Exploring the Abandoned Zitahli Resorts on Dholhiyadhoo
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Last Updated on May 14, 2021 by Amy
A small atoll in the Maldives named Dholhiyadhoo was set to be the home of a new, luxury resort in the Maldives from the same company that built the Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru Maldives. The project was slated to be finished with a grand opening in 2011. However, someone defaulted on the loan, and this year the property was finally put up for auction, with bids starting at almost $50 million USD.
We arrived to find the buildings in total disrepair. The overwater bungalows are skeletons, window panes are stacked by gaping holes in the walls, and pools have filled up with rainwater and created their own ecosystems. It was fascinating to explore the island. Buildings were often labeled with basic signs: “spa” and “water sports”. The overwater bungalows housed nothing but shells, presumably washed up during storm surge. Roof tarps had melted and disintegrated in the sunlight.
As we walked through what we presume was the staff quarters – three-story apartment-style buildings – we encountered the caretakers. The island is inhabited by four Bangladeshis who are paid to stay on the island. They live very basic lives, fishing every day, growing food in a greenhouse, and sending money back to their families in Bangladesh.
We were glad to have Trevor from Slow Flight with us. Trevor ran his own business as a contractor, renovating residential buildings in Seattle. It was interesting to see him inspect the buildings and talk about what the builders did and didn’t get to. For example, the overwater bungalows had some pretty solid floorboards, but no fixtures. Trevor could tell us where the bathroom would be and what the building supplies were stacked up around the property.
For eight years these buildings have languished, rotting and returning to the earth. It must be better for the bottom line to start from scratch, just like they are doing on the nearby Van’gaaru island and building a new luxury resort. Out of the 1,200 islands in the Maldives, only about 200 are inhabited, with 130 resorts. How many islands will be developed?
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Thank you I visited this virgin island and understood this was a roll out of a new luxury brand, however the company went bankrupt and couldn’t afford to pay wages for the employees and all subcontractors were owed a lot of money from materials to finish which equated to the likes of 50mil USD, the owners couldn’t manage this size of a new build with their existing resorts which include 2 x 3 star resorts
This sounds amazing! I love exploring abandoned buildings but I never thought of a resort. Definitely on the bucket list now!
Wow so crazy! I love checking out abandoned places!
That’s sad to build over the natural beauty, and then just let it rot like that. Probably so weird to walk through!
Wow, interesting and a little eerie. Such a bummer that the loans didn’t go through and it’s just sitting there. But I suppose it’s interesting to explore!
Yes, it is sad. Hard to see when new resorts are being built all over the place.
Omg it’s so eerie!! I want to see it!
This would have so interesting to see. Abandoned areas are so fascinating especially thinking what they used to be. It’s a shame it all goes to waste but I guess there’s enough resorts to accommodate the demand. Very interesting post! You don’t see these Maldives photos often!
Thank you! It was fun to explore.