Azul Retreat
Private-pool villas on a private island in Dhigurah
A private island in Dhigurah
Azul Retreat is a three-star guest house on Dhigurah in South Ari Atoll. It offers villas with private pools, a house reef for snorkelling and diving and a spa. Room types include the Double Room and the Shairose Deluxe. Guests rate it 5/5 across 18 reviews. It's about 98 km from Velana International Airport (MLE), reached by seaplane or domestic flight.
The honest verdict
Expect a three-star guest house, guest scores around 5/5, seaplane or domestic flight.
Best for
- Value-minded travelers
- Experiencing local-island life
- Spa & wellness breaks
- Divers & snorkelers
- Families with children
Maybe not ideal for
- Guests wanting alcohol on-site or all-inclusive dining — local islands are alcohol-free
What a stay costs
Indicative room-only estimate from the lowest nightly rate — excludes airport transfers, taxes and seasonal price changes. Many Maldives properties also require a minimum stay. Check live rates for your dates.
Villas with private pools
Choose from 4 room types — including the Double Room, Shairose Deluxe, Deluxe Double Room. Rates start from $66 a night.
Your own pool, your own pace
Many rooms open onto a private pool — the slow mornings that make an island stay.
Island & surroundings
Azul Retreat sits in Dhigurah, rated 5/5 by guests.
Rooms & suites
Double Room
21 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Soundproofing
- Minibar
Shairose Deluxe
30 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 double bed OR 1 single bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Patio
- Ensuite bathroom
Deluxe Double Room
20 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed / 1 large double bed
- Sea view
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Soundproofing
Deluxe Quadruple Room
31 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 single bed / 1 sofa bed / 1 large double bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Patio
- Private bathroom
Experiences on & off the island
Inside the resort
Amenities at the resort
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Room service
- Non-smoking rooms
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Shower
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
Outdoors
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Private beach area
- BBQ facilities
- Terrace
- Garden
Kitchen
- Refrigerator
Room amenities
- Socket near the bed
- Drying rack for clothing
- Clothes rack
Getting there
Getting to Azul Retreat on Dhigurah in South Ari Atoll means covering about 98 km from Malé (MLE): either a scenic seaplane flight of roughly 30 minutes, or a domestic flight to the nearest regional airport followed by a speedboat. Seaplanes serving South Ari Atoll fly in daylight hours only, so late arrivals may overnight in Malé.
On the map
South Ari Atoll (Alifu Dhaalu) is renowned for year-round whale shark sightings and some of the country's best diving.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Azul Retreat from Malé airport?
Getting to Azul Retreat on Dhigurah in South Ari Atoll means covering about 98 km from Malé (MLE): either a scenic seaplane flight of roughly 30 minutes, or a domestic flight to the nearest regional airport followed by a speedboat. Seaplanes serving South Ari Atoll fly in daylight hours only, so late arrivals may overnight in Malé.
How far is Azul Retreat from Velana International Airport?
Azul Retreat is approximately 98 km from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé.
Is Azul Retreat suitable for families?
Yes — Azul Retreat offers a kids' club and family-friendly facilities, with calm lagoon swimming suited to children.
Does Azul Retreat have a spa?
Yes, Azul Retreat has a spa offering treatments and wellness facilities.
Can you snorkel or dive at Azul Retreat?
Yes — Azul Retreat has a house reef for snorkelling, with guided diving and water-sports available.
What room types are available at Azul Retreat?
Room options include Double Room, Shairose Deluxe, Deluxe Double Room, Deluxe Quadruple Room.
How much does it cost to stay at Azul Retreat?
Nightly rates start from around $66, varying by date and room type.
How much does the transfer to Azul Retreat cost?
Airport transfers in the Maldives are arranged by the property and charged separately from the room rate. Seaplane and domestic-flight transfers are priced per person and cost more than a speedboat, and fares are usually quoted per person, round-trip. Confirm the exact transfer fee with the property when you book.
Is there a minimum stay at Azul Retreat?
Many Maldives properties apply a minimum-stay requirement — commonly 2–3 nights, and longer (5–7+ nights) over the December–January peak and New Year. Check the rate conditions for your dates, as minimums vary by room type and season.
When is the best time to visit Azul Retreat?
South Ari Atoll is a year-round destination. The dry season (roughly November to April) brings the most sunshine and calm seas, while the quieter wet season (May to October) offers lower rates and excellent diving visibility.
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