Be careful when choosing the right resort for your Maldives vacation. Several times friends had given us this important tip. Because next to all the luxury, the truly gorgeous beaches and perhaps the most beautiful sea in the world, there is one thing you can’t do: just go out to eat somewhere else in the evening. The vast majority of resorts are located on small atolls and you are at the mercy of your own resort.
After it was clear to us that it is better not to make any mistakes here when choosing an atoll, I set about researching and chose the Dhigali Maldives for our trip to the Maldives. In addition to all the advantages that such an island atoll offers, the Dhigali is distinguished by no less than five restaurants with different characteristics.
Once you have recovered from the small price shock, the Premium Inclusive Package here offers a whole range of benefits. The greatest thing about it: you really don’t have to worry about any more expenses once you arrive. At the same time, this has nothing in common with the terrible all-in offers that are classically known (and which I have never booked to date). Here it means that you can dine where and what you want, choosing wines from the large wine list and also in the room wine, beer and all spirits of the house bar are replenished daily. Optionally, the wine list also offers even larger wines, which are then of course no longer covered and allow guests to drink themselves well into five-figure dimensions per bottle.
But the most important thing is that all restaurants are good in themselves, individual and both in the selection of dishes and in the quality of products at least good, sometimes very good.
Beach house or water villa?
The next question you may deal with at most resorts in the Maldives is the housing situation? Would you rather spend your dream vacation directly on the water or on land in a beach villa?
We opted for the variant on land. On the one hand, the villas are a bit more spacious, and on the other hand, there are many possibilities to arrange the beach access according to your mood and the sun. And the open bathrooms including an additional outdoor shower are nothing to sneeze at either. This requires a few steps and swims to encounter interesting sea creatures while snorkeling. A justifiable circumstance, in our eyes.
The Battuta restaurant is located in the interior of the small island and can only be reached by a path, reminiscent of India Jones movies, through the tropical forest. It is focused on typical specialties of Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine. Many of them come to the table in small sharing varieties, so it’s wonderful to sample through the diverse options.
At Faru we found our perfect spot for lunch. Feet in the sand and a wide selection of meat and fish dishes from the grill, oriental pizza varieties, salads and snacks. Plus a bottle of wine and of course the view of turquoise sea – what more could you want?
The resort’s main restaurant, Jade, is surprisingly large, though separated into two areas thanks to clever architecture. Among other things, breakfast is served here. In addition to countless typical varieties, it comes up with lots of local fruits, salads and small hot Asian breakfast specialties. In the evening, depending on the day of the week, you can dine here either at the buffet or at a large outdoor BBQ station. For my taste, it’s a bit busy, but the evenings around Indian and local dishes are still very much worth a visit and open the door to an aroma that you can hardly get hold of here in such an authentic way.
The Haali Bar invites you every evening for a sundowner at the southern tip of the small atoll. However, those who prefer a somewhat quieter end to the day will also find numerous very nice more secluded options.along the beach…
What is certain is that the Maldives is one of the most beautiful destinations for a short, energizing getaway – and of course, preferences vary. If you have culinary interests in addition to the fantastic sea, climate and contact with friendly sea creatures, you would be well advised to find out about options and offers in advance.
On Dhigalli Atoll, it is also advisable to coordinate all reservations for the restaurants with the friendly concierge team weeks before arrival and place them bindingly. Conveniently, all this can also be done on site via app, but even the best technology doesn’t help if the best spots are already booked up weeks in advance…
