This small, tranquil island offers an adults-only getaway. Part of the renowned Thai hotel brand, Anantara, the Thai influence is palpable in both the service and the delicious cuisine, while the resort itself offers a classic Maldivian island escape.
With no children at the resort, the island is well-suited to couples and honeymooners and makes for an ideal place to relax. A good range of water-based activities and trips are available, and the clarity of the lagoon and surrounding waters is great for snorkelling. There's also a chic spa.
Dining is a highlight of the resort, both in terms of the quality of the food but also the choice available. As well as the dining places at Anantara Veli, guests are also free to dine at Anantara Dhigu, a sister property connected by a short boat ride. Please note that as Anantara Dhigu guests can dine reciprocally at Anantara Veli, there may be children in the resort's restaurant areas.
Anantara Veli is a prime choice for those looking for a quiet, good-value escape to the Maldives. There are plenty of overwater villas to choose from, along with multiple dining options and a good range of facilities.
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Photos of Anantara Veli Maldives Resort
Rooms
The resort's 67 bungalows have traditional Maldivian-style thatched roofs and overlook the Indian Ocean or the lagoon. Most are set overwater and each bungalow has a sun terrace, while some also have a pool. Inside, vaulted ceilings and a light, modern decor make the rooms feel comfortable and welcoming, and they are well-equipped with a TV, Wi-Fi, minibar and tea/coffee facilities.
Location
Anantara Veli sits in the South Mal茅 Atoll, conveniently located just 35 minutes by speedboat from Mal茅 International Airport. Its soft, white-sand beach overlooks a lagoon with crystal-clear water. There are local islands nearby, which means that there are some views of buildings in the distance, but these are small islands and they certainly don't impinge on your views.
The resort is connected to Anantara Dhigu (a sister property set on a nearby island) by a short boat ride of less than a minute, and this opens up a host of additional facilities for guests. Please note that Dhigu accepts families, so isn鈥檛 an adults-only resort.
Food and drink
Dining at Anantara Veli is one of the key highlights of a stay here. There are four dining options at the resort and another four at its sister property, Anantara Dhigu.
The cr猫me de la cr猫me at Veli is Baan Huraa, a Thai restaurant serving some of the finest Thai cuisine in the Maldives. Set over the lagoon, it serves lunch and dinner.
The main restaurant, 73 Degrees, is set on the oceanfront. It serves buffet breakfasts with a huge range of choice, and a mix of themed buffet dinners in the evening.
The resort's Japanese restaurant, Origami, serves sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki, while the Dhoni pool bar serves snacks, sandwiches and pizzas until early evening.
At Anantara Dhigu we highly recommend Sea.Fire.Salt. Set on the water鈥檚 edge, it lives up to its name and serves 14 different types of salt with food. Dishes are mainly based around freshly caught seafood as well as a selection of prime meat cuts.
Terrazzo, also at Dhigu, is open for dinner and serves Italian cuisine. Fushi Caf茅 offers buffet breakfasts and themed buffet dinners, while Aqua (a pool bar) serves poolside snacks until early evening.
Additionally, the resort鈥檚 'dining by design' option allows you to arrange private dining on the beach or at a private island.
Please note that children are allowed in the restaurants at both Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli. The only dining option which is adults-only is the Dhoni bar.聽Also, Origami and 'dining by design' are not included in half-board or full-board plans, and meals taken on this basis are charged separately. At Sea.Fire.Salt, Terrazzo and Baan Huraa, some items are not included on meal plans and will incur a supplement.
Families
Anantara聽Veli is an adults-only resort although families staying at Anantara Dhigu are allowed to use the restaurants on Veli.
Local excursions
The resort offers a variety of trips for those looking to get out onto the water, from island picnics to dolphin-watching trips and sunset or full moon cruises. A variety of snorkelling trips are available, including night snorkelling or, from August to December, going in search of manta rays. You can also visit a nearby local island for tea.
Diving
The PADI dive school can take you on dive trips to over 20 nearby reefs. Courses are also available for beginners and those wishing to build upon their existing qualifications.
Spa Facilities
The resort's spa has five thatched treatment rooms offering Ayurvedic-inspired treatments. There's a steam room and sauna, as well as hot and cold plunge pools in the garden.聽