We came with the intention of spending a few quiet days and the result is that we spent 5 days chasing them for almost everything. After seeing reviews and videos from dozens of influencers about the benefits of Akiri, we decided to book as the quality/price ratio seemed unbeatable. To get to the island, I had to spend a couple of days before insisting and reminding them if they could book a speedboat for us, as the local ferry doesn't run on Fridays. And finally, days later I got the answers I was waiting for. When we got there we expected to go to the main site of Akiri Surf Retreat, but no. We were not. BE CAREFUL because they have more sites on the island and most likely, you will not get one of the rooms you have seen on the internet or booking. Once again, expecting some kind of planning or organisation of the activities promised in the NON-surfers pack, there was none to be found or expected. We were day after day reminding them which activity to do today, they said that depending on the tide and other things, they would do one or another, the summary is that they did the activity they wanted to do that day. And the worst thing is that they were all at 2 o'clock in the afternoon with all the sun of the Maldives on the back of our necks. After a few obstacles in doing the activities, they said that what is advertised on the web is for a minimum of 4 people (it doesn't say it anywhere) they decided to start their own boat and take us to do the activities that we had paid for. The bbq dinner is our worst meal on the island, cold burnt fish. Special mention to the cook in the Akiri Residence building, he cooked our dinners and breakfast and all was delicious, the best guy from all Akiri! If you are not an influencer or record content, you will be missed, do not come here.

If you are looking for the authentic Maldivian experience this is exactly the place for you. The (local) home cooked food is amazing...probably the best we had on the island. Furishi and his crew did there absolut best to accommodate every wish; their excursions are wonderful and highly recommended and they even helped with our visa extension. On top of it all there is always a fluffy cat around if you want some cuddles. Will definitely come back!!

Honestly why stay anywhere else on Thulusdhoo? My dad and I arrived in Thulusdhoo for a 10 day surf trip and after booking another place and being messed around (a whole other story) we visited Akiri and spoke to Firushan who was super helpful and essentially managed to save our surf trip! The surf package that Akiri offer is amazing, the local knowledge they have of the surf, wind, tide and weather condition is unmatched. Ali our surf guide was brilliant and discussing where to go for a surf the next day and organising everything around what all the guests wanted! The accommodation was very impressive, we were booked in the triple room in another building which wasn’t far from Akiri itself (1 minute walk) with fully function AC, en-suite which didn’t smell and enough space for all of our belongings! The meals we had were mainly local curries which were super delicious with freshly caught fish, tuna chips and vegetables and amazing fluffy rice! Breakfast options were pancakes (amazing), continental and also traditional Maldivian which was extremely tasty! Fresh fruit was cut up after every meal for a sweet treat! Thulusdhoo is a dry island (no alcohol). There is a boat located just off of Thulusdhoo which operates a bar in the evenings, serving beers, cocktails, wines and spirits. Firushan had no problem organising transport to this boat whenever we wanted throughout our stay which was very appreciated! In short the team at Akiri is the best you will find on the island. They can organise whatever excursions you want to experience and will happily tend to any issues or problems that you have! Shoutout to Firu, Ali and the rest of the team at Akiri for saving our surfing holiday and giving us an amazing experience on Thulusdhoo, we will be back to see the new building and the new grill on the beach!

This was the best surf trip I've ever been on. The island is super local and hardly any tourists. You get a glimpse of what real life is like in the Maldives. Everyone at Akiri is so friendly and has such a great vibe. You feel immediately part of a family right from the beginning. They gave me breakfast at later times in the day, added extra eggs and masuni (local dish) instead of bread. Organized boats at any time of the day for us to go surfing and any excursions we wanted to do. The room was amazing with extremely cold air conditioning for a very hot place. There was a training area to warm up, free water and coffee. This will go down in my 15 years of travelling as the best place to stay in the world!

I had an incredible experience at this hostel! The people here were the best, I loved the kindness and attention from the staff, they were always friendly and welcoming. The location is super convenient, just a short walk away from Bikini Beach. Thulusdoo Island was also a highlight, providing an authentic local experience. The activities and experiences they offer are top-notch. The surf was also incredible with the surf shop they partner with, incredible staff too (shimy, himy were the best🌊). I highly recommend this hostel for an unforgettable stay! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Specially grateful for Firu (Bo(ta)nical boy), Messi (Bonaqua man) and Elin. 💙💫

The stay in Akiri was one of my best vacations. I had such a great time! The rooms are clean and well equipped. The location is great as everything is within walking distance. Breakfast and dinner were always freshly prepared and so delicious! The whole team at Akiri makes the stay a unique experience. They are caring and help you with everything. They organize snorkelling trips, day trips, surf lessons and do their best to make sure you have an unforgettable time. The atmosphere is very familiar and you feel very welcome. Thanks for everything! I hope I can come back soon! 😊

We stayed at Akiri Surf Retreat for two weeks in August 2021 and had an amazing time with Firushan and his crew! If you enjoy meeting other fellow surfers and still get a taste of the Maldivian culture and food, then this is definitely the place for you. Best pancakes ever after an early morning session at Cokes. :) Firu will give you valuable advice on when and where to go surfing, plus help you with any other activities you may want to do, e.g. snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing.. dinner there was also amazing! Even better then at the local restaurants. Thank you so much Firushan, Samah, Masi and Jape! I'm 100% coming back!

I stayed here 2 months. Unreal experience. Firu and his crew are impressive. Helpful, honest, and they go out if their way to make sure you have activities every day. I can't wait to come back. Oh and these good folks cook the best food in the island. The restaurant food on the island isn't as good as Akiri food.

Akiri is just perfect for getting to know Maldivian local life and have an unforgettable vacation. Firushan and his team made us feel comfortable immediately, and we had a lot of fun with them. We went to almost every surf break around and Firushan organized the rental of surfboards for us. The tours Akiri offers are also highly recommended! We did several snorkeling and fishing trips - also by night, which was awesome! We loved the fresh and local food at Akiri as well. Make sure to try Firushans pancakes and the Maldivian breakfast Mashuni Roshi. Just delicious! Akiri is located in a quiet part of the island. So your neighbours are local people, not tourists. We really liked that and with the offered bicycles it was great to cruise around the island - from the nearby sunset point to restaurants and shops and to the bikini beach. Everything was only two minutes away.

That was one of the best stays in my life! I had an unforgettable experience being at Akiri and now it’s my most favorite place in Maldives. First of all, the atmosphere of the place is awesome! Firushan is an amazing host, makes your stay super comfortable and fun, full of new food and cultural experiences. Guys also have cats which makes it feel like home and so cosy! Second of all, the place itself is super nice, close to the beach and to the shops . Well , an island is small anyway 😉 rooms have AC and very clean, spacious and beds are super comfy! Just what you need after long day of surfing and snorkeling. And not many rooms as well which makes you feel very private and special. Also, Akita has loads of different tours and activities! They will help you to find smth new and interesting even in the bad surf day! We did snorkeling and sandbank trip and wake surfing. You name it - they’ve got it! And the most important part is the guys will help you a lot with the surf! Chickens and cokes are just 5 mins away. They also have transfers to other breaks nearby which will take only 15 mins. Firushan also helped us a lot with the rental of surfboards. All in all, I’m ready to come back again and again! After 10 days stay we became a small family! I was lucky enough to celebrate my bday with them and it was one of the best moments. I loved to learn so much about Maldivian culture , food and traditions! Which you will never get to know in the resort!

Really pleasant stay at akiri surf retreat. It's an amazing place for surfers, good food, excellent surfers vibe, and firushan is one of the best Host you could have on earth. Thanks again firu for the best surftrip of my life.

I was lucky enough to spend a month last year. I never write reviews but this place is so special it absolutely deserves one! Fusian, Masseh, and the rest of the crew here are first and foremost just wonderful humans! Kind and funny and always trying to help! The location is perfect, quiet and just about a 3 minute walk to Cokes. Their food is great and varied and they always have seconds and yummy juices. They have an incredible boat and they know all the best spots for surfing and diving. I would catch a fish and they would clean and cook it for us that night. Above and beyond hospitality, very positive and fun place. Clean, great internet......I could go on! A beautiful place to stay with a staff of really wonderful people! STAY HERE! Cheers, Eli

I had the absolute best time here! I don't even know where to start. The rooms are clean with small balconies, good aircon, you have cold drinking water always available for you and the bed is very comfortable. Breakfast and dinner is freshly cooked and you enjoy it together with the other guests, sometimes the staff and all their cute cats. Felt like having dinner with your family :) The best part is the staff itself tho! I can tell you that after staying in hundreds of hotels and guesthouses the last years, this one was one of the best, and that definetly because of the staff. They are extremly caring and help you with everything. From tours, boat transfers and laundry, everything is so easy and carefree. They do their absolute best to gurantee you have an unforgetable time here. Thank you so much for everything, i hope i can be back in a few years! ☺️

Totally recommended for the surfer. Close treatment, flexibility with schedules and spots. All the workers make a great effort to make your stay the best possible.

Its ok, if purely a surf bum then its fine, but, it is little dark, little dingy, little run down. there is an island south gives you boat rides and surfboards in the rental (10 euro more then a night for this place) the guys are super nice and fun but yeah, the age old adage applies here of "if the places is poor it gets you outside more......"

Firu and all Akiri’s crew made us feel like home since the first moment we arrived. They welcome you to live a local experience of the Island and introduce you to their culture and flow very easily. The rooms are very cozy and super clean, you have everything you need for a perfect stay. Food was more than delicious, we are still dreaming on that curry!! All the trips were perfectly planed and all the guys did their best to make us enjoy our stay, they even planed more snorkeling trips for us since we did not surf. For sure we will come back!!! Thanks for everything Akiri😊

Great place to stay! I was here in June this year for surfing and diving! Friendly people, great food, great surf, great diving. I stayed for two weeks and loved it.