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Anantara’s romantic oasis fully refurbished in Maldives

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Anantara Veli

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.

Anantara Veli

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

Awards

Constance Halaveli Maldives secures top 10 spot in Condé Nast Traveller Indian Ocean rankings

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Constance Halaveli Maldives has been ranked 10th among the Top 25 Resorts in the Indian Ocean at the Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, joining three other Constance Hotels & Resorts properties recognised in this year’s international rankings.

The recognition places Constance Halaveli among the Indian Ocean resorts selected by readers of the British travel publication, reflecting the resort’s standing in the luxury hospitality sector.

The award forms part of wider international recognition for Constance Hospitality, with four properties across its Indian Ocean portfolio securing positions in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards published by Condé Nast Traveller UK and Condé Nast Traveler.

In the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 – World Resorts rankings, two of the group’s properties in Seychelles were recognised, with Constance Lémuria securing 13th place and Constance Ephelia ranking 17th among the Top 20 Resorts in the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, Constance Tsarabanjina Madagascar was ranked 12th among the Top 15 Resorts in the Rest of Africa category.

According to Constance Hospitality, the recognition across its portfolio reflects the individual character of each destination and the group’s emphasis on personalised service, authenticity and experiences connected to local surroundings.

Headquartered in Mauritius, Constance Hospitality operates properties across the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Rodrigues and Madagascar. Its flagship brand, Constance Hotels & Resorts, follows the True by Nature philosophy, with a portfolio comprising luxury resorts, lodges and boutique hotels across the Indian Ocean.

The Readers’ Choice Awards recognise hotels, resorts and travel experiences across international destinations, with rankings determined by votes from readers.

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Awards

Ocean Group Maldives wins Leading Dive Centre/Brand at South Asian Travel Awards

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Ocean Group Maldives has announced that it has been named the Leading Dive Centre/Brand at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, recognising the company’s longstanding commitment to excellence in diving and ocean experiences.

The prestigious regional accolade celebrates excellence across South Asia’s travel, tourism and hospitality industry and marks an important milestone for Ocean Group, which has been creating and operating ocean experiences since 1998.

For nearly three decades, Ocean Group has worked alongside leading resort partners to deliver professionally managed dive programmes, combining international standards, experienced multilingual PADI-certified professionals, high standards of safety and service, and an enduring passion for the ocean.

Hussain Zahid, Founder and CEO of Ocean Group Maldives, said: “To be recognised as the Leading Dive Centre/Brand at SATA 2026 is an incredible honour for all of us at Ocean Group. This award belongs to our teams across our dive centres — the instructors, dive masters, boat crews, technicians and everyone behind the scenes whose professionalism and passion make our guests’ experiences possible every day. We founded Ocean Group with a love for the ocean and a belief that extraordinary experiences should always be delivered with expertise, safety and care. Nearly three decades later, those principles remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Ocean Group’s dive operations are supported by experienced teams working across luxury resort destinations, with all centres operating under the supervision of Moosa Zahid, Director of Operations & Sales and a VDWS-certified watersports trainer.

From introducing guests to their first underwater experience to guiding experienced divers through some of the Indian Ocean’s most remarkable marine environments, Ocean Group places professional instruction, personalised service and responsible interaction with the marine environment at the centre of its diving philosophy.

The company’s wider expertise encompasses watersports, excursions, yachting and marine biology, allowing resort partners to offer an integrated portfolio of ocean experiences through a single experienced operator.

Marine conservation is also an increasingly important part of Ocean Group’s operations, with marine biologists working alongside resort partners on coral restoration, marine education and conservation initiatives.

Yasmin Zahid, Director of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships at Ocean Group Maldives, said: “This recognition is especially meaningful because it celebrates what has always been at the heart of Ocean Group — our people. Our teams come from different parts of the world, speak different languages and bring tremendous experience to their roles, but they share one thing: a genuine passion for creating exceptional experiences for our guests. We are immensely proud of them and grateful to our resort partners for the trust they place in Ocean Group. This award inspires us to continue raising the bar as we look towards the next chapter of our journey.”

The SATA 2026 recognition comes as Ocean Group continues to evolve its portfolio of ocean experiences and strengthen its partnerships within the luxury hospitality sector.

While its roots remain firmly in the Maldives, the company’s ambition extends beyond geography: to bring its expertise, operating standards and philosophy of exceptional ocean experiences to new destinations and partnerships.

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Awards

Kandooma Maldives wins Leading Family Resort award at SATA 2026

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Last night (8 October), Kandooma Maldives was named Leading Family Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), a title that perfectly matches the resort’s focus on families.

“The timing of this award couldn’t be better,” said Andrew Drummond, General Manager of Kandooma Maldives. “It recognises our commitment to family holidays, but we also know that you can’t stand still. Family expectations change, and we have to keep evolving with them.”

“Whether it is the little ones who enjoy the kids’ club and, for some, a newfound independence from mum and dad or the opportunity to build memories together as a family through shared activities, Kandooma really is a great destination.”

Andrew explains that it is easy to sit still, but that’s not how the resort is winning over families: “I think it is our effort to keep evolving. Recently we realised there was a gap in the family offering that needed a bit more attention, so we have turned our eyes to tweens. It is sometimes a balancing act where young adults are craving independence, the freedom to explore, socialise and make their own choices, while parents still need reassurance that their kids are safe and well looked after.”

“They’re not kids who love going off to the Kids’ Club and they are not yet adults who are content lounging by the pool. We’re focusing on finding a way to engage 13- to 18-year-olds and give them a great holiday. At Kandooma we haven’t forgotten them.”

Villa options at Kandooma cater to different stages of family life, from Beach and Garden Villas with space for additional beds and interconnecting options, to Beach Houses suited to younger families and two- and three-bedroom accommodation for larger or extended families.

At Kandooma kids under 13 stay and eat free and it is one of the reasons young families keep returning to the 146-villa property in South Male Atoll, together with easy accessibility from Velana International Airport by speedboat.

“As a father myself, I understand that travelling with a family can be complicated enough without adding unnecessary steps to the journey,” Andrew said.

“Seaplane transfers can mean additional costs and luggage restrictions. At Kandooma, families can be met by our airport team, have their luggage taken care of and be escorted to their boat for a straightforward transfer to the island. When you’ve travelled a long way to reach the Maldives, these things really matter.”

The South Asian Travel Awards celebrated its tenth anniversary last night, recognising stand-out tourism businesses across India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Kandooma Maldives is an experience-led, all-inclusive island resort located in the South Malé Atoll, approximately 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Designed with families, couples, friends and active travellers in mind, the resort features 146 villas across garden, beach and overwater settings, including family villas and multi-bedroom accommodation with private pools.

The Kandooma experience is brought together through five signatures: Kandooma Blue, Kandooma Table, Kandooma Flow, Kandooma Social and Kandooma Ways, spanning ocean adventure, dining, wellbeing, social experiences and Maldivian culture. Facilities include Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, a PADI 5-Star Dive Centre, Perfect Wave Surf Shop, Kandoo Kids’ Club, watersports, a 24-hour gym, restaurants and bars, event and meeting facilities and a changing programme of complimentary and bookable activities, live entertainment and island experiences. Kandooma Maldives is Green Globe Certified.

Visit www.kandooma-maldives.com.

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