Anantara Dhigu, South Male Atoll The Maldives, Central Islands

The bigger sister of Anantara Veli, Dhigu is a short hop away by boat. It is bigger than Veli with 110 rooms in total – beach villas and over water suites.

The rooms are large – the Beach Villas are 110sqm and have all the amenities you would expect from a top quality 5*. The pool villas are 162sqm and as the name suggests have a lovely little plunge pool. You are unlikely to need a plunge pool too much though as the lagoon is calm and the resort has a beautiful infinity pool.

Unlike the smaller Veli, Dhigu is very much a family friendly resort with plenty of space and things to do for children off all ages. There is a kids club and babysitting is also available. The lagoon is protected by the outer reefs, which makes swimming calm and fun for all ages. The reef is just off the island too so there is fantastic snorkelling opportunities right off the beach. There is a little uninhabited island to which you can canoe.

The spa has a great reputation and the resort offers beachside yoga, meditation, a cooking school, tennis, volleyball and badminton.

There are 2 restaurants in Dighu itself, with another couple of cafes too. The advantage of Anantara is that you are free to go over to eat at Veli too – with another couple of fine restaurants to add to the variety of life. The meal plans work across both islands. 

The resort is just a short speedboat ride away from Male into the much quieter South Male Atoll. All in all a brilliant choice for families of couples looking for some choice and variety in what there is to do and see.