Simon Wittenberg takes a look at Anantara’s Dhigu and Veli Maldives Resorts, which are once again welcoming guests to their shared turquoise lagoon and white sandy beaches.

Anantara’s Dhigu and Veli Maldives Resorts are located in the South Male Atoll, just a 30-minute speedboat journey from Male Airport, the main aviation hub in the Maldives. Both of Anantara’s stunning resorts offer the perfect spot to escape the autumn and winter blues. It’s an ideal place to become immersed in paradise, where space, tranquillity and isolation go hand in hand with luxurious privacy.

Anantara Dhigu’s accommodation provides stunning vistas and private pools, with direct beach access or overwater serenity. Neighbouring Anantara Veli is an adults-only resort for those seeking the ultimate romantic getaway or to celebrate special occasions with friends and loved ones. Together with the exclusive sister property Naladhu Private Island, the three resorts form a bespoke collection of sanctuaries nestled around a stunning lagoon that celebrates the Maldives in all its natural beauty.

For those who enjoy sea-based activities, guests can take part in snorkelling with nurse sharks, diving, surfing, and learn about the ocean and coral restoration projects with the resident marine biologist. For those preferring a more relaxed stay, the palm-fringed islands are ideal for reclining on the beach, or there’s the Anantara Spa to indulge in some luxury treatments.

Stay on your own private island for the day
The resorts provide visitors with the exclusive use of Gulhifushi Island, where they can take advantage of the privacy and seclusion of an uninhabited location without compromising on five-star experiences.

Following a sumptuous picnic breakfast, the resort’s marine biologist leads a guided snorkel tour to explore the surrounding coral gardens to get up close and personal with the extraordinary marine life and colourful coral. Appetites are then satisfied courtesy of a barbecue with specialities from both land and sea, prepared by a private chef. The afternoon can be devoted to a massage to heal the body and recharge the mind.

A new treatment menu at Anantara Spa
As relaxation and “me time” have become even more important over recent months, Anantara Spa has reopened with a refreshed menu and four new signature journeys, all of which offer a unique experience. Additional couples’ treatments are now available to allow guests to re-connect in paradise. Alfresco treatments also debut at Anantara Spa and include a brand new exclusive floating massage and a moonlight treatment on the beach.

The Sundari Sunset spa ritual has been designed to awaken the senses on a floating platform above the water, which is followed by chilled Champagne whilst watching the sun go down. As the night draws in, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a healing massage under the stars on the private beach.

The new Anantara App has launched
Anantara’s new app offers guests an on-resort, socially-distanced, digital solution for a range of requirements, from check-in and check-out, accessing billing information, requesting in-room services, restaurant menus and reservations and booking leisure activities and appointments at the Anantara Spa. The app equally allows visitors to communicate directly with the team to ask questions and finalise arrangements, thereby helping to facilitate a smooth and enjoyable stay at Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli Maldives.

Peace of mind for guests in the COVID era
Individuals staying at Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli and Naladhu Private Island have the peace of mind that the resorts are operating in line with World Health Organisation and local Maldivian health authority regulations, in addition to implementing enhanced levels of sanitation throughout each of the properties.

Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli Maldives Resorts – Where and How?

For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, or to make a reservation at any of their properties, visit www.anantara.com.

Read more travel features and guides in our dedicated section here.