Joanna James
Each atoll of the Maldives has its own allure, but some truly stand out like the Dhaalu Atoll, one of the ‘stars’ of this tropical destination. Whether you are planning a romantic rendezvous or a fun-filled family vacay, here’s why it should be at the top of your travel bucket list.
Getting to Dhaalu Atoll is effortless while providing a breathtaking journey to boot. After landing at the Velana International Airport, you can hop on a shared or private seaplane to your resort (check ahead because such options vary according to different resorts); get ready to enjoy the thrill of soaring over the Maldives, taking in stunning views of tiny islands ringed by turquoise lagoons. Alternatively, you can take a 30-minute domestic flight followed by a scenic speedboat ride to your property that lets you enjoy both sky and sea on your way to your dream island!
If you are looking for sublime seclusion, Dhaalu Atoll delivers as well. With fewer resorts and less foot traffic than some of the busier atolls, this place has a "lost in paradise" feel to it. Resorts here, like Niyama Private Islands Maldives, are set on private islands, meaning you can truly get away from it all. After all, it’s not every day you can wake up in a beach pool villa with direct access to powdery white sands or stay in an overwater pool villa, where morning swims in the lagoon await below. Whether you are a couple looking for romantic beach dinners or a family in need of a kids' club and water sports galore, you will find a luxury retreat that ticks all the right boxes!
The Maldives is famous for its rich marine biodiversity, and Dhaalu Atoll is no exception. Snorkelling or diving here will bring you face-to-face with a kaleidoscope of fish, not forgetting larger denizens of the deep like reef sharks, manta rays and sea turtles. Dhaalu Atoll hotels with onsite diving centres offer PADI-certified training, so even first-timers can experience the marine marvels of the Indian Ocean. If you are feeling extra adventurous, try a night snorkelling or diving excursion with the chance to see lionfish, lobsters, and even glowing bioluminescent plankton that make the ocean shimmer… it’s like a real-life scene from "Avatar," only without the CGI!
If your idea of a holiday includes holistic healing, Dhaalu Atoll resorts have world-class spas where you can unwind in overwater treatment rooms or lush garden sanctuaries. You can look forward to Ayurvedic massages, aloe vera body wraps, and heated cowrie shell therapy. Some spas even offer multi-day retreats, vitamin IV drips, and high-tech ELEMIS BIOTEC facials. Many spas offer solo, couple, and even kid-friendly wellness experiences, so everyone can get their dose of bliss. You can complement such treatments with some yoga amidst the soothing sounds of the ocean, the perfect soundtrack for your transformative journey!
Surfers can ride the waves at Vodi Point, adrenaline junkies can go full throttle with jet skiing, waterskiing and wakeboarding, and thrill seekers can harness the wind for windsurfing and kitesurfing too. Soar above while parasailing or flyboarding and try your hand at big game fishing or Maldivian sunset fishing. Meanwhile, families can go on a dolphin spotting adventure, and couples will love a romantic sunset cruise. You can also enjoy a private sandbank picnic or visit inhabited islands like Kudahuvadhoo for cultural discoveries. Suffice it to say that there’s never a dull moment in the Dhaalu Atoll!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
