The Maldives is a small island state located
in the Indian Ocean, just South-East of Sri
Lanka. The Maldivian archipelago consists
of 1192 islands each surrounded by shallow,
crystal clear lagoons enclosed within naturally
protective coral reefs. The climate is tropical,
with two monsoons, keeping the islands
unvaryingly warm throughout the year.
As a country renowned worldwide for its natural
geographical beauty, around 111 of Maldives’
islands have been developed into luxury resorts
for tourists, from which the country generates
most of its income. Additionally, the Maldives
sits astride busy sea-lanes that connect Asia
with the rest of the world.
The local population, which is close to 350,000,
is spread out across 188 islands, but most
concentrated in the capital city of Malé, which is
not only the political capital but also the centre
of commerce in the country. The population
is homogenous, speaking one language and
practising one religion. In addition to the local
language, English is widely spoken and is the
main medium of instruction in schools and the
primary medium of communication in business.
The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the main unit
of currency used in the country. The most
common foreign currency used within the
country is the US dollar.
The main port of entry to Maldives is through
Ibrahim Nasir International Airport at Hulhulé,
an island adjacent to Malé. There are three
additional international airports, one in
Hanimaadhoo located in the northern tip of
Maldives, the second in the southernmost Gan
Island and the third in Maamigili.
There are 5 domestic airports within the
Maldives, and a large fleet of seaplanes
providing daily and easy access to the 112
resort islands across the country. The other
modes of transport most widely used by
residents are ferries or motorboats that regularly
travel through Maldivian seas.
The Malé port and harbour lie on the western
side of the capital and receive the bulk of
imports into the country.
Maldives has had a nimble ascent to an upper
middle-income country with the highest GDP
per capita in South Asia.
Nominal GDP per capita - USD 6,722
Total Population: 380,728
GDP Growth Rate: 8.5%
Foreign Exchange Rate: USD 1 =
MVR
15.42
Huraa Island is located
north of Male, the capital of Maldives. Carefully placed between the islands
Himmafushi and Thulusdhoo, it is home to about 750 people. It is not far off
from the airport and a 25 – 35 minute speed boat ride from the airport will get
you there.
North of the island is
covered, rather unusually, by a brackish water mangrove with a sparse coconut
plantation around the island. The resort island Four Seasons Kuda Huraa is
barely 30 seconds away which is quite segregated from the rest of the island. There’s
a lot of interesting things to talk about in this island which we’ll be doing
under the next few headings.
Island Facilities
The island of Huraa is a
rather small island, so do not expect too many facilities. The island boasts
only one café which is mostly used by locals. Guest houses mostly provide “all
inclusive” services, leaving little (if any) need for the café.
There are three neighboring
resort islands not far off the island. Four Seasons Island Resort, which was
earlier mentioned, is only about 100 – 200 meters away from Huraa; while the
others, Club Med Kani Resort and Chaaya Island Resort Dhonveli, are a tad
farther. On the whole, the island is home to 5 guest houses. So, there are
enough facilities available for foreigners to lodge.
There are many gift shops
around Huraa from which you can pick up souvenirs. For the most part, souvenir
prices in Huraa are usually lower than those in Male, so be sure to pick up
your souvenirs from here if you’ll be visiting. If you are looking for locally
made souvenirs, you’ll find more of those here in Huraa than in Male.
Island Activities
There are more than a few
activities to keep you occupied in Huraa. The island organizes a bikini beach
where you can swim, snorkel, and get some tan in the sun, playing around in
your bikinis. The beach environment promotes other activities as snorkeling or
dolphin watching, making Huraa ideal for beach holidays.
Prepare to enjoy some
refreshing time with barbecue on a picnic island. Safari ride and photos with
sharks and turtles, water surfing on a surfboard, wetbike, and catamaran, and
wakeboarding among others. With lots of coral reef, your time under the water
can be as fulfilling as that which you spend atop the waters.
You would also have the
opportunity to receive some certification after completing an Open Water course.
Of course, as a beach community, you can also expect training in surfing and
diving which you can begin to practice right away.
Indeed, there are a
plethora of activities you could enjoy during your vacation getaway on the
island. As a traditionally fishing community, you can always visit the local
fishermen at the harbor, watching them as they land their catch. And when
watching begins to bore you, you can always try your hands on fishing yourself.
Bring out the foodie in
you as you explore the delicious local dishes on offer. With lots of palm
trees, crabs, and fruits in general, you have more than a few eating options.
From the amazing hamburgers to the enticing stuffed baguettes prepared in the
local bakery, you wouldn’t be missing home too much.
From the picturesque
views to the rather comfortable guest houses, and all of the possible beach and
water activities, you’ll find your stay in Huraa refreshing. With the islands
of Diffushi, Thulusdhoo, and Himmafushi all present, you can take the time to
visit one or some of these as part of your getaway.
Seize the Opportunity to Invest in Huraa Today
The people of Huraa are
traditionally engaged in fishing activities. In recent times, though, tourism
has come to play more of an important role in the local economy. During this
time, more and more guest houses have begun to spring up in the island.
Huraa is well located in
the North Male Atoll region, a short distance off of Maldives’ capital city
Male. This prime location coupled with its unique vegetation environment – the mangrove
swamp located in the northern parts of the island has been declared a protected
nature environment due to its great climate for unique protected birds – makes
it an ideal tourist hub.
The people of the island
of Huraa are a welcoming people, taking to tourism as a second major occupation.
Investing in the real estate sector in Huraa by way of Guest House Development
will see you partake in this recent upsurge in tourism.
Thanks to its naturally
relaxing and welcoming environment, you will have little to bother about as it
involves environmental beautification. More importantly, the welcoming nature
of the island’s people, who will make up the staff of your guest house, will
naturally ensure that your guest house will feel more like a home to guests than
a lodge.
Huraa is mostly known for
its range of beach activities, and setting this up for lodgers will be fairly
easy considering the wide availability of natural beach environment. From shark
and underwater safari to snorkeling, kayaking, or whatever other activity you
choose to set up for your guests, you are already equipped with the perfect
environment.
