At a glance
Quick facts
- Type
- Resort
- Rooms
- 142
- Transfer
- domestic flight+speedboat · 25 min flight + 25 min boat · $240
- Included
- All-inclusive
- Guest type
- Mixed
- Dive on-site
- Yes
- Alcohol
- Yes
- Price band
- $270–$500 / night
The editorial take
Why Holiday Island Resort
Holiday Island is a long-running 4★ in South Ari that punches well above its price on whale-shark access — the South Ari MPA is a 20-minute boat ride away, sightings are year-round, and the in-house dive school runs daily excursions. 142 beach villas, no overwater, all-inclusive packages that genuinely include drinks and excursions. Best for divers and families who want simple, dependable AI without flashy extras. Skip it if you want overwater villas or design-led rooms.
What guests say
Reviews
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Also consider
Other mid-range stays in South Ari
Boutique Beach
Seven-room PADI 5★ dive boutique on Dhigurah, owner-run by Romney Drury. All-inclusive dive packages, unlimited whale-shark snorkels, serious kitchen.
Indicative — see full rates incl. 17% GST + Green Tax + 10% service.
- 7 rooms
- PADI 5★ dive centre
- All-inclusive
Vilamendhoo Island Resort
House-reef-famous 4★ in South Ari. Whale shark and manta excursions short hop away.
Indicative — see full rates incl. 17% GST + Green Tax + 10% service.
- House reef
- Whale shark trips
- Half-board
From the journal
One letter a week, edited from Malé.
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