Solo Island Retreat: Discovering Dhigurah in the Maldives

Arrival in Dhigurah: An Island Dream

After a long journey from Bonn, involving seemingly endless layovers and a final, breathtakingly scenic flight over the Maldivian atolls, I finally arrived in Dhigurah. My heart fluttered with anticipation as I stepped off the plane in Malé, the capital. The next leg of my journey involved either a domestic flight or a speedboat ride to Dhigurah. I ended up on a speedboat, which was an adventure in itself, the salty spray of the Indian Ocean kissing my face as we zipped across the waves. This was the start of my solo retreat, a chance to reconnect with the island vibes of my childhood in the Seychelles, and I couldn’t wait to see what Dhigurah had in store.


The first glimpse of Dhigurah from the speedboat was magical – a long, slender island fringed with white sand and lush greenery. As we approached the Dhigurah harbor, I could already sense the laid-back atmosphere that permeates island life. The harbor bustled with activity, locals going about their day, and fellow travelers eager to start their Maldivian adventure. The air was thick with the scent of salt and the promise of the ocean.


Explore the vibrant Dhigurah Harbor, a historical landmark that embodies the rich maritime culture and stunning beauty of the Maldives.

Navigating the Harbor


As the boat docked, I took my first steps onto Dhigurah. The harbor was a hive of activity, with local fishing boats unloading their morning catch and tourists disembarking with excited chatter. I paused, took a deep breath, and let the warm, humid air fill my lungs. It felt good to be here, far away from the cold of Germany. I hadn’t arranged accommodation in advance, deciding to embrace the spontaneity of solo travel. I figured I’d find a nice guesthouse once I got a feel for the island.


I wandered away from the harbor, my small suitcase bumping along the sandy paths. The locals were incredibly friendly, offering smiles and greetings as I passed. Dhigurah felt immediately welcoming, a place where I could easily lose myself in the simple rhythms of island life. The construction around the harbor, which I had read about, was indeed underway, a sign of the island adapting to increasing tourist traffic. It was a bit noisy, but it didn't detract from the overall charm.

The beauty of island life lies in its simplicity; a gentle reminder that happiness can be found in the smallest of moments.

Bikini Beach Bliss


After settling into a charming guesthouse near the center of the island, I decided to head straight for the famed Bikini Beach. Dhigurah, I learned, is quite long – about 4 kilometers – and narrow, meaning the beach was never too far away. The walk to Bikini Beach took me through a maze of sandy lanes, past colorful houses adorned with bougainvillea and hibiscus. I passed Bliss Bazaar, a small shop that I mentally noted to visit later for souvenirs.


Experience the tranquility of Bikini Beach in Dhigurah, a stunning paradise with pristine sands, vibrant marine life, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Finally, I arrived at Bikini Beach, and it was even more stunning than the pictures I’d seen. The sand was powdery white, the water crystal clear, and the palm trees provided welcome shade from the equatorial sun. I found a quiet spot, laid out my towel, and plunged into the turquoise water. It was pure bliss. The water was so clear that I could see tiny, colorful fish darting around my feet. I spent the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, and simply soaking in the tranquility of the beach. I made sure to be respectful of the local customs, remembering that bikinis are only permitted on designated bikini beaches.


Sunset at Sandbank Dhigurah


As the day began to wane, I made my way towards the southern tip of the island, eager to witness the sunset from Sandbank Dhigurah. The walk was a bit longer than I anticipated, about 30-40 minutes, and took me through a small jungle of palm trees. I was glad I'd worn comfortable shoes. The island is indeed long, as its name suggests, derived from the local Dhivehi language where Dhigu means long and Rah means island.


Discover the tropical paradise of Sandbank Dhigurah, a serene escape in the Maldives with pristine beaches and vibrant marine life.

Emerging from the jungle, I was greeted by the breathtaking sight of the sandbank. It stretched out into the ocean like a ribbon of white, surrounded by the most incredible shades of blue. The sun was beginning its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. It was a scene straight out of a postcard. I sat on the sand, watching the sun dip below the horizon, feeling an overwhelming sense of peace and gratitude. It was the perfect end to my first day in Dhigurah.


Culinary Delights: A Taste of Dhigurah


With the sun now fully set, and a delightful tropical warmth still lingering in the air, my stomach began to rumble, reminding me that I hadn't had a proper meal since breakfast back in Malé. It was time to explore the local culinary scene.


For dinner, I chose Hermit's, a restaurant that had been recommended to me. The restaurant had a lovely ambiance, with both indoor and outdoor seating. I opted for a table outside, wanting to enjoy the gentle evening breeze. The menu featured a mix of local Maldivian dishes and international favorites. I decided to try the local fish curry, and it was absolutely delicious – flavorful, spicy, and perfectly cooked. I savored every bite, feeling grateful for the simple pleasures of good food and a beautiful setting. I made a mental note to try and learn how to make some traditional Seychellois dishes when I got back home, a way to bring a little bit of the islands back to Bonn.


Experience authentic Maldivian cuisine at Hermit's in Dhigurah - where every meal tells a story amidst stunning ocean views.

Before dinner though, I had stopped by Cafe' Dune for a late afternoon snack. A small, unassuming place, Cafe' Dune was a surprise. I ordered Kothuroshi, a dish that originated in Sri Lanka but is very popular in the Maldives. It was delicious and incredibly affordable. I was glad I had ventured off the beaten path and discovered this little gem. The friendly service and the authentic flavors made it a memorable experience.


Discover Café Dune in Dhigurah - where local flavors meet international cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

Tomorrow's Adventures


As I walked back to my guesthouse, under a canopy of stars, I couldn’t help but feel excited about the days ahead. Tomorrow, I’m planning to explore the underwater world, with a visit to Turtle Reef. I also want to see the Coral Mission, and South Ari Marine Park. And perhaps end the day with a sundowner at The Lagoon Bar.


Dhigurah had already captured my heart with its natural beauty and warm hospitality. I knew this solo retreat was exactly what I needed – a chance to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with myself in this idyllic island paradise. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!


And as I drifted off to sleep, the gentle sound of the waves lulled me into a peaceful slumber, I knew that the next few days would be filled with unforgettable experiences. I smiled, thinking of Hans back in Bonn, and promised myself to bring him back here one day, to share the magic of Dhigurah with the one I love. For now, though, this was my time, my adventure, and I was ready to embrace every moment of it.