A journey into traditional Maldivian fishing
Introducing the Maldivian fishing legacy
Beneath the Maldives’ postcard-perfect skies and crystalline atolls lies a centuries-old legacy — traditional fishing that has long sustained island communities and shaped their way of life. Long before overwater villas and spa sanctuaries, Maldivians set sail at dawn, guided by nothing but the horizon and ancestral knowledge. This isn’t merely about catching fish — it’s a living tradition, one that binds generations to their ocean home.
The dhoni: More than a fishing boat
Central to this tradition is the dhoni - graceful, wooden, and expertly crafted to travel the atolls. Locals know the sea’s moods intuitively, reading currents, clouds, and schools of fish rather than relying on digital tools. To guests, the dhoni offers an immersive window into this heritage: at Royal Island, Villa Nautica, and Villa Park we invite our guests aboard at dawn to feel the gentle sway of the boat and to hook their catch, as real Maldivian fishermen do.
Pole-and-line fishing
Imagine standing at the edge of a classic dhoni, pole in hand, poised with bait while sea and sky meet beyond the horizon. This is pole-and-line fishing — a method that over 65% of skipjack tuna and 55% of yellowfin tuna are still caught using in the Maldives today. It’s elegant, selective, and sustainable: each catch is handled by hand, preserving marine ecosystems and embodying a deep respect for nature — values that align seamlessly with our commitment to sustainable fishing practices here at Villa Resorts.
From sea to table
Once the catch is hauled in, it begins its journey toward the table — fresh, expertly prepared, and infused with island flavors. Maldivian cuisine is rooted in three pillars: fish, coconut, and starch. A beloved example is mas huni: shredded tuna mixed with grated coconut, lime, onions, and chili — served alongside warm roshi flatbread for a breakfast that tastes like home.
Tradition thriving in today’s hospitality
At Villa Resorts, tradition and sustainability sail hand-in-hand. Our excursions invite guests to catch their own fish — then have it grilled or barbecued back at the resort — a true “sea-to-plate” adventure that celebrates local techniques and our environmental values. In a world of modern indulgence, this ancestral craft reminds us: in the Maldives, the sea still gives, and we continue to honor it — one line, one catch, one meal at a time.