Indulge in the Perfect Island Beach Life at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

Golden vacations await at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, a golden beach resort right in paradise. With its fine silvery sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it offers families traveling the adventure of a lifetime. Our family had the incredible opportunity to visit this five-star resort, and “amazing” hardly does justice to our experience. There are so many things to do while in the resort that every moment felt like a dream. Nothing, however, could compare to the serene days spent at our private Sunset Beach Pool Villa, where breathtaking sunsets and the most picturesque beach views made every evening unforgettable. If you are curious to learn more about why we fell in love with this luxurious resort, read on!

1. Stay at the Sunset Beach Pool Villa

Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort offers some of the most luxurious accommodations in the Maldives, but if you are seeking the perfect island beach life, their Sunset Beach Pool Villas are truly exceptional. The experience is way different from staying there than your typical overwater villa in the Maldives, but it is so wonderful to have easy access to the sandy white beach and warm turquoise waters – even more so while in the Maldives. Plus, the beautiful sunset views that await  you every day are so worth it! 

Enjoy these amazing beachfront photos when staying at a Sunset Beach Villa

Staying at a Sunset Beach Pool Villa also means having your own private 5.8-meter pool, perfect for unwinding after a day at the beach. You can go for a relaxing soak in a pool that is sunken into soft white sands, with the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean just steps away. Other than that, you can simply laze away on the daybed set over the pool’s edge, and wait as the sun sets. Maybe even pop a bottle of champagne as you do so!

Inside the villa screams full tropical  island-vibe. The décor bursts with color and energy, perfectly capturing the essence of island living. One of our favourite features was the spacious outdoor bathroom, where we could not wait to unwind in the large tub after a day full of adventure. It enhanced our island experience and added to the overall charm of Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort. 

2. Bike around the resort

No island experience is complete without a bit of exploration. We highly recommend exploring the island on bicycles, allowing you to cycle along sandy paths shaded by swaying coconut palms and discover this tropical paradise at your own pace. Biking around the property, to and from our wonderful beach villa to the different areas and amenities was surprisingly a fun, easy activity. 

Exploring the beautiful island on our resort bicycles

For those who prefer jogging, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort offers a scenic 1.2km route through lush tropical gardens. If you would rather run with the refreshing breeze of the Indian Ocean at your side, head to the white sand beach loop that circles the island.

3. Ride the waves with Tropicsurf

There is something that you should definitely not miss out during your stay at the resort: surfing. It was one of the highlights of our entire trip, and we could totally see why they refer to Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort as one of the best surfing destinations in the Maldives. The waters around the resort offer a variety of world-class waves, from gentle, playful rights to thrilling, down-the-line left barrels. So whether you are a beginner or an advanced surfer, you will surely find your perfect wave and have the best experience! 

Beyond the world-class waves, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort is also home to Tropicsurf, an Australian-based company renowned for its expert surf guides in dream beach destinations like the Maldives. They have been in the surfing business for over 25 years and their mission is for you to ride the best waves of your life in safety, comfort, skill and style. 

We felt incredibly fortunate to have been taught by Julien Passard of Tropicsurf during our stay. He was the perfect surfing instructor—funny, made us feel at ease, and ensured we all enjoyed the rides. It is unanimous among our family that our session with him was one of the best ones we ever had and that our session with him will always be a cherished memory!

The best surfing session with Julien Passard of Tropicsurf

Julien went above and beyond to make our surfing experience in the Maldives amazing. Not only did he take the time to teach us basic surfing skills, but also provided us with rashguards, sunscreen, and underwater shoes. And even if you are not a beginner, you will definitely see an improvement in your skills after spending time with him.

Initially, I hesitated to join the group due to nerves, but Julien’s kindness made all the difference. Instead of pressuring me, he returned to the boat to let me know I was welcome to join them in the water whenever I felt ready. He assured me that he would stay by my side the entire time, which gave me the confidence to take the plunge. Before I knew it, I was riding waves alongside Mak and Paula, creating memories I will never forget.

Paula jumping into the water to catch some waves

4. Experience snorkelling with sharks in the Maldives

Another must-try activity in the Maldives is going beneath the surface to snorkel. After all, are you really in paradise without seeing the majestic sea creatures up close? At Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, you can also dive into an unforgettable adventure with the Nurse Shark Snorkelling experience offered by Aquafanatics. This guided excursion allows you to encounter these majestic creatures up close, with expert instructors ensuring a safe and exhilarating interaction. They provide all the necessary equipment too so you will not have to worry about anything else! 

Family snorkeling with sharks!

If you are up for it, you can also opt to enroll in advanced diving or basic scuba diving courses, allowing you to explore the brilliant reef life below. You can even get to swim with manta rays! 

5. Enjoy other water activities 

Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort also offers other water activities like jet skiing, flyboarding, sailing, parasailing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and so much more. Whether you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity or a more leisurely experience on the water, the resort offers unforgettable adventures for everyone.

6. Spend an afternoon of peace and serenity at Gulhifushi

For some much-needed private time with your loved ones, head to the serene private picnic island, Gulhifushi. You can kayak or take a boat to this idyllic spot from Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, and enjoy family bonding activities like kite flying, swimming, snorkelling, and all sorts of beach games. Afterwards, end the day with a barbecue sesh by the beach, or some refreshing cocktails at Tiki Bar.

7. Explore paradise with your little ones

In addition to the fun family activities, kids can also have the time of their lives at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort by enjoying its kid-friendly amenities. The Dhoni Kids’ Club is ready for an endless day of play with its indoor and outdoor spaces. Your kids can also go on a complimentary lagoon tour via a glass-bottomed boat so they can marvel at the vibrant reef and its marine life without actually going into the water.

Not a fan of the water? No worries! At Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, children can opt for a fun cooking class where they will learn to create pizzas and sushis in paradise, or grab a bucket of popcorn and enjoy a cosy cartoon (or kiddie show) screening by the beach.

Also, kids are treated to a handmade bracelet upon arrival. And on day before their departure, the resort’s kind staff provide a canvas bag with a sun hat and a notebook. It’s really a nice touch!

8. Indulge in a spa treatment 

Meanwhile, the adults can relax at Anantara Spa, a tranquil sanctuary suspended over the turquoise waters. Here, you can unwind with a range of treatments inspired by indigenous practices and natural ingredients, all set against the backdrop of panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The spa’s holistic therapies are thoughtfully designed to enrich and detoxify, offering the perfect way to elevate your island escape. Do get the Anantara Signature Massage for the best experience!

What makes the Anantara Spa even more special is its family-friendly offerings. Spa time can become family time with the signature Mommy & Me service, where mum (or dad) enjoys a 60-minute relaxing massage while your little one is pampered with a nourishing chocolate face and body treatment and a gentle massage. We had the pleasure of experiencing this offering and loved every moment of it. And while dad was not able to join us during the massage, he was able to relax in the spa’s sauna and cold pool after a run. It truly is the perfect experience for the whole family. 

Feeling rejuvenated after the spa sesh

9. Embark on various island adventures

If you prefer to spend your days lounging by the pool, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort offers the perfect setting to fully embrace the beauty of paradise. Sink into a sun lounger with a coconut juice (thank you Xavier!), gaze out over the turquoise waters, and take refreshing dips in the infinity pool—this is pure relaxation at its finest.

Indulge in a refreshing coconut drink

On top of that, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort offers many activities that will allow you to even more enjoy the resort. You can start off your mornings by doing yoga, biking around the resort, or even joining in one of the resort’s Muai Thai sessions. If you are up for it, you can also learn how to cook your favourite Maldivian and Thai food in a step-by-step cooking class at Spice Spoons. At night, you can lie down on a cosy bean bag by the beach and watch your favourite movie on a big cinema screen under the stunning Maldivian sky. 

If you are traveling with family, you will love how Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort offers a complimentary photoshoot session. A photographer will take a photo of you in front of the resort logo as soon as you arrive, and you will get a hard copy of that photo once you leave the property. It is such a thoughtful touch since a printed family photo is  one of the best souvenirs you can get at the Maldives.

10. Be treated to exceptional fine dining against breathtaking views

Indulge in a blend of local and international cuisines in the most luxurious settings for a memorable dining experience in paradise. We were able to get a full-board meal plan at the resort, which allowed us to fully experience the best of its dining destinations.

Also, in addition to the restaurants within the resort, guests of Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort can enjoy access to its sister Maldives resort, Anantara Veli, located just across the lagoon, and is one of the best five-star resorts in the Maldives. That means more choices when it comes to dining options (and other activities)! To visit Veli, you will need to take a charming pontoon ride, which lasts about two minutes. Do note that Anantara Veli Maldives Resort is an adult-only island, though families with dinner reservations are also allowed after 6:30pm.  

Fushi Café

For breakfast, we dined at Fushi Café, where we were treated to a fantastic and extensive selection of dishes. The dining experience does not end there—dinner at Fushi Café is equally impressive, featuring an extensive buffet with changing themes from around the world. For example, on Fridays, they host Maldivian Nights, offering guests a unique opportunity to savour traditional Maldivian cuisine while enjoying an authentic performance by locals.

Baan Huraa

Baan Huraa, nestled in a traditional teak house perched on stilts over a vibrant reef, offers an enchanting dining experience. Our first dinner at the resort was especially memorable, not only for the delicious food but also for its unique location, connected by a wooden pier to the neighbouring islands of Naladhu and Veli. The Thai dishes that await were very flavourful, with the Beef Cheek Curry being our top favourite. The cocktails were as equally impressive – the perfect way to cap off our day in paradise. 

Sea.Fire.Salt.

Dine over the crystal waters at Sea.Fire.Salt. – a grill restaurant offering exquisitely crafted dishes from both the land and sea. This means Maldivian favourites like freshly caught reef fish, tuna, and lobster! We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner there, with the Maldivian lobster standing out as a highlight of the evening. The restaurant also offers an impressive selection of dry-aged beef and steaks from Australia, complete with a sophisticated knife selection to enhance the experience. Chef Alfred’s opera dessert show was also a highlight!

Complete with a sophisticated knife selection to enhance the experience.

Great food + family = love!

Cumin

At Cumin, your taste buds go on a flavourful journey across the Indian Ocean, with some of the finest Maldivian, Indian, and Sri Lankan cuisine we have ever experienced. The curries were outstanding, especially the heavenly Maldivian tuna curry, and the kebabs and lassi were equally delightful. We must say that this is truly one of the highlights of our Maldives trip!

For the best experience, we highly recommend dining outdoors at dinnertime, where you will get to enjoy all these amazing South Asia flavours with the sound of the waves and a starry sky above.

Origami

If you are craving for Japanese, head over to Origami, where modern Japanese cuisine awaits you in a stunning island setting. Like your usual Japanese restaurant, you can enjoy a Teppanyaki menu of Wagyu beef and Alaskan King Crab which is sliced, diced, sizzled and served before you. For something truly special, don’t miss the Wagyu and Foie Gras Sushi – our top favourites!

Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort is truly paradise, and not just with how it looks, but also with how it made us feel. From tranquil beach days to thrilling water adventures, every moment here felt like the perfect tropical island escape.