In short: Tripplo’s analysis covers a sample of 52 guest reviews of Anantara Veli Maldives Resort - Adults Only. Guests in the sample highlight Service & staff, Food & restaurants and Location. The most common complaints: Food, drinks and other extras are expensive. Parts of the resort feel old.
If an island paradise of chic simplicity in a charming adults-only tropical setting is what you need, the white sand and azure waters of Anantara Veli Resort will provide the perfect setting. Relax with your loved one in the over water bungalows, as a spectacular plethora of sea life swims in the crystal clear lagoon beneath you. The resort is a short 35-minute speedboat journey from Velana International Airport which operates all day.
Our 67 luxurious bungalows combine dazzling views with modern amenities for a blissful stay. Choose from rooms types poised over the water with sweeping lagoon views or set on the tranquil cliff edge with the lapping ocean soothing you to sleep.
Anantara Veli offers a range of 5-star facilities as well as outdoor tennis courts and a fitness centre. Escape to a natural sanctuary within the lush surroundings of the inner island and experience a holistic approach to wellbeing by Balance Wellness Spa by Anantara.
The resort also boasts convenient dining options, such as themed nights at Cumin, authentic Thai food at Baan Huraa and theatrical Teppanyaki dining and hand crafted sushi at Origami. In the evening, add an element of gourmet dining with a unique menu designed by you and the chef, served on a deserted sandbank that has a backdrop of a breathtaking Maldivian sunset.
Savour pristine white sands beneath your feet or catch some waves atop a surfboard. World-class diving, freediving and a range of other thrilling watersports await you.
Guest has access to the sister island Anantara Dhigu Resort offering a wide range of dining options, activities and facilities.
Take a short pontoon ride to the island of Gulifushi, picnic on the deserted beaches and experience some of the best snorkeling in the Maldives.
Tripplo's verdict, based on guest reviews
Tripplo’s analysis · Updated 10 October 2026 · How we review hotels
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort is built for adults-only breaks, with overwater bungalows set above a calm lagoon and a beachfront setting suited to slow days rather than family activity. The 35-minute speedboat transfer is quick by Maldives standards, and the full-service spa and wellness centre gives guests an easy reason to stay on island. Because the resort has no dedicated kids facilities, it is not an option for family trips, and the island's modest size limits variety for anyone wanting to walk further afield. Transfers by speedboat remain weather dependent.
Guests score it 9.1 out of 10 — the average across the 5 hotels we list on South Malé Atoll is 9.3.
What Guests Loved
- The adults-only setting allows for a quieter, more intimate atmosphere, appealing to couples and travelers seeking uninterrupted relaxation without children's activities nearby.
- Guests can watch reef fish and marine life swim beneath their overwater villa through glass panels or private decks, adding a sense of immersion in the lagoon.
Things to Consider
- Families traveling with children will need to look elsewhere, as the resort's adults-only policy restricts guests under a certain age from staying.
- Like all speedboat transfers in the Maldives, service can be affected by rough seas or storms, occasionally causing delays to arrival or departure times.
Free PDF: what guests really say about Anantara Veli Maldives Resort - Adults Only
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- Pros and cons in every category guests mention
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Should you book it?
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort - Adults Only is worth booking for couples seeking a quiet adults-only retreat — but pick somewhere else if you're travelling with children — no kids facilities here.
Book it if you want
- Couples seeking a quiet adults-only retreat
- Travellers wanting overwater villas above the lagoon
- Guests preferring a quick speedboat transfer over seaplanes
- Those wanting easy beachfront swimming and snorkelling
Pick somewhere else if
- You're travelling with children — no kids facilities here
- You want lots of on-site dining and activity variety
- You need guaranteed transfer times regardless of weather
Rooms & which one to pick
Our tip: Couples wanting a classic overwater stay without a pool should book the Over Water Villa or Deluxe Over Water Villa, both with sea views and balconies at a good size for the price. Those wanting privacy with their own plunge pool are better off in the Beach Pool Villa (largest at 100 m², beachfront) or the Over Water Pool Villa, which combines sea views, a private pool and a balcony.
- Over Water Villa1 king bed and 1 sofa bedsleeps 375 m²Sea viewBalconyPrivate bathroomFree WifiAir conditioning
- Deluxe Over Water Villa1 king bed and 1 sofa bedsleeps 380 m²Sea viewBalconyPrivate bathroomFree WifiAir conditioning
- Ocean Pool Villa1 king bed and 1 sofa bedsleeps 385 m²Sea viewPrivate poolBalconyFree WifiAir conditioning
- Deluxe Over Water Pool Villa1 king bed and 1 sofa bedsleeps 390 m²Sea viewPrivate poolBalconyFree WifiAir conditioning
- Superior Over Water Villa1 king bed and 1 sofa bedsleeps 380 m²Sea viewBalconyPrivate bathroomFree WifiAir conditioning
- Beach Pool Villa1 king bed and 1 sofa bedsleeps 3100 m²Sea viewPrivate poolBeachfrontFree WifiAir conditioning
- Over Water Pool Villa1 king bed and 1 sofa bedsleeps 395 m²Sea viewPrivate poolBalconyFree WifiAir conditioning
Room types as listed on Booking.com; availability varies by date.
What guests actually say
Tripplo’s analysis uses a sample of 52 guest reviews. Texts may be shortened. Mentions are counted after automated classification and describe the sample, rather than every guest’s experience.
The sample follows how Booking.com and Google sort reviews, which puts satisfied guests first, so criticism is under-represented. Read the drawbacks below and the latest reviews on Booking.com before you book.
Food & restaurants
- +A wide choice of restaurants, with more to try on the neighbouring islands
- +Food described as delicious, with plenty of variety
- +A generous à la carte breakfast overlooking the ocean
- +Kitchens that happily cater to dietary preferences
- –Some guests found the food and cocktails below the expected standard
- –Restaurants sometimes started clearing up before closing time
”Great choice of cuisines and the ability to meet dietary preferences.” — guest, translated
Service & staff
- +Friendly, helpful staff who go out of their way
- +A personal host who books meals and activities for you
- +Birthdays and anniversaries marked with decorations and cake
- +Requests handled quickly
- –Staff rushing to close a restaurant before closing time
- –A request to change villas went unanswered
”The staff were super friendly and helpful and would go out of their way to make sure you were happy.” — guest, translated
Pools, beach & aquapark
- +A calm lagoon with clear, turquoise water and white sand
- +Snorkelling among fish and turtles around a coral-planting project by the beach
- +Several ways to swim: from the beach, in a private pool or in the main pool
- –The main pool is small
- –The sea in front of some villas is too shallow for swimming
- –Less marine life in the lagoon than some expected
”The beach in the lagoon is excellent, with clear and very calm water.” — guest, translated
The rooms
- +Overwater villas that are comfortable and well designed
- +Spacious beach villas with their own private pool
- +Rooms equipped with every amenity you could think of
- +Comfortable beds
- –Some villas feel a little dated
- –One guest was unhappy with the bedding
”The room was comfortable and clean with a beautiful view.” — guest, translated
Condition & cleanliness
- +The resort is kept immaculately clean
- +Rooms that are clean and tidy
- –Parts of the resort feel old
- –A drainage problem with a bathroom sink, though it was fixed quickly
”Everywhere in the resort was immaculate.” — guest, translated
Location
- +A short speedboat ride from the airport
- +Stunning views of the sea and the lagoon
- +Linked to neighbouring islands with more restaurants and activities
- –Cargo ships nearby can spoil the view
- –The boat transfer from the airport could be more comfortable
”Good view and convenient transport.” — guest, translated
Noise levels
- +A quiet, relaxing adults-only atmosphere
- +Never feels overcrowded
- +Overwater rooms are quiet
”As an adults-only resort, it is peaceful, relaxing and never felt overcrowded.” — guest, translated
Value for money
- –Food, drinks and other extras are expensive
- –Full board covers only some of the restaurants
- –Excursions are expensive
”Great resort but not value for money at all. The prices for basic items were verging on obscene.” — guest, translated
Frequently asked questions
How far is Anantara Veli Maldives Resort - Adults Only from the airport?
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort - Adults Only is 30 km from Velana International Airport (MLE).
How far is Anantara Veli Maldives Resort - Adults Only from the centre of South Malé Atoll?
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort - Adults Only is 3.7 km from the centre of South Malé Atoll.
How do guests rate Anantara Veli Maldives Resort - Adults Only?
On Booking.com it scores 9.1/10 from 137 guest reviews.
How many stars does Anantara Veli Maldives Resort - Adults Only have?
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort - Adults Only is a 5-star hotel.
What amenities does Anantara Veli Maldives Resort - Adults Only offer?
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort - Adults Only offers outdoor swimming pool, free Wifi, beachfront, airport shuttle, spa and wellness center and non-smoking rooms.
Weather & sea temperature — South Malé Atoll
Right now: 29° air · 30° sea
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Dhigufinolhu Island, PO Box 2098, South Male Atoll, 08190 South Male Atoll, Maldives