Maldivian water villas don’t get more elegant than at the Diamonds Athuruga. Although it was built at the turn of the century, the Italian-owned resort doesn’t show signs of bygone years, keeping up with the times. Not without reason, the property has recently received the ‘Best Luxury Water Villa Resort and Luxury Spa Resort in Indian Ocean’ award. So when packing your bags, don’t forget sunglasses to rescue your eyes from the dazzling crystal clear turquoise waters and soft white sand beach next to your stand-alone accommodation.
The Outpost of Italian Hospitality
Nestled on the tiny, picture-perfect island of the magnificent South Ari Atoll, Diamonds Athuruga champions its guests by offering liberation and freedom from everyday worries, allowing for a much needed disconnect. This disconnect is induced by a scenic 20-minute seaplane journey from the main Velana International Airport, which transfers you into a whole another reality of comfort and solitude. Compared to its neighboring resort run by the same Planhotel Hospitality Group, Diamonds Thudufushi, Athuruga has calmer waters and gives out a more private and personal feel, ideal for couples, families, and tight circles of friends. Adding to this unique ambiance is the resort’s meticulous attention to detail. No matter where you are on the island, you won’t find a pillow out of place, or a staff member not smiling. Another hallmark that makes a stay here different from anywhere else is Athuruga’s home-like hospitality. All praise to the property’s Italian management, who creates this family feeling of joy and long-awaited meeting, like when you are finally visiting your family, whom you missed so much over the years.
Tranquility over Maldivian Waters
Whether you decide to book a villa over the water with a large deck with direct access to the lagoon or a bungalow right off the beach with a spacious seating area and an outdoor shower, all 72 of Diamonds Athuruga’s airy and uplifting accommodations recently had a makeover are sure to provide you with an unforgettable stay. The all-inclusive paradise features standard-level bungalows with vaulted ceilings and minimalistic decor played out in all-white walls and boxy, glass-topped natural wooden furniture. Personal decks empty right out onto the soft sand and have sets of retro-modern loungers and couches under the shade of grand umbrellas, which scream boho – an unconventional, highly sophisticated lifestyle. If you upgrade to a regular Water Villa, you’ll trade the sand for a massive wooden overwater deck with chic loungers and sofas, as well as direct access into the sea. Standout features of this option include beautiful herringbone hardwood floors and personal iMacs, which will ease your struggle in case you will need to keep up with your work projects. For those who are interested in living to the fullest, we recommend checking out spacious Water Suites with doubly-large decks and circular, edge-of-deck hot tubs.
Marine Entertainment & SPA
In addition to all the freebies included in your all-inclusive deal, there's a wide array of other features Athuruga has to offer. From orientation tours around the island with drinks, snacks, and important information about your stay, to a host of excursions, including whale shark and manta check tours, speedboat trips through the Southern Atoll, and off-island snorkeling tours to sites to watch marine life like Reethi Thila and Olo Ghiri and Manta Point, the resort definitely doesn't save on your entertainment. Besides, you can always embark on your private solo snorkeling adventure with turtles, or try sunset snorkeling led by a flashlight to see scorpionfish, lionfish, and nurse sharks – nocturnal wonders of Maldives. If you decide to sign up for a fishing excursion, you have a chance to catch local fish, and the kitchen will cook it for you for free. But for those up to real underwater adventures and touching memorabilia, the property diving center offers splendid dives and even go-pros to capture your experience. Besides, you can learn much about marine adventures from an experienced diving team or take a few classes to boost your skill. If you decide to dive deeper, an on-site marine biologist will tell you all about the rich life thriving on and around the island. What’s fascinating is that this very biologist helps the island grow its impressive natural reef.
When you grow tired of constant fun, the resort's rustic-chic spa will accommodate all your needs to help you relax and unwind. Here, you can rejuvenate and literally feel the stillness, the release of tension, the childlike liberation of unfettered movement. For those into shopping sprees, the property's boutique-style shops offer all kinds of clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs to bring back to your jealous friends. But to really feel the tropical heaven and stay in shape, we recommend checking out daily group exercise classes on the beach.
The Feast of Sophistication
Diamonds Athuruga plays a host to two restaurants with a passion for the cuisine of the very highest standards, serving international fare in the exotic setting of the island. Bask in nature’s majesty, while our award-winning chefs warm your hearts and awaken your palates with mouthwatering dishes from around the world. The first and most upscale restaurant is Thari Over Water restaurant. Helmed by the dedicated and ambitious young Italian chef, Giacomo Gaspari, the restaurant offers the fusion of European sophistication and Asian explosive flavors – a fiery mix to match the crimson sunsets. Another option is the delicious Japanese restaurant, which serves mouth-watering Teppanyaki grill dishes with an open kitchen concept. Besides restaurants, the hotel offers three dining experiences, each of which is a legend of its own kind. For an authentic dining experience, try Farivalhu Maldivian Dining Experience that offers traditional eclectic Maldivian dishes under the palm tree in the private hut, while guests are wearing the traditional Maldivian sarong. Another unique option is the personalized seafood dining experience that offers you an opportunity to customize your own meal. Because menus can be helpful for the indecisive, but the resort’s chefs recognize that they can also be prohibitive. They are rigid, unbending, and echo the directives of chefs rather than respond to the needs of patrons. From Lobsters to other fresh catches, you are welcome to sample your own extraordinary and remarkable course menu. Last but not least experience invites you on the vegetarian journey and discovers the flavors of the fresh coastal ingredients from the vegan side. If you don't feel like leaving your water villa or a spot on the beach, you can always opt for one of the special menus private dinners served on the sands or on your room terrace. For the bar, visit the hotel’s main bar, nestled on the beachside, it has a nice selection of cocktails, mocktails, and an extensive list of international wines and spirits.
Conceptualized and brilliantly executed by an Italian hospitality icon, Diamonds Athuruga Maldives represents what an upscale stay should be and is the ideal choice for a unique Indian Ocean escape. Here, you are not bound to quarantine or any other restrictions. You are free to meet and celebrate liberation and freedom with the people you are with, in any way you choose. Enjoy pure joy by connecting your body, mind & soul at Athuruga – one of the absolute travel ‘must stays’.