TRAVELSPECIAL
At Tiger Zoo, the idea is to conceal bait from the shark in order to prolong the encounter
PHOTO: PASH BAKER
island, its economy primarily based on tourism, fishing and agriculture. There are lush wetlands and marshes and two lakes on the island, which are home to a diverse mix of fish and bird life. There is also a short hike to a mud bath location, if that floats your boat.
I stayed at the Ataraxis Grand and Spa, one of a handful of hotels on the island. Its local beach Geiymiskih Fannu, is a prime spot for sunsets. A short walk
Leopard from the hotel sees you moray crossing to the beach through a beautiful coconut grove to join like-minded souls who have come to visit as the sun slips below the horizon.
This beach, along with all others on the island has a modest dress code. There are no tourist beaches in Fuvahmulah, so those people wishing to strip off and sunbathe must do so at their accommodations, hotel rules permitting, and not on public beaches.
Being a local island, there is also no alcohol available, even in the hotels. You may find alcohol-free beer in some restaurants, and the mocktails on the island are particularly good. Would I go back? Without a shadow of a doubt, yes. This is a different type of holiday from the normal resortbased Maldivian experience, certainly a more authentic option that gives you an idea of the local community and their lives.
The main attraction underwater is surely the tiger sharks, but at specific times of the year, and with a bit of luck, hammerheads, threshers, whale sharks and mantas can also be encountered. With no guarantees of other wildlife though, this is a tiger shark location, pure and simple. If tigers are your thing, this is a great place to spend some quality time with them.
Essentials
GETTING THERE: Fly to the Maldives via Dubai with Emirates, Doha( Qatar Airways) or Abu Dhabi( Etihad Airways). Average prices are around £ 700 return, use Skyscanner for bargain hunting. Direct flights are available with BA or Virgin, but they are more expensive and there are fewer options. You also need to organise internal flights to Fuvahmulah with Maldivian Air( about £ 250 return).
ACCOMMODATION: Ataraxis Grand and Spa ataraxisgrandandspa. com
DIVE CENTRE: Pelagic Divers Maldives pelagicdiversfuvahmulah. com
EATS AND TREATS: There’ s a good mix of places to eat, from local street food to pizza and burger places, plus restaurants and cafes serving traditional Maldivian food. I recommend the‘ short eats’. A local fast-food, they are samosa-like snacks, typically available in( very) spicy and non-spicy variants. �
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