Redefining Paradise: My Active Escape to Ananea Madivaru, a New Fitness-Focused Haven in the Maldives

For many, a trip to the Maldives conjures images of ultimate relaxation—a "fly and flop" holiday spent entirely on a sun lounger. That was precisely my hesitation. As someone who struggles to sit still, I worried that a Maldivian resort would offer little beyond romance and rest. However, a recent stay at the newly opened Ananea Madivaru resort in the North Ari Atoll completely transformed my perception, revealing a world where exhilarating wellness and adventure are woven into the fabric of paradise.

From the moment we landed at Malé’s sleek new terminal, the pace was set by pilots in flip-flops for our scenic seaplane transfer. Upon arrival at the twin-island resort, we were greeted not with enforced digital detox, but with the natural distraction of piercing blue water, lush foliage, and crisp white sand.

A Resort Built on "Slow Glamour" and Activity

General Manager Martin Snee introduced us to the resort’s "slow glamour" ethos—an unpretentious, laid-back luxury that focuses on genuine experience over flashy gimmicks. This philosophy extends to its design and layout. The original island (East) houses beachfront villas, family rooms, and main restaurants, while the newer North island features deluxe water villas and upscale dining, connected by an overwater walkway.

Our home was a stunning deluxe water villa at the northern tip, complete with a private deck, pool, and direct stairway into the sea. While the chic, modern interior by Peter Harper was impressive, the floor-to-ceiling views of the ocean were utterly captivating.

A Dynamic Wellness and Fitness Hub

Contrary to the sedentary stereotype, Ananea Madivaru is built for movement. Our active journey began at the state-of-the-art gym, boasting new Technogym equipment, free weights, and—to my delight—a reformer Pilates machine, all with panoramic ocean views.

The resort's Kandu Spa is a wellness sanctuary. We indulged in the 150-minute signature couples' massage, an overwater treatment that included a foot ritual, full-body scrub, and massage, concluding with champagne under the moonlight. For more active pursuits, the spa's domed yoga platform hosted our unforgettable private sunrise yoga session, with group sunset and aqua yoga available weekly.

Thrilling Adventures on and Under the Water

The resort’s Azure water sports centre is the gateway to adventure. We grabbed complimentary snorkels and kayaks, spotting a spotted eagle ray within minutes. For a bigger thrill, we took out jet skis, where I had a full "Bond girl" moment racing across the bay.

The true highlights, however, were the guided excursions. A snorkelling trip revealed a kaleidoscopic underwater world of vibrant coral, starfish, and reef sharks right off the resort's beach. The pinnacle was swimming with nurse sharks—an awe-inspiring and safe experience sharing the water with these graceful, two-metre-long creatures, alongside gliding manta rays.

Even a sunset fishing trip turned competitive and rewarding. Using simple hand lines, I managed to catch several fish, including a red snapper and a barracuda, which the staff expertly grilled for us the next day—a truly "farm-to-table" Maldivian experience.

Culinary Journeys Across Nine Restaurants

The resort’s nine dining venues ensure your taste buds are as engaged as your body. From wood-fired pizzas at the laid-back Sting Bar to Japanese-Peruvian fusion at Flores, the options are exceptional.

Standouts included the open-fire Flame restaurant, with its savoury cinnamon roll bread, and Kaage, which served a Michelin-worthy tasting menu of traditional Maldivian tuna dishes. Our final indulgence was the ultimate floating breakfast, delivered directly to our villa's pool.

The Verdict: A New Blueprint for the Maldives

As we toasted our martinis at the Paradise Beach Club on our final evening, listening to local musician Anya, my initial concerns felt a world away. Ananea Madivaru has masterfully redefined the Maldivian holiday. It proves that you can have the powder-soft sand and tranquil lagoons and a holiday filled with reformer Pilates, shark encounters, and jet-ski adrenaline.

It’s not just for honeymooners; it’s for anyone who seeks a paradise that invigorates the body, delights the senses, and soothes the soul in equal measure. I went to the Maldives skeptical and left utterly converted.