As a family we adore coming to the Maldives almost every winter. It’s impossible not to love its abundance of flora and fauna, and of course the beautiful turquoise waters. And although travelling these days is very much restricted, I’ve been so thankful to have been invited as a media representative – and they even let me bring the family!
I’m wearing Les Friday top and pants
Kids are wearing Roly Pony
The resort we are staying in this time around is Dhigali Maldives, one of the area’s newer accommodations, nestled into the stunning backdrop of the remote Raa Atoll.
It can be reached by a short domestic flight and boat ride from Malé airport, but we took a seaplane which takes just 45 minutes and keeps the kids very entertained.
The island is vast, and one of the first things you notice, it is very green. The resort has preserved around 80% of the original vegetation of its surrounds. It even has its own tropical trail called the “Jungle Walk,” which offers an insight into what the island must have felt like before it was ever inhabited.
Besides that there are of course tons of other activities to get stuck into, including a vast array of water sports (most of which are complimentary), yoga, spa, sunset big game fishing, dolphin cruising, excursions in a glass bottom boat and so much more. At least two of these big experiences are included in your stay, ensuring your little ones never have time to get bored.
All of these activities are easily booked through the user-friendly Dhighali app – something I’d highly recommend investigating. And for ages four and up there’s even a kid’s club featuring indoor and outdoor play areas and a pool. I have to say it’s a welcome relief after months of homeschooling!
The resort normally has 4 restaurants but due to Covid restrictions only two are working – one is a buffet and the other is a la carte. Despite only half of the resort’s eateries on offer, the choice of food is really rather spectacular. What’s more, the resort operates under an “all inclusive” policy that covers just about everything including alcoholic drinks. There’s no shortage of bold flavours, with eating that’s anything but bland. Meals are innovative and authentic with a particular focus on Asian cuisine and signature dishes from North Africa and the Middle East.
In terms of accommodation there is also a great variety. Dhigali’s overwater bungalows dot the island’s azure perimeter, with 24 Water Villas and a further 16 larger Lagoon Villas with Pools on the South-East of the island. The singular Dhigali Suite is the pride of the island, featuring an opulent master bedroom, open-air bathroom, beachfront infinity pool and wide sundeck, together with a large private bar and butler service.
Dhigali’s 62 beachfront villas are also impressive – modern and very spacious each with a large bathroom containing a rainfall shower and an open air bathtub. With a view of the porcelain sand beach and the waves in front, each room’s expansive outdoor deck is equipped with a coffee table, daybed and sun lounger.
It’s worth noting that you are required to take a COVID‑19 PCR test 96 hours before departure, and this includes all family members over the age of two. They cost around £200 per person in the UK, for an express 24 hour result, so if travelling in a big group be sure to account for these costs. You must also complete an online Immigration and Health Declaration Form 24 hours before departure.
