The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah launches in June 2019, set on the one of the country’s most beautiful atolls – Gaafu Alifu Atoll – and adjacent to The Residence by Cenizaro’s first property, The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi. The two resorts will be connected by a bridge - enabling guests to travel between the two with ease – and forming one of the largest resort offerings in the Maldives. The Gaafu Alifu Atoll is found in the south of the Maldives and can be accessed by both seaplane and domestic flights.

All of Dhigurah’s 173 spacious beach and water villas overlook the dappled turquoise waters of the ocean and each one has its own private pool. Rooms are designed with plenty of natural light and crafted using the finest local materials, blending the beauty of traditional Maldivian architecture with contemporary flair. Aimed at families, Dhigurah introduces 12 new two-bedroom beach and water pool villas, with more on-land options, perfect for younger children.

Dining options include all-day dining at The Dining Room, the resort’s beachfront restaurant and Li Bai, the resort’s signature Cantonese restaurant, sister to the celebrated Li Bai in Singapore, serving exquisite classic Chinese dishes. Guests can choose ocean-facing Long Island for dazzling sunsets, sharing plates, light bites, champagne and glamorous cocktails. For Mediterranean tapas, head to Café del Sol, set within The Beach Club, for poolside lunches and sunset cocktails. Alternatively, for a more intimate experience, guests can choose from a series of private dining experiences including a castaway dinner on a private island served under starlit skies, to a beach barbecue for family and friends.

Dhigurah’s Spa by Clarins is set in 10 thatched roofed spa pavilions, each of which is privately situated in lush tropical gardens overlooking the ocean. The full-service Spa is a haven of holistic tranquility to heal mind, body and soul and also includes a hair and beauty salon and yoga garden deck overlooking the ocean.

Other resort highlights include a 42-metre infinity pool, Dive & Watersports Centre, relaxation reading lounge, fully-equipped gym, two complimentary bicycles per room for all guests and a diverse range of watersports and land-based experiences.

The resort’s dedicated Turtle Kids Club (open from 9am to 7pm) offers guests from 3 years to 12 years the freedom to explore and discover the magic of island living under the eyes of the specially-trained Kids Club team. The Kids Club’s vast playground stretches across the island inviting guests to explore and discover indigenous flora and fauna. Other activities include yoga for kids, snorkeling, kayaking, Dhivehi language practice, arts and craft, beach games, cooking, scavenger hunts and more. Babysitting services are also available.

Surrounded by a beautiful, untouched reef and set on one of the deepest and untouched atolls, with more than 250 species of coral and 1,200 species of marine life including manta rays, dolphins and green turtles, Dhigurah is a must visit for keen snorkelers and divers.

The opening of The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah will take The Residence by Cenizaro’s hotel portfolio to six - Mauritius, Tunis, Zanzibar, Bintan and the Maldives. Further expansion is planned over the next two years with three hotels in Tunisia – Douz, The Medina of Tunis and Djerba Island.

Gary Xie, Director for Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts said: “With The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah we are creating a new offering for our guests. The hotel will – as always - be an authentic expression of The Residence philosophy; with its own story to tell and a combination of both Maldivian and global influences to give it a unique sense of place. With The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah, we want to create a hotel that is both the perfect place to relax and an ideal spot for families to let loose and have fun.” He adds, “This is a really exciting time for The Residence by Cenizaro as we look to expand the portfolio and we are absolutely thrilled with this new opening.”