Stepping off the seaplane onto the glistening white sands of Anantara Kihavah felt like arriving in paradise. The isolated private island is located in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve considered one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the Maldives. Surrounded by a near-pristine house reef teeming with marine life and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Kihavah truly lives up to the imagery of a tropical island getaway.
Anantara Kihavah offers an indulgent escape infused with understated luxury. Guests can choose from beachside or stunning overwater villas, ranging from spacious one-bedroom suites to magnificent three-bedroom residences perfect for families or groups. All are appointed to the highest standard with custom designed interiors drawing influence from local Maldivian culture. A highlight is surely bathtubs with glass floors over the ocean – the perfect way to end each day.
Each villa comes with a dedicated Host on hand 24/7 to ensure every whim is meticulously catered to. Light touches like chilled towels, fresh coconut water and warm welcome snacks on arrival are a taste of the exceptional service standards across the resort. Whether guests prefer solitude in their villa or socialising, Anantara Kihavah seamlessly flows between the two. Opt for in-villa dining under the stars, or experience the resort’s fabulous cuisine and convivial atmosphere at one of the many restaurants and bars.
Dining destinations around the island
Seafood lovers will be in heaven at intimate beachfront restaurant SEA, where floors of glass lift diners onto the ocean as they feast on sustainably caught seafood and regional specialties. The standout experience however must be Anantara Kihavah’s underwater dining – arguably the world’s best table with a view. Guests dine surrounded on all sides by swimming fish and corals through floor to ceiling windows, in a sensory explosion that will leave memories to last a lifetime. Throughout our time at Kihavah, we were lucky enough to experience a fully immersive dining experience focused on sustainability – a focus for the resort.
Indian cuisine is elevated to fine dining levels at Spice, set in a gorgeous open-air pavilion amidst tropical garden surroundings. Share plates like tandoori swordfish with coconut sambal or malabar chicken biryani transport diners to the shores of Kerala in flavour and atmosphere. In contrast, Italian fine dining destination FIRE offers a taste of la dolce vita. Polished service and a wine list to rival any European restaurant deliver dishes like saffron risotto and porcini crusted ribeye that wouldn’t be out of place in Rome or Florence.
For the romantic, try beachside dining on demand for two. This is white cloth dinner service like you’ve never seen it, with local delicacies and global favourites served up by your own personal chef, with staff on hand to ensure your evening remains as magical as it will be memorable.
Activities fit for an active island escape
Nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to keep occupied on and around Kihavah. The house reef is one of the Maldives’ finest, home to over 300 species of vibrant coral and fish. Casual snorkelers can spot colourful parrotfish and angelfish right from the shore, while scuba divers and technical divers can explore deeper sites, along with the world-famous yellow wall. During our time, we saw sleeping nurse sharks on one snorkel excursion and friendly turtles looking for the perfect selfie.
Day trips can be taken for unforgettable encounters with elusive manta rays at Hanifaru Bay, considered the world’s best manta watching destination. Other excursions include big game fishing, surfing lessons at nearby surf breaks, or seaplane safaris to remote atolls for up close whale shark experiences.
Back on the island, overwater Sky Observatory offers a one-of-a-kind stargazing experience while luxurious spa treatments at the Anantara Spa offer pure relaxation. Tennis courts, a fully equipped gym and yoga platform provide ways to stay active amidst paradise. Young guests have their own fun zone at the Thiththi Boli Kid’s Club with a range of entertaining programmes and activities.
Sustainable luxury and biodiversity commitment
What truly sets Anantara Kihavah apart from other Maldives resorts however, is its pioneering focus on conservation and sustainability. Under the guidance of marine biologists, monitoring and protection programmes work to maintain the pristine house reef ecosystem.
Undersea environmental education centres help raise ecological awareness, highlighting the importance of preserving fragile coral reefs for future generations. Anantara Kihavah proudly champions responsible tourism by practicing minimal environmental impact and uplifting the local community through job opportunities. Their ongoing scientific research and published literature sets a benchmark for other resorts to follow.
Stepping ashore at Anantara Kihavah, one feels a long way from the routines and stresses of daily life. It offers an idyllic private island paradise steeped in unspoiled tropical beauty and understated luxury. Most importantly, guests know they can fully unwind and experience pure escapism, safe in the knowledge that their stay is respecting rather than harming this very special place. It’s no wonder Anantara Kihavah is consistently rated among the world’s best island resorts – one stay here leaves travellers longing to return to a true gift of nature. Paradise has indeed been found.
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