ANANTARA DHIGU

Diving: A PADI-Certified Playground

Anantara Dhigu’s dive centre is a PADI 5-Star operation, which means it’s equipped to take beginners from their first breath underwater to advanced certifications. The house reef isn’t directly accessible from the beach—you’ll take a short boat ride—but the payoff is worth it. Our research mentions nearby sites like Natives, Quarters, and Boatyards, all within a 15-minute dhoni trip. Natives is a left-hand reef break that doubles as a snorkelling hotspot, with turtles and reef sharks often cruising the shallows. Quarters offers a mix of swim-throughs and coral gardens, while Boatyards is known for its dramatic drop-offs. If you’re after something more structured, the resort partners with Tropicsurf to offer guided dives, private charters, and even multi-day safaris that explore the atoll’s lesser-known spots.

For those who’ve never dived before, the centre runs daily Discover Scuba sessions in the lagoon. You’ll learn the basics in waist-deep water before heading out to a shallow reef for your first proper dive. The instructors are patient, and the gear is well-maintained—two things I always check when recommending a dive centre. If you’re already certified, the team can tailor dives to your experience level, whether that’s drift dives along the atoll’s outer reefs or night dives to spot sleeping parrotfish and hunting octopus.

Surfing: Waves for Every Level

Anantara Dhigu is one of the few Maldives resorts with a dedicated surf school, and it’s a big reason why families and groups book here. The resort sits near some of the most consistent breaks in South Male Atoll, including Natives, a left-hand wave that on a south swell. Quarters and Boatyards are also close by, offering a mix of mellow rides and more challenging sections. The Tropicsurf team at Dhigu provides everything from beginner lessons to advanced coaching, and they’ll match you with the right wave based on your skill level. Boards and rash guards are included, so you don’t need to pack your own gear.

What I like about surfing at Dhigu is the flexibility. You can book a single lesson or a multi-day package, and the instructors will take you to the best break for the day’s conditions. If the waves are small, they’ll focus on technique; if they’re pumping, they’ll push you to try something new. The resort also offers surf safaris, where you’ll spend a full day exploring the atoll’s breaks by boat. These are great for intermediate and advanced surfers who want to escape the crowds and find their own line-up. For families, the surf school runs kids’ clinics, teaching the basics in a safe, shallow area of the lagoon.

Kids Club: More Than Just Childcare

The Dhoni Kids Club at Anantara Dhigu is one of the most comprehensive in the Maldives. It’s not just a room with toys—it’s a full-fledged activity centre with programmes designed for different age groups. The club is open daily, with hours that align with parents’ schedules, and it’s staffed by trained professionals who know how to keep kids engaged.

Younger kids can try their hand at coral painting, sandcastle building, or even a mini “survivor” course that teaches basic island skills. Older children and teens have access to a separate lounge area with games, movies, and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. The resort also organises special events, like treasure hunts and movie nights under the stars, so kids can make friends with other guests. For parents who want a break, babysitting services are available after the club closes, allowing you to enjoy a sunset cruise or a quiet dinner without worrying about bedtime routines.

Water Sports: Beyond the Basics

Anantara Dhigu’s Aquafanatics centre is where you go for anything that involves getting wet. The resort offers free snorkelling gear, so you can explore the lagoon at your own pace, and kayaks are available for paddling to Gulhi Fushi, a private island just a short distance away. Gulhi Fushi is a great spot for snorkelling, with shallow reefs and plenty of marine life, including stingrays and baby reef sharks. If you’re feeling more adventurous, the centre also rents out stand-up paddleboards, windsurfing gear, and jet skis.

For something a little different, the resort organises turtle and nurse shark snorkelling trips. These are guided excursions that take you to nearby reefs where these creatures are often spotted. The marine biologist on staff joins these trips, providing insights into the behaviour and conservation of the animals you’re seeing. Another popular activity is the sunset dolphin cruise, where you’ll take a dhoni out into the atoll and watch pods of spinner dolphins leaping alongside the boat. It’s a simple experience, but one that always leaves guests smiling.

Spa: Overwater Serenity

The overwater Anantara Spa at Dhigu is a sanctuary of calm, with treatment rooms that offer the same uninterrupted ocean views as the villas. The spa specialises in wellness programmes that blend traditional Maldivian techniques with modern therapies. Each session begins with a consultation to tailor the experience to your needs, whether that’s deep tissue work to ease muscle tension or a gentle facial to rehydrate sun-exposed skin.

One of the spa’s signature treatments is the Maldivian Ocean Ritual, which starts with a body scrub using local ingredients like coconut and sea salt, followed by a massage with warm coconut oil. The treatment rooms are designed to feel like a private overwater villa, with glass floors that let you watch fish swimming beneath you as you relax. For couples, the spa offers side-by-side massages in a dedicated overwater suite, complete with a private deck where you can soak in a tub after your treatment. If you’re staying at Dhigu with kids, this is a strong way to recharge while they’re occupied at the kids club.

Excursions: Exploring Beyond the Resort

Anantara Dhigu’s location in South Male Atoll makes it easy to explore the surrounding islands and reefs. The resort organises a variety of excursions, from half-day snorkelling trips to full-day island-hopping adventures. One of the most popular is the visit to Gulhi Fushi, a private island where you can snorkel, sunbathe, or simply enjoy a picnic in a secluded setting. The island is small but pristine, with soft sand beaches and shallow waters that are well suited to swimming.

For those interested in Maldivian culture, the resort offers visits to nearby local islands, where you can see how the residents live and shop for souvenirs at the markets. These trips are led by a guide who provides context on the history and traditions of the Maldives, making it more than just a shopping excursion. Another unique experience is the sunset fishing trip, where you’ll head out on a traditional dhoni and try your hand at catching tuna or mahi-mahi. If you’re successful, the resort’s chefs will prepare your catch for dinner that same evening—a true farm-to-table (or sea-to-table) experience.

For families, the resort offers a “castaway” experience on a sandbank, where you can spend the day swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying a barbecue lunch. These trips are customisable, so you can add activities like paddleboarding or a marine biology lesson with the resort’s resident expert. My pick for couples is the private sandbank dinner, where the team sets up a table on a deserted stretch of sand, complete with lanterns, flowers, and a menu tailored to your preferences. It's a property that makes you feel like you’ve discovered your own private island.

Workation: Balancing Productivity and Paradise

Anantara Dhigu isn’t just for holidaymakers—it’s also a great option for those who need to mix work with relaxation. The resort offers a workation package that includes complimentary half-board, free laundry, and airport transfers if you stay for at least 28 nights. The villas are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and workstations, so you can set up your laptop and enjoy ocean views while you tackle emails.

What makes Dhigu a standout for workations is the balance it offers. You can start your day with a sunrise surf, take a mid-morning call from your villa’s deck, and spend the afternoon snorkelling or at the spa. The kids club is a huge plus for parents who need to focus on work, as it keeps children entertained while you’re in meetings. The resort also offers private transfers between Dhigu and its sister property, Anantara Veli, so you can switch up your scenery without the hassle of packing and unpacking. If you’re looking for a place where you can be productive without feeling like you’re missing out on the Maldives experience, Dhigu is a smart choice.