HomeIsland staysNorth Malé AtollDhawa Ihuru part of Banyan Group
Dhawa Ihuru part of Banyan Group
A five-star resort island in North Malé Atoll, 18 km from Velana International Airport, reached by speedboat and offering a private beach, diving and water sports. Guest reviews rate it 4.8 out of 5 from 477 reviews, praising staff and villas; the main trade-off is that it sits in the busiest, most transfer-friendly part of the country rather than a remote atoll.
- Resort island
- North Malé Atoll
- 5-star
- 4.8 / 5
- Speedboat
Decide
Who Dhawa Ihuru part of Banyan Group suits
- Stay typeResort island
- AtollNorth Malé Atoll
- IslandNot named in the record
- Star class5 stars
- Guest score4.8 / 5 (477 reviews)
- TransferSpeedboat
- From Velanaabout 18 km
- Live sampleBookable on 5 of 5 sampled stays
- Relative price bandUpper
Suits
- Travellers who want a short transfer, with the island 18 km from Velana International Airport by speedboat
- Guests who value service, rated 4.8 out of 5 from 477 reviews
- Divers and snorkellers, with diving listed and a house reef mentioned in guest reviews
- Couples, as guest reviews describe a honeymoon stay
- Those wanting a private beach and lagoon on a resort island
May not suit
- Travellers seeking a remote, far-flung atoll, since this is North Malé Atoll close to the airport
- Guests who need a pool, as no pool is listed
- Families needing dedicated children's facilities, which are not listed
- Travellers wanting a local-island village experience, as this is a resort island
Live availability
Seen bookable on 5 of 5 sampled dates
- Mon, 30 Nov 2026, 1 night: returned
- Mon, 30 Nov 2026, 2 nights: returned
- Mon, 28 Dec 2026, 1 night: returned
- Mon, 25 Jan 2027, 1 night: returned
- Mon, 22 Feb 2027, 1 night: returned
Dhawa Ihuru part of Banyan Group came back from the booking search on every one of the 5 sampled stays searched near it, with check-ins on 30 November 2026, 28 December 2026, 25 January 2027 and 22 February 2027. Against the other stays the sample returned, its lowest rates sit in the upper band; the site shows no figures, so the booking page gives the rate for your dates.
In the sweep the search returned this stay 28 times across the searches near it. Rates are not shown on this site; the booking card opens them for your dates.
Getting there
Getting to Dhawa Ihuru part of Banyan Group
- Usual transferSpeedboat
- From Velana airportabout 18 km, straight line
- Nearest domestic airportDharavandhoo, about 100 km
The usual transfer is by speedboat, with the island 18 km from Velana International Airport in a straight line. Guest reviews describe a 25-minute speedboat ride from the airport. Speedboats can run in daylight or after dark, so a night arrival is not a problem, unlike seaplane transfers. The nearest domestic airport is Dharavandhoo, 100 km away, though speedboat from Velana is the usual route.
Seaplanes fly in daylight only, which is relevant if a seaplane is considered, but the listed transfer is speedboat. The resort arranges transfers for guests. Across the atoll, transfers are the shortest in the country, and boats can run day and night. The listing does not give a meeting point or schedule.
More on transfers: getting from Velana to your island.
The island
a resort island
Dhawa Ihuru part of Banyan Group is a five-star resort on its own island in North Malé Atoll, 18 km from Velana International Airport. The listing gives no separate island name beyond the atoll. As a resort island, alcohol is served and swimwear is normal across the island, and the resort arranges transfers. Guest reviews describe a boutique island surrounded by its own lagoon, reached by a 25-minute speedboat ride, with sea-facing villas and a jetty welcome.
The nearest inhabited islands with guesthouses are Himmafushi at 17 km, Hulhumalé at 17 km and 18 km, and Huraa at 21 km straight line. Across the atoll, these islands have villages, mosques and harbours; alcohol is not served there, swimwear is only for designated bikini beaches, and shoulders and knees are covered in the village. The listing does not state whether the resort island itself is inhabited, but resort rules apply.
Nearest inhabited islands with guesthouses, measured from coordinates: Himmafushi about 17 km (22 guesthouses listed); Hulhumale about 17 km (7 guesthouses listed); Hulhumale about 18 km (25 guesthouses listed); Huraa about 21 km (19 guesthouses listed); Thulusdhoo about 27 km (54 guesthouses listed). Resort islands within 10 km: 11.
House rules by island type: alcohol, local-island etiquette, resort or local island.
Beach and lagoon
Beach and lagoon at Dhawa Ihuru part of Banyan Group
- Private beach listedyes
- Beachfront listedno
- Beach access listedno
- Water sports listedyes
- Diving listedyes
- Reviews mentioning the beach1
- Reviews mentioning a house reef1
- Reviews mentioning overwater villas1
The listing records a private beach and water sports, with diving, fishing and canoeing listed. Guest reviews mention the beach, a house reef, a lagoon and snorkelling; one review describes snorkelling close to the shore with plenty of fish species, a lagoon near the bar, and swimming around the island in about 40–60 minutes over roughly 1 km. Snorkelling is not separately listed as a facility, though guest reviews mention it.
Atoll levelIn North Malé Atoll, resort islands usually have their own beaches, and many have a house reef close to shore; quality varies from island to island. The atoll holds many resort islands, each one island with one property, and several inhabited islands with guesthouses. Beach and lagoon conditions on this island are as the listing and guest reviews describe; no further detail on the house reef is given.
Sea and reef
The sea and reef around Dhawa Ihuru part of Banyan Group
- Banana Reef · about 15 kmOne of the best-known dive sites of North Malé Atoll, dived in both monsoons.
- Lankan Manta Point · about 16 kmA manta cleaning station in North Malé Atoll, reached by boat from nearby islands.
- Hulhumalé beach and the Malé ferry · about 17 kmHulhumalé has a public beach where local dress norms apply, a short taxi ride from the airport, with regular ferry crossings to Malé.
- The Maldive Victory wreck · about 18 kmA cargo ship that sank near the airport island in 1981; deep and current-prone, for experienced divers.
- The North Malé reef breaks (Thulusdhoo and Himmafushi) · about 23 kmThe surf season runs roughly March to October, with the biggest swells around June to August.
Nearby sites include Banana Reef, about 15 km in a straight line, one of the best-known dive sites of North Malé Atoll, dived in both monsoons; recreational diving is capped at 30 metres. Lankan Manta Point is about 16 km away, a manta cleaning station reached by boat and visited by divers and snorkellers. The Maldive Victory wreck is about 18 km away, a cargo ship that sank near the airport island in 1981, deep and current-prone, for experienced divers.
The North Malé reef breaks near Thulusdhoo and Himmafushi are about 23 km away, with a surf season roughly March to October and the biggest swells around June to August. Across the atoll, Thulusdhoo and Himmafushi are inhabited islands with guesthouses within reach of several named breaks. The listing does not name any dive centre or boat operator on the property.
Seasons
Seasons in North Malé Atoll
Iruvai, the northeast monsoon, runs roughly December to April and is the drier, calmer half of the year. Hulhangu, the southwest monsoon, runs roughly May to November, with more wind, passing showers and choppier crossings. Air and sea stay warm all year. For divers and snorkellers, calmer seas in the northeast monsoon generally mean clearer visibility, though the listing gives no specific visibility figures.
During the northeast monsoon, mantas move to cleaning stations, often on the western sides of atolls; in the southwest monsoon, plankton and currents can draw larger animals into channels on the eastern side. The surf season runs roughly March to October, with the biggest swells around June to August. Seaplanes fly in daylight only, and recreational diving is capped at 30 metres.
Month by month: the weather guide and the two monsoons.
Day trips
Day trips and island hopping from here
Common excursion types include house-reef snorkelling, a sandbank afternoon, a dolphin cruise at dusk, visiting a local island, kayak and paddleboard a lagoon, sunset handline fishing, and learning to freedive. Nearby inhabited islands with guesthouses include Himmafushi at 17 km, Hulhumalé at 17 km and 18 km, and Huraa at 21 km straight line; these are reached by speedboat from the airport or Malé.
Hulhumalé beach and the Malé ferry are about 17 km away; Hulhumalé has a public beach where local dress norms apply, a short taxi ride from the airport, with regular ferry crossings to Malé. The North Malé reef breaks near Thulusdhoo and Himmafushi are about 23 km away. The listing does not describe resort day visits or sandbank visits from this property beyond the excursion types listed.
Trips like these on this site: house-reef snorkelling, a sandbank afternoon, a dolphin cruise at dusk, visiting a local island, kayak and paddleboard a lagoon, sunset handline fishing, learning to freedive.
Guest reviews
What guests say about the sea and beach
reef and snorkelling
Snorkelling is described as excellent, close to shore with plenty of fish species including squid, and a house reef is mentioned.
“We didn’t stay at the hotel itself (we stayed on a neighboring island), but we visited for snorkeling and dinner.”Maria G.
lagoon and water
A lovely lagoon near the bar is noted as perfect for a relaxing swim, and swimming around the island takes about 40–60 minutes over roughly 1 km.
“You can swim around the island in about 40–60 minutes, depending on the current.”Maria G.
getting there
The resort is described as a 25-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, with a seamless check-in on arrival at the jetty.
“This beautiful boutique island surrounded by its own lagoon is only a 25 minute speedboat ride from Male International airport.”Gillian M.
What guests say about the stay
food
Reviews are mixed: one praises excellent food and beautifully cooked pasta, while another finds the food quality noticeably lower than a neighbouring island, though fresh and sufficient.
“We didn’t stay at the hotel itself (we stayed on a neighboring island), but we visited for snorkeling and dinner.”Maria G.
“Excellent food and beautifully cooked pasta.”Lina C.
staff and service
Staff receive strong praise for professionalism, courtesy and helpfulness, with several named individuals thanked for making a honeymoon successful.
“Thanks to all the staff at the dining room, bar, and reception.”Lina C.
rooms
Villas are described as sea-facing, some with rain showers or jacuzzis, all with outside bathrooms, and tastefully decorated with a super king bed and modern amenities.
“Check-in is seamless before you are shown to your villa.”Gillian M.
Practical
Practical island life
Free Wi-Fi is listed for this property, and a restaurant, snack bar or café, bars, room service, breakfast in room, buffet, lunch and dinner are listed. The resort runs every restaurant and bar on the island. Other listed facilities include a 24-hour front desk, 24-hour security, laundry service, luggage storage, concierge, fitness centre, massage, jacuzzi and non-smoking rooms. No prices or fees are given.
Across the atoll, resorts generally provide Wi-Fi, often in rooms and public areas; mobile coverage is good on inhabited islands and patchy at sea. Inhabited islands have cafes and shops, while on a resort island the resort runs all food and drink. Prepaid SIM cards are sold at Velana International Airport and in Malé and Hulhumalé. The listing does not state whether the property has a shop.
Compare
Against the 3 nearest similar stays
| Stay | Class | Guest score | Transfer | Distance | Live sample | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhawa Ihuru part of Banyan Group (this stay) | 5-star resort island | 4.8 (477 reviews) | Speedboat, 18 km | — | 5/5 | Check dates |
| Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru | 5-star resort island | 4.8 (558 reviews) | Speedboat, 18 km | 0.9 km away | 5/5 | Check dates |
| Baros Maldives | 5-star resort island | 4.8 (393 reviews) | Speedboat, 15 km | 2.7 km away | 5/5 | Check dates |
| Grand Park Kodhipparu | 5-star resort island | 4.6 (1,124 reviews) | Speedboat, 18 km | 6.6 km away | 5/5 | Check dates |
Facilities listed
- 24-hour front desk
- 24-hour security
- Air conditioning
- Alarm clock
- Banquet
- Snack bar / café
- Bars
- Bath
- Bathrobe
- Beach nearby
- Bidet
- Breakfast
- Breakfast in room
- Buffet
- Canoe
- Coffee
- Concierge
- Cot
- Darts
- Dinner
- Diving
- Entertainment activities
- Express check in
- First aid
- Fishing
- Fitness Center
- Free Wi-Fi
- Garden
- Hairdryer
- Housekeeping
- Internet access
- Iron and board
- Jacuzzi
- Laundry Service
- Luggage storage
- Lunch
- Massage
- Minibar
- Non smoking rooms
- Patio
- Picnic area
- Private beach
- Restaurant
- Room Service
- Safe
- Shuttle service
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Smoking area
- Sofa bed
- Spa
- Special diets
- Surf
- TV
- Table tennis
- Telephone
- Terrace
- Toiletries
- Wake-up service
- Water sports
- Yoga
Questions about Dhawa Ihuru part of Banyan Group
What is the transfer to the resort?
The usual transfer is by speedboat, and the island is 18 km from Velana International Airport in a straight line. Guest reviews describe a 25-minute speedboat ride. Speedboats can run after dark, so a late arrival is not a problem. The resort arranges transfers.
What are the rules on alcohol, dress and swimwear?
As a resort island, alcohol is served and swimwear is normal across the island. The listing does not give further dress rules. Across the atoll, inhabited islands do not serve alcohol and swimwear is only for designated bikini beaches, with shoulders and knees covered in villages.
Is there a beach and a house reef?
A private beach is listed, and guest reviews mention a house reef and snorkelling close to shore with plenty of fish. Snorkelling is not separately listed as a facility. The listing does not describe the house reef's condition or extent beyond the review mention.
What does the listing show about meals at Dhawa Ihuru part of Banyan Group?
The facility list for Dhawa Ihuru part of Banyan Group names a restaurant, a bar, breakfast, room service and special diets. Which meal plans are on sale, from room only to full board or all-inclusive where offered, depends on your dates and shows on the booking page.
When is the best season to visit North Malé Atoll?
Iruvai, the northeast monsoon, roughly December to April, is the drier, calmer half of the year. Hulhangu, the southwest monsoon, roughly May to November, brings more wind and passing showers. Air and sea stay warm all year. Surf is roughly March to October, biggest June to August.
Is the resort better for families or couples?
The listing does not state whether the resort is adults-only, and no family facilities are listed. Guest reviews describe a honeymoon stay, suggesting it suits couples. Cots are listed. Families should check directly whether children's facilities are available.
What nearby sea or island experience is there?
Banana Reef is about 15 km away, a well-known dive site dived in both monsoons. Lankan Manta Point is about 16 km away, a manta cleaning station visited by divers and snorkellers. The Maldive Victory wreck is about 18 km away, for experienced divers. Diving is capped at 30 metres.
Was Dhawa Ihuru part of Banyan Group bookable in the live sample?
Dhawa Ihuru part of Banyan Group came back on 5 of the 5 sampled stays searched near it (check-ins on 30 November 2026, 28 December 2026, 25 January 2027 and 22 February 2027). Rooms were on sale on every sampled date. Your own dates are checked live on the booking page.
How this page was made: bookability comes from a live sweep of the IMPT booking search on 5 sample stays; facilities, photos and reviews from the IMPT hotel database; distances from coordinates; sea, season and island context from this site's own pages. The written sections were drafted by an AI model from this record only and checked against it.
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