Anantara Dhigu Resort and Spa Maldives top of my list as it's the only place that I wanted to go back to, again and again.

Every summer, I spend an average of eight weeks in Malaysia, my home country, and I would plan my summer vacations traveling in the region. In eight weeks, I could visit many places that I haven’t been to, but every year, Anantara resorts in Maldives top my list as it’s the only place that I wanted to go back to, again and again. I’m addicted to the Anantara experience after our trip to Anantara Khihavah two years ago. There is no cure to it but to relive the fantasy again.

In end of July, my eldest sister, little G and I embarked on a dream journey to Anantara Dhigu Resort and Spa in the South Male atoll, a 35 minute speedboat ride from the International Airport of Maldives. The close proximity makes the resort very accessible as there is no need to get on a seaplane (which is not cheap) and paradise is just a leisure and smooth boat ride away.

Anantara operates a total of five (5) resorts in the Maldives and I chose Anantara Dhigu for three reasons: 1) The very Instagram worthy ocean hammock in the crystal clear water of Indian Ocean, 2) the sand bars that I could actually walk on, and 3) Anantara Veli Resort is across the lagoon means more amenities and fun that I have access to.

As soon as the speedboat docked at Anantara Dhigu, I was overcome by a warm, fuzzy and familiar “feel-like-home” feeling. It was great to be back, in the cradle of Anantara. The gentle breeze, crystal clear water, lapping waves, lush vegetation and the friendly hotel crew welcomed us like family. We were brimming with joy and I knew that an exceptional time awaited us in Dhigu.

We checked into the Sunrise Over Water Suite, with amazing sunrise views across the turquoise lagoon. I was in awe of the stunning views, from the outdoor deck and the bath tub. The spacious deck offers direct access to the lagoon, which is teeming with marine life. During our stay there, we saw a few black tip reef sharks, schools of tiny fishes, a squid and numerous unknown marine species. Little G was hopping in joy at the very sights of his favorite sea creatures.

Food was outstanding at the resort’s restaurants. What’s more, we could take a pontoon boat to the sister property Anantara Veli (it takes 2 minutes to get across the lagoon) and dine at the restaurants there. The restaurant choices were great and the foods were fresh and well prepared.

There are a ton of activities to do in Anantara Dhigu: snorkeling, kayaking, water sports, picnic, biking, etc. and I have summarized the highlights of my trip below. As I have told my friends and family over and over again…there are very few places in the world that can top the Anantara hospitality and services. If you want the BEST tropical island paradise experience, just come to Anantara Dhigu, really!

1) Swimming to the Dhigu Ocean Hammock

This experience alone is priceless, unique and unmatched. I had so much fun swimming to the hammock and hanging out on it.

2) Sandbars

I am an islomaniac, I love islands and I am fascinated by sandbars. The experience of swimming plus walking to the sandbars behind our overwater suite was truly one of a kind. I was speechless when I reached the sandbar, taking in the view of the entire resort from the middle of the Indian ocean, in 360 degree unobstructed view. There was a sense of triumph that I had conquered the sandbars. It was an amazing experience.

3) The Children’s Club

If you have little ones, The Children’s Club is a great amenity that you will really appreciate. Drop your kids off with the attentive staff there and they are in great hands. Little G went to the Children’s Club and didn’t want to come back when I picked him up. He joined the picnic on the private island, went snorkeling, swimming in the natural pool of the ocean, learned to make sushi, and had tons of fun with the other kids at the club. And I got to enjoy solo time in the spa, swimming, learning Maldivian cooking and just lazing about on the deck.

4) The Cooking Class

Both my eldest sister and I joined the cooking class and learned about Maldivian cooking from the resort’s executive chef. Other than cooking, we engaged in deep conversations with the local Maldivian chef. It’s very easy to leave a resort/hotel and not knowing anything about the country. Only through conversations with the locals that you learn about the country, its people, the government, and their lifestyles. I will forever remember that Maldives has 1200 atolls, thanks to the chef. And of course, the foods we prepared were delicious!

5) The Endless Shades of Blue

I have been to countless beaches, islands and oceans in the world, from the best of the best in Southeast Asia, Caribbean, Mexico, America, Europe, etc., but I have never seen anything more beautiful than Maldives when it comes to the sea water. Words fail to describe just how pristine and untainted Maldives is; there is nowhere else with better beaches, islands, and water. The endless shades of blue are what dreams are made of.

Anantara Dhigu Resort and Spa Maldives should be on everyone’s bucket list…pack up and just go.

ANANTARA DHIGU MALDIVES RESORT
Dhigufinolhu, South Male Atoll
Republic of Maldives
Tel: +960 664 4100
Email: dhigumaldives@anantara.com
Website: http://dhigu-maldives.anantara.com/

About Anantara:

The Anantara experience was born in 2001 with its first luxury property in Thailand’s historic seaside retreat of Hua Hin. From that day forward, it has expanded throughout the world to cosmopolitan cities, lush islands, desert sands, heritage destinations, uncharted beaches and contemporary resort destinations. Today’s portfolio spans Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Maldives, Mozambique, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and Zambia.

Disclaimer: Anantara hosted us at Anantara Dhigu Resort and Spa.