Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is a picture-perfect postcard located in the awe-inspiring archipelago of the Baa Atoll region. One of the most eco-friendly resorts in the Maldives, every turn we took saw another beautiful surprise waiting to be discovered. Hadag checks in…
An alluring adventure awaits at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. The sprawling resort is home to 80 spacious private pool sanctuaries, ranging from 258 to 2,000sq/m. Guests can choose from one-bedroom villas to a four-bedroom residence with connecting beach pool villa. The accommodation is either poised over the water with sweeping ocean views or nestled along a pristine stretch of private beach. The absolute epitome of “this is heaven”.
We can confirm that every single corner of this place is picture worthy. It’s everything we think of when we imagine the Maldives – and so much more. The comfort and privacy in the accommodation alone made it hard for us to tear ourselves away from all the luxuries of our room. You could easily spend day upon day couped up in complete bliss with the ocean on your doorstep and the ample lounging areas designed around each accommodation type.
Each hideaway boasts large infinity-edge pools, dining pavilions, expansive wooden sundecks and ample lounging areas complete with swinging daybeds, hammocks and sun loungers. All villas feature his and hers walk-in wardrobes, rain showers, outdoor showers, and oversized bathtubs big enough for two. Sunken glass-bottom bathtubs in the overwater villas and residences offer a mesmerising view of the sparkling ocean, both below and beyond the adjacent infinity pool.
The design and architecture at Kihavah are surreal. Embodying a mindful way of life, as with each Anantara property around the world, Kihavah draws its strength from the natural beauty of its destination, local cultural traditions and historic heritage.
You can find both relaxation and adventure at Kihavah – and we experienced both. Elements Kihavah, the experience club, offers bespoke and exhilarating adventures taking guests under, on and alongside the turquoise Indian Ocean to discover and explore the resort’s surroundings. Whether scuba diving or snorkelling, experienced dive instructors, first-class rental equipment, comfortable dhonis (traditional Maldivian boat) and reef dive sites cater for beginner and expert explorers alike. The coral house reef is only seconds away from the beach, and it’s here that we witnessed various species of tropical fish, hawksbill turtles, reef sharks and eagle rays. A dream come true.
If a more laid-back vibe is your preference, then walk aboard an array of luxury boats, including the Catcher, big game fishing boat, and Ocean Whisperer, a luxurious 24-metre sail yacht ideal for deserted island exploration or a romantic dinner at sea. The resident marine biologist will gladly suggest sites to explore and share valuable marine information to help you play a role in Anantara Kihavah’s coral adoption programme. A beautiful touch that made our time at the resort even more memorable.
What we found incredibly refreshing – and different from other Maldivian trips we’ve been on previously – is that Anantara Kihavah Villas also offers an array of land-based activities for fitness fans, foodies and lovers of all things cultural. Recreation and leisure facilities include a tennis court, bicycles, a fitness centre with premium Technogym equipment, Muay Thai boxing ring, boutique, gift shop and art classes. Movie buffs are transported back in time to enjoy classic films under the stars on a big outdoor screen – they really do have it all.
Of course, a trip to the Maldives – or any Anantara property – is incomplete without time well spent at the spa. Steeped in exotic rejuvenation and deep relaxation, the Anantara Spa offers a range of therapeutic treatments including traditional Asian therapies, detox treatments and ancient ayurvedic wellness. Kihavah is home to the Maldives’ first Cocoon Medical Spa, where you can discover modern medical aesthetic and detox or immunity-bolstering treatments. A new spa concept curated by Bastien Gonzalez, Anantara Spa at Kihavah also offers the first Studio Révérence worldwide, presenting a range of signature nail care therapy. Those in need of mindful exercise can reconnect to their natural flow with Hatha Yoga or, if you are feeling adventurous, try an Aerial Yoga class suspended over the ocean or SUP (stand-up paddleboard) Yoga.
The resort has been awarded a Gold Green Globe Certificate, making it one of the greenest resorts in the Maldives.
And, if that’s not enough, guests are spoilt for choice with six restaurants and bars, each offering a distinctive setting, menu and ambience that divulges a different view of paradise, as well as a diverse culinary journey. A quartet of dining experiences awaits at Sea. Fire. Spice. and Sky.
A unique under-and overwater gastronomic concept, highlighting the resort’s idyllic location in the Indian Ocean, Sea restaurant and its award-winning cellar offer an unreal underwater dining experience. The octagonal design and mirrored interior optimise the aquatic view making diners feel as if they are part of the house reef.
At Fire, diners’ visual and taste senses are stimulated with dramatic Teppanyaki cooking displays and Asian-inspired fragrant dishes. Authentic Indian delights are served at Spice. At Sky, guests gaze at the stars as they sip sparkling grape and listen to the Sky Guru’s tales of the galaxy. Sky combines a luxury cocktail tapas bar with the most powerful telescope in the region.
Other food and beverage outlets include Plates, which features a main sand-floored sala and an al fresco deck on the beach, where breakfast is served daily, and Manzaru restaurant and pool bar featuring a 49m swimming pool with Jhoola swing beds hovering over the water. Here, casual lunches or romantic dinners of Italian and Mediterranean classics are served poolside or at a communal table.
Families need not worry too. The Thiththi Boli Kids Club for younger guests of 12 and under offers complimentary daily supervised programmes to explore the island, fun arts and crafts activities, indoor and outdoor sports, and kids are also introduced to new activities inspired by local culture and the ocean.
Real passion for hospitality has been poured into the making of Kihavah, which only serves to elevate its location, amenities and service in this great aquatic paradise.