Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

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Surrounded by tranquil blue seas, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas sits on Kihavah Huravalhi Island in the picturesque Baa Atoll. The resort is in UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Hanifaru Bay, where ocean enthusiasts can enjoy the most abundant waters in all of the Maldives.

Guests return to this luxurious tropical resort year after year to experience more than powdery white sands and idyllic turquoise lagoons. Here, you can scuba dive among vibrant reefs, parasail in cloudless skies, enjoy cinema under the stars, wine and dine below the ocean or rejuvenate in the heavenly spa.

Local Maldivian accents and the brand’s own Thai touches merge seamlessly throughout the contemporary villas. Grand wooden furnishings complement modern amenities, and postcard-worthy outdoor spaces feature generous private pools, alfresco bathtubs, traditional swings and overwater hammocks that you’ll never want to leave.

• Spend some time just getting lost among Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas’ gorgeous grounds. White sand pathways wind through lush palm tree plantations and manicured orchid gardens.
• Stargaze through the Maldives’ most powerful telescope inside SKY Bar, the world’s first overwater observatory and lounge. With the help of the island’s “sky guru,” you might glimpse the yellow rings of Saturn or star clusters within the Milky Way, all with a glass of champagne in hand.
• Hop on one of the luxury resort’s gratis bikes and pedal along one of the largest (by circumference) overwater boardwalks in the Maldives. This is the best way to take in the island’s ocean breezes, fragrant flora and serene beauty all at once.
• Introduced in November 2018, Cocoon Medical Spa is the first of its kindin the Maldives. Head here for the latest in cutting-edge dermatological therapies, including vitamin IV infusions, microneedling, fat blasting and 24-karat-gold facials.
• Stay in a Sunset Over Water Pool Villa for the best evening views on the island. The silhouette of five lush neighboring islands against the color-streaked sky reminds you that you really are in the Maldives. Bonus: don’t miss the aquatic view from your glass-bottomed tub.

• Reach your secluded island retreat from Male International Airport by taking either a 25-minute flight to Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport and a 20-minute speedboat ride, or a 35-minute seaplane transfer.
• Visit the Maldives hotel between June and November to experience a unique underwater spectacle: hundreds of manta rays feeding on tiny plankton in Hanifaru Bay.
• Education is just as important as fun in the sun at this tropical resort. Adopt and plant your very own coral at the lagoon nursery, scuba dive with the resident marine biologist or sign up your tiny travelers for turtle and dolphin programs so they can learn all about these aquatic animals.
• The spa’s six overwater treatment suites feature glass panel flooring so you can peek below at the gorgeous marine life. Book your Anantara Signature Massage for the early afternoon —the endless blues will sparkle in the light.
• This is a family friendly hotel: a kids club keeps 4- to 12-year-olds busy, and child-sized bathrobes and life jackets along with toiletries for babies are available.

• No matter which room you pick, you’ll never be far from the water. The 38 Beach Pool Villas have direct access to the island’s soft white sands, while 42 Over Water Pool Villas are equipped with private staircases leading to the ocean.
• All 80 villas boast generously sized private pools, many with uninterrupted ocean views.
• Sunken glass-floor bathtubs come in overwater villas, while outdoor baths with rainwater backdrops are a specialty in all beachfront accommodations.
• While the views and pools are certainly some of the highlights at the luxury hotel, other notable extras include an iPad concierge, a Bose sound system, pillow and soap menus, a stocked wine fridge and a 24-hour villa host.

• Enjoy the ultimate underwater fine-dining experience at SEA, where panoramic views of the island’s coral reef and abundant sea life are always on the menu. Dine on Maldivian and international plates (lobster salad with coriander-lime dressing or seared sea bass with squid ink and hollandaise sauce) at lunch and dinner.
• SEA is home to one of the world’s first underwater wine cellars.
• For upscale-casual fare with a side of ocean vistas, head to FIRE for classic Japanese teppanyaki or SALT for succulent Asian specialties. The latter offers a special experience thanks to a resident salt guru who will season your plate with a touch of bespoke spice.
• Start your day with breakfast at Plates, a toes-in-the-sand venue serving up a blend of local (Maldivian tuna and coconut sambal chili sauce), healthy (banana and wheat grass smoothies) and Western (eggs Benedict) morning favorites.
• Savor Mediterranean flavors come lunchtime at poolside Manzaru. Dig into stunning seafood towers and flavorful salads, or cool down with ice cream and refreshing cocktails.