Whether it’s a family trip or a romantic reconnection,
a trip to the Maldives is hard to top.
And at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, we found our paradise.
Welcome to Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas!
Read also: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Travelling to the Maldives
We arrived at the resort to the sight of waves beating on the shore, the hypnotic beat of drums, and the warmest smiles of the resort team as they led us from the jetty to the welcome area. A quick welcome drink and then our villa host (aka butler), Naif took us to our villa.
That Villa Life: The Overwater Pool Villa
Let’s approach the villa from a different angle – the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean that is. We step out of the sea, onto the steps that lead us up to the outdoor deck of our villa. Straight ahead, our private infinity pool, to right, the shaded wooden deck leading into the room. Inside, a king bed dominates the room, and we are spoilt with a large walk-in wardrobe, vanity area and a huge Turkish-style bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers and a bathtub with a see-through floor that looks right down into the ocean (score!).
The villa is spacious (259 sqm), elegant and well-appointed, even the mini bar comes with a separate ‘cellar’ of premium wines. With Naif on speed-dial, we get our bikinis on, settling into the gigantic swing outdoors to take in the sunset over some bubbly.
Luxe Eatin’: Wining & Dining at Anantara Kihavah
Meals at Anantara Kihavah are a gourmand’s dreams come true. From al fresco breakfasts at Plates to a flawless Italian dinner (Maldivian Seafood & Saffron Pasta) at Manzaru, and sunset drinks at Sky, and even room service on our terrace – each experience is delicious and divine. The resort’s highlight though is dining at Sea — one of the very few underwater restaurants in the world (and the world’s first underwater wine cellar). As you sit and dine fine, surrounded by glass windows, the colourful fish come right up to peer at you, kind of like a reverse aquarium!
A Spa A Day: Anantara Spa
Oh, the bliss of warm hands working out the knots in your body with the sound of the ocean lulling you into slumber (yes, even the spa is over water). For something different, try the Ayurvedic consultation – the specialist does a quick Q & A to determine your ‘constitution’, then prescribes the perfect spa treatment for you. We had the Abhyanga massage, followed by Shirodara – warm herbal oil dripping soothing over the third eye… we promise you will be in heaven!
Rest & Rejuvenate: Activities at The Resort
Do as little or as much as you want, the facilities were on offer, but the choice was entirely ours. Some days, we were content to just ride our bicycles to breakfast and back, lazing in our pool and dipping in the ocean. Other days, we went out for excursions: discovering the local marine life (turtles and manta rays) with the dive team, exploring the neighbouring islands and even canoeing. For parentals, there’s an amazing kid’s club equipped with a playground, craft area, water play area and certified counsellors to guide the little ones. For those more inclined to the culinary arts, there’s cooking class and (ahem) wine tastings.
Located in the Baa Atoll, Anantara Kihavah can be reached by a 40-minute seaplane ride from Male. It has only 79 beach and overwater villas, and we especially loved the serene and personal quality that this gave the resort.
Nomad Rating: 5/5
Most Memorable: 3-course lunch with wine pairing at the underwater restaurant, and diving into the sea every day from our overwater villa.
We’d recommend it to: Couples and small families looking for a relaxed, luxe Maldivian getaway.
Shall we?
