Anantara Debuts in the Maldives
OCTOBER 23, 2006. Anantara opened its first property in the Maldives on 15 September 2006. The resort is a luxurious five-star boutique hideaway spread across five acres of tropical terrain on Dhigufinolhu (island) on the South Male Atoll.
It is conveniently located only 30 kms from the Maldivian capital of Male. Maldivian architect Mohamed Shafeeg, together with Thailand-based interior design company Abacus headed by John Lightbody, have created the resort's distinctive environment as a creative complement to the company's existing properties in Thailand.
The resort has 68 deluxe beachfront villas, two deluxe beachfront pool villas, 38 deluxe over water suites and two deluxe over-water pool suites all set around a natural, private lagoon.
The Anantara's Over Water Suites range from 150sq metres to 182sq metres in size. The focal point, a King-sized bed features a sensually draped net canopy positioned to take in the magnificent ocean view. The suites also include gleaming infinity bathtubs, a spacious timbered deck and an inviting dining area.
The Anantara Maldives Resort offers guests world-class culinary options and a Cooking School with a range to tempt even the most discerning of palates.
At Terrazzo, guests can enjoy Italian bistro specialities for dinner accompanied by a choice of boutique wines from within the restaurant's well-stocked, transparent wine cellar.
The Fuddan Fusion Grill combines contemporary dining with fusion cuisine. The Grill presents the freshest of locally caught seafood and the choicest cuts of meat creatively prepared in a traditional Maldivian 'dhumashi' (smokehouse).
Baan Huraa means "Thai house on small coral reef" and offers the first authentic Thai cuisine in the Maldives. The over water restaurant set on stilts at the edge of the inner lagoon and outer reef offers breathtaking views across the Indian Ocean.
In a tranquil over-water setting, the Anantara Spa features nine treatment suites including an Ayervedic room and one for Indian mud therapy.
"Our resort in the Maldives is a fitting complement to our Thailand properties as it offers guests a distinctive setting, world-class facilities and a culturally and environmentally uplifting experience," observed Anantara Vice-President and General Manager, Christopher Stafford .
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
