Anantara Veli Maldives Resort
A private island built for two, with a house reef and a pontoon to more.
An island resort on Gulhi
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort is an adults-only, five-star private island in the South Malé Atoll, 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Its 67 villas range from overwater to beachfront, each with a Villa Host and the option of a private plunge pool. Guests also get access to sister property Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort via a short pontoon ride, which means six dining venues, additional spa facilities, and a broader activities programme are within easy reach. The resort holds a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award for 2025.
Who this stay suits
An intimate adults-only island with strong service, a house reef, surf access, and a wellness programme, backed by the wider facilities of a sister resort next door.
Best for
- Couples and honeymooners
- Surfers visiting April–October
- Wellness-focused travellers
- Guests who want overwater villa living
Less suited to
- Families with children
- Travellers on a tight budget
- Anyone who prefers a large, self-contained single resort
Overwater and beachfront villas
Over Water Villas sit above the lagoon or on the cliffside, with 62–125 sqm of indoor and outdoor space and marine life visible through the water below. Beach Pool Villas run to 145 sqm and open directly onto the lagoon. Both villa types include a dedicated Villa Host.
Private island, lagoon setting
The resort occupies its own island in the South Malé Atoll, ringed by a turquoise lagoon. The house reef is accessible for snorkelling, and a dedicated surf break operates on-site during the April–October peak season.
Spa and wellness programme
The spa runs couples' journeys and a Spa, Pamper & Wellness Retreat package. Daily yoga and meditation sessions are included, alongside a dedicated wellness host, wellness cuisine, and access to spa facilities at Anantara Dhigu next door.
Dining across two islands
Anantara Veli's own venues plus those at Anantara Dhigu — Sea.Fire.Salt., Baan Huraa, Cumin, Origami, Aqua, Fushi Cafe, and Dhoni Bar — are all reachable by the connecting pontoon. An all-inclusive meal plan covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beverages is available.
Activities and excursions
The water sports centre, house reef, and surf break sit on the island itself. Nearby dive sites include Kuda Giri and Maafushi Thila, under 2 km away. Organised excursions run to nurse shark snorkelling spots, Gulhifushi island, and sunset dolphin cruises.
Getting there
Anantara Veli is in the South Malé Atoll, approximately 25 km from Velana International Airport. The resort uses a speedboat transfer, which takes around 30 minutes. On arrival, guests board the boat directly from the airport's transfer jetty.
Resort speedboat transfers typically run $100–250 per person round trip, booked through the resort. Confirm the fare when booking.
On the map
Things to do nearby
- Maafushi Thila attraction 1.68 km
- Dhigu Thila attraction 1.71 km
- Digu Kuda Giri attraction 1.73 km
Across 893 Google reviews, the resort scores 4.8/5. Service is the most-reviewed theme: 175 of 180 mentions were positive. The property itself drew 100 positive mentions from 105. Dining scored 68 of 74, breakfast 39 of 40, and atmosphere 37 of 38. Guests also single out the location's range of activities.
- Things to do4.5
- Restaurants2.7
- Airport access1.6
Share of positive mentions per theme, from Google reviews.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Anantara Veli from the airport?
The transfer is by speedboat and takes approximately 30 minutes from Velana International Airport. The resort is about 25 km from the airport in the South Malé Atoll.
Is the resort adults-only?
Yes. Anantara Veli is exclusively for adults, making it aimed primarily at couples and honeymooners. Families with children should look at sister property Anantara Dhigu instead.
What villa types are available?
There are 67 villas in two main categories: Over Water Villas (62–125 sqm, above the lagoon or on the cliffside, with an optional private plunge pool) and Beach Pool Villas (145 sqm, beachfront, with a private plunge pool). Both include a Villa Host.
Can I dine at Anantara Dhigu's restaurants?
Yes. A short pontoon ride connects Anantara Veli to sister resort Anantara Dhigu, where you can access Sea.Fire.Salt., Baan Huraa, Cumin, Origami, Aqua, Fushi Cafe, and Dhoni Bar.
Is an all-inclusive meal plan available?
Yes. An all-inclusive plan covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beverages is available. This extends to the dining options across both Anantara Veli and Anantara Dhigu.
What water sports and diving are on offer?
The resort has a water sports centre and a house reef for snorkelling. Diving is available, with nearby sites including Maafushi Thila and Kuda Giri within about 2 km. Excursions are arranged through the resort.
Is there surfing at Anantara Veli?
There is a dedicated surf break on the island. Peak season runs from April through October. Outside peak season, the resort also organises surf trips to the North Malé Atoll.
What does the spa programme include?
The spa runs couples' journeys and a dedicated Spa, Pamper & Wellness Retreat package. Guests also have access to spa facilities at Anantara Dhigu. Daily yoga, meditation, and a wellness host are included in the wellness programme.
What excursions can be arranged from the resort?
Options include nurse shark snorkelling, sunset dolphin cruises, a Gulhifushi snorkelling island trip, a visit to Malé, Spice Spoons cooking classes, and Designer Dining experiences. Tea time on a local island can also be arranged.
Has Anantara Veli won any awards?
The resort is a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards 2025 recipient.
What is the Google rating for Anantara Veli?
The resort holds a Google rating of 4.8/5 based on 893 reviews. Service and the property itself are the two most consistently praised themes across guest feedback.
How many villas does the resort have?
There are 67 villas in total, spanning overwater, ocean, and beachfront categories. Each villa has a dedicated Villa Host, and plunge pools are available in both villa types.