An idyllic island retreat set on North Malé Atoll with a wealth of world-class dives on offer, Dhawa Ihuru is welcoming sun-seekers and marine life enthusiasts to explore its new dining and leisure offerings as the property unveils new facilities following a rebrand from Angsana Ihuru. Dhawa, a hospitality brand from the Banyan Tree Group, is a contemporary, casual, and comfortable limited-service hotel where technology and nature come together to offer a sense of discovery to a new generation of independent, design-savvy travellers. The first resort for the Dhawa brand in the Maldives, Dhawa Ihuru is set amid azure waters with signature vibrant interiors and a collection of relaxed dining venues designed to promote natural
immersion and connectivity through local flavours in stunning settings. The perfect island playground in the North Malé Atoll, Dhawa Ihuru can be experienced through a variety of all-inclusive packages that cater to different types of holidaymakers, from gourmet travellers and wellness aficionados to marine adventurers and young families. Located only a 20-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, the dive-centric retreat offers environmentally-conscious diving in the crystalline waters of the house reef and world-class snorkelling amid the plunging walls and sweeping channels of the North Malé Atoll.
Lying at 26-metres deep, Dhawa Ihuru’s signature dive spot – the Rannamaari Wreck – offers a wide variety of species to discover in an iconic setting just a few metres off the house reef.
Relaxed comforts
With 45 nature-integrated villas to hide away in and plenty of communal areas, guests at Dhawa Ihuru can be as private or as social as they wish, with days spent soaking up Ihuru’s natural wonders, above the water and under the sea. The 57-square-metre Beachfront Villas are modern and bright, with ample outdoor living spaces, a king-size bed with an option to add up to two additional sofa beds, a separate dining room, direct access to the beach and close proximity to the house reef. Intimate and secluded, each villa comes with its own swing chair or an island-style breezy sitting on the veranda with sweeping views of the island’s shoreline.

Set mere metres away from the beach and the house reef, Beachfront Jet Pool Villas offer 68 square metres of indoor/outdoor space including a roomy veranda with a dining area designed for leisurely family meals, and the ultimate island amenity – an outdoor shower with a jet pool cocooned in greenery and promising moments of absolute bliss. The Beachfront Jet Pool Villa’s spacious sleeping area comes with a king-size bed and can accommodate up to two additional sofa beds.

The 68-square-metre Beachfront Rainmist Villas, meanwhile, boast a private rainmist lounge – a revitalising water-centric experience where guests can rediscover the elusive state of peace amid swaying palm trees and ocean breeze while relaxing in a hammock in full privacy to the soothing sounds of cascading water.

A kaleidoscope of flavours
With all-inclusive packages taking care of the daily meal planning, guests at Dhawa Ihuru can focus on each other and on island discovery. Airy and bright, the restaurants are oriented to capitalise on breathtaking sunset panoramas, while the new Twin Island dine-around concept offers travellers a chance to explore premium dining at sister resort Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
A new social hub, the Nest, Dhawa’s signature 24/7 concept, guests can grab a refreshing drink or stay and connect with other holidaymakers over delicious refreshments any time of day or night. Over at The Velaavani Bar, stunning views, tropical atmosphere and cheerful service come together to create a chic yet relaxed dining experience centred on local bites and cocktails. An ideal venue to while away an afternoon or enjoy a digestive, Velaavani Bar also serves as a check-in area to ease guests into a tropical way of life where time stretches out and connection with nature is the default setting.
The Riveli Restaurant, the resort’s all-day-dining venue, serves elevated fare with breathtaking beachfront views. From breakfast to dinner, there are delicious buffet and a la carte options to explore, with plenty of local flavours included. Nectar, a unique concept offering bento box-style dining, allows guests to dine on authentic Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Maldivian and Western flavours in any location on the island, from villa to the beach.

Island discovery
In line with the brand’s “active wellbeing” ethos, Dhawa Ihuru has put together a programme of fun educational activities to help families engage with the island while keeping everyone energised. At the Kids’ Club, activities range from sandcastle building, T-shirt painting and treasure hunts to beach games and marine life exploration. Sea lovers will be in heaven at the water sports centre. Windsurfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing and canoeing are complemented by private sailing excursions with Kahan’bu Catamaran that takes guests over the house reef to snorkel among some of the most beautiful reefs in the Maldives as well as dining on uninhabited islands. With 30 diving spots at the house reef and a PADI 5-star Gold Dive Centre on site, guests will never run out of new dives to discover and new diving skills to learn. For travellers who want to enjoy a bit of downtime at the end of the long day in the sun, elements spa offers authentic and impactful therapies and practices, including indulgent massages and cooling and restoring body wraps. Over at Activa, the resort’s fully equipped 24-hour fitness centre and a yoga room with stunning views of the Indian Ocean, wellness-
minded guests will find everything one may need to stay in shape during a holiday in paradise.
The resort also offers a multi-purpose room for meetings and team building activities – a vibrant 36-sqm venue that immerses delegates in a local experience and connects them withthe outside during the indoor sessions.