Which Anantara is the Best in the Maldives?

Wondering which Anantara is best in the Maldives? Compare Anantara Kihavah, Dhigu, and Veli to find out which luxury resort offers the ultimate island experience

5/12/20254 min read

Which Anantara Is Best in the Maldives? Choose between Kihavah, Dhigu or Veli.

The Maldives is home to some of the world’s most luxurious resorts, and Anantara stands out with its world-class service, idyllic settings, and unforgettable experiences. If you're searching for which Anantara is best in the Maldives, you're not alone. With three spectacular properties; Anantara Kihavah, Anantara Dhigu, and Anantara Veli; choosing the right one for your dream vacation can be a challenge.

In this guide, we break down the key differences between the three resorts and reveal why Anantara Kihavah is the best Anantara resort in the Maldives for those seeking unparalleled luxury, privacy, and natural beauty.

Overview: The 3 Anantara Resorts in the Maldives

Before sharing with you why we consider that Anantara Kihavah is the best Anantara resort in the Maldives, let’s give you a little bit of context between the different properties.

All three Anantara resorts in the Maldives are 5-star, ultra-luxurious, but they each offer a different kind of experience.

1. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

📍 Location: Baa Atoll (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve)

🛏️ Number of Villas: 80 beachfront and overwater villas

✈️ How to Reach: 35-minute seaplane from Malé International Airport

2. Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

📍 Location: South Malé Atoll

🛏️ Number of Villas: 110 villas (beach and overwater)

🚤 How to Reach: 30-minute speedboat from Malé International Airport

3. Anantara Veli Maldives Resort

📍 Location: South Malé Atoll (near Dhigu)

🛏️ Number of Villas: 67 (mostly overwater)

🚤 How to Reach: 30-minute speedboat from Malé International Airport

Now, let’s dive into what sets them apart to see which Anantara is the most recommended in the Maldives

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Why Anantara Kihavah is the best Anantara Resort in the Maldives

When comparing Anantara Kihavah vs Dhigu vs Veli, Kihavah consistently comes out on top. Here’s why:

1. More Exclusive, More Beautiful

Anantara Kihavah is located in the protected Baa Atoll, known for its exceptional biodiversity and untouched coral reefs. The island feels secluded and serene, offering the ultimate escape. In contrast, Dhigu and Veli are in the more accessible South Malé Atoll which may seem less remote.

If you're looking for an untouched, luxurious island surrounded by nature, Kihavah is the best choice.

2. Larger and More Luxurious Villas

An other reason why Kihavah is the best Anantara resort in the Maldives is the accommodation.

Kihavah's villas are significantly larger and more refined than those at Dhigu or Veli. With private pools, open-air bathrooms, and spacious decks, these villas start at over 260 square meters, ideal for couples and families.

While Dhigu and Veli offer beautiful accommodations, they simply can’t match the scale, privacy, and design sophistication of Kihavah.

3. An amazing house reef right at your doorstep

One of the biggest advantages of Anantara Kihavah is its house reef, just a few steps from the beach or overwater villas. Snorkeling here reveals vibrant coral gardens, turtles, and reef sharks.

In comparison, Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli do not have a proper house reef. Guests must take boat trips to experience snorkeling and marine life, which makes Kihavah a much more convenient and immersive marine escape.

If snorkeling is important for you, then, without a doubt, Kihavah will be the number one Anantara property for you.

4. Fine dining including an underwater restaurant

Kihavah offers one of the Maldives’ only underwater restaurants (SEA) where you can dine surrounded by colorful marine life. It’s a must-experience for honeymooners, food lovers, and anyone seeking something truly extraordinary.

Other standout dining venues include:

FIRE: Teppanyaki and grilled specialties

SALT: Asian fusion with global flair

SKY: Rooftop bar and observatory for stargazing

Dhigu and Veli have good dining options, but nothing that compares to the underwater or rooftop experiences offered at Kihavah. You can learn more about this in our in-depth Anantara Kihavah review.

5. Unmatched Wellness and Service

You are still not convinced on which Anantara is the best in the Maldives?

Here are more reasons to choose Kihavah!

This luxury resort features an overwater spa, bespoke wellness programs, and a rooftop observatory for astronomy sessions. Each villa includes a personal villa host, ensuring every detail is taken care of.

While service at Dhigu and Veli is excellent, Kihavah’s personalized and intuitive service takes luxury to another level.

Who should choose Anantara Dhigu or Veli?

Anantara Dhigu is best for families and guests who want easy access from the airport, spacious family villas, and a wide range of activities.

Anantara Veli is an adults-only resort perfect for couples seeking intimacy and peace, but note, the lack of a house reef limits snorkeling.

Both resorts share a lagoon and some facilities, allowing for a bit of variety. However, if you want the most beautiful location, finest amenities, and unforgettable experiences, Anantara Kihavah is the clear winner

Conclusion: Anantara Kihavah is the best Anantara Resort in the Maldives

So, which Anantara is best in the Maldives? For discerning travelers who want the very best, Anantara Kihavah is unmatched. With its stunning natural setting, spacious villas, award-winning underwater restaurant, vibrant house reef, and impeccable service, it offers a truly world-class luxury experience.

Book your Anantara resort with the most competitive rates

As a luxury travel agency specializing in the Maldives, we offer exclusive rates, personalized service, and expert insights on every Anantara property.

Whether you're leaning toward Kihavah or considering Dhigu or Veli, we can help you find the perfect resort for your needs, and secure the best value for your trip.