Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Overview

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is a resort that refuses to be confined by convention. Situated on a private island in the Baa Atoll — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — it is a place where you can dine beneath the ocean's surface at lunch and gaze at distant galaxies through a research-grade telescope by night. Few resorts anywhere in the world can claim that range of experience.

The island itself is a slender ribbon of sand fringed by coconut palms and surrounded by a lagoon so impossibly turquoise it looks retouched. But this is the real Baa Atoll — one of the most biodiverse marine environments on earth, where manta rays gather in their hundreds and the house reef teems with life just steps from your villa.

Anantara Kihavah sits within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Between May and November, Hanifaru Bay — just a short boat ride away — becomes one of the world's premier gathering points for manta rays and whale sharks. Your resort marine biologist can arrange private excursions timed to the tides.

Accommodation

The resort comprises 80 spacious villas, each with a private pool and direct access to either the beach or the lagoon. The design is contemporary Maldivian — clean lines, natural timber, and open-air living spaces that dissolve the boundary between indoors and the ocean beyond.

Villa Highlights

• Over Water Pool Villa — Glass floor panels reveal the reef below, while your private infinity pool stretches toward the horizon. An outdoor deck with daybed and steps directly into the lagoon complete the experience.
• Beach Pool Villa — Set among tropical gardens with direct sand access. Features a generous sundeck, private pool, and open-air bathroom surrounded by lush vegetation.
• Two Bedroom Over Water Pool Residence — Ideal for families or friends traveling together, with over 4,500 sq ft of living space, two private pools, and panoramic ocean views from every room.
• Sunset Over Water Pool Villa — West-facing for uninterrupted sunset views. The most requested category for honeymooners.

Dining

Anantara Kihavah is widely regarded as one of the finest dining destinations in the Maldives. The resort's signature concept — Plates — spans four restaurants, each occupying a different element: sky, land, fire, and sea.

• SEA — The underwater restaurant. Dine six metres below the surface surrounded by the reef's coral gardens and passing marine life. A multi-course tasting menu accompanied by curated wines makes this one of the most memorable dining experiences in the Indian Ocean.
• SKY — Located atop the overwater observatory. Enjoy cocktails and tapas while the resident astronomer guides you through the southern hemisphere's constellations.
• FIRE — Open-flame grilling on the beach. Premium cuts, fresh-caught seafood, and wood-fired pizzas under the stars.
• SALT — A celebration of Asian and Maldivian flavours, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and aromatic spice blends.

SEA, the underwater restaurant, seats only 12 guests at a time and is one of the most sought-after reservations in the Maldives. Book well in advance — your Lagoon Travel Co. concierge can secure a table as part of your stay arrangement.

Activities & Experiences

Stargazing at the Overwater Observatory

The SKY observatory houses one of the most powerful telescopes in the Maldives, and the Baa Atoll's minimal light pollution creates exceptional conditions for astronomy. The resort's resident astronomer hosts nightly sessions where you can observe planets, nebulae, the Milky Way, and even distant galaxies. It is a genuinely extraordinary experience — one that elevates Anantara Kihavah beyond the typical resort offering.

Marine Life & Water Sports

• Guided snorkeling excursions to Hanifaru Bay for manta ray and whale shark encounters
• PADI-certified dive centre with courses for all levels, from Discover Scuba to advanced wreck diving
• Night diving and fluorescent diving experiences
• Private sunset dolphin cruises
• Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing
• Resident marine biologist-led reef discovery sessions

Wellness & Relaxation

• Cocoon Spa — Six overwater treatment rooms with glass floor panels. Signature treatments draw from Ayurvedic and Thai traditions.
• Yoga pavilion with daily sunrise and sunset sessions
• Meditation and mindfulness programmes
• Fitness centre with ocean views and personal training

Wine & Spirits

The resort's climate-controlled wine cellar houses over 450 labels, with a focus on fine Burgundy, Champagne, and New World producers. Private tastings and food-pairing dinners can be arranged in the cellar itself or at any of the resort's dining venues.

Getting There

Anantara Kihavah is reached by a scenic 35-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport in Malé. The resort operates a private VIP lounge at the seaplane terminal where guests can relax with refreshments before departure.

Seaplane transfers operate during daylight hours only (approximately 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM). For late arrivals, Anantara can arrange an overnight stay at their partner property in Malé or at a nearby airport hotel. Your Lagoon Travel Co. consultant will coordinate all logistics seamlessly.

Why Book with Lagoon Travel Co.

Our relationship with Anantara Kihavah means we can offer benefits that booking direct cannot match: complimentary villa upgrades when available, priority reservations at SEA underwater restaurant, bespoke excursion planning with the resort's marine biologist, and honeymoon or anniversary arrangements handled down to the last detail. We know this resort intimately, and we will ensure your stay is nothing short of extraordinary.