The Over Water Anantara Spa
Dhigu, Maldives
A Maldivian spa oasis
Maldivian spa oasis.
Overview
The Republic of Maldives is an archipelago of 1200 islands though only around 200 are inhabited. To say its picturesque and relaxing is an understatement - it’s truly blissful with ultra-clear warm turquoise waters and soaring temperatures, all nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
We stayed at Anantara Dhigu a 5* resort with a spa that fuses traditional Thai spa techniques with a more general European approach to massage and facials. Whilst it’s pretty unlikely you’d venture here just for a spa treatment (Male, pronounced mah-lay, the capital of The Maldives is a 30-minute speed boat ride away,) if you’re staying at the resort, the spa is a must-try, and really quite special. There is also an Ayurvedic spa called Balance at sister property, Anantara Veli (adults only) which is a five-minute boat ride away from Anantara Dhigu. The resort and spa mainly attracts visitors from the US, UK, the Middle East, Asia and Russia.
The Anantara Dhigu Spa is slice of heaven in an already dreamy location. Though the relaxation area isn’t huge – there is a steam room and sauna with two small infinity plunge pools, one hot and one cold, and a small sun deck above the ocean which is more than enough. Resting your head on your hands overlooking the Indian ocean post-treatment feels like nirvana.
Spa brands
Elemis, Biologique Recherche and a brand created for Anantara called Meridian Lines (we chose this one, it’s good to try something unique if you can).
Prices
Massages start at $160 USD for 60 minutes
Treatment booked
Anantara Signature Massage
The treatment MENU
A carefully curated selection of massages, facials (there are six treatment suites and two open air Thai massage salas or suites) plus standard beauty treatments like manicures, waxing a hair salon, jacuzzi, cold plunge pool, steam room, sauna and indoor and outdoor showers. Everything has a tranquil Thai vibe and many of the masseurs are from Thailand too. There’s also a mixture of male and female therapists, so always state your preference when you book.
our treatment
Perfect from start to finish. You head to the changing rooms (they’re on the small side) before being given a roomy robe without having to ask (bonus points for being plus size considerate), paper underwear (which is oddly comfy) and flip flops. You’re advised to arrive 30-40 minutes early to make use of the relaxation area – and you should, it’s divine. The treatment room is Thai style – with lots of wood and rustic touches in keeping with the resort’s décor – and the windows allow you to see right into the turquoise ocean.
Masseuse Noni started with a milky foot bath before asking us to hop onto the firm bed – and that’s where the surprise lay. A peephole in the wooden floor (like a little window) allows you to view the ocean as you lie down. So you’re watching little fish swim by in the clear blue waters as you have your troubles pummelled away - it was really meditative and mindful too. We opted for the medium-firm pressure, using their signature Meridian Oils, which was expertly delivered, and Noni adapted when we found the pressure too much. We were given a full consultation before-hand so they’re prepped for any areas you want avoided. The hour went way too fast because it was sheer heaven and Noni was so skilled that it didn’t feel like it was lacking attention to detail in any way.
OTHER FACILITIES
Little extras
The hibiscus juice and ice-cold lavender scented hand towel given on entering are the perfect way to switch off, chill and felt decadent.
Sleep over
Chances are you’ll be staying at the resort, or a sister resort. We stayed in a Sunset room which overlooked the beach and felt private and secluded. Each day you’re brought fresh coconuts to drink and eat which is a nice touch, though at just $2 each it would have been much more elegant if they’d been included in the room rate.
Food
There’s no food at the spa as such. But there is the Fushi café a 7 minute walk away for an extensive breakfast, the Aqua bar for pool snacks is 5 minutes away and overlooks the infinity pool. There’s also a steakhouse nearby too. Entrees are $30 and upwards, which is steep for the quality of the food – it’s fairly average. Our tip? The Thai restaurant at neighbouring Anatrara Veli (they’ll take you over there by speedboat) was the best of the resort food by far, just remember to book in advance.
GOOD TO KNOW
November and April. High season is Dec-March. We visited early September which was perfectly quiet with two days of moderate rainfall.
You’re in a resort so it’s fairly self-contained. But visit nearby picnic island which is also owned by Anantara for some bar snacks, drinks and snorkelling in glorious isolation
Everything is provided, but the snack bar is pretty, well, low on snacks. So maybe bring those – there’s nowhere to buy anything if you just want something small. Also bring mosquito repellent (it’s a tropical area) and plenty of SPF 50 - the sky is bright and very clear so it’s easy to get sun burned. And load up that Kindle – this is the place to while away your time. And bring a beach cover up – see below. The voltage is 220V to 240V, 50Hz AC and it’s a 3-pin British-style plug.
What wasn’t great
There is a bit of an social media influencer contingent at the hotel, which is fine – even if it’s not super zen. But we get it, it’s the Maldives – it’s Insta-worthy. But, during our spa visit one guest did spend hours taking pictures and videos of herself continuously which was distracting, did spoil the calm a little and felt a little invasive, especially for a modest country. Our advice? Take a few quick snaps and then leave your phone aside whilst you soak in the atmosphere. We would love more spas to encourage a no phone policy, it would even force us to properly switch off.
JUST FYI
Nudity in The Maldives is illegal as it’s a Muslim country and carries a fine – don’t sunbathe topless if you’re female even at the resorts – though regular bikinis, trunks and costumes are fine. If you do visit any of the non-resort inhabited islands like the capital Male, you must be fully covered to bathe – we’re talking t-shirt and leggings, for men and women. Just be respectful – wear a cover up when walking through communal areas and the lobby. Also, you won’t find any pork here – though beef, fish and chicken are plentiful so you won’t miss it.
DETAILS:
Address: Anantara Dhigu, South Male Atoll 20109, Maldives
Number: +960 664-4100
Website: www.anantara.com/en/dhigu-maldives
How to get there - If you’re staying at the resort a boat will take you from outside Male Airport to the resort (sit in the middle of the boat if you don’t want a fun (but bumpy) ride.
Kid friendly - Anatara Dhigu is child friendly, Veli its sister resort is adults only.