Niva Dhigali

Niva Dhigali occupies a large, naturally lush island in Raa Atoll -- part of the Universal Resorts portfolio and pitched as a strong entry-level five-star. The resort opened in 2017, but the island itself is far older, and the effort taken to preserve its native vegetation is obvious throughout.

At roughly 1,000 by 280 metres, there is room for the 180 villas to spread out. Beach Bungalows and Deluxe Beach Bungalows sit closer together near the beachfront, while the Beach Villas provide more living space for those with a higher budget. Overwater accommodation is thoughtfully tiered: the Water Villas run along a long jetty just offshore at a more accessible price point, while the Lagoon Villas with Pool extend along a striking fern-shaped jetty at the opposite end.

The Premium All-Inclusive offering is one of the strongest at this level. It covers multiple dining outlets with consistently good food. Battuta, hidden among the trees and inspired by the travels of Ibn Battuta, is a particular highlight with flavours from India, Sri Lanka, North Africa and the Middle East. Jade, the Asian-fusion speciality restaurant, is another standout. The pop-up pizzeria between Faru and Haali Bar is a clever touch -- guests can order pizzas to enjoy anywhere on the island, all included.

East Bar, beside the main pool and Capers restaurant, is the livelier daytime hub with a beach club atmosphere and DJ-led music. For sunset, Haali Bar occupies a spectacular bulge of beach on the western tip -- bean bags, attentive service and that view. It keeps a relaxed vibe through the evening, while East picks up again after dinner for entertainment.

The reception area houses a gym, a games room with table tennis and billiards, a boutique and a cafe serving fresh coffee, pastries and snacks throughout the day. A 24-hour lounge is available for early arrivals and late departures. Sports facilities are minimal -- no tennis courts -- but there is a recently opened pickleball court and a good programme of fitness activities. A full circuit of the island takes about 45 minutes on foot, and a buggy shuttle runs roughly every ten minutes with real-time tracking via digital screens and the resort app.

The PLAY kids club welcomes children aged 4-12 and is refreshingly screen-free, focusing on crafts, games and storytelling. It sits opposite the main pool area, making it convenient for parents. Babysitting is available at extra cost.

Dhigali's unusual west-east orientation in Raa Atoll draws pelagic fish, making the snorkelling consistently rewarding -- turtles are most often seen near the Water Villas. The house reef is close on both sides, and if conditions are rough on one side, the other is usually calm.

This is a well-managed resort with an enthusiastic team, and it more than earns its Highly Recommended status -- particularly for the strength of its all-inclusive offering.

Niva Dhigali sits in Raa Atoll, a short seaplane ride from Male. The island is large and densely forested, with a thriving house reef close offshore -- snorkelling is excellent from both the beach and the water villas.

The 180 villas are well spread across the island's thousand-metre length. Beach Bungalows and Deluxe Beach Bungalows sit closer together near the beachfront, while the Beach Villas offer more generous living space. Overwater choices are clearly differentiated: the Water Villas run along a straight jetty just a few metres offshore, and the Lagoon Villas with Pool fan out on a distinctive fern-shaped jetty at the far end.

Dining is built around the Premium All-Inclusive package, which runs from arrival to departure. Capers serves buffet breakfasts, lunches and themed dinners. Jade offers Asian-fusion a la carte. Faru does Mediterranean grilled food by the beach. Battuta, tucked among the trees, draws on the culinary journey of Ibn Battuta with dishes from India, Sri Lanka, North Africa and the Middle East. There is also a pop-up pizzeria, a cafe for coffee and pastries throughout the day, East bar by the main pool and Haali Bar for sunset drinks on the western tip.

The PLAY kids club (ages 4-12, screen-free) and the 24-hour lounge for early arrivals and late departures add practical family-friendly touches. A buggy shuttle runs roughly every ten minutes around the island, with real-time tracking on digital screens and the resort app.