Dhoni Mighili - Maldives - to add four new luxury Dhonis to its fleet

Dhoni Mighili of Per Aquum Resorts & Spas in the Maldives is to add four new luxury Dhonis to its existing fleet of six, due for completion late 2004.

The existing Dhonis are partnered with their own well-appointed bungalows, complete with private bar, outdoor bathroom, waterfall showers, Espresso machine and L'Occitane en Provence amenities. However, the new and exciting Dhoni category will be a Dhoni and island getaway only - without the attached bungalow. 

Dhoni Mighili offers guests a very private affair within the luxury confines of a traditional Maldivian seagoing vessel, the Dhoni, and an intimate and enchanting island in the Ari Atoll of the Maldives. Looking primitive on the outside yet elegant within, these 65-foot Dhonis have been sumptuously fitted out with every conceivable luxury, including a king size bed complete with goose down duvet, Frette linen, Philippe Starck bathroom fittings, SMEG kitchen appliances, Bose surround sound and a 20-inch LCD screen.

Guests will be able to book the new luxury Dhonis on a special 'Dhoni Only' rate from December 2004. New rates will be issued for guests, who will be free to sail, wherever and whenever, throughout the Ari Atoll as they please whilst still utilising all the facilities of Dhoni Mighili. Use of the beach bungalows will not be included in this rate.

The construction of these unique crafts takes up to six months with each Dhoni being built using the following traditions and techniques:

The hull of the Dhoni is made from planks of hardwood, often taken from the base of the coconut palm, and fitted together with wooden nails so that the entire boat fits together like an interlocking jigsaw. The structure is secured with copper nails and wooden pegs to make a craft which is rigid yet slightly yielding in just the right places to dissipate the forces of any pounding waves. The original means of propulsion was with ivory-coloured canvas sails, which are now supplemented with engines.

There are many uses for a Dhoni, which can be adapted into different versions. The MasDhoni is used for fishing, and the Batheli is ideal for travelling over long distances in comfort. The excellent sea-keeping abilities of the Dhoni allow it to travel in all sea conditions.

The basic design of the Dhoni has changed little during recorded times. These resilient craft are built by master carpenters (known as 'kissaru wadin', literally 'curved carpenters'), using very few tools and no plans. Completing a Dhoni can take two to three months or more as these craftsmen traditionally built a boat using only an axe, an adze to dress the wood, a drill made of a wooden hammer and an iron bit, a chisel, a mallet and a hammer. Interestingly these traditional skills are passed down from generation to generation within the same families in a living, oral tradition. 

The Dhonis that have inspired the Dhoni Mighili name have been handcrafted using these same centuries-old techniques, along with the most sensuous and luxurious interiors and fittings. The Dhonis have both billowing ivory sails and an engine; sail or cruise - the choice is yours.

Upon arrival at Male' International Airport, guests have the pleasurable experience of stepping into the lap of luxury as their very own 'Thakuru' (butler) welcomes them on board. Their Thakuru is on call 24 hours a day as they sail around the exotic Ari Atoll, always ready to assist them at secret snorkelling spots or to prepare the most romantic dinner under the stars as they sail whenever and wherever they wish to go.

To complete this romantic and exploratory getaway, the luxury facilities of Dhoni Mighili are available to all guests. Facilities include a traditional white sand-floored restaurant, open bar, water sports, PADI certified diving, beach hideaways with 'undholi' swing beds and the Sen Spa, sumptuously designed with indoor and outdoor treatment areas.