Dine at an award-winning overwater grill, surf reef breaks with in-house coaches, and drop the kids at a pirate-themed treehouse kids club while you check into the spa.
5-Star Resort Speedboat 30 min 110 Villas
Atoll
South Male
Villas
110
Transfer
Speedboat
Transfer Cost
~$354 pp RT
Packages From
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Meal Plans
BB / HB / FB / AI
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More inclusions than direct
Opened2006Renovated2024
Three islands under one brand, connected by a shared jetty: a family island, an adults-only island, and a 20-villa ultra-luxe island. Guests cross freely — ten restaurants across all three are fair game regardless of where your villa sits. Anantara's signature 24-hour villa host is reachable by WhatsApp.
110 villas across seven categories — 70 on the beach and 40 over water. Beach villas were refreshed in 2019; the overwater wing completed a full renovation in 2024 alongside the new Yellow Fin Club. Sunrise- and sunset-facing options exist across most tiers. The Two Bedroom Anantara Beach Pool Villa (321 sqm) is the top-tier option for multi-generational families.
Beach2 of 4
Beach Villas
From
$736
125–150 sqm ·Average size
Sunrise Beach Villa125 sqmNo pool$736
Sunset Beach Villa125 sqmNo pool$816
Sunrise Beach Pool Villa150 sqmPool$1,164
Sunset Beach Pool Villa150 sqmPool$1,008
Overwater1 of 3
Over Water Villas
From
$1,058
119-129 sqm ·Average size
Sunrise Over Water Villa119 sqmNo pool$1,058
Sunset Over Water Villa119 sqmNo pool$1,168
Sunset Over Water Pool Villa129 sqmPool$1,814
FamilyAll pool
Family Villas
From
$2,504
237 sqm ·85% larger than avg
Two Bedroom Family Beach Pool Villa237 sqmPool$2,504
SignatureAll pool
Signature Villas
From
$3,512
321 sqm ·2.5× larger than avg
Two Bedroom Anantara Beach Pool Villa321 sqmPool$3,512
Not sure which villa is right? We'll match you based on your group size, budget and priorities.
Prices shown are indicative low-season per night. See the season guide in the sidebar for how rates vary by time of year. We'll confirm exact pricing for your dates.
Dining
6 Restaurants & 2 Bars
Four dining venues on Dhigu plus walkway access to the four restaurants and bars at sister resort Anantara Veli — dine-around half-board covers both islands, which significantly expands evening choices beyond a typical single-island resort. Sea Fire Salt and The Yellow Fin Club are the signature overwater rooms; Origami, Baan Huraa, and Cumin on Veli add Japanese, Thai, and Indian to the rotation.
Fushi Café
International Buffet
The main buffet — live cooking stations, rotating themed dinners, and an open-air terrace looking over the lagoon. Breakfast covers Western, Asian, and Middle Eastern stations; dinner rotates through Italian, Maldivian, Thai, and seafood nights. The workhorse of the island and where most meal plans start.
SettingIndoor & terrace · All meals
Our tipCheck the weekly themed-dinner schedule on arrival and plan around your favourite cuisine
Sea Fire Salt
Seafood & Grill
Award-winning overwater grill specialising in flame-cooked seafood and premium steaks. Glass floor panels, sunset views, and one of the stronger wine lists in South Malé. The signature dining room on Dhigu — book for a special night.
SettingOverwater · Dinner only
Our tipBook the far-end deck table for a near-private overwater dinner at sunset
The Yellow Fin Club
Sushi & Raw Bar
A 2024-opened overwater raw bar and sushi counter at the end of the water villa jetty. Nigiri, sashimi, and tartare alongside tuna tataki and a curated sake list. An intimate counter-seated alternative to Sea Fire Salt for raw-food fans.
SettingOverwater · Dinner only
Our tipBook the omakase seats at the counter for chef interaction — tables are a flatter experience
Origami
Japanese Teppanyaki
Teppanyaki counter on Anantara Veli, reached via the shared walkway. Live tableside cooking of wagyu, seafood, and vegetables on the iron plate. Limited covers mean it sells out nightly in peak season.
SettingSister-island Veli · Dinner only
Our tipWalk over via the jetty 15 minutes before your booking — the transfer takes time and sets the tone
Baan Huraa
Thai
Overwater Thai restaurant on Anantara Veli — a Spice Spoons cooking-class sister brand. Authentic curries, stir-fries, and street-food small plates cooked by a Thai chef team. One of the better Thai rooms in the Maldives.
SettingSister-island Veli · Overwater · Dinner only
Our tipAsk for Thai-spicy if you want the real heat — the default setting is dialled down for Western palates
Cumin
Indian
Modern Indian dining room on Anantara Veli with a thali-led menu, tandoor grills, and a strong vegetarian selection. The full regional spread — North Indian tandoor, South Indian dosas, and a weekend curry brunch.
SettingSister-island Veli · Dinner only
Our tipThe signature thali is the best intro for first-timers to Indian cuisine
Aqua
Pool Bar
Poolside bar and light-bites lunch spot. Cocktails, fresh juices, and wraps, salads, and poke bowls served by the main pool. The social hub of Dhigu during daylight hours.
SettingPoolside · Open-air · All day
Our tipThe afternoon cocktail hour has the best value on premium spirits
Dhoni Bar
Sunset Cocktails
Sunset cocktail bar on Anantara Veli, sitting right on the water's edge with daybeds and a DJ for golden hour. The place to cross the jetty to around 5:30pm.
SettingSister-island Veli · Sunset-facing
Our tipCross over at 5:30pm — the DJ starts and the light is at its best
Meal Plans
Dining Inclusions
Four plan tiers from bed-and-breakfast through all-inclusive. The dine-around half-board extends to Anantara Veli's restaurants via the shared walkway, which is a genuine differentiator. Sea Fire Salt carries a supplement on HB and FB plans but are included on AI.
Plan
Restaurants
Alcohol
Minibar
~pp/day
Bed & Breakfast
Fushi Cafe (breakfast)
--
--
Included
Half Board
Fushi Cafe (B+D) · Dine-around incl. Veli restaurants
--
--
+$60
Full Board
Fushi Cafe (B+L+D) · Dine-around incl. Veli restaurants
--
--
+$100
All-Inclusive
All restaurants incl. Sea Fire Salt · Bars
House
Soft drinks
+$180
Bed & BreakfastIncluded
Fushi Cafe (breakfast)
Alcohol --Minibar --
Half Board+$60 pp/day
Fushi Cafe (B+D) · Dine-around incl. Veli restaurants
Alcohol --Minibar --
Full Board+$100 pp/day
Fushi Cafe (B+L+D) · Dine-around incl. Veli restaurants
Alcohol --Minibar --
All-Inclusive+$180 pp/day
All restaurants incl. Sea Fire Salt · Bars
Alcohol HouseMinibar Soft drinks
Experiences & Activities
Your Days on the Island
South Male Atoll's reef system and reliable year-round surf breaks are the headline draws. On-island, the Anantara Spa's six overwater suites, a Tropicsurf partnership, and a PADI 5-Star dive centre give the resort a strong water-sports identity that most comparable family resorts lack.
Water Sports & Diving
PADI 5-Star · Tropicsurf partnership · South Male reef system
PADI 5-Star Dive CentreFull PADI progression from Discover Scuba to Divemaster
Tropicsurf surf schoolGuided sessions at South Male breaks — beginner through advanced
House reef snorkelingWide shallow lagoon — boat trips recommended for stronger reef experiences
Kayaking & stand-up paddleboarding
Catamaran sailing
Jet ski & parasailing
Glass-bottom boat tours
Snorkeling excursions to nearby reefsGuided trips to stronger reef sites around the atoll
PADI 5-Star Dive Centre. The on-site dive centre runs PADI courses from Discover Scuba through Divemaster, with access to South Male Atoll's channel dives and thilas. Tropicsurf — the Maldives' leading surf school — operates from the island with guided sessions at nearby breaks. The combination of serious diving and surfing under one roof is uncommon at a family resort.
Excursions & Cruises
Dolphin cruises · Male city tours · sandbank picnics
Dolphin watching sunset cruiseSpinner dolphins — regular sightings in South Male channels
Male city tourFriday Mosque, fish market, local culture — 30-min speedboat
Local island visitInhabited islands in South Male — markets, culture, local food
Sandbank picnic excursionPrivate sandbank setup with champagne hamper
Sunset fishingTraditional Maldivian line fishing — catch cooked at Fushi Cafe
Fitness centreAir-conditioned gym with ocean views
Manicure & pedicure
Anantara Spa. Six overwater treatment suites with glass floor panels — watch marine life during your massage. The spa menu blends Ayurvedic, Thai, and Balinese traditions. Signature treatments include the Anantara Signature Massage and the Royal Dhivehi ritual. Steam room, sauna, and a post-treatment relaxation deck overlooking the lagoon.
Sports & Recreation
Swimming pool · tennis · beach volleyball · evening entertainment
Infinity swimming poolMain pool with swim-up Aqua access
Floodlit tennis court
Beach volleyball
Badminton
Table tennis & billiards
Movie nights on the beachWeekly outdoor cinema screenings
Cooking classesMaldivian and international cuisine — run at Fushi Cafe
Crab hunting adventuresGuided evening excursions on the beach
Coconut painting & island crafts
Marine education sessionsReef identification and conservation awareness
Scavenger hunts around the island
Dodgeball & beach games
Departure surprise packHermie hermit crab toy for every child
Babysitting on requestAvailable from 3 months old
Dhoni Kids Club. A dedicated kids space with a treehouse, climbing wall, and its own pool. The programme runs daily for ages 3-12 at no charge, with activities ranging from crab hunting and coconut painting to marine education sessions and scavenger hunts. Babysitting is available from 3 months. Departing children receive a surprise pack with Hermie the hermit crab toy.
Family & Kids
Family-Friendly Features
Dhoni Kids Club stands out with its treehouse, climbing wall, and dedicated children's pool — genuine adventure infrastructure rather than a room with colouring books. Activities range from crab hunting and coconut painting to marine education and island scavenger hunts. The shallow lagoon is safe for toddlers, babysitting is available from 3 months, and departing kids receive a Hermie hermit crab surprise pack. Cross-island access to Veli gives parents an adults-only escape without leaving the resort group.
Two Bedroom Family Beach Pool VillaTwo Bedroom Anantara Beach Pool Villa
Snorkeling & Marine Life
House Reef & Underwater
3.8
House Reef
Lux Atolls Reef Score · below average for Maldives resorts
Shore entry possible but shallow lagoon limits reef access
Safe lagoon for children — guided boat trips to stronger reefs — PADI 5-Star on site
A wide, shallow lagoon makes Dhigu excellent for families with small children but limits shore snorkeling for experienced swimmers. The house reef is patchy and reef life is moderate compared to top-tier South Male sites. The resort compensates with guided snorkeling boat trips to stronger nearby reefs and a PADI 5-Star dive centre for deeper exploration. The lagoon itself is safe and swimmable year-round.
Regularly spotted here (+6)
Reef Sharks
Blacktip reef sharks occasionally seen on boat snorkeling trips
Sea Turtles
Green and hawksbill turtles — more reliable on boat excursions than house reef
Stingrays
Seen on sandy flats in the lagoon and on dive sites
Tropical Reef Fish
Parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish — moderate diversity on house reef
Dolphins
Spinner dolphins on sunset cruises — frequent in South Male channels
Eagle Rays
Spotted on channel dives in South Male Atoll
Not typical at this reef (−2)
Manta Rays
Seasonal sightings on dive excursions — not at the house reef
Whale Sharks
Not present in South Male — excursions to South Ari required
PADI dive center on-site. Night snorkeling available. Marine life observations sourced from dive logs and guest reports.
Getting There
Transfer from Malé
Thirty minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport — no seaplane required and no daylight restrictions. The resort arranges meet-and-greet at the airport and lounge access for early arrivals. Return transfer is approximately USD 354 per person. The proximity to Male also makes a city day-trip feasible.
Speedboat
Only option
Velana Airport -> Anantara Dhigu (30 min)
~$354 pp roundtrip
Arrivals at any hour — no daylight restrictions. Airport lounge available for early check-ins.
Resort island map — Anantara Dhigu Maldives
Our Take
Who This Resort is For
Anantara Dhigu's three-island ecosystem is the real differentiator. No other resort in South Male Atoll gives families overwater dining, a treehouse kids club, PADI 5-Star diving, and walkway access to an adults-only sister property under one booking. The 2024 overwater renovation and new Yellow Fin Club bring the water-villa wing up to current standards, and the cross-resort dining significantly expands evening options.
Ideal for
Families who want a proper kids club alongside adult-calibre dining — the Dhoni Kids Club treehouse and climbing wall keep children engaged while parents dine at Sea Fire Salt
Couples who want access to an adults-only island without committing to one — walk across to Anantara Veli for dinner or drinks and return to Dhigu
Divers and surfers — PADI 5-Star centre plus the only Tropicsurf partnership in South Male Atoll is a strong water-sports combination
Guests who want overwater living at a mid-range price point — the Sunrise Over Water Villa starts below many competitors' beach-villa rates
Consider elsewhere if
Snorkeling purists — the wide shallow lagoon is safe for children but disappointing for experienced snorkelers; boat trips are needed for quality reef
Guests seeking a remote feel — 30 minutes from Male and part of a three-island cluster means this is a connected, accessible resort
Ultra-luxury seekers — for top-tier seclusion and no-expense-spared service, neighbouring Naladhu Private Island is the better choice within the same group
Season & Pricing Guide
Dec 20 – Jan 10Peak · Highest rates
Jan – AprHigh · +25–40%
May – JunShoulder · +10–15%
Jul – NovLow · Best value
Peak season fills 4+ months ahead. Shoulder season offers the best balance of weather, price and availability.
Why Book Through Lux Atolls
More Than Just a Booking
What you get with us vs. booking direct or through a generic OTA
Book with Lux Atolls
Best rate guarantee on partner resorts — we match or beat what you find elsewhere
Exclusive package inclusions negotiated through our direct resort relationships
Transparent pricing — transfers, taxes, and meal plans quoted upfront, no hidden fees
Personal trip advisor — villa matching, meal plan guidance, and honest recommendations
Maldives-only expertise — we know every reef, transfer route, and seasonal sweet spot
Direct resort contact — if something needs fixing, we call the GM, not a call centre
No booking fees, no hidden charges — the price we quote is the price you pay
Book Through Others
Published rack rate — no negotiated extras
No package inclusions beyond the standard rate
Transfer costs and taxes added at checkout
Generic customer support with no local knowledge
One-size-fits-all recommendations across dozens of destinations
Issues routed through a ticketing system, not a person
Hidden fees and service charges added late in the process
Frequently Asked Questions
Anantara Dhigu Maldives — FAQ
How long is the transfer to Anantara Dhigu?
Thirty minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. No seaplane is required, and there are no daylight restrictions on arrivals. Return transfer costs approximately USD 354 per person. The resort provides airport meet-and-greet and lounge access for early arrivals.
What is the difference between Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli?
Dhigu is the family-and-couples island with 110 villas, a kids club, and three restaurants. Veli is the adjacent adults-only island (18+) with its own dining venues. They are connected by a shared jetty, so Dhigu guests can walk to Veli for dinner or drinks. Naladhu Private Island is a third, ultra-private option in the same cluster.
Is the snorkeling good at Anantara Dhigu?
The house reef is average — a wide, shallow lagoon makes it safe for children but limits snorkeling quality for experienced swimmers. The resort runs guided boat trips to stronger reef sites nearby, and the PADI 5-Star dive centre offers deeper exploration of South Male Atoll's channel dives.
Is Anantara Dhigu good for families?
Yes. The Dhoni Kids Club (ages 3-12, free) includes a treehouse, climbing wall, and dedicated children's pool. Activities run from crab hunting and coconut painting to marine education. Babysitting is available from 3 months. The Two Bedroom Family Beach Pool Villa (237 sqm) sleeps families comfortably, and the shallow lagoon is safe for small children.
What meal plans does Anantara Dhigu offer?
Four tiers: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board, and All-Inclusive. The HB and FB dine-around options extend to Anantara Veli's restaurants via the walkway. Sea Fire Salt carries a supplement on HB/FB but are included on the All-Inclusive plan, which also covers house drinks and bar access.
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