Ever dreamt of a holiday that required you to be in the lap of luxury, surrounded by crystal clear waters that were unreal shades of blue and harboured the most amazing marine life? Come, live the dream at the Anantara properties in the Maldives.

Anantara Kihavah Villas provides a lap of luxury, surrounded by crystal clear waters that are unreal shades of blue and harbour an incredible array of tropical fish and enchanting pulsating corals.
Exotic, luxurious and indigenous the brand Anantara, a member of the Minor Hotel Group, present in some of the most unique destinations across Asia and the Middle East is known for its heart-felt hospitality and a sense of discovery.
Straddling the equator, the Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean–Arabian Sea area, consisting of a double chain of twenty-six atolls and enjoying a year round warm tropical climate with temperatures ranging between 23°C and 32°C. The Anantara properties in this location not only succeed in making the stunning natural beauty of the place their own but also set new standards in luxury and hospitality.
Anantara Kihavah Villas enjoys a prime location in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll island archipelago, and is the perfect place from which to enjoy the underwater world of the Indian Ocean. Snorkel some of the world’s most treasured reefs within a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, explore uninhabited islands or cruise in solitude into a tapestry of colours like turquoise, aquamarine and cobalt blue.
A pristine white powder beach circumnavigates the whole island full of lush green palm groves; clear turquoise waters lead to a thriving house reef. Sail, fish, snorkel, scuba dive right off your villa or experience the one-of-a-kind spa treatments or simply relax in the award-winning all pool villa resort surrounded by drop dead gorgeous views. And no, your eyes are not playing tricks, that were indeed a school of Surgeon Fish that swam past and those squid, eels, turtles and the rays were not just figments of your imagination!
Kihavah literally means a ‘tender sweet coconut’ and Anantara Kihavah Villas, built with total respect to the native vegetation has 79 spacious private pool villas, ranging from 260 to 2,730 sq m, that are either poised over the water with sweeping ocean views or nestled along a pristine stretch of private beach, emulates this to the fullest.
Apt both for the discerning travellers and the diving and snorkeling junkies, the resort is accessible only by a mesmerising seaplane ride or speedboat.With more than enough reasons to go, Anantara Kihavah Villas also offers an array of bespoke and exhilarating experiences; ‘Elements Kihavah’ is the resort’s water sports provider, which takes the guests under, on and alongside the turquoise Indian Ocean.
Whether sailing a boat, casting a fishing line or exploring the brilliant reefs, dolphins, turtles and Manta Rays can be seen thriving in their natural habitats. Done up with the appropriate use of materials and presenting chic coastal architecture, accommodations at this blissed-out venue are a range of choices from over water and beach villas, as well as two-bedroom residences.

Done up with the appropriate use of materials and presenting chic coastal architecture, accommodations at this blissed-out venue combine with the natural beauty around to give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Each hideaway boasts a large personal infinity-edge pool, dining pavilion, expansive wooden sundeck and ample lounging area complete with a swinging daybed, hammock and sun lounger and even a waterproof book!
The strategically placed glass sections in the floors of the elegant and refined villas provide tantalising, up-close views of tropical sea-life all through the day. At Anantara Kihavah Villas guests are treated to a host of dining options across various world cuisines as well as a unique underwater restaurant setting.
The ambience of Kihavah is truly emblematic of our love affair with the shore. Candles light the tables, and the gentle, tropical breeze and sounds of the ocean form the ultimate backdrop as you enjoy your meal.
At Manzaru the pool bar and restaurant, one may have breakfasts in the morning and authentic Italian fare through the day.Sea, Fire, Salt, Sky, are the four eclectic dining options which offer both over and underwater dining experiences. SEA is one of only a few underwater restaurants and comes with the world’s first underwater wine cellar and a global gourmet menu. Prepare to be amazed as a brilliant array of sea life swim, dart and dance before your eyes.

Coral gardens which are planted and nurtured by the establishment allow the guests the luxury of exploring them at leisure.
At FIRE the Teppanyaki restaurant, the atmosphere is communal and theatrical. SALT is Asian inspired and the open air kitchen sizzles with activity as you enjoy the warm sea breeze beneath an open thatched roof from which hangs a Bigass fan. The resident salt sommelier pairs your every dish with the perfect seasoning and opens your eyes to the fascinating and surprisingly nuanced world of salt.
SKY, the mellow rooftop bar is perfect for light bites and tropical refreshments. Anantara Kihavah Villas offers a sublime solution for rejuvenation, and is the kind of location, that tense desk workers the world over spend long hours just dreaming about.
Envelop yourself in one more property of the brand, Anantara in the Maldives, Anantara Veli Resort & Spa which offers space and freedom amongst an exhilarating ambience full of world class facilities. The traditional Maldivian Kajan roofed villas here are statements of style and splendour, and thoroughly satisfy one’s deep need for ‘my time’. Alternately this location is also highly recommended for relaxation with family and friends.

73 Degrees, named after the longitude of the Maldives is an enticingly light and airy coastal style pavilion serving a sumptuous breakfast buffet every morning.
Anantara,Veli, dares to be different, here one may indulge in novel activities like the ‘coconut experience’ or imbibe well kept cooking secrets from experienced Maldivian chefs at the Spice Spoons Cooking School, along with experiencing the thrill of mastering a surf board on the rolling Indian Ocean waves or exploring one of the greatest diving destinations.
Camaraderie and warmth emanates from every employee of the resort and 67 villa retreats built with great sensitivity towards the native vegetation, charm with a blend of luxurious accommodations including a quiet beach within an adults-only environment.
Whether you want to go island hopping, take a sailing cruise, try your hand at deep-sea fishing or stroll through the markets in a bustling capital city of Malé, there are leisure activities to suit all interests. The Aquafanatics water Sports Centre offers dolphin watching trips, paddleboard and surfing lessons.
The Sundari Ayurvedic Spa not only provides rejuvenating treatments but the in-house Ayurveda expert also offers simple doable cures for many a common ailment. Tennis, petanque, chess, billiards and an open-air theatre are just a few more activities that will keep the most fastidious guest occupied.
73 Degrees, named after the longitude of the Maldives is an enticingly light and airy coastal style pavilion serving a sumptuous breakfast buffet every morning. Dhoni, the poolside restaurant offers beautiful views and Ocean breezes.
Just moments away by the resort’s complimentary boat service lies Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa, which offers an additional selection of dining choices for Veli guests in the evenings. Baan Hura, the over water teak, Thai restaurant here provides fare that is bursting with authencity of flavor.
At Origami, Japanese cuisine comes as a package deal along with entertainment contributed by the tantalising and skilled maneuvers of the chef. Dining by Design is a signature Anantara experience that offers guests the freedom to plan a menu and location of choice around the resort.
Big and small celebrations are handled with consummate ease at Anantara Veli Resort & Spa. Every detail is taken care of to ensure special occasions run smoothly as the resort offers a combination of a sublimely romantic setting and service par excellence.
At the Anantaras it is possible to take back memories of stuff you probably only did in your wildest dreams…
Text By Mala Bajaj
Photographs Courtesy Anantara Hotels & Resorts
Contact
web: www.kihavah-maldives.anantara.com
www.veli-maldives.anantara.com