Holidaying in the Maldives is as close to earthly paradise as one could possibly get. But there is a potential fly in the proverbial ointment. As almost everything has to be imported, be prepared for premium price tags. There is even a running joke in the Maldives on how food is either a) expensive or b) very expensive. Depending on which resort you end up choosing, the holiday experience could be eye-wateringly pricey due to food costs, lacklustre due to variety and quality or - worse - a combination of both! And unless you are staying in the capital Mal or perhaps the newly reclaimed island of Hulhumal, both of which offer at least some non-resort dining options, chances are you are stuck with what is available from check-in to check-out.
So, for travellers who place equal importance on mealtimes as they do the room, on-site spa and facilities, picking the right resort is of paramount importance. Boutique resorts are all well and good, but stays of longer than two nights might necessitate a property with ample options. Ditto an all-inclusive, single dining room property. Imagine near-identical buffet-style breakfasts, lunches and dinners for the entire duration of your break. As Anthony Bourdain once lamented, paraphrasing Joseph Conrad, "the horror, the horror".
If that thought is enough to deter you from an Indian Ocean escapade, the Anantara steps in to the rescue. Part of the luxury Thai hotel chain founded by Bangkok-based American tycoon Bill Heinecke, there are, in fact, three Anantara resorts in the Maldives alone. With the exception of Anantara Kihavah in the Baa Atoll, the other two - Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli - are located cheek-to-cheek in their own lagoon in the South Mal Atoll, just a half hour's speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, which also saves you the exorbitant cost of a sea plane fare.