ANANTARA VELI

Location: Along a coral-framed island in the South Malé Atoll, Anantara Veli Resort & Spa, Maldives is only a 35-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, yet the white sands, endless blue sky and lush foliage seem a world apart. Just moments away across the waters lies Anantara Veli’s sister resort, the invigorating Anantara Dhigu. Room: 36 Over-Water Bungalows: Luxuriate in the contemporary décor of the spacious 62-square metre bungalow on a pristine stretch of tropical paradise, with hardwood floors and a coconut thatch roof and king-sized beds fitted with Egyptian cotton linens. Take to the private sun terrace or step into the gentle waters of the lagoon and be amazed by the lush coral gardens below. With high-speed internet and time on your hands, use the Web for pleasure instead of business, for a change. Enjoy all the comforts of home and with your own espresso machine, residence minibar, personal surround sound stereo with flat-screen TV, CD/DVD/MP3 player and 24-hour room service. 14 Deluxe Over-Water Bungalows: Step into 92 square metres of relaxation under the charming coconut thatch roof. Your Deluxe Over-Water Bungalow is a private sanctuary overlooking the vast seascapes, with a spacious open-air bathroom and infinity-edge tub along a tiered sundeck. Unwind on a daybed or lounger on the sundeck or relaxation area. There is no place more idyllic than this spot of paradise to enjoy leisurely quality time with your loved ones, including all the luxurious amenities of the Over-Water Bungalows. Facilities: An array of casual and fine dining restaurants and bars, SPA center with 5 sumptuous treatment rooms, fully equipped air-conditioned fitness centre, infinity-edge beachfront swimming pool, tennis court, badminton and volleyball courts, yoga and meditation sessions by the ocean, Anantara Cooking School with master chefs, specialising in Maldivian, Thai and fusion flavours, the water sports centre - Aquafanatics - offers extensive equipment selection, from windsurfing and kitesurfing to waterskiing and parasailing, with an array of complimentary non-motorised activities, jetskiing and propelling through the water with the handheld Seabob, house reef for snorkelling with the resident marine biologist, PADI Gold Palm Resort 5* dive centre with a full range of courses and excursions, Surf School (ideal surfing from April to October), customised yacht excursions aboard a 27 m, 2 bedroom luxury vessel, deep-sea game or traditional hand-line fishing, sailing excursions and island-hopping adventures on a traditional dhoni, Topcat catamaran, Hobie Bravo or speedboat, scenic seaplane flights. KA