Dhawa Ihuru

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. :(

Excellent holiday - can't fault the staff - without exception they were very friendly helpful and couldn't have done more The food was very good, Eni and Maariu were always there to help and remembered our preferences. As did the bar staff Nishanth, Pradeep and afraah. My only very slight complaint was a slightly clouded very blue warm sea! But that was due to the weather conditions - start of the rainy season but the snorkeling was still.excellent and close to the beach and rooms. A wonderful holiday.

Most amazing holiday ever! Paradise for people who love snorkelling! We stayed in rainforest villa, where you have access to the sea right from your own little garden. We didn't use the rainforest mist, however it's still worth getting this type of villa, because it was on the windy side of the island. When it's hot - being on the windy side is very important. Amazing snorkelling experience - we saw manta rays, lots of sharks, and even a huge turtle, amongst million of stunning fish. Food was good, loved the breakfast with fresh made egg station and fresh juices. Try pina colada - really nice ;) Small disadvantage - restaurant area gets hot - sit under the fan or bring your own little fan. The plus of it being hot though - is you won't eat that much ;) great being back from all inclusive and not putting weight on!

Just waiting to leave this beautiful island after 10 wonderful nights. Every single member of staff is superb, extremely friendly, professional and is a credit to team Dhawa. Ani and Maani a special shout out! However every single staff member goes above and beyond. This is the sixth time in the Maldives and this island is up there as one of the best.

We had a great stay here. It's a small resort, not overly luxurious but reasonably priced, beautiful and comfortable. We arrived late at night but they were very thoughtful and even prepared sandwiches and fruits in the room for us in case we were hungry. We are not strong swimmers so didn't do much snorkelling but was very happy with just going to the pier to look at the many shoals of fishes that come by including black tips. Another plus point is the regular shuttle to its sister island at Banyan Tree so it offers a bit more variety to wander around. What stood out most is the way how all the staff members really go out of their way to please, in particular Nishanth, Rohit and Afraah. We had a late departure on the last day and they extended our checkout a couple of times to 6pm. The massage was also good and strong. I was quite touched when a lot of the staff members actually came out to bid us goodbye as we boarded our boat. In the many places we visited, its common to get a warm welcome but in this case, you get a fond farewell too which is quite exceptional.