Just Surfing in the Maldives

Nestled in the untouched southern reaches of the Maldives, Mundoo is a rare gem where the rhythm of the ocean meets the heartbeat of a traditional island community. Set in the remote Laamu Atoll, far from the bustle of Malé, this surf resort offers a truly immersive escape for wave-chasers and soul-seekers alike. Unlike many Maldivian retreats hidden away on private islands, this one is proudly part of a living, breathing village, home to just 167 warm-hearted locals. Here, you’re not only surfing some of the country’s finest waves, but you’re also connecting with an ancient culture steeped in stories, including the Buddhist-era ruins and weathered stupa once explored by H. C. P. Bell in 1923.

Accommodation at this one-of-a-kind resort comes in the form of luxury tents. Each sits serenely on the pristine private beach, cradled by lush vegetation, with the world-class right-hand point break, Sarongs, quite literally on your doorstep. For those eager to roam, Machines, another legendary break, is a mere five-minute boat ride away. With surfer numbers strictly limited, every wave feels like it’s yours to claim. After your surf, retreat to deep-tissue massages, sip fresh coffee in the beachfront café, or sway in a hammock as dolphins leap just offshore.

Days here blend surf, sustainability, and soulful simplicity. Wake up with a sunrise yoga session on the private white sand beach, before exploring the crystalline waters teeming with marine life, from Manta Ray cleaning stations to coral gardens and grouper nesting grounds, all within swimming distance. The island pulses with life both above and below the waterline, offering nature lovers and thrill-seekers the chance to dive into an eco-conscious, community-rich experience. Internet is speedy, service is heartfelt, and each detail, from biodegradable packaging to garden-fresh cuisine, is designed with both comfort and conscience in mind.

As the sun dips below the horizon, settle in at the resort’s beachfront restaurant and watch for playful dolphins while enjoying locally inspired dishes, many made with produce grown on the island’s own farm. Then head to the floating bar, where bespoke cocktails, curated wines, and handcrafted bar bites await. Whether you’re on a romantic surf escape or a solo mission to reconnect with nature, Mundoo’s surf resort promises something rare: the feeling of discovering a secret, and being welcomed in like family.

At the heart of this surf sanctuary lies a deep-rooted dedication to ecotourism and sustainability, creating a meaningful synergy between guests, the environment, and the local community of Laamu. The resort actively sources produce and talent from the island and neighbouring atolls, empowering local businesses and forging genuine connections with residents. Through a robust commitment to recycling, environmental initiatives, and community cooperation, the resort helps safeguard the breathtaking beauty of Mundoo while uplifting the lives of its people. Guests are invited to take part in unique experiences, from cultural excursions to ocean adventures, all owned and operated by locals but funded by the resort, ensuring that every visit leaves a positive footprint. Whether you’re kayaking through tranquil lagoons, paddleboarding over coral gardens, or swimming alongside majestic manta rays at the nearby cleaning station, every moment becomes part of a larger, purposeful story, one that celebrates and sustains Laamu’s natural and cultural heritage.

Surfing:

Guests at the surf resort enjoy direct paddle access to two of Laamu Atoll’s most celebrated surf breaks – Sarongs and Machines – both renowned for their consistent, high-quality waves and breathtaking surroundings. Sarongs, situated just off Mundoo and a short paddle from your lodge, is a fast, shallow right-hander that lights up with strong south-east swells and light south-west winds. Machines, only minutes away by boat, delivers powerful and mechanically perfect waves ideal for experienced surfers. Beyond these local highlights, the atoll also offers access to a variety of other surf spots including Ying-Yangs, Petrols, and Shoulders, each offering their own unique character and conditions. For those seeking further adventure, a speedboat journey north to neighbouring Thaa Atoll reveals more exceptional breaks such as Chambers, Inside and Outside Farms, and Finnimas, along with a few guarded secret spots, all ideally positioned to catch south-west, south, and south-east swells. Whether you’re chasing barrels or long, rippable walls, this remote stretch of the Maldives delivers world-class surf with space to roam.

Surf Spots

• Sarongs: Just steps from your tent—this consistent, right-hand break.
• Machines: A short 2 minute boat ride away, it offers faster waves.
• Optional day trips to other nearby breaks like Ying-Yangs and Petrols are available.

Accommodation:

Discover boutique island living redefined in air-conditioned tented lodges, each elegantly crafted to blend comfort with natural beauty. Set against the backdrop of a pristine white sand beach and enveloped by lush tropical greenery, these spacious lodges feature open-plan indoor-outdoor bathrooms and direct access to the island’s stunning house reef. Perfectly suited, each tent is designed to offer privacy, serenity, and a strong connection to the surrounding environment. Interiors embrace a refined “expedition chic” aesthetic, accented with subtle pops of colour, and are appointed with luxurious king-size beds, high-quality cotton linens, and plush towels, creating a sanctuary that is both stylish and supremely comfortable. Stay just metres from the ocean in luxury safari-style tents nestled in lush coastal vegetation. Designed with both comfort and sustainability in mind, each tent features:

• Open-plan bathrooms with indoor-outdoor showers
• Direct beach access and private lounging space
• Eco-conscious design with local materials and solar power

Wake up to the sound of waves and fall asleep under the stars—each night surrounded by nature, yet wrapped in absolute comfort.

Beyond Surfing

Your days at Mundoo are a seamless blend of surf, nature, and local culture. When you’re not riding waves:

• Join sunrise yoga on the beach (pay locally)
• Snorkel vibrant reefs or swim with manta rays at nearby cleaning stations
• Explore the island’s Buddhist-era ruins and learn from locals about Mundoo’s rich heritage
• Enjoy traditional Maldivian cooking classes and cultural storytelling (pay locally)
• Relax with deep tissue massages and fresh juices at the beachfront café (pay locally)

At night, gather for fresh, farm-to-table meals at the beachfront restaurant, followed by cocktails and conversation at the floating bar, with dolphins often dancing in the moonlight offshore.

Sustainability & Community

This Ocean Fever surf experience is deeply tied to community and conservation. The resort works in partnership with locals, hiring islanders and sourcing produce from nearby farms. Every stay contributes to local development projects and reef preservation initiatives. Your time here helps protect the natural and cultural legacy of Laamu Atoll—so you leave with more tha