The Escape | Barefoot Luxury At Its Child-Friendly Finest: The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah Is A Dream Come True
A luxurious resort that epitomises Maldivian charm paired with brilliant children’s activities, this breathtaking bolthole is heaven on earth waiting to be discovered
The magnificent atoll-strewn turquoise sweep of the Indian Ocean has been luring paradise-seekers from the Middle East for a number of years, thanks to lavish resorts that pay homage to the imagination’s interpretation of what heaven on earth would look like. Formally recognised as a luxurious escape for couples, the Maldives has more recently earned itself a top spot on the wish-list for families in search of a paradisial getaway, due to a slew of new resorts including The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah, where children are at the forefront of all the fun.
Villas here are the very definition of sophisticated neutrality; bedecked in taupe and tan tones as soothing as the sea breeze that gently moves to the rhythm of a silent song. Championing outdoor living with expansive sun-drenched decks, each of the 173 beach and overwater villas feature private swimming pools, meaning parents can bask in the sun with a book while keeping a close eye on the little ones at play.
Being in or beside the water is what it’s all about. The snorkelling is spectacular and within seconds of submerging, reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, triggerfish, and eagle rays can be spotted schmoozing at the reef.
Above the surface there are more adventures to embark upon where explorers of all ages can ride the waves on a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat, in search of playful pods of dolphins. Over at the Turtle Kids’ Club, children can make memories of their own with the island as their playground. Club activities include kayaking, beach games, cooking, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and yoga.
At The Spa by Clarins, the little ones can indulge in an array of decedent treatments designed exclusively for five-to-13-year-olds. Pampered princes and princesses will enjoy gentle massages, manis and facials, while parents can relish in blissful treatments on a unique voyage of wellbeing. Each of the 10 overwater spa huts have a private terrace and bath for post-treatment relaxation. Next door, there’s an open-air yoga sala with complimentary sunrise and sunset sessions, plus a spiral of meticulously placed pebbles to tip-toe across for the ultimate reflexology experience.
The island itself, located in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, feels as if it has endless space – a somewhat uncommon occurrence for many private island resorts in the region, but Dhigurah is indeed, one of the largest resorts in the Maldives. That space allows for lengthy walks and bicycle rides through its luscious jungle-like interior via sandy pathways, taking in the mesmerising native flora and fauna along the way. A pit stop at Earth Basket, the resort’s vegetable garden is a must, where picking fresh produce is encouraged and a cook-your-own lunch lesson awaits.
Further adding to the sense of space, the resort is connected to its sister island property, Falhumaafushi via a one kilometre overwater bridge, enabling guests to explore and make use of both properties’ amenities. All-inclusive packages include dining on both islands.
With ample delicious restaurants to keep guests excited, as well as private barbecues and picnics on castaway sandbanks, there’s plenty to keep even the pickiest of palettes satisfied with highlights including beach front Café del Sol with its breezy bar and Mediterranean-inspired menu, and Li Bai serving up a gastronomic feast of Cantonese fare in sophisticated surroundings. While the buffet at The Dining Room is bountiful, breakfast is best served floating in your private pool – an Instagram story in waiting.
Whether you wish to fall into in-depth conversations with fellow guests at the resort’s main pool, or spend your days in luxurious seclusion, the beauty of Maldivian vacations and a sprawling island resort is that families can tailor the itinerary to suit their style.
When the return visit has already been mentally planned before check-out, you know it’s a very special place. This is barefoot luxury at its child-friendly finest.
One bedroom overwater villas from Dhs3,850 per night, all-inclusive; Cenizaro.com/theresidence
Images courtesy of The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah