Naladhu

Veligandu Huraa was always the smartest of the 3 islands sharing a lagoon, and as Naladhu now sits preeminent as a 6-star resort. There are just 19 beachfront or ocean-facing Houses, each served by a personal House Master, on call day and night. The interiors boast the latest in facilities (iPod, WiFi, 40” TV) and modern design, complemented by an infinity-edge pool.

The Living Room is their signature restaurant, where personal consultations with the chef are available. As too are personalised sessions of fitness training, yoga, pilates and meditation.

Dhigu and Veli resorts

Bodu Huraa, now renamed Veli, has been nominally united with Dhiggufinolhu Island, now simply Dhigu, into a single resort – although the holiday experience on each island is likely to be rather different.

Veli has 50 Over-Water and Deluxe Over-Water Bungalows, while Dhigu has 110 rooms, of which 38 are Deluxe Over-Water Suites and two are Deluxe Over-Water Pool Suites.

The 2 islands share 5 restaurants (Italian, Thai and Maldivian specialties), 2 fitness centres, 2 swimming pools, 2 tennis courts and a Kid’s Club. A lot of effort has clearly gone into water sports, entertainments and excursions but, with its experience in Thailand, and taking on the ambience of the Maldives, I am sure it is perfectly possible to do very little and perfectly enjoy that too.

All three share a stunning lagoon

The resort is just 35 minutes by speedboat from the airport. The islands are set in a very large and beautiful lagoon. The lagoon has created wonderful beaches on the resorts but at low tide it can be very shallow. Pools have been created just off shore.

For snorkelling, guests need to take a trip out, as the reef drop-off is too far to reach and is anyway open to the ocean. On the other hand, this is one of the prime diving areas in the Maldives. Just a few minutes away are a wreck, a manta point, a shark point and spectacular caves.

I will revisit these resorts for individual reviews hopefully in May.