The Residence Maldives Dhigurah, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Maldives – Luxury, Relaxation & Dolphins

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Stylish Seclusion under 2,500 Coconut Trees

The Maldives promise relaxation under palm trees, pristine sandy beaches, a wonderful tropical climate, endless ocean views and, with a bit of luck, dolphin sightings. That was the case at The Residence Dhigurah, situated in the very south of the Maldives.

The elegant all-inclusive resort on a 2 km long lush and pristine island with more than 2,500 coconut palms is connected with a wooden bridge to its sister resort on Falhumaafushi island. It opened in June 2019 and together the two islands comprise one of the largest resorts in the Maldives. The villas have been built in complete harmony with the natural surroundings.

Located 242 miles south of the capital Malè and just 40 miles north of the equator, in the sparsely developed Gaafu Alifu Atoll, The Residence at Dhigurah is so secluded that it cannot even be reached by seaplane. Instead, there is a 50-minute domestic flight from Malè to Kooddoo airport. A short speedboat transfer follows, and then you are greeted by typical Maldivian drum sounds and friendly staff.

Two hotels on two islands – but one resort
No matter whether you stay at The Residence Maldives Dhigurah or The Residence Maldives Falhumaafushi, you have access to the pools, restaurants and bars on both islands. So, you can shuttle back and forth between the two islands as you please across the unique 1km wooden bridge  – the longest private bridge in the Maldives. The best way to do so, is by bicycle, each villa has its own, or by golf cart shuttle.

Interview with Resident Manager Saji Rappai

Infinity Pool

In and around the 42-metre pool you can relax and enjoy the uninterrupted views of the ocean that stretch as far as the horizon.

Bicycles are a great way to explore the islands and enjoy the natural beauty of the lush wilderness.

Villas with Pool and Ocean Views

The 173 villas all offer breathtaking views of the turquoise ocean and dreamy sunrises and/or sunsets. You can choose between beach villas with their own beach area, lagoon villas directly on the coast or water villas built on stilts.

Sunset Water Pool Villa

The spacious villas combine traditional Maldivian architecture with modern comfort and contemporary design.

A special highlight is the In-Villa Floating Breakfast.

Sunset Deluxe Beach Pool Villa

Amidst unspoilt nature, the beach villas offer plenty of peace and privacy.

Beach Pool Villa

The 2-bedroom Water Villa with its own private pool

Dolphins & the Ocean

The Gaafu Alifu Atoll is one of the largest and deepest in the world, and home to spinner and bottlenose dolphins. A trip on a traditional dhoni boat to watch the Maldivian sunset is not to be missed. With a bit of luck, you will encounter playful dolphins – an absolute highlight! (Dolphin cruise at sunset USD 65++ per person).

The House Reef can be easily reached from the beach after about 25 metres. But even from the boardwalks, you can see hawksbill turtles, blacktip sharks, eagle rays and countless colourful fish.

For divers and snorkellers, there is of course much more to discover in the underwater world around Dhigurah and Falhumaafushi. At the 5-star PADI Dive Centre, advanced divers and beginners can take part in guided snorkelling and diving excursions.

Non-motorised water sports equipment, such as canoes, can be used free of charge for one hour per day.

Restaurants & Bars

Earth Table

In the resort’s vegetable garden, called the “Earth Basket”, some of the ingredients for the tasty dishes are grown in-house. On an Earth Basket tour, you can discover local fruits and vegetables, and during an Earth Table cooking class, you can pick your own ingredients with the chef. Then you learn how to prepare a nutritious meal and can enjoy it at the Earth Table. We cooked delicious Maldivian fish curry together with sous chef Walter Hill.

(Earth Basket USD 100++ per person including the three-course menu)

The Beach Club & Café del Sol

At the Beach Club with Beach Bar and Café del Sol you can enjoy lunch at the pool, cocktails on the sun loungers and watch wonderful sunsets. Café del Sol serves delicious burgers, pizzas, pasta for lunch and Mediterranean flavoured tapas in the evening.

You can end the evening on a high note with cool tracks from the in-house DJ.

Dining Room

The open-plan Dining Room serves delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets with fresh ingredients.

At breakfast, you can enjoy fresh fruit, healthy cereals, pastries and a variety of Asian dishes and Indian Ocean specialities, always with a view of the Indian Ocean. A truly wonderful way to start the day.

Long Island  & Li Bai

Long Island serves exquisite Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner with fresh ingredients accompanied by an ocean breeze. 

At Li Bai, authentic Cantonese cuisine dishes such as Dim Sum, fresh seafood and succulent meats are given a modern interpretation.

Private Dining

There are many wonderful opportunities on the islands to enjoy a romantic dinner for two under the stars or even a family picnic on the beach. (Private Dining “Vibes”)

Spa by Clarins

The Spa by Clarins, available only at The Residence Maldives resorts, is spread over 10 pavilions above the water, each available for single and couple treatments. There is also a fitness centre, yoga pavilion, beauty and nail salon.

A range of Ayurvedic and holistic treatments are available.

Aqua Yoga with Float

In addition to sunset or sunrise and sunset yoga, aqua yoga is also offered. Definitely a refreshing way to do yoga.

{Now and Forever} Honeymoon & Wedding

Sunset Celebration
USD 1,200++ per couple

  •  A symbolic non-religious wedding ceremony
  •  Maldivian Bodu Beru drummers to escort
  •  Bridal hair and make-up
  •  A bridal bouquet
  •  Wedding cake and champagne to toast
  •  Symbolic wedding certificate
  •  Planting of a coconut palm ceremony
  •  A turndown gift
  •  24 digital images

Wedding Ceremony Packages 

We renewed our wedding vows for the second time on the small Castaway Island. After our dream wedding 10 years ago in the Seychelles, we renewed our vows for the first time five years ago on Sumba Island.

Honeymooners and guests celebrating their wedding anniversary receive:

  • A bottle of wine
  • Complimentary breakfast in the villa
  • A sunset cocktail with canapés at The Beach Bar
  • 15% discount on spa treatments (a minimum stay of 4 nights applies)
  • Additionally, when booking half board – an upgrade to full board (a minimum stay 7 nights applies

This offer is valid up to 6 months after the wedding or in the month of the wedding anniversary.

We were often surprised with lovingly decorated bathtubs. The décor for our wedding vow renewal was absolutely stunning!

Turtle Kid’s Club

The Kid’s Club is one of the largest on the southern atolls and offers a wealth of entertainment for children, including nature walks, sandcastle building, fish feeding, beach activities and arts and crafts.

Getting there

When you land in Male, you will be met by friendly staff from The Residence. They will also take care of your luggage and your onward flight to Koodoo airport. The waiting time can be spent in a chic lounge.

From Koodoo airport, it’s a short bus ride to the harbour and from there you go by speedboat to the resort.

The journey is long, but worthwhile!

Conclusion

We celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary and renewed our wedding vows for the third time. The time we spent on this piece of paradise, was a treat not only for sore eyes, but also for the soul and palate. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here. The atmosphere is extremely relaxing and the food so delicious. Spending time at our own pool, at the big infinity pool or at one of the chic restaurants at the ocean sea was amazing. The lovely staff are the heart and soul of this island paradise and create a real feel-good atmosphere.

Rooms: 173 Beach, Lagoon and Water villas.
Transfer: Transfer by scheduled flight and speedboat. Duration: Approximately 70 minutes
Air Temperature: 24 – 33 degrees Celsius
Water Temperature: 27 – 29 degrees Celsius
Best Time to Visit: (November) December to March
Time Difference: 3 hours
Price: Beach villas from USD 765: It includes sunrise and sunset yoga at the Spa by Clarins (reservation required); One-hour non-motorised water sports daily; Free snorkelling equipment rental throughout your stay; Free access to Castaway Island; Free Wi-Fi; Two complimentary bicycles per room (Standard All-Inclusive)
Early Bird Special: Get 25% discount for bookings made up to 45 days in advance; Upgrade from full board to (Standard All-Inklusive) meal plan.
Honeymoon Special: A bottle of wine, one complimentary breakfast in the villa, one sunset cocktail with canapés in “The Beach Bar”, 10% discount on spa treatments (a minimum stay of 4 nights applies).
Special features: Beautiful natural island; Stunning romantic villas each with an infinity pool; Personalised, charming service.
Perfect for: Couples, families, nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, romantic souls, honeymooners, and beach weddings.

The Residence Maldives – Brochure

The Residence by Cenizaro is part of Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts and currently comprises six luxury hotels in Tunisia, Mauritius, Zanzibar, the Maldives and Bintan. We have already visited The Residence Mauritius, The Residence Bintan and the enchanting The Residence Zanzibar!

TripAdvisor  „The Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best“- Award 2021
TripAdvisor  „The Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best“- Award 2020
National Geographic Traveller UK. – The Big Sleep Award 2020 – Category Castaway

The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah
Dhigurah, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Republic of Maldives
T+960 682 0089
info-dhigurah.maldives@theresidence.com
www.cenizaro.com/theresidence


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Please note: Our stay was sponsored by The Residence Maldives. Thank you very much! Nevertheless, our opinions expressed in this article are unbiased.

Monique De Caro

Monique De Caro

Luxury Travel Blogger & (Wedding) Photographer at Monique De Caro | Photography & Design
Hallo, ich bin Monique #lebensfrohe Weltenbummlerin #Fotografin #Travel Bloggerin und die Schreiberin dieses Blogs. Da ich selbst Hochzeitsfotografin bin und ich meinen Mann Marcus am Strand Anse Source d´Argent auf den Seychellen geheiratet habe, möchten wir euch vor allem Tipps für wunderschöne Flitterwochen, die eigene Hochzeit am Strand, Luxusreisen, einzigartige Hotels oder die romantische Auszeit zu zweit geben.
Monique De Caro
- 3 years ago

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