Living with the Reef at Dusit Thani Maldives
Saturday 23rd of August 2025
At Dusit Thani Maldives the ocean is never far away. Located in the UNESCO protected Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, the resort offers guests direct access to one of the most vibrant house reefs in the country, making marine encounters a natural part of their stay.
What makes the resort distinctive is its 360 degree house reef. Whether staying in an overwater villa or a beach retreat, guests can step from their deck straight into the lagoon. Coral gardens, colourful fish and sea turtles can often be seen within moments, giving families, first time snorkellers and experienced explorers the chance to enjoy the underwater world without arranging excursions.
The setting within the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve adds even more meaning to every swim. The reserve is recognised worldwide for its rich marine ecosystem and becomes a gathering point for manta rays and whale sharks during certain seasons. Around the reef, visitors may spot parrotfish, angelfish, eagle rays and reef sharks, all showing the diversity and importance of conservation.
Life at the resort flows naturally with the sea. Guests may begin their mornings with a quiet swim, join guided snorkelling safaris with marine experts, or watch the coral gardens take on shifting colours as the sun sets. The ocean is not just scenery, it is an essential part of the daily rhythm on the island.
The PADI certified Dive and Watersports Centre strengthens this close connection with the ocean. It offers night snorkelling, freediving, drift dives and family friendly marine education programmes. Guests are guided to safely experience the biodiversity of the atoll, whether they are beginners or advanced divers.
Jean Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager of Dusit Maldives, explained that snorkelling here is not seen as an activity but as part of everyday life. With the reef beginning where the villa deck ends, guests are free to explore the ocean at their own pace, making the location unique for its accessibility and beauty.
At Dusit Thani Maldives the line between villa and ocean disappears. From spotting turtles at sunrise to drifting beside reef sharks at dusk, every experience highlights the natural character of the Maldives and the exceptional setting of the resort.