The Maldives, situated in the Indian Ocean, is celebrated as a tropical paradise, renowned for its exquisite natural beauty and luxurious resorts, making it a highly sought-after destination for tourists. The islands have a total population of 521,021, with approximately 29,000 of these residents being Indians who have chosen to live and work in the Maldives. Around 22,000 of them call Malé, the capital city, their home.
From breathtaking beaches to overwater bungalows, coral reefs and marine life, the island offers it all with added privacy and seclusion. This is perhaps why it has become a vacation hotspot, also frequented by celebrities looking to get away from the public eye.
Located on North Malé Atoll is Dhawa Ihuru, a unique island retreat offering a harmonious blend of abundant natural beauty, local culture, warm hospitality, stylish comfort, and modern design, making it an ideal destination for the new generation of independent travellers. As part of the Banyan Tree Group, this retreat made its debut in the Maldives in January 2023.
Conveniently located just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, this marks the establishment of the second Dhawa property.
Amidst the picturesque azure waters, Dhawa Ihuru boasts signature vibrant interiors and a selection of laid-back dining venues designed to enhance natural immersion and local flavour connectivity, all set in stunning surroundings.
Enjoy a leisure vacation with an array of activities and attractions
Nestled in the North Malé Atoll, Dhawa Ihuru presents a range of all-inclusive packages catering to diverse types of holidaymakers, from gastronomy enthusiasts and wellness seekers to marine adventurers and young families.
For example: the innovative Twin Island dine-around concept provides travellers with the opportunity to explore premium dining at the neighbouring Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru resort. Meanwhile, Dhawa introduces its signature 24/7 social hub, the Nest, where guests can connect with fellow holidaymakers while enjoying delectable refreshments at any time of the day or night.
Sea enthusiasts will find their paradise at the water sports centre, offering activities such as windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and canoeing. Private sailing excursions take guests over the house reef for snorkelling adventures and dining on uninhabited islands. With 30 diving spots at the house reef and an on-site PADI 5-star Gold Dive Centre, guests can continually explore new dive sites and enhance their diving skills.
For those seeking relaxation after a day in the sun, the 8LEMENTS Spa offers authentic and rejuvenating treatments, including indulgent massages and revitalising body wraps. The resort's Activa facility features a fully equipped 24-hour fitness centre and a yoga room with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, catering to wellness-minded guests looking to stay active during their island getaway. Additionally, the resort offers a versatile meeting space for conferences and team-building activities.
Best of accommodations and experiences
When it comes to accommodation, the villas at Dhawa Ihuru offer direct beach access and close proximity to the house reef- Beachfront Villa is a modern villa that provides ample outdoor living spaces and an intimate beachfront experience with sweeping views of the island's shoreline.
The best time to visit the island is between November and April, avoiding the monsoon season. Accessibility to Dhawa Ihuru is facilitated by regular flights from London to Male. The resort is just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Male, and a tourist visa is granted on arrival to travellers of all nationalities.
For more information, please visit https://www.dhawa.com/maldives/dhawa-ihuru
