For the curious but not quite confident, spend a half-day learning about the beauty of breath-hold diving. This course comprises a short theory session and safe, confined water work. Discover the magic of the human body as it descends deep into water. Open your eyes to the possibilities of diving deeper than you imagined.

Indulge in the freeing experience of diving to a depth of approximately 25 m simply by holding your breath. Learn the physics of freediving and practice breath hold, static and dynamic apnea techniques in the safety of confined water. Surprise yourself by extending your breath hold up to 90 seconds and diving deeper than you thought possible.

At the heart of the island lies Balance Wellness by Anantara, a haven of fragrant tranquillity. Thatched treatment suites ensconce a relaxation garden with hot and cold plunge pools. Let go with ancient healing and modern beauty treatments. Indulge in massages that relax and re-energise while restoring balance to body and mind.

Step into the air-conditioned comfort of our fitness centre, and rejuvenate your body on your choice of equipment. Exercise alone or with a personal trainer. Satellite TV and  pre-loaded iPods keep you entertained as you run, step or lift in an invigorating workout session.

Sink into our library lounge and enjoy a new novel, or catch up on all that is going on back in the real world with computers and internet access. Lounge, laze and connect at your leisure. Enjoy a morning coffee or afternoon tea in comfort.

Take a break from the waters on our well-maintained tennis courts which are floodlit for cooler, night-time play. For those looking to perfect their swing and step up their game, book a one-on-one with our resident tennis pro. Rackets and balls are provided.

Enjoy a peaceful garden setting as you beautify with a range of hair treatments. Indulge in a manicure or pedicure, also available for gentlemen.

Seek out memories to bring home, or pick up essentials and luxuries to help you make the most of your stay. Browse a selection of resort wear, beach totes, exotic goods and handcrafted arts from the Maldives and beyond.

Your window on the world below. Explore the turquoise lagoon surrounding the resort or join our daily boat trips to reefs teeming with colourful marine life. From August to December, seize the opportunity to get up close with the ocean’s gentle manta rays. Watch them dance just beneath the surface of the waters, putting on a show unlike any other on Earth.

Gain physical poise and mental peace through ancient exercises drawn from centuries of traditional South Asian wisdom. Join us at the open-air yoga pavilion with breath-taking views of the shimmering turquoise ocean. Whether a beginner or an expert, our professional instructors are able to guide you through lessons either in a group or private session.

Clear your mind and achieve a heightened sense of wellbeing with gentle stretching and meditation to start your day. Enjoy a session on the beach, where you’ll be able to draw inspiration from the gorgeous island surrounds as they are woken by the dawn.

Make the most of the soft white sands and choose from your favourite beach games. Ease into a game of pétanque. If you’re in the mood for a friendly game of volleyball or beach badminton, just let us know and we’ll provide the nets and equipment and turn a strip of beach into your court.

It’s time to step away from the white sand and into adventures amidst the blue Indian Ocean and its world-class waves. Ride gentle swells or the hollowest waves at Anantara Veli. In association with Tropicsurf, we accommodate all ability levels, from those looking to take their first tentative steps to dedicated pros. The surf season runs May to September, and numbers are limited.

Glide through the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean in a hired sailboat. Set off on a catamaran sailing adventure on a K1 Top Cat, with or without your own skipper. Or try the Bravo Mini Cat – Hobie’s latest addition to sailing simplicity.

With its unmatched combination of comfort, ease of use and stability, the Bravo is ideal for both new sailors and experienced deckhands alike.

Stand-up paddleboarding is a perfect way to explore our calm lagoon. Everyone can enjoy the world’s fastest growing water sport. No experience is required, and this easy workout is great for improving balance, endurance and core strength. Plus, the views of marine life and golden sunsets are amazing as you stand over the water and explore.

Rip through the waves on an aquatic adventure with some help from our twins, Wet and Wild. This pair of Gulfcraft Swan 20 speedboats will propel you swiftly across the lagoon with their powerful 150-horsepower engines. Our expert teachers are on hand to perfect your technique or guide you in a new skill like monoskiing.

Find tranquillity from sunny skies above. Float away and over the crystal-clear lagoon and its colourful reef life below. Make a splash without even getting wet, with take-off and landing done on the boat. A fine way to explore the ocean beyond.

Spend an afternoon living out your castaway daydreams with our island picnic excursion. A tiny uninhabited island offshore is your playground for the day. Frolic in pristine waters, explore stunning reefs, and enjoy a specially prepared picnic on white sands.

Anantara delights in connecting you with the people and places that make each destination special. The bustling island city of Malé is the heartbeat of the nation.

Be greeted with distinctive architecture, local markets, tranquil mosques and the regal presidential palace. Immerse yourself in the country’s rich heritage at the National Museum, and taste authentic Maldivian delicacies where the locals go to savour them

Learn the time-honoured tradition of Maldivian handline fishing. Head out on our dhoni, the Riyaa, at sunset following the birds to the nearest school of tuna, snapper or grouper. Reel in your catch and present it to the chef to be cooked and enjoyed in triumph.

Cruise alongside majestic dolphins as they leap into the mist-filled air. At Anantara Veli, we are lucky enough to have a large pod of spinner dolphins – the most acrobatic variety – living right on our doorstep.

Watch the dolphins play in their natural environment from the comfort of our luxury dhoni. Delight in nature’s wonders up close and in full charm mode.

Set off for a sporting adventure aboard one of our big-game fishing boats Island Lure, Fishermen’s Tales and Fish Finder. With the help of our expert guides – and a little luck – the bounty of the Indian Ocean can be yours. On any given strike, you may be going to battle with a magnificent sailfish, wahoo, tuna, mahi mahi or giant trevally.

Visit the nearby settlements of Maafushi and Guraidoo on a guided tour of island rhythms. Chat with the elders, enjoy tea and local delicacies, and peruse the traditional handcrafted souvenirs on display. Savour the easy-going nature and heart-warming smiles of the ambassadors of this beautiful nation.

Indulge in couples’ treatments at Balance Wellness by Anantara  that rebalance and re-energise. Awaken your senses with a Supplifying Experience infused with herbs and aromas that nourish the body. Find deep relaxation with massages with lush balms to open the body’s energy channels. Enjoy a newfound sense of serenity in our relaxation garden before emerging renewed.

Venture barefoot into a fragrant orchid garden as sun sets over the ocean. Enjoy artisanal cocktails as you mingle and converse with Anantara Veli’s residents and other guests. A relaxing evening savouring island life.

Drift across the Indian Ocean in the perfect end to yet another day in paradise. The pinnacle of romance, cruising into the sunset aboard the luxury Nirvana yacht is the picture-postcard Maldivian experience. Relax on the deck, kissed by the tropical breeze, enjoying Champagne and canapés and gazing at the endless ocean alongside someone special.

Enjoy the fresh flavours of Maldivian cuisine in a candlelit setting. Smoked tuna rolls with a hint of coconut and cardamom. Curries of yellowfin and mahi mahi and eggplant. Enjoy the rhythmic beat of the bodu beru drummers decked in their traditional attire, and the ever-present lull of the ocean waves.

Cook your favourite Maldivian or Thai dish in a step-by-step tutorial adjusted to your preferences and skills. Savour your creations for lunch and enjoy the option of adding garnishing and table set-up classes. Leave with wonderful memories and impressive new skills to entertain family and friends back home.

For all of its beauty and apparent resilience, coral is a sensitive organism, vulnerable to slight changes in environmental conditions.

Take part in the Coral Adoption Programme by transplanting live corals, with the help of our resident Marine Biologist, into the shallow waters of the lagoon. Return year-after-year to watch them prosper. Help our underwater world bloom.