Relax Lodge
A working island base for the North Ari Atoll, without the resort price tag
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A place to stay on Thoddoo
Relax Lodge is a lodge on Thoddoo, a local island in the Alifu Alifu (North Ari) Atoll, roughly 69 km from Velana International Airport and reached by seaplane. Thoddoo is one of the Maldives' few inhabited islands known for its farming community as much as its water access, which gives it a different character from purpose-built resort islands. The lodge has a restaurant, a fitness centre, a private beach area, and BBQ facilities. All rooms include a private bathroom, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and either a balcony or a terrace. Excursions — water sports, island hopping, and fishing — are arranged through the lodge using experienced local guides and a private speedboat.
The honest verdict
A straightforward lodge stay on a local Maldivian island, with comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and guided excursions into the atoll arranged on request.
Best for
- Travellers who want atoll access without full-resort costs
- Couples or solo guests on flexible itineraries
- Island-hopping and fishing trips
- Those curious about everyday Maldivian island life
Maybe not ideal for
- Guests expecting an all-inclusive or overwater villa setup
- Those who prefer a short speedboat hop from the airport
- Travellers wanting a large on-site activity centre
What a stay costs
Indicative room-only estimate from the lowest nightly rate — excludes airport transfers, taxes and seasonal price changes. Many Maldives properties also require a minimum stay. Check live rates for your dates.
Thoddoo island setting
Thoddoo sits in the North Ari Atoll, a working local island distinct from the private resort islands nearby. The lodge has a private beach area and outdoor terrace space, giving guests direct access to the water without the crowds typical of larger resort properties.
Rooms with outdoor space
Every room category at Relax Lodge includes either a balcony or a terrace, with garden or courtyard views depending on the room type. Soundproofing is standard across all categories, and the larger 24 m² rooms add a minibar in select configurations.
Guided excursions by speedboat
The lodge has a private speedboat and works with experienced local guides to run fishing trips, island-hopping excursions, and water sports. These are arranged through the lodge rather than through a third-party operator.
On-site dining and fitness
The restaurant serves guests on-site, with room service also available. A fitness centre and BBQ facilities round out the practical amenities for guests spending several nights on the island.
Rooms & suites
Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Garden View
18 m² · sleeps 2 · Select your bed (if available) 1 full bed 1 twin bed
- Balcony
- Garden view
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Balcony
24 m² · sleeps 2 · Select your bed (if available) 1 queen bed 1 twin bed
- Balcony
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Double or Twin Room with Balcony
24 m² · sleeps 2 · Select your bed (if available) 1 queen bed 1 twin bed
- Balcony
- City view
- Inner courtyard view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
Double Room with Garden View
24 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 queen bed
- Balcony
- Garden view
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
Inside Relax Lodge
Amenities at Relax Lodge
Most popular facilities
- Airport shuttle
- Fitness center
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Private beach area
- Breakfast
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
- View
- Terrace
- Free Wifi
- BBQ facilities
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
- Walk-in closet
- Extra long beds (> 80 inches)
View
- City view
- View
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Terrace
- Sun deck
- Private beach area
- BBQ facilities Additional charge
- Balcony
- Garden
Getting there
Getting to Relax Lodge on Thoddoo in North Ari Atoll means covering about 69 km from Malé (MLE) by seaplane — a scenic flight of roughly 20 minutes. The property arranges the seaplane once your flights are confirmed. Seaplanes fly in daylight hours only, so late arrivals may overnight in Malé.
Seaplane transfers typically run $250–600 per person round trip, booked through the property. A few islands in this band are also served by a domestic flight to a nearby regional airport plus a short boat — ask the property which routing is faster for your dates.
On the map
Thoddoo, the hotel's island, belongs to North Ari Atoll. North Ari Atoll (Alifu Alifu) is known for vibrant dive sites, reef sharks and a classic mix of resort islands.
Maldives tours & activities
Excursions you can book for a Maldives stay — manta & whale-shark snorkelling, sandbank picnics, diving and sunset cruises. Availability varies by island; filter by your dates and location on GetYourGuide.
Relax Lodge holds a 4.7/5 rating across 84 Google reviews. Guests single out the location and access to things to do as particular strengths, which aligns with the lodge's focus on guided excursions into the atoll. The overall score points to consistent satisfaction across stays.
- Things to do4.8
- Restaurants4.8
- Airport access4.5
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Relax Lodge from the airport?
The lodge is reached by seaplane from Velana International Airport. Thoddoo is approximately 69 km from the airport. The lodge offers an airport transfer service, so confirm your flight details with them when booking.
Does the lodge arrange the seaplane transfer?
Yes. The lodge provides an airport transfer service. Contact them directly with your arrival details to coordinate the seaplane connection and any onward transfer arrangements on the Thoddoo end.
What room types are available?
There are four room categories: a Deluxe Garden View room at 18 m², and three 24 m² options including a Deluxe Balcony room with minibar, a standard Balcony room, and a Double Room with Garden View. All sleep two.
What is the starting price per night?
Rooms start from $116 per night for the Deluxe Double or Twin Room categories. The Double Room with Garden View starts from $128. Rates vary by date and availability.
Is breakfast included?
Breakfast is listed among the lodge's facilities. Whether it is included in the room rate or charged separately depends on the rate you select at booking — check the specific rate conditions before confirming.
What activities can be arranged through the lodge?
The lodge arranges water sports, island-hopping trips, and fishing excursions using a private speedboat and experienced local guides. These are booked through the lodge rather than a third-party operator.
Is there a beach at the lodge?
Yes. The lodge has a private beach area listed among its facilities, along with outdoor furniture, a sun deck, and a terrace.
Is there an on-site restaurant?
Yes. The lodge has a restaurant and also provides room service. BBQ facilities are available, though these may carry an additional charge depending on use.
Is there Wi-Fi at the lodge?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Is the lodge suitable for families with children?
The lodge's rooms are configured for two guests each. There is no specific family room or connecting room mentioned in the available details, so families should contact the lodge directly to discuss options before booking.
When is the best time to visit Thoddoo?
The Maldives' dry season broadly runs from November to April, when conditions for water sports and excursions are generally more reliable. The lodge operates year-round, but sea conditions can vary outside these months.
How do I book Relax Lodge?
The lodge can be booked through the major online booking platforms or by contacting the property directly. Booking direct may allow you to discuss excursion packages and transfer arrangements at the same time.
Hotels near Relax Lodge
- Dream Coral · Thoddoo · 0.1 km
- Evila Inn Thoddoo · Thoddoo · 0.2 km
- Thoddoo Garden inn Maldives · Thoddoo · 0.2 km
- Ari Stay Thoddoo · Thoddoo · 0.2 km
- Thoddoo Haisha inn · Thoddoo · 0.2 km
- Tropica Thoddoo Inn · Thoddoo · 0.2 km
- Lagoon Villa Maldives · Thoddoo · 0.2 km
- Relax Residence Thoddoo Maldives · Thoddoo · 0.2 km