Sands Grand Dhigurah

Sands Grand Dhigurah is a twelve-room guest house on Dhigurah, a long, narrow island in South Ari Atoll on the edge of the marine protected area where whale sharks are seen all year. The island is about two hours from the airport by speedboat, and the long bikini beach runs down its western side.

It suits couples, friends and families who come for the whale sharks and the beach, not for resort facilities. Every price includes the room, your meal plan, the return speedboat and every Maldivian tax, green tax included.

What you pay

There are three room types. The Deluxe Room has a king bed and is for two. The Superior King Room is a few per cent more and takes a third guest on an extra bed. The Deluxe Family Room, with a king bed, a single bed and an island view, is about an eighth more than the Deluxe Room and sleeps up to four. Prices shown cover two people sharing.

Half board adds dinner and comes to a little under a fifth more than bed and breakfast on a three-night stay. Full board adds lunch as well, about a third more. The speedboat is a large part of a short stay here, so each extra night adds far less than the first three. The season does not move the price on the dates priced here.

What's included, and what isn't

In the price: your room for the nights you pick, breakfast, dinner or all three meals as chosen, the return speedboat from Velana airport, a meet and greet, a welcome drink, drinking water, tea and coffee, mask and fins for the stay, Wi-Fi, and every Maldivian tax including the green tax.

Not in the price: whale shark trips, excursions and diving, room service, a private speedboat if you want one, your international flights, travel insurance, Indian TCS, and anything not named above.

Who this isn't for

Anyone on a short trip. With about two hours each way on the boat, three nights is the least that makes sense, and four gives two chances at the whale sharks.

Anyone who wants a drink, nightlife or a choice of restaurants. Dhigurah is an inhabited island, no alcohol is served on it, and meals are at the guest house's own café. Dress modestly in the village and away from the bikini beach.

Anyone who suffers badly from seasickness. The crossing is open water and can be rough in the wetter months.

Before you book

The speedboat runs to a timetable, not to your flight, and the afternoon boat is the last of the day. Send us your flight times and we will match you to a boat, or plan a night near the airport if you land late.

Two nights is the shortest stay, and stays over the festive season and the weeks after it need four. The festive period is not priced on this page and carries compulsory gala dinners.

Every room has a private balcony, air conditioning, a minibar, a safe, a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi, and there is a rooftop terrace for the evenings.

Meals are served à la carte at SANDS & Salt Café, with a buffet when the house is busy. Vegetarian and other dietary requests are looked after on request. Children under three stay and eat free.

Send us your dates, who is travelling and when you land. Message us on WhatsApp or send us an enquiry, and we will come back within 24 hours with the right room, the boat that fits your flight and one price for the stay.