Dusit Thani Maldives

If an idea of building a Thai-inspired resort in the Maldives raises your eyebrow, think about what this gets you. The gracious Thai hospitality set in an unparalleled luxury setting: two of the best aspects of Asian luxury travel in one gorgeous package.

Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani seduces with pearl-white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoon, verdant vegetation and a house reef that has some of the richest marine life in the Maldives.

One hundred villas

The resort’s villas and residences are a haven of modern sophistication, with luxurious amenities and technology.

There is a range of accommodation options, from Beach Villas, Beach Villas with Pool, Lagoon Villas with Pool, Ocean Villas with Pool, to the exclusive Ocean Pavilions and Beach Residences, which ensure the best luxury indulgence. They feature two bedrooms, larger swimming pools, indoor and outdoor dining seating options, and even pantries.

All villas are finished with modern amenities, e.g. complimentary Wi-Fi, 46″ TV plasma screen, Bose surrounds system, in-villa wine coolers.

Dining, spa and beyond

Exquisite cuisine in an exotic setting is another highlight of the resort. There are several dining outlets, including the all-day restaurant Market, the signature Thai Benjarong restaurant, as well as the Sea Grill, which serves local seafood fare in a beachside setting. Poolside snacks and creative selection of fresh cocktails are offered at Sand Bar, while the Sala Bar is set up for romantic sundowners or stargazing.

But the ultimate in relaxation can be found at Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa, elevated in a grove of coconut palm trees. Featuring six tree-top treatment pods, Deravana is one of its kind in the Maldives.

For all other kinds of leisure, the resort provides a fully-equipped fitness studio with personal trainer and yoga instructor, floodlit tennis courts, play area and club facility for the young ones, library and even offers some shopping opportunities on the island’s boutique.

The resort is also home to one of the largest infinity pools in the Maldives, measuring a whopping 750 square meters. Being the visual centerpiece of the resort, the pool seems to blend technology and nature, flowing around a stately banyan tree.

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Nature is the biggest attraction of Dusit Thani. The resort is located in the center of Baa Atoll, where the rich underwater life has earned it the UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve status. It’s the first and only marine site in the country to achieve this.

Great snorkeling and diving are near-guaranteed—and for the land-lubbers, the resort’s resident marine biologist is on hand to talk about sea life.

in our opinion

No other place puts us at distance to everyday life quite like Maldives and Dusit Thani certainly contains all the right ingredients of the idyllic island experience. The Thai inspirations align well with the spirit of this luxury destination.

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What we love

• Mixing of Thai design with a splash of Maldivian eco-chic is a very cool idea
• Comfortable, spacious and stylish villas with palm-thatched roofs, especially the over-water ones
• Lounge telescopes at the Sala Bar
• The resort secured a prime spot in the Maldive’s first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and its healthy house reef is fantastic for both snorkeling excursions and diving, with easy access to a plethora of aquatic life (including dolphins)
• Exquisite cuisine, especially at the Bejarong restaurant, run by a Thai chef. Food prices are reasonable compared to other Maldivian resorts
• The tree-top treatment rooms in the Devarana Spa are wonderful
• All pools are installed with a saline system that uses no chlorine
• Couples and newlyweds will love this resort, but Dusi Thani is well suited for families as well.

What you should know

• The villa's sizes range from 122 sqm. (Beach Villas) to 560 sqm (Two-bedroom Beach Residences with Pool)
• Dusit Thani Maldives is 35 minutes by seaplane from the capital Malé, and 10 minutes by speedboat from the new domestic airport
• The sand is coarser than on some other Maldivian islands, so it is not exactly a barefoot place
• The expense of diving equipment and activities can be significant
• The resort has a range of complimentary benefits for Dusit Gold Card members.