Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

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Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is a luxury resort located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. The resort is part of the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas brand, operated by Minor Hotels. It is known for its overwater and beachfront pool villas, underwater dining venue SEA, and the overwater SKY Observatory. Aerial photo of Anantara Kihavah

Location

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is situated on Kihavah Huravalhi Island in Baa Atoll, approximately 134 kilometres northwest of Malé. The island lies within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, an area recognised for its marine biodiversity, including manta rays and whale sharks.

The resort is accessible via a seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport, with a flight time of approximately 35 minutes.

History

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas opened in 2011 as part of the expansion of the Anantara brand into the Maldives. The property was developed as a high-end luxury island resort combining private pool villas with signature dining and wellness facilities.

In 2026, the resort marked its 15th anniversary. The same year also coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Anantara brand globally.

Accommodation

The resort features a collection of overwater villas and beachfront villas, each with a private swimming pool. Accommodation categories include:

• Over Water Pool Villa

• Sunset Over Water Pool Villa

• Deluxe Over Water Pool Villa

• Beach Pool Villa

• Sunset Beach Pool Villa

• Deluxe Beach Pool Villa

• Two Bedroom Family Beach Pool Villa

• Two Bedroom Beach Pool Residence

• Three Bedroom Beach Pool Residence

• Four Bedroom Beach Pool Residence

The villas are designed to integrate with the natural surroundings while offering privacy and direct access to either the lagoon or beach.

Recently renovated, the Beach Pool Villas have been thoughtfully reimagined with refreshed interiors, elevated finishes and enhanced privacy, offering a contemporary expression of barefoot luxury set within lush island gardens.

Dining

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is known for its four signature dining venues, collectively referred to as SEA, FIRE, SPICE and SKY.

SEA Underwater Restaurant

SEA is an underwater restaurant and wine cellar located approximately six metres below sea level. Guests dine surrounded by a coral reef ecosystem visible through glass walls. The venue offers tasting menus and curated wine pairings.

FIRE Restaurant

FIRE is an open air grill restaurant specialising in premium meats and seafood prepared over flame.

SPICE Restaurant

SPICE offers contemporary Asian cuisine with a focus on Japanese influences.

SKY Bar & Observatory

SKY is an overwater bar and observatory offering cocktails and stargazing experiences.

House Reef

Encircling the island, Anantara Kihavah’s vibrant house reef is easily accessible directly from the beach. Located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the reef is home to colourful coral formations, reef fish, turtles and seasonal manta rays. Gentle lagoon entry points allow guests to explore at their own pace, whether snorkelling independently or joining guided marine experiences. The proximity and health of the reef make it one of the resort’s defining natural assets.

SEA Underwater Restaurant

SEA is an underwater restaurant and wine cellar located approximately six metres below the surface of the Indian Ocean. Surrounded by panoramic glass walls, guests dine immersed within a living coral reef ecosystem. The venue presents curated tasting menus and an extensive collection of international wines, combining fine dining with a distinctive marine setting. SEA is recognised as one of the Maldives’ most iconic culinary experiences.

SKY Observatory

Perched above the lagoon, SKY Bar & Observatory offers one of the Maldives’ most distinctive evening experiences. By day, it is a serene overwater lounge with sweeping ocean views. By night, it transforms into a celestial stage, where expert SKY Edhurus guide guests through the constellations using a high powered telescope.

Located near the equator, the observatory allows for views of both northern and southern hemisphere skies across the year. Signature cocktails inspired by the cosmos complement the experience, making SKY a refined setting where astronomy, storytelling and island tranquillity meet.

Marine Environment

The resort is surrounded by a house reef accessible directly from the island’s shoreline. Baa Atoll is known for seasonal manta ray aggregations at Hanifaru Bay, located nearby. The area supports coral reefs, reef fish, turtles and other marine species.

The resort operates marine conservation initiatives, including coral propagation and educational programmes for guests.

Spa and Wellness

The overwater spa includes treatment rooms positioned above the lagoon. The wellness programme integrates international spa therapies with elements inspired by Maldivian traditions and natural ingredients.

Awards and Recognition

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has been featured in international travel and hospitality publications, including Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveller. The resort has received recognition for its underwater dining experience and luxury villa offerings.

Ownership

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas operates under the Anantara Hotels brand, which is owned by Minor Hotels, a Thailand based hospitality group.

See Also

  • Tourism in the Maldives
  • Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
  • Anantara Hotels

Official website: https://www.anantara.com/en/kihavah-maldives