Dhawa Ihuru Resort

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 An Unforgettable Island Paradise! From the moment we arrived at Dhawa Ihuru, we were welcomed with warmth, genuine smiles, and exceptional service. The entire staff—from the front desk to the restaurant team and housekeeping—went above and beyond to make our stay truly special. A special thanks to Eni, Widya, Ashita, Ziyad, Maniu, Mihaad, Nishanth, Elena, Ditu, Zulfikar, Simaad, to name a few for their outstanding hospitality and personal touches that made us feel like VIPs. The beachfront jetpool villa was immaculate, beautifully designed, and just steps away from the crystal-clear ocean. We absolutely loved the direct access to the reef—some of the best snorkelling we’ve ever experienced (though we are new to this) right outside our door! The food was consistently delicious, with a good variety to suit every palate. We especially appreciated the serene atmosphere of Riveli and the stunning ocean views from the Velaavani Bar. The sunset views were just magical. Kudos to the resort's commitment to marine conservation which is truly impressive and inspiring. Dhawa Ihuru is more than a resort—it’s a slice of paradise. I am a travel agent and wanted to experience the real beauty of Maldives. After days and days of meticulous research, I decided to book Dhawa Ihuru so that I can share my experience and feel with my family, friends and clients who wish to visit Maldives in the near future. Now after this awesome holiday in this magical resort, my husband and I can’t wait to return and highly recommend it to anyone seeking beauty, relaxation, and impeccable service. Our very own tagline for this resort is "Think of Maldives, Think of Dhawa Ihuru".

Where to start with our review of Dharu Ihuru. So this was our first visit to the Maldives so for a first visit we couldn't fault our experience. From the minute we landed we were taken care of so that we didn't need to think about anything after a 10 hour flight .They whisked our bags away for us and escorted us to the boat ,which I was so nervous about but I absolutely loved it. We were given water and cold towels once on board which was a lovely touch. We arrived at the island to be met by the reception staff who welcomed us with welcome drinks and more cold towels (much needed) The villa was amazing everything we needed was provided and the beautiful outside space is hard to describe in words. I have a medical condition which can make me ill if I eat gluten,wheat or barley so any holiday is stressful and something that takes a lot of investigation on my part. The restaurant staff and chefs were so accommodating and helped me navigate meal times. I was assigned Sharif to look after me and bless him he kept me safe through all my meal choices,always checking with the chefs and having my meals cooked in the kitchen to prevent cross contamination. I truly can't thank him enough for taking a very stressful situation and making it enjoyable for me. This man needs huge recognition from management but all the staff were beyond helpful. Eny always greeted us everyday with a beautiful smile and always remembered our names which is such a lovely touch which made us feel more than just another guest. To give a fair review for other guest with intolerances or diet restrictions,I didn't have the choice that other guests had. I had to think about what I wanted everyday which I struggled with a bit because I sometimes just wanted a bit of everything like my husband had from the buffet. Desserts were very limited for me and I had the same cake all week, which as it was fresh made I feel it would be easy to have changed it up a bit as with making gluten free desserts they could have easily been made more available especially when they knew It was staying for 10 days. That aside I was well and did not get ill for the whole stay which is the priority for me. We had some lovely welcoming afternoons and evenings in the bar with the lovely bar staff who kept us supplied with lovely cocktails and snacks if we requested them. Big thank you to Nish , Afraah and Pradeep. My husband enjoyed his first time snorkeling and reported seeing beautiful fish,sharks and the highlight a turtle. I spent a lovely couple of hours in the spa as I don't swim and the therapist there were amazingly professional and I had the best massages I have ever had. We went on the sunset and dolphin cruise which was the highlight of our stay. As many reviews have already said it's the staff that make Dhawa Ihuru special,we have never been any where where the staff are so attentive but also not intrusive. Thank you to all the staff we encountered for a truly memorable holiday. And to the management of the island what ever you are doing to care for your staff keep up the good work because it shows in the quality of the staff and the service they deliver.

Maldives Feeling pure, with subtle luxury without making on modern chic. The bungalow was well maintained, the bathroom tip top clean. The AI includes enough drinks, including the minibar and nibbles. Food was very extensive at all meals. If boredom arises, you can cross over to Vabbinfaru. Nothing is missing, actually. And, for me, the most important. Everyone was very, very friendly. From the gardener to the chef, who even came to the table in the evening to inquire whether everything fits. One of the most beautiful Maldives holidays so far of 15.

Having been to the Maldives 12 times over 20 years, we appreciate what the Maldives offers, and as much as it pains us to say it, this resort was a disappointment on many levels, the accommodation and helpfulness of the staff being the exceptions. The food was below par on most occasions, except when the resort management offered us meals as an apology for the poor quality of food on offer, and then it was good. Much of the food was just warm, the pastries flat and chewy and no ice cream on offer, unless you knew to ask for some. Some seafood was inedible and the meat still frozen when served with other meat resembling chewing gum! Drinks were hit and miss, with some cocktails seemingly devoid of any alcohol but with others being good. The island itself had such serious sand erosion that walking around the island became something of an obstacle course, requiring us to clamber over stacks of sand bags located all around the island. The island is also currently surrounded by a half built resort and views of the sky scrapers on Male, so that "get away from it all" holiday ideal is simply not an option on this island. It didn't help that the Banyan Group, who own this resort, cynically chose not to tell customers that its sister island, the Banyan Tree, was out of bounds for the whole of our trip, due to a private booking, denying us of the two centre experience they promote. That said, after a few attempts via our agent Trail Finders, the group have paid us adequate compensation. We have been to many Maldives resorts which charge way less than this resort and experienced better food, ambiance and snorkelling, so quite why this resort is priced as it is baffles us. Our holiday neighbours were on their first Maldives holiday and said it had put them off ever going back, which is such a shame. The resort staff were friendly and attentive, and the rooms well proportioned and finished, but everything else was a real disappointment. :(

Beautiful island with super nice staff. The service was incredibly good and the Whirpool Villa was also a dream. The garden area of the villa is super equipped and well maintained. The food was super delicious. Nishath Afraah Pradeep did a mega job at the bar!