HOTEL REVIEW: ANANTARA KIHAVAH MALDIVES
“An environmentally sustainable luxury island destination”
Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Baa Atoll archipelago, Anantara Kihavah beckons with its unrivaled luxury and unwavering commitment to preservation.
Discover the enchanting allure of this exquisite resort as we unveil the secrets that make it a true haven of indulgence and sustainability. Scroll on to immerse yourself in the world of Anantara Kihavah and embark on an unforgettable journey of luxury and eco-conscious exploration.
LOCATION AND TRANSFERS
Welcome to the epitome of luxury and serenity, the enchanting sanctuary known as Anantara Kihavah. Nestled within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this remarkable resort is cocooned by a kaleidoscope of mesmerizing blue hues, offering a haven of unparalleled beauty. Prepare to immerse yourself in an extraordinary world where nature’s wonders and lavish indulgence intertwine harmoniously.
Embarking on your journey to this secluded oasis is anadventure in itself. First, you are ushered to relax in the comfort of the Manta Air lounge, where you can savour delectable refreshments while anticipation builds for your forthcoming escape to this idyllic retreat.
Next, a 40-minute seaplane transfer from Male Airport transports you to the heart of tranquillity. From the moment you step off the plane, the gracious Anantara staff will be at your service, ensuring a seamless transition to paradise.
As you step foot onto the pristine white sand, a warm and jubilant welcome awaits. The air resonates with the melodious beats of Bodu Beru, the traditional Maldivian drums, as a multitude of gracious Anantara staff members extend their greetings. Within moments, you’ll find yourself enveloped in the embrace of hospitality, a refreshing beverage in hand, while a buggy whisks you away on a guided tour of the enchanting resort.
THE VILLAS
The captivating Anantara sanctuary boasts a collection of 80 villas, each one a masterpiece in its own right. For our unforgettable sojourn, we chose the overwater pool villa, and it exceeded every expectation. The moment you step inside, you are transported to a realm of sheer indulgence. The long hallway beckons, leading you to a world of serenity and luxury. On one side, a generously proportioned bedroom awaits, offering magnificent vistas of the endless ocean. On the other side, a duo of walk-in wardrobes, followed by a truly stunning bathroom. This exquisite sanctuary is a symphony of elegance, featuring both indoor and outdoor showers, separate his and hers vanities, and a grand sunken glass-bottom bathtub that grants you clear views of the azure waters below.
Beyond the confines of your sanctuary lies a private outdoor area. An expansive infinity-edge pool invites you to take a refreshing dip, while a thoughtfully arranged dining area awaits for intimate al fresco meals. A wooden sundeck provides the perfect spot for basking in the warm tropical sun, and a gracefully suspended daybed which will entice you to surrender to its embrace as you drift off to the soothing lullaby of the gentle ocean waves.
No detail is overlooked by Anantara. As a testament to their commitment to your comfort, Anantara provides a complimentary beach bag and sun hat, complimentary water replenished twice a day, and a surprise delightful treat each evening, a small gesture that adds an extra touch of indulgence to your night.
DINING
Anantara Kihavah excels in the realm of gastronomy, leaving no room for disappointment. Throughout our stay, we savoured delectable cuisine beyond compare, with each meal surpassing our expectations. The culinary prowess of F&B Director, Arun Kumar, was unparalleled as he graciously accommodated our every food request, ensuring a personalised dining experience. Our journey began with a remarkable dining experience at Spice, where Chef Subhash transported our taste buds to India with an extraordinary Indian feast. The flavours and aromas were reminiscent of the finest culinary delights found within the borders of India itself. So impressed were we that we returned on our final night, and to our delight, Chef Subhash crafted an exquisite off-menu masterpiece, leaving our bellies and hearts full.
Fire, the signature teppanyaki restaurant, captivated our senses with its sizzling flavours and immersive ambiance, whilst Plates, provided a wide-ranging buffet and engaging entertainment. During leisurely lunches, we savoured light bites at Manzaru, and for a truly unparalleled experience, we dined at SEA, the beautiful underwater restaurant. Surrounded by mesmerising marine life, including sharks, turtles, and tropical fish, we delighted in gourmet meals that unfolded in a captivating underwater paradise. It was an unforgettable dining experience that words cannot do justice.
Before and after each meal, we found ourselves drawn to the enchanting Sky Bar, an idyllic setting to witness the Maldivian sunset while sipping on exotic cocktails. The talented bartender crafted some of the most exceptional cocktails we have ever tasted, and by the end of our stay, he effortlessly tailored personalised creations to suit our preferences. Also any gin enthusiasts will rejoice, as Manzaru specialises in an exceptional array of gin creations, ensuring an unparalleled experience for gin lovers.
Anantara Kihavah has truly mastered the art of culinary excellence, immersing you in a world of flavours and unforgettable moments. Allow your taste buds to dance amidst extraordinary settings, as you indulge in a symphony of gastronomic delights that will leave an indelible mark on your luxury travel memories.
RESORT ACTIVITIES
At Anantara Kihavah, boredom is a foreign concept, for a plethora of activities await, ensuring endless enjoyment regardless of the weather. Fitness enthusiasts will be delighted by the state-of-the-art gym, muay-thai boxing ring, tennis courts, and complimentary bicycles, allowing exploration of the island at one’s own pace. For those seeking relaxation, the Anantara spa beckons, boasting six overwater treatment rooms where an array of massages and treatments await, providing the ultimate pampering experience.
Water enthusiasts will find their haven at Elements, the diving centre. Dive into thrilling adventures such as diving excursions, house-reef snorkelling led by a marine biologist, mesmerising sunset sailing, exhilarating jet ski rides, and much more. Our personal favourite was the house-reef snorkelling, an enlightening experience guided by the knowledgeable marine biologist. For more on diving check out this guide on diving excursions in the Maldives.
Finally, and one you cannot miss, indulge in celestial wonders at Anantara Kihavah’s overwater observatory. Located near the equator, the Maldives provides an ideal setting for stargazing. On our final evening, the knowledgeable sky guru treated us to views of Jupiter and its moons, the stunning rings of Venus, and a sparkling tapestry of stars. It was a truly enchanting finale to our journey, surpassing all expectations.
SUSTAINABILITY
Anantara Kihavah is deeply committed to sustainability, exemplified by its prestigious Green Globe Certification. The resort upholds its eco-conscious values by preserving every tree during construction and maintaining lush green spaces like the Orchid Garden and Organic Garden. Through various initiatives, Anantara Kihavah demonstrates its ongoing dedication to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.
A notable endeavour is the coral adoption program, diligently overseen by Anantara’s marine biologist, which aims to regenerate and preserve the house reef. In a region where many reefs have suffered from the impact of tourism, Anantara Kihavah takes a leading role in reef preservation and protection.
With a steadfast focus on sustainability, Anantara Kihavah sets a remarkable example for the Maldives and beyond. It is a testament to their commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the environment while providing an exceptional luxury experience for guests.
INTEL HUB
Website: https://www.anantara.com/en/kihavah-maldives
Address: Kihavah Huravalhi Island Baa Atoll, 20215, Maldives
Phone: +960 664-4111
If you want to book this hotel, visit LaTrouvaille or send me an email.
When it comes to selecting a resort in the Maldives, Anantara Kihavah unquestionably reigns supreme. This haven of luxury seamlessly intertwines with a profound commitment to sustainability, redefining the notion of responsible tourism. By choosing Anantara Kihavah, you embark on a journey that encapsulates the essence of modern travel trends, where luxury and sustainability harmoniously coexist. Embrace this new era of conscious exploration and immerse yourself in the epitome of sustainable luxury at Anantara Kihavah.
3 responses to “Hotel Review: Anantara Kihavah Maldives”
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This sounds absolutely amazing. Wow!
My husband and I stayed in overwater bungalows in Tahiti and LOVED it. We would happily go back. This place looks equally enchanting.