Picking a resort in the Maldives is a really tough choice because if, like us, you want to stay in one place for two weeks, you need to make sure the island is big enough so you don’t get bored and not so big that it doesn’t feel exclusive. Pick very carefully as some resorts are better for divers, others for honeymoon couples and others for families. After poring over beautiful resort sites for months, we chose the Anantara Dhigu hotel in the South Male Atoll. It is just a 35-minute speedboat ride from the airport which is perfect if you don’t want to hang around after a long-haul flight for a domestic transfer. We also picked it because of the resort’s variety – it is located in an absolutely stunning lagoon which is home to a picnic/snorkeling island, Naladhu private island and the Anantara Veli resort. Each property caters for a different type of guest – Dhigu is great for families, Veli is adults-only and Naladhu is for the rich, famous and elusive. Guests in Dhigu and Veli can use the facilities of each hotel (kids can dine in the Veli restaurants in the evenings) and the pontoon ride which shuttles between the two islands and the picnic island is an experience in itself. During the short three-minute crossing, we spotted stingrays, puffer fish and heaps of smaller reef fish. The crossings is even more magical at night under...Picking a resort in the Maldives is a really tough choice because if, like us, you want to stay in one place for two weeks, you need to make sure the island is big enough so you don’t get bored and not so big that it doesn’t feel exclusive. Pick very carefully as some resorts are better for divers, others for honeymoon couples and others for families.

After poring over beautiful resort sites for months, we chose the Anantara Dhigu hotel in the South Male Atoll. It is just a 35-minute speedboat ride from the airport which is perfect if you don’t want to hang around after a long-haul flight for a domestic transfer.
We also picked it because of the resort’s variety – it is located in an absolutely stunning lagoon which is home to a picnic/snorkeling island, Naladhu private island and the Anantara Veli resort. Each property caters for a different type of guest – Dhigu is great for families, Veli is adults-only and Naladhu is for the rich, famous and elusive.

Guests in Dhigu and Veli can use the facilities of each hotel (kids can dine in the Veli restaurants in the evenings) and the pontoon ride which shuttles between the two islands and the picnic island is an experience in itself. During the short three-minute crossing, we spotted stingrays, puffer fish and heaps of smaller reef fish. The crossings is even more magical at night under a sky full of stars with the gentle sound of the waves lapping against the reef.

We stayed for two weeks in Dhigu and it was fantastic. There is such a choice of restaurants and themed evenings that even with a half-board package we never got bored. Our favorites were the Japanese Evening in Origami on Veli with delicious sushi and Teppanyaki. The Maldivivan buffet where you can try all the local food – mainly based on fresh seafood and curries. And the Baan Huraa Thai restaurant which is built on a long wooden bridge connecting Veli and Naladhu Islands. The Sea Fire Salt restaurant on Veli is also great as you can watch the reef sharks circling in the water below from your table.

Breakfast was delicious, every single one of the 14 mornings. A special thanks to Zihuny and his great team (including Joy) in the Fushi Café who gave us a great welcome every morning and became best friends with our kids who still miss their personalized ‘babycinnos’ and ‘pancakes’. Our kids will remember Zihuny (Mr Z) for many years! In just two weeks, many of the staff members – especially Rauf and Lisa – had captured the hearts and minds of our daughters and will hold a place in their hearts forever.

Our kids also loved the Dhoni Kids Club where they painted coconuts, took part in crab races on the beach, cooked pizzas for their lunch and made beautiful handicrafts. Thanks to Thess and her team for taking such great care of them so we could enjoy an hour or two at the pool kid-free and for worry-free babysitting in the evenings.

We were really happy with our stay here. We stay at hundreds of hotels every year but it’s my second time at an Anantara hotel and from my experience I can honestly say that their service and quality of food really stands out.

Now that we are back home, we can’t get the picture of their beautiful lagoon out of our heads. Staying in a beach villa and just stepping out on the sand into the water every morning is really wonderful. We didn’t do many excursions as our budget didn’t stretch so far but the glass bottom boat ride and a dolphin cruise are a must – it’s like a safari so no guarantees but we did see plenty of fish, a turtle and the reefs up close. We also saw dolphins in the distance from the spa and, if you snorkel, you will see plenty of fish without leaving the resort.

The personal attention did not end once we checked out and paid our bill. Like our arrival at Dhigu, we got a personal farewell as our favorite team members stood on the pier waving us off and wishing us a safe journey home.

When we got to the airport and were battling with nine suitcases, two uncooperative toddlers, not much sleep and the dread of a long-haul journey ahead of us, one of the staff members from the Fushi Café (unfortunately, I can’t remember his name) - who was officially off work heading home to meet his new-born nephew - took our four-year old in his arms and carried her the whole way to the security gate to help us. He wasn’t doing it expecting to get anything in return but out of the good of his heart wanting to genuinely help us and because he was so fond of her. Now, is that amazing customer service or not?

A wonderful holiday at the Anantara Dhigu - thank you to your great staff who have hospitality in their DNA - and thank you to the Maldives for your beautiful charm. We will be back!More