Idyllic atols: A solo Maldivian adventure
This feature was originally published in TTG Luxury
With around 175 hotels and resorts to choose from, finding the best hotel in The Maldives can be tricky. They all offer visitors something different from five-star ultra luxe to more pared back barefoot escapes. I visited two very different hotels in the Maldives for TTG Luxury.
The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, The Maldives
The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah is a 173-villa resort that offers peace, tranquillity and endless opportunities to snorkel and dive at the hotel’s thriving house reef. Connected to The Residence Falhumaafushi by a 1km bridge, guests can make use of both resorts’ bars, restaurants, pools and facilities. Because of its geographical location in the southern Maldives, the hotel promises a more authentic, unspoiled Maldivian experience.
Best bits: Exploring the resort is best done by bike. The two islands span 5km so cycling is a great way to add some movement to your daily island routine. And let’s face it, it’s easy to do absolutely nothing when holidaying here. Staying in a Sunset Water Pool Villa guests can enter the water from their bedroom to snorkel The Maldives’ crystalline waters from dusk ‘til dawn. On the private Castaway Island you’ll spend days soaking up the sun as turtles bob past. The beauty of being able to switch between the two resorts gives guests a feeling of space, freedom and choice, crucial when visiting The Maldives.
What’s it like: With 173-villas there are plenty of different room types ranging from the much sought after Sunset Water Villas to beachside residences. Villas are furnished with dark teak furniture, white linens and cream tiled floors – they’re huge and comfortable with walk in wardrobes, generous bathrooms and a stunning private pool area looking out onto the Indian Ocean. Families with younger children may prefer the Lagoon Pool Villas as the water is calmer. Honeymooners will no doubt want to go for the over water villas for the ultimate Maldivian experience. Beachside villas are equally coveted and generously sized with direct access to white squeaky beaches and private pools. It really does feel like you’re away from it all with lush jungle, sandy tracks, stunning beaches and an ocean packed with sea life.
What to eat: Li Bai serves delicious Cantonese cuisine and is housed in the same space as Long Island, the Italian option. Guests can choose from both menus if dining together. At The Beach Club, lunch or dinner is served by the pool, along with sunset cocktails and after dinner drinks as guests watch a film or listen to the resident DJ. Breakfast is served in the vast Dining Room – think big buffets with international dishes. Lunch and dinner is also served here. At the Earth Table guests can cook with the chef to prepare dishes made with produce from the hotel’s own garden. The Residence Falhumaafushi offers more restaurants that are also worth a look – food at The Beach Bar is excellent.
Who’s staying there: Guests are varied with families, couples, honeymooners and mixed groups staying at The Residence Dhigurah. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and the clientele is mixed with repeat guests visiting from all over the world. The hour-long domestic transfer from Male to Kooddoo airport means you have to work harder to get here, which makes the resort feel much more remote and exclusive.
Life in the area: The quality of the reefs in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll are said to be amongst the best in The Maldives. Days are spent in the water or on the water. Don’t miss a sunset boat trip on a traditional Maldivian dhoni where it’s not unusual to see dolphins and turtles. The hotel’s on-site Dive Centre has everything you need for snorkelling – pick up a mask, snorkel and flippers on arrival – plus there’s the option of booking dive trips and courses. There are daily yoga classes, gym and an unmissable spa too.
My highlight: The Spa by Clarins is an absolute must. There’s a bespoke range of holistic wellness treatments and retreats on offer but the best bit is the treatment rooms themselves. Winding pathways take guests through the lush tropical gardens – the hotel was built in amongst a coconut plantation – into treatment rooms that float over the Indian Ocean. When your treatment’s finished spend some time relaxing on the outdoor terrace contemplating the unmatched beauty of the Maldives.
How to book it: 7 nights in a Sunrise Beach Pool Villa including domestic flight & speedboat transfer, all-inclusive, from £3,145 per person. Prices based on two adults sharing. Prices based on a departure date of 13th October. Book before 30th June to receive a free accommodation upgrade to a Sunrise Water Pool Villa. classic-collection.co.uk
Ifuru Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives
With 147 sunset facing beach suites and villas, Ifuru Island fosters a playful, social atmosphere from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. Just a one-minute buggy ride from its own island airport, the resort is an ideal Maldivian base for groups of friends, couples and young families.
Best bits: Hubba Hubba and The Social House are the heart of the resort, centred around the sociable pool and garden area. Dinner at The Waterfront is a pleasant over water experience – lie in the hammocks over the sea after dinner to spot sharks. As the island is so small everything can be reached on foot but the resort still manages to retain a sense of space. The resort’s palm lined beach is classic Maldives – go in search of the Secret Spot to escape to your own private stretch of sand. You can also walk or run the island trail, which takes you through lush green jungle. Request a villa at the far end of the resort for more of a castaway experience.
What’s it like: Sunset Beach Suites have direct access to the beach. Sunset Sky Suites are the same layout but on the first floor, reached by a short flight of stairs. Suites are light and bright, furnished simply with pops of colour and stylish elements taking inspiration from nature. Sunset Beach Villas offer the ultimate beachfront living experience and come with or without a private pool. Multigenerational groups may prefer the Sunset Family Suites or Nests where the whole group can stay together. There are six restaurants and four bars – Hubba Hubba is the spot for nightly entertainment and music. With its 24-hour premium all-inclusive ‘Exclusively Yours’ programme guests will never go hungry. There’s the Star Fitness gym and Xanadu Spa offering yoga, sound healing, sauna, steam and luxurious treatments. The Coconut Kid’s Club is a fun, colourful space with its own mini water park outside. Next door is the Play All Day outdoor games area with pool table, table football and darts, ideal for older children.
What to eat: The large and airy Waterfront restaurant has a distinct Asian-inspired menu; upstairs is a Teppanyaki counter with views over the Indian Ocean. During the day there’s a snack bar at The Beach Club, a laid-back spot for cocktails and sunbathing on beanbags under colourful parasols. At the Palm Grill guests can expect a rustic steakhouse experience and The Social House is the largest restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. If guests get hungry during the day, poolside pizzas are freshly made and served until sunset. After dark, Ifuru Eats is on hand to deliver take-away options straight to your door. Don’t miss the ice creams and a photo shoot at the pink barbie tower, a favourite Instagram spot.
Who’s staying there: The resort tends to attract a younger clientele. This probably isn’t the place for older more mature guests. The bright, colourful interiors in guest rooms and communal spaces give the place a fresh, young feel. Groups of friends, honeymooners and couples are well catered for here.
Life in the area: Days revolve around lazing on white sandy beaches, snorkelling and water-based activities. The resort’s Blue Wave Dive Centre has a variety of activities and excursions including sandbank snorkelling on Kokomo and fishing trips. Those brave enough can take part in the communal Ice Bath Challenge around the pool or you may prefer a game of tennis or private yoga classes.
My highlight: A specially arranged candlelit seafood dinner on the beach was a standout moment. The sunset yoga class with our friendly instructor at the island’s Secret Spot was also memorable. I ate some excellent Sri Lankan food at The Social House – tasty, authentic and freshly cooked.
How to book it: 7 nights in a Sunset Sky Suite with return economy flights from the UK, premium all-inclusive & domestic flight transfers in the Maldives from £2,195 per person sharing. Departs 15th September 2025, Book by 30th June 2025. Prices subject to availability. beachcombertours.uk