is one of six resorts in the Sun Siyam Resorts portfolio of resorts. The Sun Siyam Resorts offers luxury accommodation at four other resorts in the Maldives and one in Sri Lanka. Siyam World Maldives is the latest creation to their expanding selection of world-class luxury resorts.

In Part 1 of our Siyam World blog series we looked at the accommodation options available at this wonderful Maldives resort. From awesome over-water villas to a grand 18 sleeper villa.

The last part of our Siyam World blog series we are going to wrap up with an overview of the facilities and activities this magnificent Maldives resort has on offer. The Siyam World Maldives may be new, but it certainly provides a wonderful tropical island retreat.

Join us in Part 3, when we will explore the host of activities including watersports, sunset fishing trips, scuba diving, snorkelling, yoga and so much more.

Awesome Travel Experiences

We specialise in designing Awesome Holiday Experiences. Our speciality is providing a holiday which delivers a seamless and rewarding experience while encompassing your desires and aspirations. We work hard to understand your wishes, whether it is a beach holiday, city break, an ocean or river cruise, escorted tour, wildlife safari, rail or self-drive adventure.

Whatever your dream, we will fulfil it.

Billy Lyle

Awesome Travel Holidays Ltd

Franchisee of Not Just Travel

E:   enquiries@awesometravelholidays.com

T:  +44 (0) 208 004 9400

The post Siyam World Maldives Holiday first appeared on Awesome Travel Holidays.

Even the Hippopotamus will welcome you to South Africa

South Africa is in the same time zone as the UK, with non-stop, direct flights, from London Heathrow Airport. The country offers 1st  world infrastructure with a range of accommodation from budget, through to some of the world’s most comfortable guest houses, exclusive hotels, game-lodges, and resorts.

Oh, and the food; simply delicious. The South African food scene offers a rich variety of cuisine influenced by a smorgasbord of cultures and local menus. The country is endowed with a fine selection of produce sourced from two oceans (the Indian and Atlantic Oceans), an abundance of succulent fruits and vegetables and mouth-watering meats including an assortment of venison. You are in for a culinary treat.

The fertile Winelands of the Western Cape provide a wine list consisting of world-class, multiple, award-winning wines. Apart from superb wines, there are an array of liqueurs, brandies, and superb craft beers and ciders. South Africa is a foodie’s dream destination, boasting outstanding restaurants.

Here are my Top 10 Reasons to visit South Africa

Adventure

South Africa is one of the best adventure capital destinations in the world. There really is something for everyone to enjoy. From awesome diving and snorkelling sites, scenic walking, hiking, and cycling routes, bungee jumping, kayaking, surfing and incredible wildlife safari’s, to name but a few.

Hiking in the Western Cape offers spectacular views

Affordable

South Africa offers excellent value for money. You will not have to compromise on quality to get value for money in South Africa. The quality of the accommodation, foods, wines and other products and services is seriously good value.

Freedom

South Africa offers adventurers wilderness in abundance, across numerous different landscapes. This country is geared up for self-drive holidays. With a well-maintained road network connecting every corner of this magnificent land.

A road-trip in South Africa offers many routes through varied terrains ranging from desert to mountains, from scenic coastal drives to stunning bushveld.

A South Africa Road-Trip gives you real freedom to explore

History

The country is steeped in history, from the origins of man, to the turbulent struggle for freedom and everything in between. Visit the Anglo Boer war sites in Kwa Zulu Natal, visit the Cradle of Mankind in Gauteng, or explore the African rock art in the Drakensberg, Cedarberg or Limpopo.

San (Bushman) Rock Art in the Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa

Natural beauty

Few countries on earth can match the sheer beauty and diversity that this magnificent country offers. A face for all seasons, an adventure for every day. Enjoy everything from dramatic coastlines to stunning beaches. From desert plains to majestic mountains and tropical bliss.

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

Rainbow Nation

South Africans are renowned for their hospitality. Wherever you travel you will be struck by the hospitality and kindness of the locals. Enjoy a ‘braai’ (barbeque) and have a ‘dop’ (drink) and be sure to take time to relax and chat to your new mates.

South Africa is home to a rich diversity of peoples and cultures. The country’s African, Asian, and European descendants, creating a truly Rainbow Nation.

Eco-Tourism

South Africa is a leader in responsible tourism. As a visitor, I would encourage you to stay and explore areas which are contributing to local social, conservation and humanitarian projects.

Yes, eco-friendly accommodation, products and services may cost more, but your support will help in the fight to conserve the present for a brighter future.

On Safari in South Africa

Variety

South Africa offers many experiences, from food and wine to adventure, stunning game-viewing opportunities to vibrant, cosmopolitan cities. The great thing about a holiday to South Africa is you can easily combine these experiences in your itinerary.

An experienced, knowledgeable travel agent will be able to develop a bespoke itinerary to ensure that you get a holiday of a lifetime in South Africa.

Wine Farm in the Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa

Weather

South Africa is a year-round destination. The seasons are the exact opposite to the UK. There are two distinct climates in SA. The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate with most of its rainfall occurring in the winter. The rest of the country experiences its rainfall during the summer months. The seasons in South Africa are:

•  Spring is from September-November
•  Summer is from December-February
•  Autumn is from March-May
•  Winter is from June-August

Wildlife

I have saved my favourite reason for last, only joking, its alphabetical. Wildlife is my passion and South Africa is home to a large variety of land and sea creatures, including the world-famous – ‘Big 5’ (Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhino). The South African bushveld offers a rich variety of fauna and flora in some of the oldest game reserves in Africa.

Beautiful Male Kudu spotted on safari in South Africa

A tailor-made South Africa holiday can offer you so much diversity; so many Awesome places and experiences, that making a choice of where to go is seriously not easy. Vibrant cities, unique wildlife experiences, incredible adventure opportunities, cultural and historic tours to hiking, and walking trials.

Why not resign yourself to the fact that you will have to visit South Africa again, the Southern African region is an adventurers dream.  

If you enjoyed this blog post why not read our Awesome South African Road Trip from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park to Cape Town in the Western Cape.

On a Self-Drive in the Northern Cape, South Africa

Stay in touch, our next South Africa blog post will be coming soon: ‘The Best Time to Visit South Africa’.

South Africa is Awesome

Awesome@Travel

The post 10 Reasons to Holiday in South Africa  first appeared on Awesome Travel Holidays.