Within a month of its opening, this resort had won repeat guests. Guests will pinch themselves when they see the design symmetry of infinity pools, wooden pavilions, and platforms. Like Botticelli’s Venus, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas seems to step, perfectly formed, from the endlessly still sea. Every rich shade of blue builds on the illusion of being barely out the sea and yet connected to the heavens. This resort is ridiculous perfection.
This palm-speckled island remains undisturbed with the resort hidden from view by natural vegetation. Canopied paths crisscross the island and striking palms arch over beachfront villas. There are no motorised water sports to disturb the peace, the reefs, or the rhythms of aquatic wildlife so guests can indulge in complete peace.
After guests enjoy a foot massage in the villa, the butler quietly takes over. It is easy never to set foot outside the villa again with spectacular guestrooms that are a divine mix of modernity and tradition. Wide outdoor terraces with swinging daybeds or hammocks are masterpieces of comfort. In the beach villas, sunken garden tubs for two come with built-in wine coolers. The overwater villas cheekily boast glass-bottomed bathtubs.
Migrate from the villa to the pool area where butlers busy themselves plying guests with fruit, liquid refreshments, and cold towels whilst guests ease back on retro loungers or on spacious daybeds.
On the far tip of the island and surrounded turquoise waters, is the stilted-up Sea.Fire.Salt.Sky complex. Guests can sip martinis in Sky until the cocktail matches the colour of sunset; eat teppanyaki at Fire; savour seafood at Salt; then step down into underwater elegance of Sea, where vast numbers of bottles are cellared.
The newest addition is the observatory at SKY. It houses the most powerful telescope in the Indian Ocean. Here guests can enjoy extraordinary stargazing experiences, learn about constellations, and enjoy artful cocktails.
The 79 beach villas are scattered in tropical gardens and are just steps from the beach. Stunning living areas are arranged around courtyards with fountains, while huge outdoor garden-bathrooms offer a taste of the tropics. There are plush daybeds, lush Frette pillows to sink into; with the addition of a private plunge pool and garden for all Deluxe Beach Villas.
A secluded retreat set on stilts over the lagoon at the tip of the island. The Spa has 9 treatment rooms, 21 Spa Water Villas and a Spa Restaurant. Perfect for those seeking a total spa experience. The large Spa Water Villas have a private sundeck, direct access to the lagoon and a separate treatment villa for totally private in-villa massages and therapies.
50 water villas of ever increasing degrees of luxury offering sweeping views of the lagoon and iridescent sunsets.
Dining options in the seven7 restaurants and three3 bars are served in stunning locations. , Tthe most famous, Sea, is being anthe all- glass undersea restaurant that which sits five metres beneath the waves next to a coral reef. Book in advance!
Restaurants include: Sea, Salt, Fire, Sky, Plates, Manzaru, *Also- “Dining by design”