A typical day starts with a check-in with the surf guides about what the swell and wind are doing. If Vodi is working, you paddle out from the beach. Vodi works best in north to easterly winds, which make the left hollow and rippable, and it usually picks up more swell than Kasabu because it faces straight into south and southwest swells. If the wind has gone west or northwest, you take the boat across the channel to Kasabu instead.

The wave changes a lot with size, which makes this trip work for a wider range of surfers than most Maldives breaks. When Vodi is small, it's fun and suits beginners, longboards and funboards. When it's bigger, it's for intermediate to advanced surfers. Kasabu is an intermediate-to-advanced wave, at its best in medium swells. Several other spots around the Dhaalu Atoll come into play in different conditions. If you want to chase something further afield, the resort can arrange a private seaplane to reach any wave in the Maldives.

What sets this apart from a boat-based surf charter or a typical surf camp is that the main break is on the doorstep of a full five-star resort. You can ask for a beach villa as close to Vodi as possible, surf a dawn session, have breakfast, and be back out at lunchtime without planning any transport. Non-surfing partners and kids have plenty to do: guests regularly mention the Kids Club Explorer, the pools, the spa and the attentive butler service.

Coaching is run by dedicated surf instructors. Complete beginners start in the flat lagoon, working on pop-ups and balance, then move to the channel wave, which is soft and forgiving. Surfers who already ride green waves can book private lessons to work on turns, wave selection or tube riding at Vodi and Kasabu.

The resort itself, Niyama Private Islands, is spread across two connected islands, one geared towards activity and one towards quiet. It rates 4.9 from more than 3,700 reviews. Recent guests mention the staff by name, the villas, the food and the water. The Surf Shack is the social hub for surfers: gourmet bar food, beachside cocktails and a view straight over the break.

One practical point: if you're bringing your own boards, tell the resort how many bags you have and their dimensions when you book. Seaplanes have limited space and boards can be delayed. Flying the domestic route instead, or sending your boards on the domestic flight while you take the seaplane, gets around this.

What's included

- Villa accommodation at Niyama Private Islands - Walk-out access to Vodi Point from the beach - Daily surf guide recommendations on where and when to surf - Butler service - Access to resort pools and beaches - Kids club access for families

What's not included

- International flights - Seaplane or domestic flight transfers (unless included in your booking) - Speedboat transfers to Kasabu and other surf spots - Surf lessons and private coaching - Private seaplane surf trips - Spa treatments - Food and drinks at the Surf Shack (unless covered by your meal plan) - Travel insurance - Personal expenses