When people think of the Maldives, the image of romantic getaways and couples’ retreats often comes to mind. However, with female solo travel on the rise, the Maldives is fast becoming a haven for women seeking a peaceful escape, an opportunity to recharge, and even a strategic stopover on their journey through Asia or the Middle East. The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah, located on the remote and serene Gaafu Alifu Atoll, offers the perfect blend of tranquility, luxury, and adventure, making it an ideal destination for solo female travellers. The Women’s Journal reviewed The Residence Maldives’ offering, which is suited to all sorts of travellers including women seeking relaxation and adventure in a pristine setting.

First Impressions

The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah is not the easiest island in the Maldives to reach, especially for travellers coming from London. As the resort is located near the equator, the journey doesn’t end when you land in Malé. After your international flight, you’ll need to hop on a domestic flight that takes about an hour, followed by a motorboat ride to the island. However, the scenic (and somewhat bumpy) domestic flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Maldivian atolls, turning what could feel like a long journey into a spectacular sightseeing experience.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been to the Maldives before or not, the lush greenery, pristine white sand beaches, and vivid turquoise ocean will take your breath away as soon as you get there. The beauty of the island is so captivating that you can instantly feel your shoulders drop as soon as you arrive. Upon arriving at Dhigurah, any travel fatigue immediately melts away as you settle into paradise. From the moment you step off the boat, you’re greeted by the friendly and welcoming staff, who offer you refreshing drinks and genuine smiles that instantly makes you feel at home.

Navigating the expansive property is made effortless with buggies and personal bicycles available for guests. Whether you’re exploring the resort or taking the scenic bridge to its sister property, The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi, everything has been designed for comfort and ease.

One of the standout features of staying at The Residence Maldives is the long bridge that links two distinct resorts: Dhigurah and Falhumaafushi. Dhigurah, being the newer of the two, has a more modern and contemporary feel, while Falhumaafushi, the original property, offers a rustic charm that reflects its longer history. As a guest, you have the freedom to explore both resorts by buggy or by riding the bicycles provided with your villa. Each resort offers its own unique charm, but the bridge connecting them offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to experience different dining options, beaches, and activities, all while having the luxury of two resorts at your fingertips.

The Residence Maldives Dhigurah Water Pool Villas

Perched above the crystal-clear waters, the water pool villa we stayed in offered us direct access to the sea, so we could (quite literally) dip right into the lagoon from the private balcony. The villas all feature an open-plan design seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor living areas, offering uninterrupted views of the crystal-clear ocean.

The water pool villas feature an infinity pool with uninterrupted views of the ocean, a king-sized bed, a cosy seating area, and a fully equipped indoor and outdoor bathroom with a freestanding bathtub. A blend of luxury modern aesthetics and traditional Maldivian elements characterises the villa’s design. In addition to the wooden interiors, soft hues, and elegant decor create a soothing ambiance.

Dining at The Residence Maldives Dhigurah

The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah offers a wide variety of dining options, each offering a unique culinary experience. The Dining Room offers a sumptuous breakfast buffet every morning. From freshly baked pastries and tropical fruit to made-to-order omelettes and local Maldivian dishes, there were a variety of options available. One of the highlights of staying in a pool villa is the in-villa floating breakfast. For an additional fee (but worth it), guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning while swimming in their private pool with pastries, eggs, cold cuts, and plenty of bubbles.

The Beach Club offers a selection of international and local dishes, ensuring everyone has something to enjoy for lunch. While the resort’s fine dining restaurant, Li Bai, serves exquisite Italian and Cantonese cuisine in the evenings crafted from the freshest sea ingredients and vegetables, herbs, and spices grown in the resort’s own ‘Earth Basket’ garden. Chefs were also more than willing to customise dishes to meet individual tastes and needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

One of the unique experiences you can choose while staying at the resort is the immersive Earth Basket experience. This hands-on activity allows you to pick fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables from the resort’s organic garden, which you then use to create delicious dishes with the guidance of a skilled chef. It’s not only an educational experience but also incredibly rewarding. The herbs you gather are featured in many of the island’s dishes, ensuring that every meal offers farm-to-table freshness.

The Residence Maldives Dhigurah Spa & Wellness

No Maldivian retreat is complete without a luxurious spa day, and the Spa by Clarins at Dhigurah is the ultimate haven for relaxation. Dhigurah’s spa is an overwater sanctuary that offers a truly immersive wellness experience. Perched above the turquoise waters, the individual spa rooms provide a tranquil escape where guests can indulge in a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. With panoramic views of the Indian Ocean from the treatment rooms, the soothing sound of the waves enhances every massage, facial, or body treatment, creating a sense of complete relaxation.

Wellness is a priority at The Residence Maldives, and sunrise yoga is the perfect way to start the day for women looking to nurture both body and mind. With the rising sun as your backdrop and the sound of gentle waves, the yoga sessions are a moment of mindfulness and balance. With more resorts catering to the wellness needs of solo female travellers, Dhigurah is ahead of the curve in offering tailored experiences for guests, blending relaxation with fitness in a setting that feels truly transformative.

Activities and Experiences at The Residence Maldives

The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah offers a diverse range of activities and experiences that cater to both adventure seekers and those looking for relaxation. Guests can enjoy complimentary snorkelling gear to explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life just steps from the resort. Paddleboarding over the crystal-clear waters is a serene way to take in the beauty of the Indian Ocean, while kayaking allows for a peaceful exploration of the surrounding lagoon. For those looking to dive deeper into the underwater world, the resort’s diving centre provides guided scuba diving trips, making it easy to discover the Maldives’ famous marine biodiversity. A standout experience on offer is the sunset cruise on a traditional Maldivian dhoni, during which you can see dolphins.

A Warm Welcome and Serene Stay for Solo Travellers

As women travelling alone, meeting new people can sometimes feel daunting but The Residence Maldives makes every experience a comfortable one. Some evenings, the resort hosts a ‘Management Cocktail Hour’ right on the beach between their two resorts, Dhigurah and Falhumaafushi. Guests are greeted with traditional Maldivian dance, live music, and the warm hospitality of the resort’s management team. It’s a perfect chance to mingle with like-minded travellers and staff while enjoying sunset drinks. For solo female travellers, it’s an ideal opportunity to connect and feel part of the vibrant community.