How people live on Thoddoo: village life and guest etiquette
Thoddoo is a real village, not a resort: about 1,900 people live here, farm, fish and run guesthouses. Here is what local life looks like and how a guest should behave.
Who lives here and what they do
- At the 2022 census Thoddoo had 1,924 residents, up from 1,348 in 2014. About Thoddoo
- Farming is the traditional occupation. According to Wikipedia, Thoddoo is the largest producer of watermelon in the Maldives, and many plantations grow other fruit and vegetables. Fruit on Thoddoo
- Tourism is more recent and is based on guesthouses owned and run locally, with shops and cafés for visitors. Shops on Thoddoo Restaurants
- At Relax Residence all staff are local residents. They speak English and Dhivehi, the national language.
How to behave as a guest
- Thoddoo is a Muslim community. In the village cover shoulders and knees; swimwear is for the bikini beach. What to wear What a bikini beach is
- Alcohol is not sold on local islands and cannot be brought in without permission. Alcohol rules
- During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day outside resorts.
- Ask before photographing people, especially women and children.
What to see of village life
- A walk through the village and the plantations takes an hour or two. Getting around
- The beaches are set apart from the village. Beaches of Thoddoo
- Excursions we run give a different view of the island and its sea. Excursions
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How many people live on Thoddoo?
1,924 at the 2022 census.
What do locals do for a living?
Farming, including watermelons, guesthouses and tourism services, fishing and shops.
Do I need to dress modestly?
Yes in the village; swimwear is for the bikini beach.
Is alcohol available?
Not on local islands such as Thoddoo.
Who works at Relax Residence?
All staff are local residents who speak English and Dhivehi.
Reviewed by the Relax Residence team in October 2026.
