Sun-kissed beaches, pristine shorelines, an oasis of palm trees, endless turquoise waters, and a romantic ambience. The Maldives, never ceases to enchant, no matter how many times you visit. On my second journey to this idyllic destination, I was once again captivated by its beauty. If you're seeking a romantic getaway with your significant other, you'll find no place more tranquil, serene, and idyllic. The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah, a resort located in Southern Maldives, is nestled in the heart of the Gaafu Alifu Atoll and perfectly combines luxury with nature. It indeed is an oasis of calm, and luxury, perfecting blending the outdoors with indoors. Whether you are looking for a romantic escape or a revitalizing retreat, this resort promises an unforgettable experience.Â
Getting There
Upon arrival, the pristine beauty of the Maldives is truly breathtaking. The journey may be long, starting with a flight to Malé’s Velana International Airport followed by a 1-hour domestic flight to Kooddoo Island and a 10-minute speedboat transfer, but the destination more than makes up for it. The moment you set foot on the island, the world beyond fades away, and you are immediately enveloped in the calm atmosphere of this tropical paradise.
The Long IslandÂ
To introduce, The Residence Maldives Dhighura, Dhigurah, translating to Long Island in English, stretches across 2 kilometres and is connected to its sister property, The Residence Maldives Falhumaafushi, by the longest resort-to-resort bridge in the Maldives, spanning 1 kilometre. Together, these two islands create a 4-kilometre paradise, with a secluded private island nestled between them called Castaway. The islands, surrounded by the rich marine life of one of the world’s largest and deepest coral atolls, offer the perfect setting for romantic getaways, destination weddings, and family vacations.
The Lush LifeÂ
Blending traditional Maldivian charm with contemporary design, the resort boasts 173 luxurious beachfront and overwater villas. The best part? You get to wake up to the stunning beauty and soothing sounds of ocean waves at your doorstep. For those seeking ultimate serenity, the overwater villas provide an intimate retreat with thatched roofs and decor inspired by nature. Divided into sunrise and sunset villas, each has a private pool deck opening into majestic ocean views for a truly romantic evening with your loved ones and simply a great way to unwind. The villa interiors are beautifully rustic, with earthy tones that enhance he connection to the natural surroundings. The spacious bathrooms, complete with both indoor and outdoor showers, offer a refreshing and indulgent experience. In particular, the sunset water pool villas stand out for their mesmerising views. During the day, different shades of blue collide in harmony, and as the sun sets, the sky transforms into hues of red, pink, and purple, making it a truly memorable sight. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the overwater villas allow you to snorkel right from your deck, exploring the vibrant marine life beneath.
But whether it’s day or night, the plunge pool becomes a personal sanctuary, where the gentle sounds of the ocean provide a calming backdrop. For those who prefer the beach, the beachfront villas offer equally magnificent views of the Indian Ocean. The island’s beauty is enhanced by the resort’s thoughtful touches, such as bicycles provided at each villa, encouraging guests to explore the island at their leisure. A morning cycle across the bridge connecting Dhigurah and Falhumaafushi is particularly delightful, offering the chance to spot marine life such as fish, sharks, stingrays, and even turtles. This experience is both therapeutic and a much-needed escape from the fast pace of everyday life. Whether cycling along the bridge or relaxing by the plunge pool, every moment at Dhigurah is an opportunity to reconnect with nature.Â
Dine In StyleÂ
The resort takes the dining experience to another level with its diverse options and carefully curated settings. From casual beach bars to elegant fine-dining restaurants, there’s a broad selection of global cuisines to choose from, including Italian, Japanese, French, Indian, and Chinese, ensuring every taste is catered to. On those relaxed mornings, a floating breakfast delivered straight to your villa is the ideal way to ease into the day. For something more substantial, head to The Dining Room at Dhigurah for a sumptuous breakfast spread. Italian cuisine lovers will be delighted with Long Island’s offerings, here dishes such as 24-karat Burrata, Rigatoni Bolognese, Beef Ribeye, and Truffle Fries are expertly crafted. The Paco Verde Risotto, with its buttery Portobello Portobello mushrooms and mascarpone cheese, as well as the pizza and tiramisu, offer a wonderful mix of textures and flavours. Li Bua, a modern Cantonese restaurant nestled in a serene garden setting, provides an exquisite Asian dining experience. The prawn toast is both crisp and flavourful, while the Wok-Fried Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Black Pepper Sauce is succulent and rich. Other standouts include the Stir-Fried Diced Chicken with Cashew Nuts in Spicy Sauce and the signature Wok-Fried Lobster with XO Sauce. A sweet ending with mango pudding perfectly complements the meal.
For a more intimate and romantic dining experience, the private dining options are unbeatable. Whether it's a candlelit dinner for two under the stars or a secluded Japanese lunch on Castaway Island, these bespoke settings add a touch of magic to your stay. A particularly elegant option for fine dining is Falhumaa, the overwater restaurant at The Residence Maldives Falhumaafushi. Set at the end of a 230-metre jetty above the reef, the location itself is breathtaking. The menu showcases a refined selection of Western cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood and expertly grilled meats. Each dish is thoughtfully presented and paired with fine wines from around the globe. Among the standout dishes is the Bouchées de César Salade, an artistic creation featuring Vadouvan-spiced chicken, beef, prawns, and corn croutons. The Asperges with white and green asparagus, poached egg and Béarnaise sauce is a creamy delight and a must-try for lovers of fresh, delicate flavours. For those who enjoy Wagyu, the MB9+ Sher Wagyu is a star attraction, offering a rich and succulent taste. Meanwhile, the Raviole & Joue de Porc, with ricotta ravioli, pan-seared caillette, cured pork cheek, and aged Parmesan, provides a hearty, indulgent option for those seeking a more substantial meal. Falhumaa perfectly blends a romantic setting with exquisite cuisine, making it an unmissable part of the dining experience at the resort.
If you're looking for something more laid-back and casual, Café del Sol is the perfect spot. With its poolside drinks, tapas, and tropical tunes, it offers a relaxed vibe where you can unwind. The Beef Burger here is a must-try, and worth every indulgent bite. As the sun begins to set, head over to The Beach Club's impressive infinity pool and enjoy a vibrant cocktail or two. When night falls, the atmosphere transforms – the beach party at The Beach Club is the place to be for some lively evening fun. Alternatively, on a Sunday night, you can enjoy a cosy movie under the stars, offering a peaceful end to the day.Â
Adventures By The OceanÂ
The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah offers more than just relaxation—it’s a haven for adventure seekers, promising a rich array of outdoor experiences. Whether it's exploring the marine world on guided diving expeditions, snorkelling in pristine waters, or enjoying the charm of sunset dolphin cruises, there's no shortage of thrills. Watersports enthusiasts can take part in activities like kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing, or catamaran sailing. A particularly memorable moment is the chance to spot dolphins on a jet ski excursion—an exhilarating experience that feels as though you're swimming alongside them in their natural habitat. Truly, it’s a magical and surreal adventure.
Revitalise Your Mind and Body
Begin your day with a serene sunrise yoga session that beautifully sets the tone for what lies ahead. This tranquil practice invites you to connect with your body and mind, embracing the gentle warmth of the morning sun. After a day filled with activities, retreat to The Spa by Clarins for an experience designed to rejuvenate your senses. Nestled within lush tropical gardens, the spa offers a peaceful sanctuary, where the soothing sounds of the waves create a calming backdrop.
The treatment rooms are thoughtfully designed to provide a cocoon of privacy, each featuring uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. This setting allows you to disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself in a truly relaxing atmosphere. You can choose from a bespoke range of holistic wellness treatments and retreats, tailored to soothe and revitalise every aspect of your being. Whether you seek relief from stress or simply wish to indulge in some self-care, there is something to cater to your needs.
For those who enjoy staying active, the fitness centre offers the opportunity to enhance your wellness journey further. You can opt for a customised 60-minute training session with a personal fitness trainer, who will help you tailor a workout that suits your individual goals. This blend of relaxation and fitness creates a holistic approach to well-being, ensuring that your body and mind feel balanced and refreshed.\
Surrounded by turquoise lagoons, tranquil ocean blues, and a lush landscape of over 2,500 coconut palm trees, The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah is a palm-fringed paradise that provides the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s an idyllic retreat that perfectly blends adventure and serenity, making it the kind of getaway we all long for. So let the flickering waters of the Indian Ocean dance in your mind as you discover your own private luxury hideaway.Â
For more information:
Address: Dhigurah, Gaafu Alifu Atoll,Â
Republic of Maldives
Phone: +960 682 0089
Instagram: @residencemaldivesdhigurah
Comments