Life is hard enough, we want kitsch and enough of it to last a whole week! So we say goodbye to the Maldives, where the Anantara Group offers us two opportunities to explore paradise with its sister resorts Dhigu and Veli.
Photos: Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas
There are places that are on every bucket list. The Maldives is one such destination to which many dedicate a line. Once in a lifetime? This does an injustice to the archipelago, which comprises 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean and, with over 1,000 islands, so many that it could easily fill an entire list. With the two resorts Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli, Anantara provides two reasons to travel to paradise. This description is by no means an exaggeration: the water is as clear as crystal, the fish as colorful as in a Disney movie and the beach and overwater villas so effortlessly luxurious that they can easily compete with the kitschy beach in terms of spectacularity.
In paradise in half an hour
Only a 35-minute speedboat ride separates Malé arrivals from the Robinson Crusoe feeling. Although the two sister islands with their 177 villas offer plenty of space for travelers, you are more likely to encounter geckos and flying foxes than other tourists as you stroll through the manicured greenery. Why is that? Certainly the beach and overwater villas, whose chic interiors really make it difficult to leave the inside for the outside – and you have to be able to do that in a place like the Maldives. Everyone will find a temporary home here: families stay at the Anantara Dhigu, while adults without children get their money’s worth at the Anantara Veli.
Culinary delights at the highest level
Although separated in terms of philosophy, travelers can explore both islands thanks to the pontoon transfer and enjoy the culinary highlights of both resorts in particular: Buffet at Café Fushi with Arabic, Indian and Western delicacies, Thai food right by the water at Baan Huraa, teppanyaki and Japanese delicacies in the sophisticated ambience of the Origami restaurant or naan, curries and more South Asian cuisine at Cumin. Well, lying down and eating are a dangerous combination: Anantara offers plenty of opportunities to challenge the body, from boxing to beach boot camp and yoga classes. The latter can also be achieved on an excursion to the private picnic island of Gulhifushi or a snorkeling expedition with sharks, which will make even the most die-hard adventurer’s heart beat faster.
Anantara Veli
Looking for peace and relaxation? Then the Anantara Veli in the South Malé Atoll is the right address for a stay in the Maldives. Reopened in December 2022 following renovations, the resort offers a manageable number of accommodation options with 67 beach and overwater villas (with and without their own pool) and thus enough space for Robinson Crusoe newbies on the small island. Wood, stone and rattan dominate the interior of the villas and blend naturally between the tropical green of the palm trees and the paradisiacal turquoise blue of the ocean. A bar and three restaurants ensure satisfied stomachs, while the spa, redesigned by New York designer Yuji Yamazaki, provides physical and mental balm. anantara.com/en/veli-maldives
Anantara Dhigu
The Anantara Dhigu manages the balancing act between family hotel and oasis of peace. Children splash around happily in the blue lagoon while their parents stretch out on a sun lounger and enjoy a fresh coconut. The short connection from Malé by speedboat ensures a smooth start to your vacation, while two-bed villas specially designed for the needs of families provide the rest of the comfort. On the 20,000 square meter island, there are plenty of opportunities to keep the children occupied during the day, so quiet nights are guaranteed. Thanks to three restaurants, culinary variety is guaranteed, and the spectacular overwater spa makes even the most kitschy wellness dreams come true. anantara.com/en/dhigu-maldives
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