Dhawa Ihuru has been honoured as one of the Best House Reefs in the Maldives by Travel + Leisure Asia in its 2025 Luxury Awards – a recognition that not only highlights the resort’s exceptional diving experience but also celebrates over 20 years of dedicated marine conservation and sustainable tourism. This international accolade reflects the resort’s long-standing commitment to preserving one of the country’s most vibrant reef ecosystems while offering travellers an immersive and environmentally responsible escape.
Located just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé, Dhawa Ihuru is renowned among divers and ocean lovers for its easily accessible house reef, teeming with reef sharks, eagle rays, green turtles, and dazzling coral formations. Beyond the natural beauty, the reef has become a model of sustainable reef management, a result of two decades of scientific research, biodiversity programs, and eco-tourism innovations led by the resort’s Marine Lab, the first of its kind in the Maldives.
Two Decades of Conservation and Guest Involvement
Established in 2004 under the Banyan Group, the Marine Lab at Dhawa Ihuru has been a pioneer in resort-based marine research and reef restoration in the Maldives. Through a combination of coral propagation, reef monitoring, and guest education programs, the resort has turned conservation into a hands-on experience for travellers from around the world.
Today, guests staying at Dhawa Ihuru can participate in:
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Coral planting and reef regeneration projects
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Marine biodiversity monitoring alongside the resort’s biologists
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Turtle identification and tracking programs
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Sustainability workshops and marine awareness sessions
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Local community engagement and outreach initiatives
These immersive programs not only enrich the guest experience but also promote global awareness of marine stewardship, aligning tourism with environmental protection. “This recognition is a reflection of our long-standing commitment to marine protection,” says Elias Pertoft, General Manager of Dhawa Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. “What began as a vision nearly three decades ago has evolved into a living legacy of conservation. We are proud to continue nurturing one of the Maldives’ most biodiverse reefs, not only for our guests, but for future generations.”
Nick, the Marine Lab Manager, echoes this commitment: “Over the past 20 years, our immersive marine biodiversity programs, including hands-on conservation activities, offer educational and inspiring experiences. By involving guests, we are enriching their stay while fostering a global community of marine stewards who share the responsibility to protect our oceans.”
Rannamaari Dive Fest 2025: Celebrating Marine Heritage and Sustainable Travel
To mark this global recognition and to celebrate the flourishing marine environment at Dhawa Ihuru, the resort invites guests to join the Rannamaari Dive Fest 2025, a full-day event to be held on 24 July 2025 from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Inspired by the legendary Maldivian shipwreck Rannamaari, this event is designed to immerse guests in the cultural and ecological richness of the island, both above and below the surface.
Highlights of the festival include:
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Underwater treasure hunts for both certified divers and beginners
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Marine conservation activities and educational talks by the Marine Lab team
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Hands-on creative sessions like Maldivian arts & crafts workshops with local artisans
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Maldivian culinary experiences, including traditional cooking classes
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DIY wellbeing sessions, offering natural healing and relaxation techniques
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Children’s educational and play corners, designed to nurture early awareness
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Sunset cocktail gathering at Velavani Bar, followed by a beachfront DJ celebration
The Rannamaari Dive Fest promises to be more than just a celebration – it is a tribute to the island’s environmental journey and a call to action for responsible tourism. It invites travellers to connect with the local ecosystem, appreciate Maldivian culture, and contribute to reef preservation.
A Model of Sustainable Tourism
Dhawa Ihuru’s recognition in the Travel + Leisure Asia Luxury Awards 2025 is a testament to the resort’s enduring impact on marine conservation, community engagement, and luxury travel with purpose. As a member of the Banyan Group, Dhawa Ihuru continues to innovate its sustainability initiatives while offering a stylish, oceanfront retreat for environmentally conscious travellers.
Whether you’re a seasoned diver, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking serenity by the sea, Dhawa Ihuru offers a unique opportunity to discover and protect the Maldives’ rich underwater heritage. Guests are encouraged to be part of this remarkable conservation story – one reef, one dive, one discovery at a time.
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