Unwind dhigurah by empress
A beachfront base on one of the Maldives' longest local islands
A place to stay on Dhigurah
Unwind Dhigurah by Empress is a guest house on Dhigurah island in the South Ari Atoll, sitting directly on the beach. The property runs a restaurant, has water sport facilities on site, and is about 99 km from Velana International Airport — reached by seaplane. Five restaurants are within a short walk. The island itself is known for the Dhigurah Arches and the Fish Bank, both reachable from the area, and the guest house can arrange bicycle rental for getting around the island on your own schedule.
Is this stay right for you?
A straightforward beachfront guest house with direct beach access, water sport facilities, and a restaurant — suited to independent travellers who want a local-island base without resort pricing.
Best for
- Budget-conscious couples
- Snorkelling and water sport enthusiasts
- Travellers wanting local-island atmosphere
- Families needing simple, clean beach access
Less suited to
- Those requiring resort-level amenities
- Travellers who prefer alcohol on-site
- Visitors wanting an overwater villa
Right on the beach
The guest house sits directly on Dhigurah's beachfront, with a sun terrace, outdoor furniture, and a private beach area. A picnic area and garden add space to spread out without leaving the property.
Water sports on your doorstep
Water sport facilities are on site, covering snorkelling, diving, canoeing, windsurfing, and fishing. Bicycle rental is also available, which is practical on Dhigurah — one of the longer local islands in the Maldives.
Rooms kept simple and functional
The Double Room runs 16 m², fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, minibar, soundproofing, and a private bathroom. City views look out over the island rather than the water.
Eating options nearby
The guest house has its own restaurant. Malaveli sits 90 metres away, and three more restaurants — Hermit's, Boshi, and Savaa — are within 200 metres, so dining choices are within easy walking distance.
Rooms & suites
Deluxe Double Room with Balcony
16 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 queen bed
- Balcony
- City view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Queen Room with Balcony
17 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 queen bed
- Balcony
- Pool view
- City view
- Inner courtyard view
- Air conditioning
Superior Queen Room
26 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 queen bed
- Pool view
- Inner courtyard view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Inside Unwind dhigurah by empress
Amenities at Unwind dhigurah by empress
Most popular facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Beachfront
- Family rooms
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Private beach area
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Free Wifi
- Flat-screen TV
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Airport shuttle
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
- Additional toilet
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Sun deck
- Private beach area
- Terrace
- Garden
Kitchen
- Electric kettle
Arriving
Unwind Dhigurah by Empress is approximately 99 km from Velana International Airport, reached by seaplane transfer. The guest house also provides an airport shuttle service. Once on Dhigurah, the property is on the beachfront, with restaurants and island attractions within easy reach on foot or by bicycle.
Seaplane transfers typically run $250–600 per person round trip, booked through the property. A few islands in this band are also served by a domestic flight to a nearby regional airport plus a short boat — ask the property which routing is faster for your dates.
Where it is
5 sights nearby; the nearest beach, Tourist beach, is 270 m away.
Things to do nearby
- Tourist beachbeach270 m
- Main Mosqueplace of worship790 m
- Harbormarina980 m
- Dhigurah Archesattraction1.6 km
- Fish Bankattraction2.1 km
Straight-line distances from the property · data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Across 86 Google reviews, Unwind Dhigurah by Empress holds a 4.8/5 rating. Recent guests have specifically praised the location, which the property's own highlights describe as top-rated. The beachfront position and accessibility to the island's restaurants and attractions appear to be consistent draws.
Reviews scoring 9–10: 30 · average 9.6
They wrote about: staff, location, breakfast
No reviews in the selected score range.
Guest reviews summarised from Booking site partners.
Good to know
Before you arrive
- Check-in
From 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Check-out
From 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
- Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
- Pets
Pets are not allowed.
- Accepted payment methods
Cash
- Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.
- Parties
Parties/events are not allowed
- Quiet hours
Guests need be quiet between 10:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
As published by the booking provider · always reconfirm with the property
Common questions
How do I get to Unwind Dhigurah by Empress from the airport?
The transfer is by seaplane from Velana International Airport. The property is approximately 99 km from the airport. The guest house provides an airport shuttle service.
What room types are available?
There is one room category: the Double Room. It is 16 m², sleeps two, and has one large double bed. Facilities include air conditioning, a minibar, flat-screen TV, soundproofing, and a private bathroom.
What does breakfast look like?
The property serves Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Halal, Asian, and breakfast-to-go options. The on-site restaurant handles dining for guests.
Is there a restaurant at the guest house?
Yes, there is an on-site restaurant. Several additional dining options — including Malaveli, Hermit's, Boshi restaurant, and Savaa Restaurant — are all within 200 metres of the property.
What water activities can I do?
Water sport facilities are on site and cover snorkelling, diving, canoeing, windsurfing, and fishing. Bicycle rental is also available at the property.
Is the property suitable for families?
Family rooms are listed among the facilities, and the guest house is non-smoking throughout. The beachfront setting and available activities make it workable for families travelling with children.
Is parking available?
Free private parking is available on site, which is useful if you are arriving by car or renting a vehicle during your stay.
What is the WiFi situation?
Free WiFi is available throughout the property, including in the rooms. There is also a socket near the bed in each room for charging devices.
What is the price range?
The Double Room starts from $104.50 per night. Rates may vary by season and availability — booking in advance is advisable for peak travel periods.
Are there any attractions close to the guest house?
The Dhigurah Arches are about 1.57 km away, and Fish Bank is approximately 2.09 km from the property. Both are among the island's main natural points of interest.
Is alcohol available at the property?
Dhigurah is a local island, and as with all inhabited local islands in the Maldives, alcohol is not available at the guest house or in the surrounding area.
How do I book?
Reservations can be made through major booking platforms or by contacting the property directly. Given the seaplane transfer logistics, it is worth confirming your arrival time with the guest house ahead of travel.