Relax Lodge
A working island base for the North Ari Atoll, 69 km from Malé
A place to stay on Thoddoo
Relax Lodge sits on Thoddoo, a local island in Alifu Alifu (North Ari) Atoll, roughly 69 km from Velana International Airport. It draws travellers who want atoll access without the price of a private-island resort — rooms start around $62 per night. The lodge runs a restaurant, a fitness centre, and a terrace, and arranges excursions including water sports, fishing, and island hopping. Private speedboat hire is also available, giving guests flexibility to plan their own schedule around the atoll.
The honest verdict
A straightforward lodge on a real Maldivian island, geared toward active travellers who want guided excursions and easy atoll access at a moderate price.
Best for
- Budget-conscious Maldives travellers
- Snorkelling and fishing trips
- Island-hopping itineraries
- Couples or solo travellers who don't need a private-island setup
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers seeking an all-inclusive resort experience
- Families needing interconnecting rooms or extra beds
Thoddoo island setting
Thoddoo is a populated local island in the North Ari Atoll, known for fruit farming and reef access. The lodge has a garden, a sun terrace, outdoor furniture, and a private beach area — a different character from the sandbank resorts nearby.
Rooms with balconies and terraces
All four room types include a private balcony or terrace, air conditioning, soundproofing, and a private bathroom. The larger 24 m² rooms suit guests who want a bit more space, while garden-view rooms open onto the property's green surroundings.
Excursions and speedboat hire
The lodge arranges water sports, island hopping, fishing, diving, canoeing, and snorkelling through experienced local guides. Private speedboat hire is available for guests who want to set their own schedule around the atoll.
On-site facilities
A restaurant, fitness centre, BBQ facilities, picnic area, and bicycle rental are all on the property. Room service runs from the restaurant, and the lodge also handles airport shuttle arrangements.
Rooms & suites
Double Room with Garden View
24 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 large double bed
- Balcony
- Garden view
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Garden View
18 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 double bed OR 1 single bed
- Balcony
- Garden view
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Balcony
24 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 large double bed OR 1 single bed
- Balcony
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Double or Twin Room with Balcony
24 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 large double bed OR 1 single bed
- Balcony
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Inside Relax Lodge
Getting there
Relax Lodge is on Thoddoo island in Alifu Alifu (North Ari) Atoll, approximately 69 km from Velana International Airport. The transfer is by seaplane. The lodge arranges an airport shuttle service — coordinate directly with the property when booking to confirm transfer details.
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
Relax Lodge holds a 4.7/5 rating across 84 Google reviews. Guests single out the location and access to things to do around the island, and the lodge's position on Thoddoo — with its restaurant options and airport access — comes up consistently as a practical strength.
- 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 approximately 69 km from Velana International Airport and is reached by seaplane transfer. The lodge also offers an airport shuttle service — contact them directly to arrange timing and confirm current availability.
Is there a seaplane terminal fee I should know about?
Seaplane transfers in the Maldives typically involve a terminal fee paid separately at the airport. Check with the lodge when booking your transfer to confirm what is and isn't included.
What room types are available?
There are four room types: two garden-view rooms (18 m² and 24 m²) and two balcony rooms (both 24 m²). All sleep two and include a private balcony or terrace, air conditioning, and a private bathroom.
Which rooms have a minibar?
The Deluxe Double or Twin Room with Balcony and the Double or Twin Room with Balcony both include a minibar. The two garden-view rooms do not list a minibar in their facilities.
Is there a restaurant at the lodge?
Yes. The lodge has an on-site restaurant serving continental, vegetarian, Asian, and American options, plus breakfast to go. Room service is also available.
What activities can I do from Thoddoo?
The lodge arranges snorkelling, diving, canoeing, fishing, island hopping, and broader water sports through experienced local guides. Private speedboat hire is available for guests who want more flexibility.
Is alcohol available on Thoddoo?
Thoddoo is a local Maldivian island, and alcohol is not served on local islands. Guests who want licensed bars should consider staying on a resort island instead.
Is the lodge suitable for families with children?
The rooms sleep two guests and no family or interconnecting room configurations are listed in the facts. Couples or small groups are better catered for than larger families needing extra beds or joined rooms.
Is there a beach at the lodge?
The facility list includes a private beach area, garden, and sun terrace. Thoddoo is a local island, so the beach experience differs from a private resort island — but reef access is a key draw for excursion-based stays.
What is the price range?
Rooms start from around $62 per night for the Deluxe Double or Twin rooms, and from $69 for the larger or standard Double configurations. Prices vary by season and availability.
Is free WiFi available?
Yes, the lodge lists free WiFi as a facility across the property.
Is there a fitness centre on site?
Yes, the lodge has an on-site fitness centre available to guests.