Hitha Maldives — Hotel in South Ari Atoll

We loved our stay at Hitha. It was our first stop during our first (two-week) trip to Maldives. Having heard more about the island of Dhigurah, we only booked a couple of nights here and had elected to spend more time on Dhigurah, but in hindsight, we wish we had given more time for our stay at Hitha, all really because of the atmosphere that the hospitable staff create. In fact, we actually seriously looked into/considered a last-minute shortening of our time in Dhigurah after arriving at that island to return to Hitha instead because we missed it and the atmosphere. The place is intimate, clean, and cozy. The team of Farah, Adam, and others make you feel welcome and like you are part of the family. It happened to be my birthday during our short visit, and they surprised me with a wonderful treat. Loved the breakfasts just outside the courtyard on the beach overlooking the ocean as the waves quietly washed the shore (also enjoyed the dinners). The location is conveniently close to the arrival/departure port but also the bikini beach (just a few minutes' walk). They were super helpful at arranging our speedboat transfer from Male Airport and communicated everything we needed to do beforehand. Since our stay was brief, we did not do any excursions with them so cannot speak from firsthand experience, but after seeing some of the video taken during an excursion they led for another guest the day we had arrived, we wish we would have done one with them instead of waiting to do it at Dhigurah. Loved the provision of filtered water, cooled in the common area refrigerator (and not limited to just one bottle a day like another place we stayed). Also loved the provision of separate beach and shower towels. We brought mosquito spray (which I would recommend for the local islands), but it was not very effective, and they suggested some we could get locally, which turned out to be...

We loved our stay at Hitha. It was our first stop during our first (two-week) trip to Maldives. Having heard more about the island of Dhigurah, we only booked a couple of nights here and had elected to spend more time on Dhigurah, but in hindsight, we wish we had given more time for our stay at Hitha, all really because of the atmosphere that the hospitable staff create. In fact, we actually seriously looked into/considered a last-minute shortening of our time in Dhigurah after arriving at that island to return to Hitha instead because we missed it and the atmosphere. The place is intimate, clean, and cozy. The team of Farah, Adam, and others make you feel welcome and like you are part of the family. It happened to be my birthday during our short visit, and they surprised me with a wonderful treat. Loved the breakfasts just outside the courtyard on the beach overlooking the ocean as the waves quietly washed the shore (also enjoyed the dinners). The location is conveniently close to the arrival/departure port but also the bikini beach (just a few minutes' walk). They were super helpful at arranging our speedboat transfer from Male Airport and communicated everything we needed to do beforehand. Since our stay was brief, we did not do any excursions with them so cannot speak from firsthand experience, but after seeing some of the video taken during an excursion they led for another guest the day we had arrived, we wish we would have done one with them instead of waiting to do it at Dhigurah. Loved the provision of filtered water, cooled in the common area refrigerator (and not limited to just one bottle a day like another place we stayed). Also loved the provision of separate beach and shower towels. We brought mosquito spray (which I would recommend for the local islands), but it was not very effective, and they suggested some we could get locally, which turned out to be...

We had an incredible stay at Hitha Maldives. I absolutely prefer this over a luxury island. Here, you make true connections, and have a chance to see authentic Maldives, try their food and cultural activities, walk the sandy unpaved streets and delight in finding shells on the powdery soft beaches. The rooms were clean, very quiet with cold air conditioning. The bedding was comfortable and beautiful. We enjoyed how they set up meals on the beach for us with such lovely lighting and atmosphere - palm swings everywhere to relax and unwind. They also recommended a superb restaurant for lunches...GreenLeaf, I believe? Look that up if you get to the island!

We loved snorkeling off the pier with the rays and friendly sharks and lots of fish. We also did a few excursions with Hitha Tours. Nice boat, roomy for all the gear, great music and energy. We swam with Manta Rays on a day I will not be forgetting anytime soon.

Staying at Hitha Maldives was such a wonderful authentic experience, we would recommend it to all of our friends. The people here are so heartfelt and genuine. Keep and open heart and mind and so much is possible.

Thank you especially to Fara, who has such a sweet soul and is a true gem. She even ordered a surprise cake for my husband's birthday! Had it shipped in by boat that day! Incredibly thoughtful lady, she truly made our trip. Thank you, Hitha family, we are grateful for your hospitality and for all the...