Anantara Veli Resort & Spa Maldives

Set on the island of Veligandu in the South Malé Atoll, Anantara Veli is a 5-star Maldivian resort with over-water bungalows.

Anantara Veli's sister resort, Anantara Dhigu, is in close proximity, 150 metres across the lagoon. Restaurants, spas and recreational facilities on the two islands are shared.

History

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas was launched in 2001, with its first resort, Anantara Hua Hin, situated in Thailand: the word Anantara comes from the Sanskrit for "the flow of water without borders". The Anantara brand is part of Minor International Plc, a hospitality and leisure company based in Thailand with approximately 30 properties in its portfolio including the Four Seasons, Marriott Resort & Spa, and spa brands such as Mandara and Anantara.

In 2006, the Anantara brand went global, with the launch of two properties in the Maldives. Anantara has plans to develop at least 40 resorts in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Key locations being targeted are Sri Lanka, Vietnam and the Middle East.

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World,Virtuoso and Kiwi Collection.

Accommodation

Anantara Veli’s over-water bungalows are 62-92sqm in size and are decorated in Maldivian style with traditional coconut thatch roofs.

Other accommodation options include 300sqm Ocean and Beach Houses.

Anantara Veli's Deluxe Over-Water Bungalow

Dining

  • Baan Huraa - Thai
  • 73 Degrees - Maldivian breakfast buffet and seafood
  • Dhoni - poolside bar
  • Geckos - pizza
  • Dining by Design - customised dining
Dhoni poolside bar

Recreation

The resort houses a fitness centre, library, tennis courts and the Dhoni Kids Club. Activities include excursions to Malé and surrounding islands, cruises on a traditional dhoni, Thai and Maldivian cooking classes, beachside yoga and meditation, beach volleyball and badminton.

Activities at the Aquafanatics Watersports Centre:

  • Water- and jet-skiing
  • Underwater “Rocketing”
  • Surf School
  • Windsurfing
  • Kayaking
  • Fishing
  • Sailing
  • Parasailing
  • Snorkelling
  • Diving (PADI certification courses)

Spa

Anantara Spa Maldives has 14 treatment suites set over the lagoon on Dhigufinolhu and in gardens overlooking the Indian Ocean. Two double treatment suites have an outdoor relaxation area and Jacuzzi. Treatment rooms for Ayurvedic and Thai therapies reflect their cultural origins. There is also an over-water relaxation deck, outdoor showers, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and cold plunge pool.

Access

Anantara Veli is located 21 km from Malé International Airport, with daily incoming flights from international destinations. The resort is a 35-minute journey by speedboat from the airport.

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas worldwide

  • China
    • Anantara Spa at the Commune by the Great Wall
    • Anantara Spa Shanghai
    • Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa, Hainan (2010)
  • India
    • Anantara Mahabalipuram (2011)
  • Indonesia
    • Anantara Seminyak, Bali
  • Jordan
    • Anantara Spa Dead Sea
  • Maldives
    • Anantara Dhigu
    • Anantara Veli
    • Anantara Kihavah (2010)
  • Morocco
    • Anantara Essaouira (2011)
    • Anantara Marrakech (2011)
  • Oman
    • Anantara Al Madina A’Zarqa (2010)
  • Tanzania
    • Anantara Spa Kilimanjaro
    • Anantara Spa Zanzibar
    • Anantara Spa Serengeti
  • Thailand
    • Anantara Baan Rajprasong
    • Anantara Golden Triangle
    • Anantara Hua Hin
    • Anantara Koh Samui
    • Anantara Phuket
    • Anantara Si Kao
    • Anantara Khao Lak (2010)
  • Turkey
    • Anantara Spa Istanbul
  • United Arab Emirates
    • Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi
    • Anantara Spa Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
    • Anantara Qasr Al Sarab, Abu Dhabi
    • Anantara Jumeirah Lake, Dubai (2010)
  • Vietnam
    • Anantara Hoi An (2011)

Awards

  • ‘World's 12 Best Private Island Resorts', ISLANDS, April/May 2009
  • ‘24 Best Lovers’ Retreats in the Region’, Spa Asia, January/February 2009
  • ‘100 Top Places To Visit in 2007’, The Sunday Times (UK), January 2007

See also

  • Malé Atoll
  • Atolls of the Maldives
  • Maldives
  • Dhoni
  • Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

References

  • Harpers Bazaar, Not Just for Newlyweds (01/04/2009)
  • The Independent, What's New in the Maldives (20/04/2008)
  • Condé Nast, Traveler Island (01/07/2007)
  • Luxx, A Dream with Your Eyes Open (01/05/2007)
  • Vogue, The Ocean Explorer (01/05/2007)
  • DestinAsian, Island Hopping in the Maldives: Where to Stay and Play (01/04/2007)
  • Elle Decoration (Thailand), Hip and Luxurious Hideaways Around the Globe (01/03/2007)
  • Madame Figaro (Thailand), A Must-do List for the Month of Love (01/02/2007)