Anantara Veli Maldives Resort

Lovely resort recently refurbished to a very high standard. I would recommend the sunset beach villas as the better option with unobstructed views. The sunrise villas overlook a nearby support island. The service was exceptional and the resort offers a great selection of restaurants to chose from. I liked the option to visit the snorkeling island and the couples only island Veli nearby. (Children allowed for dinner at the restaurants). The resort offers ongoing ferry rides to these islands merely 2 min boat ride away. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would definitely consider a return visit.

So our first holiday coming out of Covid was going to be special (as I joked: "go big or stay home"), and Anantara certainly delivered. From the moment you leave the airport arrivals gate to when you have checked in for your departure, the Anantara team really do look after you, and make your holiday in paradise totally worth it. The Anantara welcome office is right in-front of the arrivals gate (my flight was 30 mins early, so although no one was quite ready to greet me, the office was right in front of me, with the welcoming staff) providing a nice cooling towel and drink of water before being whisked away on the boat to the resort. Again Anantara seem to have got the best position, as the boat was directly in front of the airport (not further along the dock), and so we were at the resort within 30 minutes. My partner had arrived the day before (travelling from different locations) and so had already checked in, but she assures me it was all nice and smooth. We stayed in an over-water sunrise villa. And it was great for early birds like us. The sun rose up behind the small island opposite and it was a wonderful sight (photos included in my review / posted). You have your own sundeck, and steps down to the cool water - which is about waist deep. The bathroom is large and spacious, with a glass floor tile by the toilet to keep yourself amused looking at the fish when using the toilet. The rooms come with bicycles - and these really are the perfect way for getting around the island - an unexpected bonus. Just make sure you take the right bicycle (they are numbered with your villa). The water is shallow enough to wade through for quite a distance, and I even walked over to the "snorkel island" for a day of relaxing and lunchtime drinks at the small bar over there. There is a little boat that can take you if you don't want to get your feet wet - ready to take you when you want. We did a bit of snorkeling by the room and in front of aqua bar, but my partner booked in on the snorkeling with sharks and loved it (I think it was $240). An afternoon trip out and back by 4.30pm so plenty of time to get ready for dinner. Talking of dinner, the food was great - a good selection at every restaurant to cater for all tastes. I was worried as my partner does not eat much fish, but they had so much on offer. Plus the staff were very happy to do a few little changes to dishes, like change the type of pasta, only simple things, but you can imagine that other places would not want to do. We went full board, and well we did not go hungry. From large breakfast table service buffet (they do bring trolleys of breads, yoghurts and cereals, and fruits, as well as the main menu), to three course lunches and dinners, you will definitely not go hungry. I also made the most of the drinks package, with afternoons relaxing at the Aqua bar, either in the shade reading, or at in-pool bar with a cocktail. The Fushi Cafe was closed for renovation, and Origami was extra, so we did not try those, but were very pleased with the rest. The Dhigu and Veli are part of the same "resort" so you can hop across to the other island (a small boat constantly goes back and forth - 4 minute ride) . We liked 73 degrees for sunset dinners (booking recommended to get a waterfront table), which is complimented by the adjacent Dhoni Bar for pre-sunset drinks whilst the DJ plays some chilled tunes. The Baan Hurra is a great setting too. We also did a Dining by Design - extra to our full board, but worth the price I thought. The team lead by Venus, were very helpful for our romantic sunset meal for two. I gave some idea of what we liked, and they came up with a great menu - it was Japanese themed, so we were set up by Origami, who did the food, and it was excellent. The full board combined with the drinks package meant that we did not have a worry, and were so full by the end of the holiday. All the staff are super friendly and try and remember your room number (so no need to keep worrying to say that your are full board / on drinks package). This just adds to being able to relax, and making sure our drinks were always topped up or had a fresh beer and new bottle of water. In the end our week there was just the right length of time. We could have done a bit more activities, but really our holiday was about relaxing and topping up the tan. Anantara really delivered. Extra words on departure: the team are all set up for PCR tests for those that need them to return home, I was one about 10 people that needed them, with the tests taken one morning (8.30-9.30 AM) and the results back with 24 hours. Unfortunately, there were issues with my return flight, and the Ahmed and the rest of the airport team were superstars. Covid travel rule changes meant that I could not board my flight and so was turned away at the check-in desk. As the Anantara team stay nearby to make sure everyone gets away okay, they spotted me in a bit of panic and helped me out - arranging a hotel for me to stay at overnight (this all happening at 9.00 PM) and arranging travel to the hotel. Maldives Covid rules meant I could not return to the resort. The staff went above and beyond. It was an expensive holiday - but truely was worth every penny. This is how you do the Maldives.