Shaviyani Atoll is one of the northern island groups of the Maldives, about 150 miles from the capital Male. Geographically Shaviyani is part of the largeThiladhunmathee-Miladhunmadulu atoll group - the largest coral atoll structure found anywhere on earth, covering an area of more than 1400 square miles. The natural ecosystem of these remote islands is especially sensitive - most of the islands are very small, and only about a dozen support local towns and villages. There are currently just two exclusive island resorts within Shaviyani Atoll, both of which opened only recently. More resort island developments are planned, but for now the many beautiful islands of the atoll retain their pristine and unspoiled beauty, while the warm waters, coral reefs and undersea scenery of the region offer unparalleled opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving.
The newly-opened Viceroy Maldives resort of the island of Vagaru and the latest Zitahli resort of the island of Dholhiyadhoo can both be reached in a seaplane flight taking just under an hour from the international airport at Male. Vagaru Island is an almost circular coral atoll, with a strand of small islands and sand-bars enclosing around a central coral-filled lagoon. The Viceroy resort features 61 luxury villas built over the water of the circular lagoon, and secluded among the palms and tropical vegetation of the main island of the atoll. With up to 3000 square feet of floor space the most luxurious villas are also among the most spacious found at any Maldives resort, and each features private garden areas, courtyards and plunge pools. The resort's spa and fitness centre are also built out over the water, and the central Tree House restaurant includes touches such as a telescope for viewing the sky at night.
The five-star Zitahli resort is located on the crescent-shaped island of Dholhiyadhoo, in sheltered waters near the southern edge of the Shaviyani Atoll region. The resort is a sister to the exclusive Zitahli resort at Funafaru Island in Noonu Atoll to the south, and guest transfers to Dholhiyadhoo are made by taking a 25-minute speedboat trip after arriving by seaplane at Funafaru. Dholhiyadhoo is relatively large compared to many in the northern atoll, and provides plenty of space and privacy for the 123 villas of the resort. Each villa has a private pool and wine cellar, and guests have a choice of bungalows set among the palms and landscaped gardens along the beach, or water villas built out over the lagoon and living coral reefs of the island. The outer reefs of Dholhiyadhoo island include several excellent snorkelling sites.
Both resorts in Shaviyani Atoll feature fully certified scuba diving schools that offer instruction and guided tours of the best local dive sites in the nearby reefs and islands Much of the atoll is still relatively unexplored by divers, except for one noted live-aboard diving cruise that tours the northern atolls - which means the underwater scenery is unspoiled, and the dive sites uncrowded. The renowned diving sites in nearby Noonu Atoll are also within reach of the Shaviyani resorts.