Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is set on a crescent-shaped island in the idyllic Haa Alifu Atoll. It is an exclusive all-suite resort for those who demand genuine luxury. The expansive villas and absolute privacy are a Hideaway hallmark, as the resort boasts some of the largest villas in the Maldives. This island getaway is the preferred destination for honeymoons, but caters to all travellers; couples, families, friends, and solo adventurers. There is an array of activities to participate in during your holiday. Here are 10 things to do at Hideaway.

 

1. Snorkelling & Diving

The entirety of the Maldives is known for its stunning reefs and abundant marine life. There truly is no better place to go snorkelling than Hideaway, because the coral reef is right at its doorstep. Wildlife often spotted in the house reef include vibrant tropical fish, moray eels and turtles.

The stunning Dhonakulhi Reef sits only ten to 30 metres off the island’s shore. Scuba divers can observe the manta rays, dolphins, turtles and whale sharks frequent these waters. However, this is not the only site divers can explore. There are over 28 dive sites you can visit within an hour by boat. You can learn to dive or consult the expert instructors at Meridis Dive & Relax, the resort’s dive centre.

 

2. Excursions

The team at Hideaway is always prepared to curate adventures that will leave you with a lifetime of memories. The resort offers guests the chance to explore the ocean on a private yacht, or a picnic on an isolated sandbank, your very own slice of paradise.

However, if you are looking to immerse yourself in the rich history and eccentric culture of the locals, the island of Utheemu is a mere 10-minute speedboat ride away. Utheemu houses the Utheemu Palace, the birthplace and home of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu. Mohamed Thakurufaanu is one of the most revered heroes in Maldivian history for leading the band of fighters that liberated the country from Portuguese colonial rule in 1573 AD.

If you want to make the most of your nights, we highly recommend taking a ‘dhoni’, a traditional Maldivian boat, out on the water to stargaze. The lack of light pollution from populous cities means you can see the stars shining oh so bright. Curious about what lies below the surface, but not too keen on getting wet? Then ‘The Penguin’ is made just for you. The Penguin is the Maldives’ very first semi-submarine, which allows you to explore the Indian Ocean while staying completely dry.

 

3. Watersports

Watersports are a given wherever you are in the Maldives, but Hideaway offers every watersport imaginable. Those looking to unwind can take a catamaran out on the water and sail away to nearby uninhabited islands. Or go standup paddling and explore the surrounding waters. According to the German celebrity Dieter Bohlen, riding a catamaran became one of his favourite hobbies during his stay at Hideaway earlier this year.

Thrillseekers can speed around the island on a jet ski, or go kiteboarding. Try not to lose your grip and plunge into the ocean if you take the inflatable fun ride. We would say it is more exhilarating than riding a rollercoaster.

Even so, we believe the major highlight is the Aqua Park, the first floating waterpark in the country. Tucked away in the shallow waters of the lagoon are slides, climbing areas, trampolines, and a relaxation zone. The water park is ideal for families with kids and teens, and even adults.

 

4. Wine & Dine

With four diverse dining locations, Hideaway has plentiful options to suit every palate. The restaurants serve sensational culinary delights accompanied by scenic views.

 

Matheefaru

Matheefaru, the resort’s main restaurant, has sandy floors and a view of the ocean. The expansive buffets cater to lovers of all cuisines. In addition to the buffet, a team of extremely talented chefs are on hand to cook up a dish seasoned to your liking right in front of your very eyes. Dining at Matheefaru is a magical affair, the open-air overwater deck right under the stars creates the perfect atmosphere for a romantic dinner. Breakfasts are just as heavenly, as you can observe the fish swimming about the lagoon while munching on a perfectly flaky pastry.

 

Meeru Bar & Grill

Meeru Bar & Grill offers relaxed dining right by the pool. This is the place to unwind after a fun-filled day in paradise. Here, chefs fire authentic, handcrafted pizzas in a wood-fired oven. The Lava Stone Grill is where you will find succulent cuts of meat grilled to perfection, as well as lobsters straight out of the ocean. You can enjoy your meal on the deck whilst spotting stingrays and baby sharks swimming in the waters.

Coupled with the grill is an extensive bar, where charismatic bartenders await to mix, shake and stir your favourite cocktail. Hideaway also boasts one of the largest whisky and champagne collections in the country.

 

Samsara Asian Fusion

Get a taste of the east at Samsara. A mouth-watering combination of Thai, Indian and Japanese influences await. This open-air restaurant offers serene surroundings to pair with exquisite culinary delights. As well as fine dining, this award-winning location has a teppanyaki table where the chefs artfully flip, juggle and cook the freshest of ingredients into masterpieces. Samsara will definitely leave you wanting more.

 

Sunset Pool Café

Enjoy stunning views of the island and the lagoon any time of day at the Sunset Pool Café. Dishes are infused with Asian and European influences, a delightful combination best enjoyed with magnificent panoramas. After a filling meal, drop by the bar. There is a range of classic and Hideaway original cocktails to sip as you lounge by the pool.

 

Destination dining

The only limit is your imagination when it comes to destination dining at Hideaway. Their chefs are eager to present you with the best tailor-made culinary experiences. You can expect anything from a romantic candlelit dinner under a starry sky, an scenic picnic on a secluded sandbank, or a seafood feast in an overwater pavilion. Your every gastronomic dream becomes reality on this mystical island.

 

5. Nature & vegetation exploration tour

Get an inside look into Hideaway’s fruit and vegetable garden. Take a tour with the expert gardeners and learn how the island manages to cultivate and grow such an impressive range of fresh fruit and vegetables. The over 20 varieties grown on the island include sweet potatoes, watermelons, chillies and zucchinis. The restaurants on the island work their magic to make the produce into delicious works of art. Hideaway attempts to minimise its impact on the environment by growing what it can, as this decreases the need to import ingredients. This tour is extremely informative, and you may even be inspired to grow your own garden.

Plants grow wild all around the cultivated areas of the island. Some of the woody and non-woody plants are cut down to assist with the cultivation of these areas and supply natural materials. Apart from the tour, guests can use these materials to make works of art. Hideaway uses these resources for indigenous decor and centrepieces to be used during their day to day operations. You can even plant a tree to help maintain the luscious vegetation on the island. Moreover, planting a tree does not only enrich the landscape but also serves as a lasting memory of your stay at the sunny side of life.

 

6. Tennis

The resort boasts two outdoor, hard surface courts with floodlights. This means you can play long after the sunsets. Furthermore, Hideaway has an exclusive partnership with RTC (Recreational Tennis Coaching), which provides highly trained coaches. The RTC tennis program caters to those new to the sport and players wishing to improve their game. The program offers four courses in addition to private lessons.

The level one course teaches proper techniques and basic strokes to ensure new players enjoy the game to its fullest. The level two course covers tactical understanding for those who have some tennis experience. The aim is for players to be able to play matches and serve competently by the end of the 10-hour course. Level three is for the more experienced, better players wishing to push themselves further. The course will aid in improving your game and stretching your ability to play matches. The RTC Master Course is for those who have aced all ten RTC speciality courses with advanced skills in all areas of the game. Each speciality course will involve a 4-hour intensive training session on a singular aspect of the game, from forehands to serves to mental toughness and proper conditioning for tennis.

 

7. Golf

Hideaway unveiled a brand new Golf Centre earlier this year. The key attraction here is a state-of-the-art Golf Simulator. It uses sensors to capture each detail of the ball being hit, providing players with an experience that is extremely similar to putting on the green. There is a full stock of golf clubs and other gear for guests to use or even purchase.

Golfers missing the green while in the Maldives can easily play the beloved sport at Hideaway. Right by the Golf Centre is an exquisite putting green set to open soon. Guests can play by themselves, with family and friends, or with resident Golf Pro Daniel Joubert. With the help of the simulator, Daniel can help golfers improve their technique and iron out bad habits players may have picked up over years of golfing.

 

8. Fishing

With the ocean everpresent wherever you look, it will come as no surprise that Maldivians have mastered the art of fishing. Take advantage of the rare opportunity to watch and be mentored by master fishermen who know all the ins and outs of the Indian Ocean. Hideaway offers guests the chance to fish using the distinctive pole and line method passed down over generations and perfected by locals.

As well, there are several uninhabited islands and sandbanks nearby to fly fish from. The main spots are within 20 minutes from the island by boat. However, guests at Hideaway can venture to distant parts of the atoll to explore sand flats on full-day trips. The local guides are on hand to share their expert input and knowledge on marine species. After a successful fishing trip, you can even request the chefs to prepare your catch for lunch or dinner.

 

9. Shop Till You Drop

The resort suggests you travel light if you intend to shop at their four boutiques. There is a treasure trove of souvenirs and gifts you can take home to friends and family at the Kamana Boutique. Finely crafted traditional art pieces like delicate jewellery and bespoke fabrics are just some of the must-haves you will find here. This boutique also stocks essentials such as sun protection lotions and other cosmetics.

Try Once Gems & Jewellery hosts a collection of precious gemstones and high-end jewellery. The shop enables guests to design their very own custom pieces at Hideaway. The Meridis Dive Boutique stocks snorkelling and diving equipment, along with a team providing guests with expert advice. Also, if you enjoy the spa treatments on the island, you may want to visit the Spa Boutique Shop. Now, you can take the spa wherever you go; here you will find the natural Balinese products and accessories used in the body and facial treatments.

 

10. Photoshoots

Preserve your memories at Hideaway forever with a professional photo or video shoot. The pristine palm-fringed beaches and azure waters create the backdrop of your dreams. From a casual 45-minute photoshoot to a full wedding photo and video production, the resort’s photographers and videographers will deliver nothing short of perfection. And it definitely does not need to be a special occasion. You can commemorate your holiday at Hideaway simply just because.