At Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, adventures await across silvery sands, at sea, and below the water’s surface

The Maldives is a real-life desert-island fantasy with crystal clear lagoons, frosted white-sand beaches, luxury bungalows, and lush palm groves. Visiting the Maldives will transport you to paradise.

At Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, adventures await across silvery sands, at sea, and below the water’s surface. Conveniently close to Malé, you can reach in just 35 minutes south of the airport by private speedboat. It's a relatively large island by Maldivian standards, but you can cycle from end to end in less than 10 minutes. Maldivian-style décor – think thatched roofs and dark woods – are designed to blend into the natural surroundings, while overwater villas, restaurants and spas make the most of the Indian Ocean views.

Accommodation

A range of beach villas, overwater villas and pool villas are available at this family friendly resort to choose from. The 110 spacious villas and suites are either perched over the Indian Ocean or nestled on the beach, and come with sunrise or sunset views, private terraces (some with a pool and villa butler on call), freestanding bathtubs and separate showers. Rooms are decorated in soothing seaside hues with wooden furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Food and Drinks

There are four restaurants on the island. Beachfront Fushi Café serves an international breakfast buffet alongside made-to-order eggs, waffles and Asian noodles; pool bar Aqua is all about cocktails and casual bites like burgers and salads; Sea.Fire.Salt is perched over the lagoon and specialises in freshly caught Maldivian fish and grilled meats; and Terrazzo is an authentic Italian eatery. Alternatively, take a quick pontoon ride across the lagoon to sister resort Anantara Veli for one of the best Thai meals you’ll experience in the Maldives at Baan Huraa, or try theatrical teppanyaki at modern Japanese restaurant Origami.

Services and facilities

Experiences include dining options, spa treatments, water sports, and up close engagements with marine life. Active guests can sign up for yoga, tennis, diving, beach games and surfing. Sail into the sunset in search of shy nurse sharks in the Indian Ocean, gathered in their dozens at Vaavu Atoll. Located to the south of Dhigu, Vaavu offers some of the most spectacular Maldives shark snorkelling adventures on earth, with the world-famous Golden Wall an explosion of colourful corals. Step aboard the Nirvana or Raanee for a private journey beyond the horizon. Explore deserted islands while yachting in Maldives, swim with marine life in crystal-clear lagoons, and snorkel or scuba dive untouched reefs. Delve into a chef’s picnic basket on a sandbank, or enjoy Champagne and canapés on deck at sunset. Anantara Dhigu has a large pod of spinner dolphins – the most acrobatic variety. Watch the dolphins play in their natural environment from the comfort of a luxury yacht. To rejuvenate and relax, indulge in soothing Ayurvedic therapies and spa treatments tailored to your needs. At Anantara Dhigu, the wellness packages including nutrition guidance with their on-site experts as well as bespoke exercise programmes will help you begin or simply accelerate your healthy regime. Spa facilities include six over water treatment suites, two open-air salas over water for Thai massage, facial room and beauty salon, hair salon, and indoor and outdoor showers.

Friendly for families and people with special needs

Mini guests get their own bathrobes and slippers; cots and extra beds are available; restaurants have children’s menus (children under six eat free); and the Dhoni Kids' Club has two air-conditioned play rooms in traditional Maldivian boats, a climbing wall and a tree house. Babysitting can be arranged for little ones from three months old, and there is a 24-hour resort doctor. Arrangements are made for guests with special needs on request. While the villas are not specifically adapted, additional ramps can be fitted and customised for specific guests. The resort also provides wheelchairs.