We had the absolute joy of hosting Bill from Australia here at Calm Beach Inn—and what a treat it was! Bill isn’t exactly new to the Maldives. In fact, you could say he’s an honorary islander at this point. Having spent several years working in the education sector, he’s not only picked up a deep appreciation for Maldivian history and culture, but also a serious love affair with Maldivian food. If it swam and had fins, Bill probably loved it—especially tuna in all its glorious forms.
From the moment he arrived, Bill felt like family. He brought with him not just stories and wisdom, but also a keen eye for detail. He shared thoughtful feedback and some very creative ideas for the guesthouse. Let’s just say if we had a suggestion box, we’d name it “The Bill Box.” Every conversation was a mix of insight, laughs, and those golden “aha!” moments.
But Bill wasn’t just here to chill on the beach (though he enjoyed that too). He was on a bit of a mission—to explore the Laamu Atoll through its lesser-known but deeply meaningful islands. One of his top picks was Gaadhoo, an island once full of life but abandoned after the 2004 tsunami. These days, it’s home to just a handful of government caretakers. Walking through its quiet, overgrown paths with Bill felt like stepping into a time capsule—ghosts of everyday life still whispering through the coconut palms. It was eerie, moving, and quietly beautiful all at once.
Bill didn’t just stop at Gaadhoo—he was on a full-on mission to soak up as much of Laamu’s stories and soul as possible. And that meant a visit to Hithadhoo, a gem of an island that’s home to one of the most important mangrove ecosystems in the Maldives.
With his ever-curious spirit and love for the environment, Bill was absolutely fascinated by the lush mangrove lagoon—a peaceful, winding patch of nature that plays a vital role in protecting the island and supporting biodiversity. It’s not just beautiful, it’s ecologically powerful. Of course, being Bill, he didn’t just walk through it—he asked questions, took notes, and probably now knows more about that mangrove than most locals do!
The island also has a handful of historical sites, which, naturally, Bill made time to explore. Every corner sparked more conversation about the culture, the past, and how nature and people have shaped life here.
And speaking of things shaping life here—food definitely plays its part.
While in Hithadhoo, we had the absolute pleasure of sharing lunch with our friend Ibu and his family, a local legend. Ibu's wife whipped up a biriyani that still lives rent-free in our minds. Spiced just right, packed with flavor, and served with that classic island hospitality—it was one of those meals that just makes everything better. Bill loved it, of course, and probably would’ve asked for seconds if we hadn’t already polished off the pot.
Another one of Bill’s island adventures took him to the legendary Baresdhoo—a place with some serious bragging rights. If you’re a Star Wars fan (or just a fan of cool facts), you’ll love knowing that a scene from the franchise was filmed right here in Laamu Atoll. Yes, right here in the Maldives. And let us tell you—it’s easy to see why. The place feels like another planet with its wide open spaces, untouched natural beauty, and that kind of quiet that almost echoes.
But what made the visit even more special was the contrast between its Hollywood claim to fame and the laid-back reality of island life. As we wandered around, we saw a couple of locals husking coconuts, going about their day like it was just another Tuesday—which it was. It was such a cool moment: one minute you’re imagining lightsabers and space battles, the next you’re watching someone peel coconuts with the kind of skill that belongs in its own action movie.
Thank you, Bill, for the stories, the thoughtful conversations, and the love you showed for our islands. We’re grateful for your visit and can’t wait to welcome you back for more tuna, tales, and adventures! 🌴✨
Exploring Islands & History with Bill 🇦🇺