EXPERIENCE MALDIVES: A historical tour

THE JOURNEY OF MUHAMMAD THAKURUFAANU

Known for paradise islands with white sandy beaches and the clearest aquamarine water, perfect for snorkelling, diving and an array of other activities, the Maldives is a destination that has attracted most of the world’s luxury hotel groups since becoming a tourist hot spot in the 1970s. The first luxury resort opened in 1972 and was followed by others across the atolls, attracting a record 1.5 million tourists in 2019. But there is much more to the Maldives than idyllic water bungalows and a balmy tropical climate. It is a destination with a long and rich history, which is often overlooked.

As early as the third century BC, Buddhism arrived in the Maldives and remnants of relics can be found on over 50 islands today. Islam then arrived in the 12th century. Those religions were followed by colonisers: the Portuguese in the 16th century, the Dutch in the 17th and the British in the 19th, all of whom had a unique influence on Maldivian culture. Here we uncover the story of Maldivian national hero, Muhammad Thakurufaanu, who along with his brothers fought an eight-year war to drive out Portuguese invaders and remove their regent puppet on Malé who was trying to convert the Maldives to Christianity. On his journey from the north to the south of the archipelago, Thakurufaanu and his brothers made a few key stops to drum up support, before overthrowing the garrison in Malé, where his tomb lies to this day. Five hundred years on, this is what their journey would look like...

MAROSHI ISLAND

It was in among the mangroves of Maroshi Island that Thakarufaanu hid his boat Kalhuohfummi from the Portuguese. This small island is home to the oldest tree in the Maldives, the Thaani tree, where Thakarufaanu rested. It is also a lovely local island and very different from the hustle and bustle of Malé.

FAIRMONT MALDIVES SIRRU FEN FUSHI

A water villa at Fairmont Maldives

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is a 120 all-villa resort with all the appeal you’d expect of a ‘Secret Water Island’, which is a translation of its name. The 16 hectare island features one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives, while the resort includes a 200-metre swimming pool which traverses the length of the island, reinvigorating destination spa and an intricate open-air bamboo bar created by Balinese artisans using only natural building materials.

GILI LANKANFUSHI MALDIVES, NORTH MALÉ ATOLL

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is an eco-resort located on Lankanfushi Islands in North Malé Atoll. The resort is surrounded by natural beauty and rich marine wildlife. Guests may enjoy activities in the surrounding area such as diving, snorkelling and surfing. Accommodation comprises 45 rusticchic thatched villas, many of which include wooden jetties. Each is equipped with modern amenities such as a TV, a minibar and air conditioning. Guests can also enjoy tasty meals at the onsite restaurants and refreshing drinks at the hotel bar. Leisure facilities include a spa and wellness centre.

Swimming pool at Gili Lankanfushi

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, North Male Atoll

KANDITHEEMU ISLAND

Another beautiful local island, a short trip from Hideaway Beach, is Kanditheemu Island. It is said to be the birthplace of the Maldivian language, and Thaani script, dating back to 1558, can be found engraved on the door of the island’s mosque.

HIDEAWAY BEACH RESORT & SPA

Aerial shot of Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is located on Dhonakulhi Island in Haa Alifu Atoll. This luxury resort offers guests various activities to enjoy, including snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing. Accommodation spans a selection of villas, each spacious and elegantly furnished and equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, a TV, safe and minibar. Each villa also boasts a pair of bicycles that guests can use to explore the island. Guests may enjoy delicious meals at any of the on-site restaurants and refreshing drinks at the bar. Leisure facilities include a spa and wellness centre and swimming pools.

Entrance to Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

Connections Luxury Member: Hummingbird Travel (hummingbird.travel)