From the moment I arrived at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, I knew I was in for an extraordinary experience. Nestled in one of the most remote atolls in the world, the Huvadhoo Atoll, the resort immediately impressed me with its untouched natural beauty and exceptional attention to detail. The resort has 51 villas that are nicely spaced out on the small, oval-shaped island. It has an intimate and spacious feel altogether, perfect for couples and families alike. If water is your element, you have found the perfect holiday destination in the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. Here’s my review of the resort as a scuba diver.
Immersed in the 360-Degree Reef at the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
As an avid diver and snorkeler, the resort’s 360-degree house reef is a huge draw. This vibrant reef encircles the entire island, offering a 2-kilometer (1.25-mile) continuous stretch of pristine snorkeling. Each day, I found myself immersed in a vivid underwater world, encountering so many schools of fish, reef sharks, stunning coral formations and Ben, the resident sea turtle. The water is crystal clear and with generally very few currents, allowing for proper exploration of this underwater sanctuary. It is just amazing to be able to walk out of your beach villa with your snorkel gear, ready to jump into such a lively reef.
Diving Adventures at the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
With 40 different dive sites, the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa and the on-site PADI Five Star Dive Center Blue Journeys are a diver’s paradise. There is an array of dive sites to explore on the house reef as well as the beautiful walls surrounding the island. We also went out with the traditional wooden dhoni dive boat to some epic locations in the Huvadhoo Atoll.
My personal highlights were a fun channel drift dive and exploring a beautiful and absolutely huge coral garden. This area is very famous for hawksbill and green turtles. We lost count on how many we saw after a while; they were sleeping, eating coral, or elegantly gliding past us. Seeing turtles just never gets old!
We also encountered grey reef sharks, black and white tip reef sharks, sting rays and many parrotfish and anemonefish.
I was amazed at the vast diversity of corals in great condition. The coral garden we visited was so big that our PADI dive guide had not been able to explore it all yet. I think unexplored reefs, lagoons and other dive sites are quite common in this area, making it the perfect place for adventure seekers.
Unfortunately, we did not have the time to explore all 40 dive sites. Guests can book an Equator experience at a dive site that spans the center of the Earth, or divers go on a longer excursion to dive with hammerhead and tiger sharks. This is a dream of mine and just means we have to go back. Many of the other guests were repeat guests for a reason.
Not a diver yet? No problem, the lovely PADI Instructors at Blue Journeys are excited to teach you all kinds of PADI courses.
Holistic Wellness and Culinary Experience at the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
After a day of diving and snorkeling, the resort’s holistic wellness offerings provided the perfect way to unwind. My partner and I indulged in a signature massage treatment in a private couples’ spa villa. The lush and calming jungle vibes in the spa complex really elevated our relaxation mode.
If you are a foodie, you won’t be disappointed at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. Choose between several beautiful dining areas and varying cuisines. Western, Asian and a fusion of traditional Maldivian dishes with Indian and Sri Lankan influences are all on the menu. I enjoyed a variety of local specialties, all prepared with fresh, regional ingredients. At the Island Grill, you can even watch the chefs prepare the meat and fish in front of you on a grill. You then sit down and have your delicious meal with your feet in the sand.
Above all, the resort’s philosophy of living a SLOW life – sustainable, local, organic, and whole – resonates with me. The commitment to sustainability was evident in every aspect of the resort, from eco-friendly practices to the use of solar panels and a plastic-free environment. This ethos of sustainability, combined with the luxurious amenities and beautiful underwater world, made my stay at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa truly wonderful.
If you’re a diver and you want to experience the SLOW life at the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, click the button below to get more information about the resort, including availability, nightly rates and fun dive prices.
