News
Anantara’s romantic oasis fully refurbished in Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – Those in search of the ultimate romantic getaway will find that the paradise island of their dreams Anantara Veli Resort & Spa, Maldives has been fully refurbished and will be fully opened in January 2014. Located in the South Malé Atoll just half an hour from Malé International Airport, Anantara Veli is a destination created for couples to experience the exquisiteness of being together amid one of the most stunning natural environments in the world.
At Anantara Veli couples can unwind on endless white sand beaches, palm-fringed islands and pristine coral reefs and find the true meaning of tranquillity. The resort is located on Veligandu, an island with mature tropical forest and sweeping vistas of the Indian Ocean. Anantara Veli offers the luxury of time to contemplate the beauty of the Maldivian light as it evolves from morning glow to evening dusk – bathing the coconut thatched roofs in subtly-changing hues, and glittering off the clear waters just beneath the private bungalows.
The marvels of nature are complemented by the chic simplicity of the design, and the idyllic seclusion is balanced by all modern conveniences one would expect of a luxury resort. Anantara Veli features 36 Over-Water Bungalows, 14 Deluxe Over-Water Bungalows, 7 newly built Ocean Pool Bungalows, and 10 brand new Deluxe Ocean Water Pool Bungalows.
Each 62-square-metre Over-Water Bungalow has a contemporary design with local Maldivian touches including hardwood flooring and a coconut thatch roof. Maldivian fabrics stretch across the bed, tropical flowers and jasmine scents float through the elegant bathroom. The private sun terrace offers views of coral garden and easy access to the gentle waters of the lagoon.
The Deluxe Over-Water Bungalow offers an expansive 92 square metres of luxury overlooking the vast seascapes. Bathrooms include a luxurious terrazzo bathtub for two by the lagoon and a rain shower that leads into the sundeck. At Anantara, luxury is standard. Guest can enjoy all the comforts of home and then some, including high-speed internet access, espresso machine, minibar, personal surround-sound stereo with flat-screen TV, CD/DVD/MP3 player and 24-hour room service.
The new luxurious and private Ocean Pool Bungalow offers a magnificent plunge pool accompanied by 125 square metres of inviting indoor and outdoor space, with beach and lagoon access only a short stroll away. Designed with hardwood flooring, island inspired decor and a wealth of signature comforts, these charming hideaways are charcterised by intimacy, natural style and breathtaking ocean panoramas. Guests sleep in a sumptuous king size bed that is dressed in the finest linens. Bathroom is fully air-conditioned and includes a generous bathtub that can be enjoyed with your favourite iPod tracks played in the background, while unobstructed views of rolling waves can be admired through floor to ceiling glass doors. A spacious veranda allows guests to bask under the sun on a lounger or refresh in their personal plunge pool in a tranquil world of their own.
The newly built and idyllically romantic Deluxe Over Water Pool Bungalow is poised directly above a turquoise lagoon with its deck slipping directly into the azure waters below. Guests can take a dip in the private plunge pool while enjoying the breath-taking views of the Indian Ocean. Unravelling 125 square metres of sumptuous space, Deluxe Over Water Pool Bungalow blends signature Anantara comforts with destination inspired design and all the comforts of a five star resort. A spacious bedroom, where hardwood flooring lends a stylish feel, includes a king size bed dressed in the finest linens, which is idyllic for admiring a panorama of jewel coloured ocean meeting endless blue sky.
Anantara Veli offers the opportunity for guests to discover new culinary horizons with an array of casual and fine dining options unmatched anywhere in the Maldives. The beauty of the island sets the tone for memorable dining experiences that combine sophisticated international tastes with the best of local flavours.
Inspired Thai cuisine comes to the sublime beauty of Baan Huraa, a beautiful over water teak restaurant perched right on the ocean. Baan Huraa serves a unique dining experience concocted by the resort’s Thai chefs. Signature dishes include coconut curries from Thailand’s southern provinces as well as hot and spicy dishes from the north, bound together by an authenticity of flavour. Baan Huraa is the finest Thai restaurant in the Maldives.
73 Degrees is an enticingly light and airy Maldivian style pavilion where you can feel the sand between your toes on the naturally soft sand floor. Serving a sumptuous breakfast buffet every morning, guests can enjoy a selection of fresh tropical fruits and juices, cereals, homemade breads, grilled meats, vegetables and made to order omelettes. In the evenings, the restaurant transforms into a seafood market buffet, where one can select fish plucked straight from the ocean.
Kick back by the pool at Dhoni Bar. Swim up to the bartender and savour cocktails and chill vibes. Settle into the infinity-edge pool and take in the seascape as you unwind with other honeymoon guests. At Origami (formerly Geckos), a modern Japanese restaurant with a rustic touch, guests can enjoy fresh sashimi, Teppanyaki and Robotayaki prepared right before them. This casual yet chic outlet is a perfect spot for light casual dining on inventive dishes with intimate alcoves and outdoor seating options. With Dining By Design, guests can enjoy a banquet on the beach, a candlelit picnic on their own stretch of sand or desert island or even a barbecue with a personal chef on the terrace.
Unique activities and excursions provide guests with ample opportunities to explore the extraordinary natural beauty and cultural soul of the Maldives. Sail away in a traditional Maldivian Dhoni on a thrilling dolphins safari. Climb aboard a speedboat to explore uninhabited islands and enjoy a picnic in splendid romantic seclusion. Spend a few hours deep-sea fishing and discover the ancient ways of local fishermen and hear fascinating sea lore.
Dive into an exciting discovery of the Maldives’ famous coral reefs, or enjoy water-skiing in the placid lagoon, scenic seaplane flights or an array of water sports diversions. Meet Anantara Veli’ resident marine biologist and visit the renowned coral sanctuary. The 5 star resort also features its own onsite surfing school and a PADI Dive Centre to guide guests through one of the world’s premier diving destinations.
While staying at Anantara Veli, guests are treated to an array of inspired culinary creations so we offer them an opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade with ‘Spice Spoons’ cooking class from our resident master chefs. Participants can recreate traditional Maldivian or Thai and fusion dishes and then settle down to enjoy the fruits of their labours.
The Anantara Garden Spa is an idyllic retreat designed in perfect harmony with its location amid the verdant majesty of the lush tropical forest. Escape the cares of everyday with indigenously inspired luxury treatments to pamper mind, body and soul. Indulge in a traditional Thai massage, authentic Ayurvedic treatment or local therapy. The comprehensive spa menu features timeless rituals designed to enrich and detoxify using both indigenous and international elixirs and oils.
For more information please email veli@anantara.com
Featured
Kuramathi Maldives announces private wellness programmes with Imron Zulfikar
Kuramathi Maldives has announced the arrival of esteemed holistic wellness practitioner Imron Zulfikar, who will undertake an exclusive residency at the resort from 15 December 2025 to 3 January 2026. During this period, guests will have the opportunity to participate in bespoke wellness experiences crafted by a recognised expert in integrative health.
Throughout his residency, Imron will conduct a series of private wellness sessions designed to restore balance, promote renewal, and enhance long-term wellbeing. His practice brings together ancient therapeutic traditions and contemporary fitness science, resulting in personalised programmes that support harmony, mobility, and emotional resilience. Signature offerings include:
- Watsu Water Healing Journey: A restorative treatment conducted in warm water, combining elements of shiatsu, massage, and gentle movement to release deep tension, soothe the nervous system, and foster a sense of tranquillity.
- Chakra Balance Therapy: A holistic session that aligns mind and body through crystal healing, guided meditation, and calming massage techniques.
- Meridian Deep Release Massage: A therapeutic blend of deep tissue massage and acupressure aimed at easing chronic tension, improving flexibility, and stimulating energy flow.
- Accu Glow Facial: A rejuvenating facial incorporating acupuncture and customised skincare to activate collagen production, detoxify the skin, and enhance natural luminosity.
- Oriental Slim Detox Massage: A treatment grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine, combining acupuncture and massage to promote lymphatic drainage and support detoxification.
Imron is an accomplished wellness lifestyle coach and holistic fitness specialist with more than ten years of experience in acupuncture, tension release therapies, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. His integrative methodology nurtures physical alignment, emotional balance, and overall vitality.
He has worked with numerous luxury resorts and an impressive roster of high-profile clients, including Serena Williams, Emma Watson, Richard Branson, and members of the UAE Royal Family. Celebrated for his intuitive approach and refined technique, Richard Branson has previously referred to Imron as having “golden hands.”
Kuramathi Maldives looks forward to offering guests this exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative, individually tailored wellness experiences during Imron’s residency.
Drink
Felice Capasso brings award-winning mixology to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli this February
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort will host World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025, Felice Capasso, for an exclusive Tastemaker Series collaboration from 4–5 February. The partnership further strengthens the resort’s position as a destination for discerning travellers seeking craftsmanship, cultural depth, and refined experiences.
Located on a private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, The St. Regis Maldives has established a contemporary interpretation of island glamour. Its signature villas include some of the most coveted accommodations in the Indian Ocean, notably the John Jacob Astor Estate—one of the Maldives’ largest overwater residences—and the tranquil, beachfront Caroline Astor Estate. Each estate offers generous living spaces, expansive pools, and panoramic views, reflecting the resort’s dedication to elevated, residential-style luxury.
Within this sophisticated environment, The Whale Bar—an iconic overwater structure—will serve as the setting for Capasso’s arrival. As evening falls, the venue will adopt a vibrant Latin-inspired ambience, where guests will enjoy family-style small plates, bespoke cocktails, and rare vintages on tap while the sunset illuminates the lagoon. In this atmospheric setting, Capasso will unveil an exclusive cocktail menu for his bar takeover, blending classical technique with modern creativity.
On the following day, the resort will host an intimate Masterclass led by Capasso, centred on rum. The session will explore the spirit’s history, its regional expressions, and the narrative approach that distinguishes exceptional mixology. His expertise—rooted in precision, intuition, and storytelling—offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with a leading figure in the global bar industry.
This collaboration forms part of the resort’s ongoing Tastemaker Series, which brings influential creators and innovators to the island. By welcoming talents such as Felice Capasso, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to craft immersive, evocative experiences that embody the distinctive spirit of St. Regis.
Drink
Sun Siyam Olhuveli unveils Milano, Olive Bar and Crust & Flame on Dream Island
Sun Siyam Olhuveli has introduced three new dining and social venues on its Dream Island — Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame — each conceptualised by the award-winning Studio Sixty7. Together, the venues bring a contemporary expression of coastal European style to the Maldives, blending refined design, effortless island living, and a sense of community that positions Dream Island as the resort’s newest lifestyle and entertainment hub.
Milano – An Italian Soul with a Front-Row Kitchen
Milano celebrates the warmth and generosity of Italian dining, presented through a coastal aesthetic that feels both relaxed and refined. The open kitchen serves as the heart of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs craft handmade pasta, simmer traditional sauces, and prepare wood-fired dishes. The experience is intimate and engaging, reflecting the sincerity of Italian cooking.
Studio Sixty7 designed the space with an olive-green palette, arched features, textured off-white plaster, linen drapery, and sculpted timber furnishings. Deep green crittall-style glazing adds a quiet elegance, while patterned floors create a gentle visual rhythm. As evening falls, woven pendant lights warm the room, making Milano ideal for leisurely lunches and romantic dinners. Every design detail balances Italian flair with Maldivian tranquillity.

Olive Bar – The New Entertainment Pulse
At the centre of Dream Island’s social energy, Olive Bar offers a refreshed take on family entertainment, hosting nightly performances from acoustic musicians and cultural acts to lively DJ sets. By day, it provides a relaxed lounge environment; by night, it transforms into a vibrant social hub.
The bar’s design embraces coastal openness, featuring timber shutters, adaptable lounge seating, abundant greenery, and natural textures that reflect Studio Sixty7’s craftsmanship-driven approach. Gentle ambient lighting completes the atmosphere, creating a welcoming setting for conversation, laughter, and shared experiences.

Crust & Flame – Casual, Beachside, and Comfort-Driven
Crust & Flame offers a relaxed beachside dining experience centred around artisanal brick-oven pizzas and contemporary light dishes. Its striking emerald-and-sage terrazzo pizza oven serves as the visual anchor of the venue, glowing subtly in natural light as chefs prepare fresh creations throughout the day.
Muted olive and white tiles, moss-toned upholstery, and dark timber seating create a coastal trattoria feel, while maintaining a distinctly Maldivian beach ambience — toes in the sand, ocean breeze drifting through the space, and a focus on simple, well-crafted comfort food.
Reflecting on the creative direction, Lee McNichol, Co-founder of Studio Sixty7, noted that the aim was to craft spaces that feel like a gentle exhale — warm, textured, softly lit, and subtly inspired by European coastal landscapes. Co-founder Jose Rivero added that the intention was to build venues that feel lived-in and soulful, where guests naturally settle into the experience rather than simply dine or watch a performance.
Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli, commented: “Our vision for Dream Island was to create a place where guests immediately feel the rhythm of island life — relaxed, social, and full of positive energy. Milano, Olive Bar, and Crust & Flame each offer something distinct, yet together they form a cohesive atmosphere that encourages connection and enjoyment. It is Olhuveli at its most effortless and playful.”
With the launch of these venues, Dream Island evolves into a dynamic culinary and social destination where design, flavour, and ambience come together seamlessly. This development reflects Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s continued journey toward contemporary lifestyle hospitality, grounded in the warmth and authenticity of Maldivian service.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli now offers more than twenty restaurants and bars across its islands, ensuring an ever-diverse dining landscape shaped by creativity, global influence, and the joy of island living.
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