Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort
Review 2026
The verdict
Anantara Dhigu is the most accessible full-service family resort in the Maldives. A 40-minute speedboat from the airport with no seaplane constraints, combined with 8 restaurants, a comprehensive kids club, and the flexibility to access two neighbouring resorts on the same lagoon — Anantara Veli for adults-only atmosphere and Naladhu for ultra-luxury — makes this a uniquely flexible destination. For families on their first Maldives visit who want ease of access, strong dining, and the ability to upgrade or explore neighbouring options, Anantara Dhigu is the most sensible starting point.
Getting there
South Malé Atoll — 40 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. No seaplane required. Night arrivals are fully supported. Anantara Dhigu shares a lagoon with Anantara Veli and Naladhu Private Island — guests can access all three resorts by boat, making combined stays seamless.
The three-resort lagoon
Anantara Dhigu shares a private lagoon with Anantara Veli — an adults-preferred resort — and Naladhu Private Island, one of the most intimate and luxurious resorts in South Malé Atoll. Guests at Dhigu can take the inter-island boat to dine at Naladhu or enjoy the adults-only atmosphere at Veli. This three-resort ecosystem is unique in the Maldives and gives Dhigu guests access to a range of dining, spa, and atmosphere options that a single resort cannot provide.
Dining — 8 restaurants
8 restaurants and 2 bars across the three-resort lagoon programme — including access to Naladhu and Veli restaurants for Dhigu guests. The Anantara dining philosophy emphasises authentic Asian culinary traditions alongside international comfort food. Speciality restaurants include Fushi Café for themed buffets, Sea Fire Salt for grill and seafood, Sea.Fire.Salt for international flavours, and Origami for Japanese cuisine. The Spice Spoon cooking class is a popular activity for guests wanting hands-on culinary experiences.
Family facilities
The kids club at Anantara Dhigu is well-resourced with structured daily programmes, arts and crafts, nature activities, and marine biology introduction sessions. The resort's house reef has good snorkelling accessible from the beach, and the calm lagoon is ideal for young children. The coral adoption programme — where families plant and tag coral fragments — is a meaningful sustainability activity that resonates particularly well with children.
The access advantage
The speedboat transfer is 40 minutes and operates day and night. This is a significant operational advantage for families with young children, guests with complex international connections, or anyone who values the ability to arrive or depart without seaplane daylight constraints. For a first Maldives visit, eliminating the seaplane complexity allows guests to focus entirely on the resort experience from the moment they land.
Who is Anantara Dhigu for?
Anantara Dhigu is for families on a first or second Maldives visit who want strong dining, good family facilities, speedboat access without seaplane constraints, and the flexibility of a three-resort lagoon. It is not for guests who want boutique intimacy — 110 villas is medium-large. For guests who want the same lagoon in a more exclusive setting, Naladhu Private Island is on the same water.
Frequently asked questions
Anantara Dhigu is best known for easy speedboat access just 40 minutes from Malé airport, the three-resort lagoon shared with Anantara Veli and Naladhu Private Island, 8 restaurants including the Spice Spoon cooking class, and strong family facilities.
Anantara Dhigu is in South Malé Atoll, 40 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. No seaplane is required — night arrivals are fully supported.
Yes — Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli, and Naladhu Private Island share a lagoon and guests can take the inter-island boat to dine or use facilities at the other resorts. This three-resort access is a unique feature of the destination.
Yes — Anantara Dhigu is one of the best family resorts for ease of access. The speedboat transfer, strong kids club, coral adoption programme, and calm lagoon make it an excellent first Maldives resort for families.
How to book
Our Niche Getaways specialists provide all-in package pricing for Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort including transfers, accommodation, and pre-arrival coordination. Contact us to discuss availability and villa options.