A few Stories about Anantara Maldives and the Local Area

Shared

Discoveries by Anantara Dhigu Maldives

The secret beauty of the Maldives lies beneath the ocean surface. The islands are formed around a ring shaped coral reef that circles a lagoon. This reef structure is called an atoll. The atolls sit on the top of a long submarine ridge which is almost a thousand kilometres long, running from north to south. Near the southern end of this natural coral barricade, two open passages permit ships to travel safely from one side of the Indian Ocean to the other.

The waters around Anantara Maldives are home to a captivating array of marine life. In addition to countless tropical fish, various types of rays and turtles are joined by larger species including peaceful reef and whale sharks.   

The lagoon where our 3 resorts are situated is quite shallow in some areas, particularly around Anantara Dhigu where the water isn’t deep enough for coral to prosper, but plenty of coral can be found around Anantara Veli meaning that there is an abundance of small fish to admire, while the entire lagoon is home to black tip sharks which can grow up to 1.8 metres in length. Even though these are quite an awesome size, guests needn’t fear them as they feed only on fish and squid!

Each Anantara resort in the Maldives is represented by an icon that reflects something unique about its location. For Anantara Dhigu it is the manta ray.

Anantara Dhigu Maldives icon story – manta ray

Manta rays are an elusive creature, and little is known about them. It is believed that they have evolved over millions of years to become the largest sea creature on our planet, apart from the whale and shark; shark being a close relative. The manta ray is the largest species of the rays, and the biggest known specimen was more than 7.6 metres (25 feet) across, with a weight of about 2,300 kilograms (5,100 lb).

Anantara Dhigu Maldives icon story – manta ray

Manta rays are one of the most easily identified fish due to their large, triangular pectoral 'wings'. As filter feeders, manta rays are most often seen gliding through the ocean hunting for plankton and small fish. However on rare occasions they can be seen jumping clear of the water, and sometimes somersaulting. Although it’s not known why manta rays perform these acrobatics, it is thought that it could be a way to attract mates

For hundreds of years throughout Thailand, people would leave a jar of water outside their house to provide refreshment and extend a welcome to the passing traveller.  Anantara is taken from an ancient Sanskrit word that means 'without end', symbolising this sharing of water and the heartfelt hospitality that lies at the core of every Anantara experience. From lush jungles to pristine beaches and legendary deserts to cosmopolitan cities, Anantara currently boasts 15 stunning properties located in Thailand, the Maldives, Bali and the United Arab Emirates and will see new openings in Vietnam, China, Bali, Thailand and Abu Dhabi in 2011.  For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com