The Maldives, often celebrated for its sun-kissed beaches and turquoise waters, also offers a rich tapestry of history and culture waiting to be explored. Among the islands of Haa Alif Atoll lies Utheemu Island, home to Utheemu Ganduvaru, a historical treasure that invites travellers to delve into the storied past of the archipelago.

Utheemu Ganduvaru, the ancestral home of Muhammad Thakurufaanu, stands as a poignant reminder of the Maldives’ fight for independence. Thakurufaanu, revered as a national hero, led a successful campaign against Portuguese occupation in the 16th century. His childhood home, Utheemu Ganduvaru, offers a rare glimpse into the life and times of this legendary figure.

In 1558, the Portuguese invaded the Maldives, killing the Sultan in battle and establishing their rule. Muhammad Thakurufaanu and his brothers, Ali and Hassan, left for Minicoy to prepare a campaign to liberate their country. The boat they built, Kalhuohfummi, was crucial to their efforts. Thakurufaanu and his brothers fought the Portuguese for eight years, landing on different islands under cover of night to evade capture, and departing before daybreak. Eventually, they landed in Malé and defeated the Portuguese leadership in the capital. Freed from Portuguese rule, the people chose Muhammad Thakurufaanu as their Sultan.

Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu ruled the Maldives for 12 years until his death in 1585. He is remembered as a considerate and just ruler, concerned for the well-being of even the poorest citizens. He is also credited with establishing the country’s first formal military unit.

Back at Utheemu Island, visitors are immediately struck by the island’s tranquil beauty and its lush, green landscape. The journey to Utheemu Ganduvaru is a step back in time, where the echoes of history are palpable. The residence itself, a traditional wooden palace, is meticulously preserved, showcasing the architectural ingenuity and cultural richness of the period.

As you enter Utheemu Ganduvaru, the simplicity and elegance of the structure are apparent. Built from timber, the palace is a fine example of traditional Maldivian craftsmanship. The intricate woodwork, with its detailed carvings and polished surfaces, speaks volumes about the artisanship that flourished during Thakurufaanu’s time.

The main hall, with its open layout and cool, shaded interiors, offers a sense of serenity and reflection. It was within these walls that Thakurufaanu spent his formative years, and each room tells a story of his early life and the influences that shaped his destiny. The residence includes living quarters and storage spaces, all arranged in a manner that reflects the daily life of a prominent Maldivian family in the 16th century.

One of the most compelling aspects of Utheemu Ganduvaru is its connection to the larger narrative of Maldivian resistance against foreign rule. Guides at the site often recount tales of Thakurufaanu’s daring exploits and strategic brilliance. His knowledge of the archipelago’s intricate waterways and his leadership in naval battles are celebrated as key factors in the successful expulsion of the Portuguese in 1573.

Beyond its historical significance, Utheemu Ganduvaru offers visitors a deeper understanding of Maldivian culture and heritage. The site is a testament to the resilience and unity of the Maldivian people, embodying values that continue to inspire. For travellers, a visit to Utheemu Ganduvaru is an opportunity to connect with the soul of the Maldives, experiencing the essence of its history and the spirit of its people.

While on Utheemu Island, visitors can explore other points of interest, such as the island’s beaches and vibrant local community. Engaging with the locals offers additional insights into Maldivian traditions and hospitality, enriching the overall experience.

For those seeking a journey through time, Utheemu Ganduvaru in Haa Alif Atoll is a destination that should not be missed. It is a place where the past comes alive, where the legacy of a hero continues to resonate, and where the true essence of the Maldives can be discovered. As you walk through the halls of Utheemu Ganduvaru, you are not just a visitor; you are a part of a historical journey that defines the Maldivian identity.

So, when planning your next visit to the Maldives, venture beyond the beaches and dive into the rich history of these islands. Let Utheemu Ganduvaru be the highlight of your cultural exploration, offering a meaningful and memorable connection to the heart of Maldivian heritage.

Cover photo: Andreas Faessler

In the eyes of the first guests who completed their Maldives holidays in September and October at the properties in the Crown & Champa Resorts collection, the vacations were all “excellent”, “it was paradise”, and most importantly:

Perfect stay and great anti-Covid measures.

Al_mj_0, London, United Kingdom (9/28/20) – Meeru Island Resort & Spa – TripAdvisor

Maldives was among the first to reopen its borders to tourist. Also having received the Safe Travels Stamp from World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the island nation had been receiving travellers and holidaymakers since July 15.

Guests to Crown & Champa Resorts properties had been having a wonderful time. They felt safe and enjoyed their holidays and never felt restricted by the new normal, the health and safety protocols. Check out their stories in these video testimonials.

For the romantic traveler: Learn the story of Julian and Sonja and their experience at Meeru Island Resort & Spa in September. Meeru supported them through their entire journey to make their dream wedding still come true, despite the current worldwide challenges brought by Covid-19.

For Mr & Mrs Seidner, it was: “Veligandu ist geöffnet. Ihr entlegenes Paradies”:

For Veligandu Island Resort & Spa’s Spanish guests: “Estamos en Veligandu, disfrutando mucho de nuestras vacaciones”.

For the Family traveller: The Kamissarovs had a 13-day vacation in Meeru Island Resort & Spa with their little daughter in September and had a fantastic stay despite the new normal:

Read the guest reviews

SuperMoose_NL from the Netherlands rated Komandoo Island Resort & Spa five-stars and described the island as “a safe haven”, on TripAdvisor. This seasoned traveller and seven-time repeater to the island wrote a 1,800-word review explaining the full experience from the arrival to the departure.

In short, I can honestly say that Komandoo felt like a safe haven from the pandemic. You definitely do notice that there’s a ‘new normal’, due to the preventive measures that the island have in place to ensure everyones safety, but I always felt much safer than I do at home in Europe and would not hesitate to return.

SuperMoose_NL, Tripadvisor

Jennifer L. from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA wrote a heartfelt five-star Tripadvisor review on September 16:

My husband and I had an excellent and very unique experience at Veligandu amid Covid-19. We hope to come back to paradise soon! I’d like to first mention that we were impressed with the safety measures put in place throughout the resort – hand sanitising stations, staff wearing masks and social distancing measures during dining – we felt safe our entire stay. They check your temperature every morning, FYI. I say we had a unique experience because there were only a handful of couples on the resort during our 11 night stay. It felt like we had the entire island to ourselves and the service was impeccable! We will miss Naaem, Akram, Abdulla, Naail, Adam, Rifau, Alex and all the wonderful staff at Veligandu.

Jennifer L, Tripadvisor

Julie Antju from Gainsborough, United Kingdom wrote on TripAdvisor after her stay in Hurawalhi Island Maldives:

A truly relaxing, five-star holiday never to be forgotten. Snorkelling and diving top class. 5.8 underwater restaurant not to be missed. Covid precautions in place far superior to any western countries. Feel safer here than the UK! Thank you for a perfect holiday.”

Julie Antju, Tripadvisor

Crown & Champa Resorts has rolled out enhanced health and safety protocols across its collection of resorts.

The enhanced and expanded hygiene and safety procedures, collectively known as the Safe Holiday Experience in Paradise, include additional Covid-19 protocols and best practices that meet the recommendations set by the World Health Organisation and public health authorities in the Maldives.

After closing all of their resorts in April in the wake of the Maldives border closure, Crown & Champa Resorts has now reopened all of the resorts in its collection.

Crown & Champa Resorts, a leader in the Maldivian hospitality industry with over 40 years’ experience, operates nine resorts and a city hotel — each targeting a unique traveller with the aim of offering experiences at great quality and value in different segments.

Its diverse collection of resorts include Hurawalhi Maldives, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi, Innahura Maldives Resort, Komandoo Maldives, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, Kuredu Resort Maldives, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa, Meeru Island Resort & Spa, and one city hotel, Champa Central Hotel.

The group had earlier announced plans to open its ninth resort, Kagi Maldives Spa Island, later this year.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa was one of the few resorts in Maldives that remained opened during a four-month lockdown imposed by the Maldivian authorities to contain the coronavirus outbreak. This allowed the resort to begin welcoming new guests right after the country reopened its borders on July 15.

A Hungarian traveler and his family were among the first guests that arrived in Lily Beach after the border reopening. Although it was his first time booking directly with the resort, it was his third visit to the island!

Having experienced both pre- and post-pandemic holiday experience offered by Lily Beach, he definitely recommends you to pack your bags and jet off to the island resort! Why?

“You will likely be safer there than you are at home. They do free PCR testing on site for guests in case you need one, so no reason to not visit,” he says.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa is offering complimentary PCR testing for its guests.

The resort will offer free testing for two adults and one child per booking, Any additional person will be charged $200.

This new offer will make it easier for guests who require Covid-19 test results for their return home.

For instance, travellers returning to the United Arab Emirates are now required to carry a negative Covid-19 PCR test result. The test must be taken a maximum of 96 hours before departure.

A 25-minute scenic seaplane journey from the Maldives main Velana International Airport takes you to a luxury resort, which has been ranked as the best all-inclusive resort in Asia and No. 11 among the top all-inclusive resorts in the world at the 2020 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.

“You’ll love the top-quality food and the top shelf drinks all included in their package: Prosecco, Champagne, Johnny Walker Black, Russian standard, 70-80 different wines – you name it,” the Hungarian visitor explains.

“You’ll enjoy the excursion and the fact that you don’t even need to bring snorkel gear (just ask for it at the watersports centre when you get there, and before you fly home just drop it off).”

One of the most popular family resorts in Maldives, Lily Beach is making sure that your vacation to this idyllic paradise is safe, with the promise that returning here would be the best decision you will ever make.

A series of enhanced safety procedures have been implemented, in line with the guidance issued by the Maldives Health Protection Agency (HPA), and will be reviewed over the coming weeks and months.

Your temperature will be checked upon arrival and regularly during your stay.

While hand sanitisers will be available at the reception and all public areas, the team at Lily Beach will be wearing face masks for your comfort at all times.

All the villas will go undergo additional deep cleaning during guest stay, with an extra level of care taken on air conditioning filters and private swimming pools. The rooms will be cleaned only when guests are out of the villa.

Laundry, linen, and swimming pool towels will be washed at high temperature, while the laundry will be disinfected daily.

At all restaurants, à la carte service with digital menus will be available. Buffet services along with shisha service will be suspended for the safety of guests.

There will be at least two metres between each table in the restaurants. Sun loungers at the public swimming pools will also be placed with a minimum distance of two metres between them.

All public areas, including the reception, restaurants, bars, fitness centre, spa, swimming pools, will be regularly disinfected during the day.

At the gym, healthy distance will be maintained between each machine. New health and safety protocols will be followed at the spa, so that guests can still experience wellness at the resort without compromising their safety.

The five-star Lily Beach Resort is located on the 600-metre-long and 110-metre-wide island of Huvahendhoo in South Ari Atoll.

With its Platinum Plan, which includes far more than the traditional package of cocktails, premium brands, champagne and international culinary delights, Lily Beach offers luxury all-inclusive holidays at the highest level. These include excursions, which can be selected from a wide range of activities, including sunset fishing, snorkelling trips or a visit to a local island.

At your disposal are 125 luxurious villas. Add to this the Tamara Spa, Prodivers Diving School, a specialty and main restaurant featuring fine dining, three bars, a shisha lounge, Turtles Kids’ Club, and one of South Ari Atoll’s best house reefs.

Guests can also enjoy a diverse entertainment programme with live music and DJs, traditional cultural performances, fish feeding and much more.