Adults Only Overwater Villas & Superb Service Anantara Veli Maldives – Hotel Insider

When it comes to luxury resorts, few places in the world can match the standards set in the Maldives.

Honeymooners, couples and families can’t get enough of the island paradise and the destination is one of tourism’s success stories in a post-pandemic world.

One of the country’s most established destinations is Anantara Maldives Resort, which first opened 17 years ago. Situated in Dighfinolu on the South Male Atoll, our convenient location just 21 kilometers from Male’ capital ensures its popularity as a tropical retreat.

Anantara Veli, an adults-only resort with three resorts in one destination, closed last March for a major nine-month renovation.

After renovations by award-winning architect Yuji Yamazaki in December, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort will feature new accommodations, upgraded restaurants, an expanded spa and dedicated villa hosts for all guests. resumed.

The National Be one of the first guests to fly to the tropical archipelago and explore the newly opened hotel.

Welcome

Upon landing at 6:00 AM at Male’s Velana International Airport, you will be greeted by Anantara staff and escorted directly to the resort’s private lounge for a much-needed cup of coffee. After 10 minutes, head to your speedboat for the 30-minute journey to Dighfinolu.

As we sail out onto the wooden boardwalk of Anatara Veli, the welcome party is already sung to the beat of the traditional Maldivian Bodu Bell.Recently watched HBO white lotus, It is impossible not to draw parallel lines.

We were handed a refreshing welcome drink and Aram escorted us to our golf buggy. After a quick tour of the island, cross the timber boardwalk to your overwater deluxe villa.

Neighborhood

Maldives is not a tourist destination. Each resort is on its own island, so exploring the local landmarks isn’t really an option unless you choose to spend time in Male.

What sets Anantara Veli Maldives Resort apart from many other luxury resorts in the archipelago is its multi-island concept. We are staying at the adults-only Anantara Veli, but the brand’s family-friendly resort, Anantara Digh, is just a five-minute boat ride away, and guests can hop on the pontoon shuttle to use the facilities or You can also have a meal at the restaurant. Or try the activities offered on each island.

Honeymooners may prefer to stay in an adults-only cocoon, but being able to head to other islands for occasional meals and beach walks means that the ‘islands’ we had on previous islands It turns out that means you couldn’t get a ‘heat’ vacation on an island in the Maldives.

room

Stay in a spacious overwater pool villa. This villa is he 125 sqm and offers views of the endless Indian Ocean. Completely renovated during the resort’s closure, it features tropical interiors and a natural palette with rattan, wood furniture and organic patterns inspired by nature.

A large king-size bed is center stage, with floor-to-ceiling sliding windows looking out. There’s ample storage space and a fully equipped bathroom with sink and separate soaking tub commanding some of the most serene views you’ll ever see. Just azure waters under turquoise skies.

Outside, you’ll find private decks, sun loungers, ample sized swimming pools, and stairs that lead directly to the lagoons below, teeming with sea life.

service

Amazing during our stay — a special nod to Alam who was available day and night via WhatsApp to answer questions, recommend activities and make reservations for dinner and spa treatments. After we depart he will follow up with a farewell text.

No issues with housekeeping service. The staff seem to have a second sense of when we are out and cleverly use that time to fix up the villa, refill water and tidy up the room for bedtime. Handwritten notes, towel-shaped animals, and intricate floral patterns on the bed are lovely personal touches.

scene

Anantara Veli is an adults-only resort and the atmosphere is primarily couples and families with older children. Until evening, guests from Anantara Dhigu can dine at the resort’s restaurant. So at dinner time there are a few small children and they are very well behaved.

The entire island exudes a laid-back, barefoot vibe, with sand at hotel receptions instead of carpets and wooden floors. Restaurants and bars are sophisticated with intimate table settings and attentive waiters, but retain an effortless, island-chic vibe without strict dress codes or stuffiness.

Balance Wellness Spa has a beautiful energy, offering Ayurvedic and other treatments in a palm-lined, sand-filled space with outdoor walkways and cocoon-shaped treatment rooms. Try a sensory awakening massage for couples. Therapists have what can only be described as magical hands. After your treatment, unwind in our Relaxation Garden with an outdoor rain shower and hot/cold plunge pool.

During the day, lounge by the resort pool with a funky beach club feel thanks to tropical house music and a DJ set at sunset. The staff provides cold towels and his spray of cooling mist. Otherwise, we are mostly enjoying the villa and its access to the pool and ocean.

As avid scuba divers, we are thrilled about our dive excursions with the resort’s dive specialists, Aquafanatics. Other activities available include private island picnics, water sports, and snorkeling tours.

food

Each restaurant at Anantara Veli has something unique. Dhoni Bar offers tapas-style small plates for upscale poolside dining, while Origami serves everything from live teppanyaki to black cod, roasted lobster and hand-rolled sushi. Serving modern Japanese cuisine that is all-encompassing.

Cumin is the latest addition and a welcome addition to those who want a taste of traditional Maldivian or Sri Lankan and Indian cuisine. It also serves a generous à la carte breakfast each morning. Sit outside to eat and enjoy the sound of the crashing waves. The resort is also a prime surfing spot. Perched on stilts in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Baan Hula is Anantara’s Thai restaurant accessed via a wooden walkway. The chefs here serve authentic Thai cuisine with 360-degree ocean views.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, it’s worth booking a Dining by Design experience (starting at $250 per couple). Guests choose a menu – we opt for a 4 course Maldivian meal – the staff create a private romantic setup in a picturesque location. It is right by the sea and surrounded by flaming torches. Dedicated waiters serve sumptuous delicacies such as fresh coconut wedges, yellowfin tuna, grouper fish cakes, home-style Maldivian curries, thick wahoo skewers, lobster and snapper stuffed seafood platters.

high and low

The location is great. The resort has easy access to Male’ but has the paradise-like views and clear ocean waters you crave when vacationing in the Maldives. Beachside boules, cinema sessions under the stars, sunset dolphin spotting cruises and much more.

Hard to think of as low, but if we were picky, the light switches in the villa were a little confusing.

insider tips

Book some of the activities on offer. A family-friendly ray snorkeling tour is a must-do activity. All ages can explore the azure waters and swim with manta rays and friendly nurse her sharks.

verdict

For a romantic getaway with unparalleled service beyond the traditional one island, one resort policy, visit Anantara Veli.

Conclusion

From $500 per night plus tax plus daily breakfast.

This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel. It reflects hotel standards during this period and services may change in the future.

Updated: Jan 27, 2023 at 6:02 PM