NH Collection Maldives, Huvadhoo Atoll
Five-star private island retreat in Huvadhoo with a homely atmosphere and adventurous scuba diving
per room, breakfast only
Overview
- Enjoy a luxurious yet homely atmosphere in secluded Huvadhoo Atoll
- Well-equipped dive centre run by the respected Euro Divers
- Join a full-day scuba diving adventure in search of schooling reef sharks
- Stay active with an onsite fitness centre, sports courts, and more
Blanketed in tropical greenery and fringed by white sand beaches and turquoise waters, the untouched island sanctuary known as NH Collection Maldives provides the perfect setting to disconnect and recharge on your own terms. The resort is an enchanting playground of experiences, allowing guests to spend their time in any way they wish - be it through rest and recuperation, or more energetic recreation. Lose yourself in a good book, soak in the glorious swimming pool, head for a pampering at the Sea Breeze spa, or crank things up a gear at the onsite gym and sports facilities. And, for the ultimate action-packed experience, scuba dive in search of schooling reef sharks in Huvadhoo’s current-swept channels.
Rooms
Sunset Beach Villa
Room details
Sunset Beach Villa
Overwater Villa
Room details
Overwater Villa
Beach Villa with Private Pool
Room details
Beach Villa with Private Pool
Sunset Beach Pool Villa
Room details
Sunset Beach Pool Villa
Sunrise Beach Pool Villa
Room details
Sunrise Beach Pool Villa
Overwater Pool Suite
Room details
Overwater Pool Suite
Resort checklist
Meal plans:
- Breakfast
- Half Board
- Full Board
- All Inclusive
Diving in Huvadhoo Atoll
- Whale sharkFrom January to April
- SharksYear round
- RaysYear round
- Healthy coralsYear round
- TurtlesYear round
- Schooling reef fishYear round
As one of the largest atolls in the Maldives, Huvadhoo is a haven for ocean adventures of all kinds, including scuba diving. Its vast inner lagoon stretches some 65-kilometres across and plunges to depths of 85-metres, yet offers calm conditions and plenty of thriving coral islets - many of which are yet to be fully explored beneath the waves. Meanwhile, the substantial outer reef offers dramatic dive sites including drop-offs, rugged outcrops, and caves and caverns.Â
Huvadhoo is home to over 30 charted dive sites split more or less evenly between the inner lagoon and the outer reef. Thanks to its remote location, the atoll offers vast swathes of healthy reefs, populated by impressive table corals and staghorns, although soft corals such as sea fans can also be seen. Swirling schools of bigeye trevally are a common sight, as well as tuna, snapper, and oriental sweetlips, while several spots provide shelter for nesting sea turtles.
Diving with sharks in Huvadhoo Atoll
For more experienced divers, Huvadhoo’s channels will likely be the biggest draw. Whitetip reefs sharks, oceanic blacktips, silkies, silvertips, and schools of grey reef sharks patrol the deeper channels and drop-offs hunting for food in the current. Nurse sharks and leopard sharks can also often be found sheltering amongst the ledges and overhangs of the outer reef. Even thresher sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks and bull sharks have been known to make fleeting appearances here. It is also one of the only places in the Maldives where spinner sharks have been sighted - a species named after the acrobatic breaches they perform when striking at prey on the surface.Â
Villingili Kandu and Nilandhoo Kandu, in the atoll’s northeast, are two favourite sites for shark diving. A lone channel in the atoll’s southeast, known as Fiyoaree Kandu, is also becoming known for interesting shark encounters, with neighbouring islet of Dhigulabaadho receiving protection as a breeding ground for rays and sharks. And, as if that wasn’t enough, between January and April, liveaboards often stop in the atoll’s northeast to snorkel with whale sharks. The vessels shine large spotlights into the water at night, attracting large plumes of plankton towards the surface. In turn, the plankton lure whale sharks, mantas, and mobulas right up to the boat to feed, allowing guests to slide in and swim alongside.