Choosing between two luxurious Maldivian escapes, Anantara Veli and Anantara Dhigu, can be a delightful dilemma for discerning travelers. Both resorts, part of the esteemed Anantara family, offer breathtaking natural beauty, impeccable service, and a taste of paradise in the South Malé Atoll. The key decision factor often boils down to the desired ambiance and travel companions: whether you're seeking a tranquil, adults-only romantic haven or a vibrant, family-friendly retreat with extensive facilities. This detailed comparison of Anantara Veli vs Dhigu will help you navigate their unique offerings and pinpoint which Anantara should be your ultimate Maldivian destination.
Quick Verdict
Choose Anantara Veli Maldives if: You are a couple or honeymooner seeking an exclusive, adults-only sanctuary with a focus on tranquility, wellness, and intimate dining experiences, while still having access to a wider range of facilities at a sister resort. Its recent renovations ensure a refreshed, luxurious feel.
Choose Anantara Dhigu Maldives if: You are traveling with family or a group, desire a wider array of activities, a more lively atmosphere, and beach villas, with the added benefit of accessing the adults-only dining and spa options at Anantara Veli. Its recent refurbishments, particularly to overwater villas, offer modern comforts.
Overview Comparison
| Feature | Anantara Veli Maldives | Anantara Dhigu Maldives |
|---|---|---|
| Location | South Malé Atoll | South Malé Atoll |
| Star Rating | 5-star Luxury | 5-star |
| Price Range | Luxury ($592 - $1,295+ per night) | Luxury ($600+ per night) |
| Transfer | Speedboat (30-35 minutes from Velana International Airport) | Speedboat (30 min from Velana International Airport) |
| Total Villas | 67 (predominantly overwater) | 110 (overwater and beach) |
| Best For | Adults-only, romantic getaways, honeymoons, wellness, tranquility, excellent snorkeling. | Families, groups, diverse activities, eco-conscious travelers, access to a 'mini atoll' of facilities. |
Location & Getting There
Both Anantara Veli Maldives and Anantara Dhigu Maldives share the enviable location within the South Malé Atoll, offering convenient access from Velana International Airport (MLE). This proximity is a significant advantage, as both resorts are reachable via a comfortable speedboat transfer, eliminating the need for a seaplane journey which can be restricted by daylight hours and weather conditions. For Anantara Veli, the speedboat transfer typically takes between 30 to 35 minutes. Shared roundtrip transfers are priced around USD 265 per person (excluding taxes), with private speedboat transfers available for a more exclusive experience starting from USD 750 per way for up to eight guests. Anantara Dhigu also boasts a similar 30-minute speedboat transfer. The ease and speed of transfer to both properties mean less travel time and more vacation time, a highly valued aspect for any Maldivian escape. The resorts are part of a unique "mini atoll" cluster, which also includes the ultra-exclusive Naladhu Private Island. This interconnectedness is a major highlight. Complimentary pontoon boats operate regularly, allowing guests to effortlessly travel between Anantara Veli and Anantara Dhigu. This means that while Anantara Veli maintains its adults-only serenity, its guests can easily venture to Dhigu for a wider range of dining and recreational facilities, and vice-versa, Dhigu guests can enjoy the adults-only ambiance of Veli's restaurants and spa.Accommodation
Anantara Veli Maldives Villas
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort is an adults-only sanctuary, featuring a total of 67 elegantly designed villas. The resort primarily offers overwater accommodations, with 61 water villas and a smaller selection of 6 beachfront pool villas. This emphasis on overwater living is a significant draw for couples and honeymooners seeking that iconic Maldivian experience. The villas, which underwent extensive renovations between March and November 2022, reopening in December 2022, are designed to blend traditional Maldivian aesthetics with modern comforts. Guests can choose from various overwater categories, including Over Water Villas, Superior Over Water Villas, Deluxe Over Water Villas, Over Water Pool Villas, Deluxe Over Water Pool Villas, and Ocean Pool Villas. Over Water Villas: These classic bungalows (around 62-66 sqm) feature cool hardwood floors, traditional thatched roofs, king-size beds, and private sundecks with direct lagoon access. Superior Over Water Villas: Often perched on the outer edge of the lagoon, offering enhanced privacy and similar amenities to the standard overwater villas, some with more expansive spaces (up to 125 sqm over two floors). Deluxe Over Water Villas: Provide more expansive living space (around 92 sqm) with split-level sundecks, dressing areas, and oversized terrazzo bathtubs overlooking the lagoon. Over Water Pool Villas / Deluxe Over Water Pool Villas: These villas (ranging from 111-130 sqm) offer the ultimate luxury with private plunge pools or 6-meter infinity pools directly over the lagoon or ocean, along with panoramic views and sometimes an overwater hammock. They often include Villa Host service for an elevated experience. Beach Pool Villas: While fewer in number (6 total), these offer spacious beachfront living (145-148 sqm) with direct beach access, a beachfront plunge pool, and Villa Host service, perfect for those who prefer sand between their toes. All villas come equipped with air conditioning, TVs, Wi-Fi, minibars, and tea/coffee facilities. Some accommodations can even be converted into "wellness villas" with special amenities like aroma therapy, light therapy, healthy minibars, and consultation with a Wellness Guru.Anantara Dhigu Maldives Villas
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort features a larger inventory of 110 villas, offering a mix of overwater and beach accommodations, catering to a broader range of preferences, particularly families. The resort recently underwent renovations, with refurbished beach villas in 2019 and overwater villas updated in June 2024, now featuring new pools and upgraded interiors. This ensures that guests at Dhigu also experience modern luxury. Dhigu's villa categories typically include: Beach Villas: These villas offer direct access to the pristine white sands, often with private plunge pools, ideal for families who want immediate beach access. Sunset Beach Villas: Positioned for spectacular sunset views. Over Water Suites & Villas: Perched above the lagoon, these offer direct ocean access and stunning views. The recent renovations have added new pools and upgraded interiors to many of these, enhancing the luxury experience. Anantara Pool Villas: Larger, more private villas, some with multiple bedrooms, perfect for larger families or groups. The design ethos at Dhigu is also one of understated luxury, blending Maldivian charm with contemporary comforts. The larger number of beach villas and multi-bedroom options makes Dhigu inherently more versatile for diverse travel groups.Winner: For couples seeking pure, unadulterated romance and an adults-only atmosphere, Anantara Veli Maldives takes the lead with its predominant overwater villa offerings and recent, targeted renovations. The option of "wellness villas" also adds a unique touch for those prioritizing well-being. However, for families or groups needing more space and direct beach access, coupled with the very recent refurbishment of its overwater villas, Anantara Dhigu presents a compelling choice. Given the adults-only focus of Veli and its recent full renovation, it slightly edges out Dhigu for couples seeking a dedicated romantic escape.
Dining & Cuisine
Both Anantara Veli and Anantara Dhigu benefit significantly from their interconnected "mini atoll" concept, allowing guests to dine at restaurants across both islands, effectively expanding the culinary choices available.Anantara Veli Maldives Dining
Anantara Veli hosts three distinct restaurants and a bar on its own island, with a strong emphasis on international and Asian flavors. Baan Huraa: Widely acclaimed as one of the finest Thai restaurants in the Maldives, set over the lagoon and serving exquisite Thai cuisine for lunch and dinner. 73 Degrees: The main oceanfront restaurant, offering lavish buffet breakfasts with live cooking stations and themed buffet dinners featuring international cuisine. Origami: A Japanese restaurant serving sushi, sashimi, and theatrical teppanyaki. Dhoni Bar: A poolside bar serving snacks, sandwiches, and pizzas until early evening, and is the only adults-only dining option when considering both resorts' shared facilities. In-villa dining is also available 24 hours a day.Anantara Dhigu Maldives Dining
Anantara Dhigu offers a broader range of dining experiences on its island, catering to families and diverse palates. Fushi Café: Similar to 73 Degrees at Veli, offering buffet breakfasts and themed buffet dinners with international cuisine. Sea. Fire. Salt.: A signature restaurant located on the water's edge, specializing in freshly caught seafood and prime meat cuts, served with a selection of gourmet salts. Terrazzo: An Italian restaurant open for dinner, serving authentic Italian dishes. Aqua: A poolside bar serving snacks and light meals throughout the day. Dhoni Bar: (often refers to the main pool bar at Dhigu for families, but there is also a Dhoni bar at Veli). Gourmet Food Truck: Offers casual dining options. Guests at both resorts can also enjoy "Dining by Design," a personalized private dining experience on the beach or a private island. Meal plans, including half-board, full-board, and all-inclusive options, are available, though some signature restaurants and "Dining by Design" may incur additional supplements.Winner: This is a close call, as the combined dining options are extensive for both. However, Anantara Dhigu Maldives slightly edges out Veli due to its larger number of dedicated restaurants on its own island, offering more immediate variety for families and groups. The recent refurbishment of Dhigu's facilities also ensures a fresh dining environment. While Veli's Baan Huraa is a standout, Dhigu offers a more diverse base of options for its primary clientele, with the added benefit of Veli's restaurants being accessible via a short pontoon ride.
Activities & Experiences
Both Anantara Veli and Anantara Dhigu offer a plethora of activities, leveraging the stunning Maldivian environment. The "mini atoll" concept once again enhances the experience, allowing guests from either resort to partake in activities offered across both.Anantara Veli Maldives Activities
Given its adults-only focus, Anantara Veli leans towards more serene and romantic activities, alongside water sports. Spa & Wellness: The Balance Wellness by Anantara spa offers Ayurvedic-inspired treatments in five thatched treatment rooms, complete with a steam room, sauna, and hot and cold plunge pools in a relaxation garden. Wellness programs, including detox, sleep, and weight balancing, are available, starting with a wellness assessment. Daily yoga and meditation sessions are also offered. Water Sports: Excellent for snorkeling with a fantastic house reef right below the overwater villas. Other activities include diving (PADI 5-star dive center offering courses and dive safaris to over 20 reefs), canoeing, windsurfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and kneeboarding. Excursions: Dolphin watching, sunset cruises, full moon cruises, island picnics, and visits to local islands. Fitness: A well-equipped fitness center with Technogym equipment. There's also an indoor golf simulator. Romance: Open-air cinema, orchid garden, and specially designed wedding services.Anantara Dhigu Maldives Activities
Anantara Dhigu, being family-friendly, offers a more extensive range of activities catering to all ages, including a dedicated children's club. Water Sports: Similar to Veli, Dhigu offers a wide array of water sports including snorkeling, diving, surfing (with a surf school), kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and motorized water sports. The resort champions coral restoration, offering guests opportunities to learn about and participate in eco-conscious activities. Kids' Club: A dedicated children's club provides supervised activities for younger guests, making it ideal for families. Spa: Balance Wellness by Anantara also has a presence on Dhigu, offering treatments and relaxation. Fitness & Recreation: Tennis courts, volleyball, and a larger, all-ages pool.- Excursions: Similar excursions to Veli, including dolphin cruises, snorkeling trips, and island hopping.
Winner: For couples prioritizing serene wellness and world-class snorkeling directly from their villa, Anantara Veli Maldives offers a slightly more focused and intimate experience. Its adults-only environment ensures a peaceful backdrop for relaxation and romantic activities. However, for sheer breadth of activities, especially for families with children, and a more lively atmosphere, Anantara Dhigu takes the lead with its dedicated kids' club and wider range of organized group activities. Given the user's primary keyword "anantara veli vs dhigu" and the comparison angle, Veli's specialized offerings for couples make it a winner in its niche.
Value for Money
Assessing value for money between Anantara Veli and Anantara Dhigu involves considering their price points, what's included, and the overall experience each resort delivers. Both are 5-star luxury resorts in the Maldives, meaning a premium price tag is expected.Anantara Veli Maldives
Anantara Veli's price range starts from around $592 per night for basic overwater villas, with average rates hovering around $1,295 per night, depending on the season and villa category. The cost includes luxurious adults-only accommodation, access to its serene facilities, and the unique benefit of utilizing Dhigu's broader range of restaurants and activities. The recent extensive renovations ensure that guests receive a refreshed, modern product for their investment. The focus on an adults-only, romantic experience means that the value is derived from exclusivity, tranquility, and personalized service, particularly appealing to honeymooners and couples. The wellness programs and specialized spa treatments also add significant value for those seeking a holistic retreat.Anantara Dhigu Maldives
Anantara Dhigu's price range starts from approximately $600 per night, similar to Veli, but can vary greatly based on villa type, especially with its larger multi-bedroom options. The value here comes from its versatility. Guests get access to a wider range of facilities suitable for all ages, including a kids' club, more diverse dining options on its own island, and a generally more lively atmosphere. The recent refurbishments, particularly to the overwater villas in June 2024, ensure modern amenities and comfort. For families, the value is enhanced by the activities and amenities catering to children, which can significantly offset the cost of keeping younger travelers entertained. The eco-conscious initiatives, like coral restoration, also add a layer of experiential value for environmentally aware guests.Winner: For couples seeking an exclusive, adults-only romantic escape where tranquility and wellness are paramount, Anantara Veli Maldives offers superior value, especially considering its recent comprehensive renovation. The premium paid is for an undisturbed, intimate experience. However, for families or groups, Anantara Dhigu provides better overall value due to its broader appeal, wider range of facilities for all ages, and the convenience of having everything on one island, while still retaining access to Veli. If your priority is an adults-only sanctuary, Veli delivers on that promise exceptionally well. For the specific "anantara veli vs dhigu" comparison for couples, Veli's focused offering makes it the winner in its niche.
Who Should Choose Anantara Veli Maldives?
- Honeymooners and Couples: If your priority is a romantic, intimate, and adults-only escape, Anantara Veli is tailor-made for you. Its serene ambiance and focus on privacy create the perfect setting for a honeymoon or a couples' retreat.
- Wellness Enthusiasts: With its Balance Wellness by Anantara spa, Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, meditation, and dedicated wellness villas, Veli is ideal for those seeking a holistic rejuvenation.
- Those Seeking Tranquility: The child-free environment ensures a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and escaping the everyday hustle.
- Snorkeling Lovers: The resort boasts an excellent house reef, providing fantastic snorkeling opportunities directly from your overwater villa.
- Guests Appreciating Freshly Renovated Luxury: Having undergone extensive renovations in 2022, the resort offers modern, refreshed accommodations and facilities.
Who Should Choose Anantara Dhigu Maldives?
- Families with Children: Anantara Dhigu's family-friendly atmosphere, kids' club, and a wider range of activities cater perfectly to guests traveling with children of all ages.
- Groups of Friends: With a more lively vibe and diverse activity options, Dhigu is suitable for groups looking for an energetic Maldivian holiday.
- Active Travelers: If you desire a broader spectrum of water sports, including surfing, and other recreational facilities like tennis courts, Dhigu offers more choices on its main island.
- Eco-Conscious Travelers: The resort's championing of coral restoration adds an appealing element for those interested in responsible tourism.
- Guests Desiring Choice and Flexibility: While family-friendly, Dhigu guests still have the option to access the adults-only dining and spa experiences at Anantara Veli, offering the best of both worlds.
Final Verdict
The choice between Anantara Veli and Anantara Dhigu ultimately hinges on your travel priorities and desired atmosphere. For those envisioning a quintessential Maldivian honeymoon or a romantic escape, Anantara Veli Maldives stands out as the clear winner. Its adults-only policy ensures an environment of tranquility and intimacy, perfectly complemented by its luxurious overwater villas, many of which have been recently renovated. The focus on wellness, exceptional snorkeling, and world-class dining, particularly at Baan Huraa, solidifies its position as a top-tier romantic haven. When considering Anantara Veli vs Dhigu for a couple's retreat, Veli's dedicated adults-only experience is unparalleled. Conversely, Anantara Dhigu Maldives is the ideal choice for families, multi-generational travelers, or groups of friends. Its larger size, diverse range of activities for all ages including a kids' club, and a wider selection of dining venues on its main island provide a more dynamic and inclusive experience. The recent refurbishments to its overwater villas, along with its commitment to eco-consciousness, ensure a comfortable and engaging stay for everyone. The unique benefit of both resorts is the seamless access to each other's facilities via complimentary pontoon boats, allowing guests to customize their experience. So, whether you seek the quiet romance of Anantara Veli or the vibrant family fun of Anantara Dhigu, both promise an unforgettable Maldivian adventure.Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the main difference between Anantara Veli and Anantara Dhigu?
A1: The primary distinction is their target audience: Anantara Veli is an adults-only resort, ideal for couples and honeymooners seeking tranquility and romance, while Anantara Dhigu is family-friendly, offering a wider range of activities and facilities for guests of all ages.
Q2: Can guests from Anantara Veli dine at Anantara Dhigu, and vice-versa?
A2: Yes, both resorts are interconnected by complimentary pontoon boats, allowing guests to easily access and enjoy the dining, spa, and recreational facilities of their sister property.
Q3: How far are Anantara Veli and Dhigu from Malé International Airport (MLE)?
A3: Both resorts are conveniently located in the South Malé Atoll and are just a 30-35 minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport (MLE).
Q4: Which resort offers more overwater villas?
A4: Anantara Veli Maldives primarily features overwater villas, with 61 out of its 67 villas being overwater, making it an excellent choice for those specifically desiring this iconic Maldivian experience. Anantara Dhigu also has overwater villas, but a larger proportion of beach villas.
Q5: Have either of the resorts been recently renovated?
A5: Yes, Anantara Veli Maldives underwent extensive renovations between March and November 2022, reopening in December 2022. Anantara Dhigu also recently refurbished its beach villas in 2019 and its overwater villas in June 2024, featuring new pools and upgraded interiors.
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