The island of Goidhoo is surrounded by nature in its tropical colours, with its wide-reaching greenery. The isle is located in Shaviyani Atoll, a historical atoll with a strong emphasis on traditional antiques and craftsmanship. With its islets opening their doors to travellers, the atoll is developing as the next tourist haven to seek refuge in, earning appeal for being virtually unspoilt. A few of the islands are protected, owing to the ecosystems' vulnerability.
The foundation of the community at Goidhoo is built on maintaining traditional behaviours that define the islanders' humble nature. The island has yet to formally welcome tourists because guesthouse tourism is still in its infancy. Locals are investing in offering lodging at their homes, learning the ropes of hospitality with real Maldivian generosity. Travel between Kanditheemu, the neighbouring island and Goidhoo are flexible, so visitors can stay on Kanditheemu, the next-door island with a cosy guest house hideaway.
As part of being a modest self-sufficient culture, visitors can experience traditional island life with islanders who are eager to teach what they know. The islanders are not just adept in their chosen professions, but they also seek balance, as evidenced by the various initiatives found around the island. 'Uni Beach' is the product of one such initiative, in which the island's children erected a small beach corner with wooden swings, a small deck to climb onto, and wooden seats, as well as a space to have a coffee while engaging in conversation. On the island, there are just a few cafés that provide delectable interpretations of native foods with a dash of cosmopolitan flair.
The island is known for farming and visitors can join in the cultivation process as local farmers are more than willing to share their expert knowledge of agriculture. Avid snorkelers/divers can visit the adjacent aquatic exhibit to explore the Shaviyani waters, which will leave you entranced with its contemplative goodness.
The warmth of the community helps to ease into the way of living on an island, as invitations follow easily. Sharing food is a given on the island, and visitors can enjoy home-cooked meals that are thoughtfully prepared with organic ingredients fresh from their home gardens. Dishes could be expected to contain tuna one way or the other, as it’s considered the unofficial national commodity.
Goidhoo is the kind of island where you can walk around barefoot and breathe in the fresh air while being pampered by the locals' kind hospitality. It's an island that's mostly an agricultural community, with fishing as a secondary source of revenue for the locals. People who call Goidhoo home live good lives, with the foundation provided by the original settlers still visible in their daily lives.
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