Anantara Veli

From the time we landed, it was a luxurious experience. We were met at arrivals and escorted to a lounge where we began the check-in. It was comfortable with beverage options. The boat was a few Read MoreFrom the time we landed, it was a luxurious experience. We were met at arrivals and escorted to a lounge where we began the check-in. It was comfortable with beverage options. The boat was a few minutes away, and then a short journey boat ride to the hotel. We had a great ride of 30 minutes, with Wi-Fi and oshiboris upon arrival and friendly staff. We were met by the Guest Service Manager and our Villa Host (Rifau) waving as we docked with refreshing coconut water straight from the coconut. We were celebrating our honeymoon, and they upgraded us to a beautiful deluxe villa, which was beautifully decorated with some sweet treats. I really loved the villa, the design, and location. Our housekeeper, Asif, did such a great job at keeping it clean and even remembered who was sleeping on which side and left our slippers on the correct side of the bed during turn down. One downside of the room was the noise from the buggies passing by early mornings, which was really loud. The bathroom was beautiful, especially if you are sitting in the tub looking out to the water. One thing that was a tad odd was that we received a pre-arrival email where we chose our preferences on many things such as pillow preference, morning coffee, favourite fruit, and cuisine but I don't think it went through to the hotel, but it would have been very cool if the pillows were added in ;). Nonetheless, the bedding was very comfortable. The whole place is about 5 islands. We stayed at Veli, which is the adults-only island. We were allowed to visit Dhigu, which is the family island and snorkel island or Picnic island. The other 2 Islands are staff island and a private island. Together you have 2 infinity pools, the one in Dhigu is larger, but the one in Veli is adults only. We liked the one in Veli for its privacy since it was our honeymoon, but the one in Dhigu had something like a swim-up bar and the beach right there if you want to jump out of the pool into the beach. The beach was vast and open in Dhigu, but in Veli, you could spot some baby nurse sharks, various fish, and I even saw a sea turtle there. There were corals and an abundance of marine life just outside our villa. We liked Veli because it was quiet and everything was a short walk away. The gym was clean and had everything needed for a decent workout. If the heat and humidity don't bother you, then there is an outside gym area as well. We went to sunset yoga at the pavilion, which was amazing and rejuvenating. We also went to a very interesting Ayurvedic workshop and sound therapy. Anish was guiding these events and he is very knowledgeable and it showed through his work. There are several dining options combined. We started with Dhoni bar, which was tapas style and had generous portions. The waitstaff that served us were super nice throughout our stay. The best thing here was the wagyu. Do not skip dessert, you have to try their creme brûlée and panna cotta. The creamiest creme brûlée I have ever had, and I have had many all over the world. Good job! We tried Fushi buffet dinner, which was good but not my favourite. Baan Hura was our favourite because the flavours were very authentic and Ice (our server) was amazing at making us feel comfortable. We had dining by design, which was out of this world. Chef Harindra cooked up the most delicious feast with huge portions. We had the most romantic beachside private dinner, and Sajid was the most amazing server we'd had. He told us all about Maldives and the culture. We saw him again for breakfast in bed the next morning. We had breakfast at both Cumin and Fushi Buffet, Roshan was really funny and recognized me at both Cumin and Fushi. I tried to taste everything, and I think Cumin breakfast was much better because of how quiet it was, and portions were small enough not to waste food. Origami is the Japanese restaurant and we had their delicious robata which was perfect for the last night. We went for Reef snorkelling and I loved it. Not too far from the hotel but far enough. The boat ride was comfortable with fresh towels, water, and great instructors. We saw sea turtles, so many fish, and stingrays. It was mind-blowing. They gave us oshiboris afterward, which was the best cold refreshing towel after 1+ hours snorkelling. There were so many fun complementary activities in Dhigu and Veli like Yoga, Smoothie classes, Sound healing, active stretching, and more. You will never get bored. The place was so in tune with the marine life, nature and sustainability. We received wooden keys, wooden toothbrushes and tablet toothpaste, smaller portions in the buffet to minimize food waste, glass bottles throughout the island which they fill with their own filtered water. I thought it was a refreshing experience. There is a marine biologist counter (which I didn't visit but read about at Dhigu). The spa we went to was at Dhigu because we wanted a view of the water. We had a couples healing massage, and it was absolutely divine. From the time we arrived at the spa, we were met with oshiboris and a choice of oils. We chose coconut oil and it was a delight. We had access to both spa's plunge pools (warm and cold), steam, and sauna. It is worth mentioning how amazing the spa staff has been since we met them around the islands, in and out of the spa. Special shout out to Amr, Chotika, Daima, Nuria, and Zere for their truly personalized service and positive attitude. Honestly, this experience was a beautiful one and Anantara is a well-known brand for luxury and serenity. We were always met with smiles, warmth, and comfort. Even when something did not go according to plan, the management would take steps to recover. We spoke to various staff members and they were all very happy to be there. We also got to meet various management members at the cocktail party at Dhigu, and they gave us insights into how things work on island and life in Maldives. Needless to say, we left Anantara satisfied, relaxed, and a little saddened to leave. We were offered a late check out as part of our package, if it was available. They were so accommodating to give us an even later check out because our flight was late evening. All check out procedures done inside the room and escorted to the boat. We waved goodbye to this beautiful island with beautiful people, food, nature, and hospitality. Read Less

The overall condition of the resort facilities were more than fantastic, and all the crews and staffs were extraordinarily kind and dedicated. I'll never forget the moments at the Maldives and the Read MoreThe overall condition of the resort facilities were more than fantastic, and all the crews and staffs were extraordinarily kind and dedicated. I'll never forget the moments at the Maldives and the resort that I've stayed. Lagoons were vivid and excursions (i.e., snorkeling) were also very impressive. There were some corals in the resort area, and ample and diverse marine creatures. Beech at Dhigu resort was also fascinating, and the dinner BBQ on the beech is unforgettable! My spouse is also more than satisfied with the experience at Anantara Maldives. Hope more people can enjoy! Read Less

It was an amazing stay and the staff at Anantara made the experience so memorable and unforgettable. Special thanks to our host Ibrahim, he offered a tremendous support whenever needed as well as an Read MoreIt was an amazing stay and the staff at Anantara made the experience so memorable and unforgettable. Special thanks to our host Ibrahim, he offered a tremendous support whenever needed as well as an informative tour around the resort. Will definitely comeback again Read Less

Unforgettable vacation, great experience, don't miss the Snorkelling activity it's really great and the parasailing was awesome also. Very friendly staff. The Taste of the food is very nice. Thank Read MoreUnforgettable vacation, great experience, don't miss the Snorkelling activity it's really great and the parasailing was awesome also. Very friendly staff. The Taste of the food is very nice. Thank you very much Anantara. Read Less

Stayed here with my family of 4 in 2 overwater pool villa. We had a fantastic holiday! There is some many things to do, would like to highlight: Brand new tennis court with quality equipment, also Read MoreStayed here with my family of 4 in 2 overwater pool villa. We had a fantastic holiday! There is some many things to do, would like to highlight: Brand new tennis court with quality equipment, also gym is very well equipped. Lots of different restaurant options: Baan Huraa, Origami, Sea Fire and Salt (Dhigu) were our favorites. Having boats always available to go to Dhigu and the picnic island was great Last but not least, service was great!! Would like to highlight our villa host - Rifau, made our stay very smooth, always ready to help. Will definitely recommend this hotel to everyone and sure we will come back!! Read Less