Boutique Hotel Anantara Kihavah Villas
Quality Without Compromise
Experience luxury island living in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll. Immerse yourself in the Maldives' most extraordinary marine encounters and unparalleled culinary journeys. Above all, let us exceed your expectations of a luxury villa escape at Anantara Kihavah.
Discover the Soul of Anantara Kihavah
Anantara Kihavah is a sanctuary of luxury nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll. Set amongst pristine shores and powder-white sands, it offers an extraordinary blend of opulence, warmth, and authentic Maldivian beauty. Whether it’s snorkelling with manta rays at Hanifaru Bay, dining six metres beneath the ocean’s surface, or stargazing through the Indian Ocean’s most powerful telescope, every moment here feels magical.
With 80 overwater and beachfront villas, each featuring private infinity pools and glass-bottomed bathtubs, Kihavah feels both intimate and utterly indulgent. The culinary journey spans six distinctive restaurants, from the award-winning underwater SEA to the celestial SKY observatory, and the team treats you with genuine Maldivian hospitality. It’s not just another luxury resort experience, but something more immersive, more personal, and truly unforgettable.
Escape to Anantara Kihavah, where luxury living, underwater wonders, and serene island moments come together in perfect harmony.
Anantara Kihavah is a stunning island paradise located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the Maldives’ most celebrated destinations. This beautiful retreat is easily accessible from Malé, the capital city of the Maldives.
Getting There:
- By Seaplane: 35 minutes from Malé International Airport
Kihavah is renowned for its world-class house reef, exceptional diving and snorkelling opportunities, and proximity to Hanifaru Bay, where some of the planet’s largest gatherings of manta rays occur. The resort is perfectly positioned for unforgettable marine encounters, including swimming with manta rays, turtles, and dolphins throughout the year.
Kihavah experiences warm tropical weather year-round with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F). The water temperature remains consistently pleasant at around 27°C to 29°C (81°F to 84°F) throughout the year.
Dry Season (December to April):
- Less rainfall and lower humidity
- Sunny days with calm seas
- Average temperature: 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F)
Wet Season (May to November):
- Higher rainfall and humidity
- Occasional storms but still plenty of sunshine
- Average temperature: 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F)
- Prime season for manta ray encounters at Hanifaru Bay
The best time to visit Kihavah is during the dry season from December to April, when you’ll experience the most favourable weather conditions with minimal rainfall and excellent visibility for diving and snorkelling.
Peak Season (December to April):
- Ideal for beach activities and water sports
- Best underwater visibility
- Calm seas perfect for yacht excursions and island hopping
- Higher accommodation rates
Manta Ray Season (May to November):
Despite being the wet season, this period offers the best chance to witness manta rays at Hanifaru Bay, particularly from May to November. Many visitors specifically choose this time for these extraordinary marine encounters.
Shoulder Season (May to November):
- Lower accommodation rates
- Fewer crowds
- Still beautiful weather with occasional rain showers
- Excellent for spotting manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, and dolphins
Villa Host Service:
Your dedicated Villa Host is available 24/7 to anticipate your every need, from arranging activities to coordinating dining experiences and ensuring your stay is seamless and unforgettable.
Wedding Celebrations:
Celebrate your love in one of the most stunning settings imaginable. Exchange vows on a private sandbank, beneath the stars at SKY observatory, or on the beach at sunset. Our wedding team will craft a bespoke celebration that reflects your unique love story.
Private Events:
From milestone birthdays to anniversary celebrations and intimate gatherings, Kihavah provides the perfect backdrop for life’s special moments. Our events team will tailor every detail to create an occasion you’ll treasure forever.
Yacht Excursions:
Explore the pristine waters of Baa Atoll aboard a luxury yacht. Charter a private vessel for sunset cruises, island hopping adventures, or overnight journeys to remote atolls, complete with gourmet dining and personalised service.
WELLNESS, ELEVATED
Drift into tranquillity with the gentle sound of waves beneath you at the overwater Balance Wellness spa.
Escape everyday life and experience restorative treatments for body and soul. The spa menu features therapies designed to rejuvenate and harmonise, using natural ingredients and ancient healing techniques. Simply a perfect way to enhance your luxury island escape at Kihavah.
Indulge in bespoke therapies and spa treatments tailored to your needs. At Balance Wellness, we invite you to be as relaxed or energised as you please. Explore a variety of indulgent experiences created for your relaxation and wellbeing to awaken your senses, including therapeutic massages, holistic facials, Ayurvedic rituals, as well as signature beauty treatments. Watch tropical fish glide beneath the glass floor panels as expert therapists guide you towards complete serenity.
Activities at Kihavah
From snorkelling with manta rays at Hanifaru Bay to romantic dinners beneath the stars, diving adventures and culinary masterclasses. If you can dream it, we can probably arrange it for you! Our dedicated team operates excursions on a flexible schedule tailored to your preferences. Your villa host will be delighted to assist you in crafting your perfect island experience from the moment you arrive.
Diving
Baa Atoll is one of the world’s premier diving destinations and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The house reef and surrounding sites offer year-round encounters with manta rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, and an abundance of tropical fish. The resort’s PADI dive centre caters to all levels, from beginners to advanced divers seeking thrilling adventures.Snorkelling with Manta Rays
Hanifaru Bay, just minutes from Kihavah, is home to the largest seasonal gathering of manta rays on the planet. From May to November, witness these graceful giants feeding in the bay. With snorkelling gear, you’ll glide alongside these magnificent creatures in one of nature’s most spectacular marine displays.Sandbank Picnic
Escape to your own private sandbank and enjoy the serenity of being surrounded by nothing but ocean. Relax in the shallows, explore the surrounding reef with snorkelling gear, or simply unwind on pristine white sand. Your butler will arrange gourmet refreshments and champagne for an unforgettable romantic interlude.Sunset Dolphin Cruise
Set sail on a traditional Maldivian dhoni as the sun paints the sky in shades of gold and pink. Watch playful spinner dolphins leap through the waves in their natural habitat, creating magical moments against the stunning sunset backdrop. Return to the resort as stars begin to twinkle overhead.Stargazing at SKY
Experience the Maldives’ first overwater observatory, equipped with the Indian Ocean’s most powerful telescope. Join the SKY Guru for an evening of celestial discovery, identifying constellations, planets, and distant galaxies. Enjoy signature cocktails and canapés as you explore the universe from this unique rooftop sanctuary.Water Sports
From kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to wakeboarding and jet skiing, the resort’s water sports centre offers thrilling activities for all ages. Explore the lagoon at your own pace or try parasailing and flyboarding for an adrenaline rush. Non-motorised water sports are complimentary for all guests.Island Hopping
Discover the local Maldivian way of life with guided excursions to nearby inhabited islands. Visit local markets, meet island communities, and gain insight into traditional crafts and daily life in this island nation. These cultural experiences offer a meaningful connection beyond the resort’s boundaries.Cooking Classes
Join the resort’s talented chefs for hands-on Spice Spoons cooking classes featuring Maldivian, Asian, and international cuisines. Learn the secrets behind signature dishes, explore local spices and ingredients, and take home new skills to impress family and friends. Classes are available for both adults and children.Fishing Expeditions
Experience traditional Maldivian fishing methods on sunset or night fishing trips aboard a traditional dhoni. Try your hand at big game fishing for marlin, sailfish, and tuna, or enjoy a more relaxed reef fishing excursion. Your catch can be prepared by the resort’s talented chefs for dinner.Turtle Snorkelling
Join marine biologists on guided snorkelling excursions to spot green and hawksbill sea turtles gliding through the house reef. Learn about turtle conservation efforts in the Maldives whilst observing these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. Perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts seeking meaningful marine encounters.Yoga and Wellness
Begin your day with sunrise yoga sessions on the beach or in overwater pavilions overlooking the lagoon. Private and group classes are available, focusing on various styles from Hatha to Vinyasa. Complement your practice with meditation sessions and breathing exercises designed to restore balance and peace.Cinema Paradiso
Enjoy outdoor cinema under the stars on the beach with the sound of gentle waves in the background. Sink into comfortable cushions with popcorn and your favourite drink as classic films and new releases play on screen. Private screenings can be arranged for special occasions or romantic date nights.Restaurants & Bars
We hope all the snorkelling and diving has worked up your appetite, as the culinary journey at Kihavah is nothing short of extraordinary. With six distinctive dining venues, each meal becomes a memorable experience in itself.
In our kitchens, we celebrate the freshest ingredients from local waters and beyond. The seafood is caught daily from the surrounding ocean, whilst premium ingredients are sourced responsibly from around the world. Our talented chefs blend traditional Maldivian flavours with international techniques, creating dishes that excite and delight. Don’t hesitate to ask about the story behind your meal.
Our restaurants offer everything from intimate underwater dining at SEA to theatrical teppanyaki at FIRE, elevated Asian cuisine at SPICE, and casual beachfront favourites at Plates. Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner beneath the stars or a relaxed family meal by the beach, we have the perfect setting. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know in advance so our chefs can prepare bespoke options tailored to your needs. At Kihavah, every dining experience is designed to exceed expectations.
LUXURY REDEFINED AT ANANTARA KIHAVAH
Anantara Kihavah offers 80 exquisite villas, each designed with sophistication, space, and breathtaking natural beauty in mind. From elegant Beach Pool Villas nestled amongst tropical foliage to spectacular Overwater Pool Villas suspended above the lagoon, every residence feels like a private sanctuary thoughtfully crafted for indulgence. Whether you’re a couple seeking romance, a family creating memories, or friends celebrating together, there’s a villa that exceeds expectations. All villas include private infinity pools, glass-bottomed bathtubs, outdoor dining pavilions, and 24/7 Villa Host service, with luxurious touches like spacious sundecks, direct lagoon access, or multi-bedroom layouts adding to the sense of absolute escapism. It’s a stay that combines barefoot luxury with world-class hospitality and unparalleled privacy.
Beach Pool Villa
Suitable for a Family of 4 persons
- 258 sqm / 2,776 sqft
- Maximum 3 adults
- Private infinity pool
- Direct beach access
- Private pool
- Dining sala
- Al fresco
- bathroom
- His and hers wardrobes
Compact Room
- 258 sqm / 2,776 sqft
- Maximum 3 adults
- Direct beach access
- Prime position for sunset viewing
- Private pool
- Dining sala
- Al fresco
- bathroom
- His and hers wardrobes
Over Water Pool Villa
- 267 sqm / 2,873 sqft
- Maximum 3 adults
- Private overwater pool
- Direct lagoon access
- Private pool
- Al fresco
- bathroom
- Villa host
- Personal bicycles
Sunset Over Water Pool Villa
- 267 sqm / 2,873 sqft
- Maximum 3 adults
- Direct lagoon access
- Spectacular sunset views
- Villa host
- Personal bicycles
- Sunset view
- Al fresco
- bathroom
One Bedroom Family Over Water Pool Villa
- 267 sqm / 2,873 sqft
- Maximum 3 adults or 2 adults + 3 kids
- Outdoor private lounge
- Overwater hammock
- Villa host
- Private pool
- Direct lagoon access
- Al fresco bathroom
Two Bedroom Family Beach Pool Villa
- 412 sqm / 4,433 sqft
- Maximum 4 adults & 1 child
- Two ensuite bedrooms
- Special kids’ amenities
- Private pool
- Dining sala
- Al fresco bathroom
- Children’s amenities
Plan your Dream Retreat at
Anantara Kihavah Villas
Questions & Answers
KĀli Journey Maldives will be by your side every step of the way when planning your unforgettable trip. From seamless travel arrangements to personalized accommodation and curated experiences
There are several ways we may arrange your transportation from Velana International Airport:
1) shared speedboat transfer – 2 scheduled speedboats a day, one at 11am, the next one at 4pm (10am & 3pm on Fridays): with approximate travel time of 2 hours; cost is USD65 per person/way (USD50/way for kids below the age of 12)*
2) domestic flight from Velana International Airport to Maamigili (20 minutes), followed by a 20 minutes boat ride from Maamigili to Dhigurah; cost is USD175 per person/way (USD85/way for kids below the age of 12)*
3) shared sea plane transfer from Velana International Airport to Lux Maldives (30 minutes), followed by a 5 minutes boat ride: cost is USD250 per person/way(USD160/way for kids under the age of 12)*
*subject to weather *subject to availability *timings and prices are subject to change
We spot Whale sharks throughout the year. It depends a bit on the weather how easy they are to spot from the boat. The calmer the sea and sunnier it is, the easier it is to see them.
Other sharks are always around as well. Other (harmless) sharks we frequently see are: Black tip, White tip and Grey reef sharks. You’ll see nurse sharks more on dives than during snorkeling. Occasionally a different shark species visits, after which the snorkel/dive community goes out of their way to find them.
It’s possible to spot Mantas throughout the year when diving. There is a cleaning station nearby that is frequently visited. For snorkeling there are some months with a lot of activity where the manta rays can also be spotted in our lagoon. Last year this was from January to about April, and it might repeat itself before the end of the year. However, it is harder to predict
Pack lightly. The Maldives has a hot tropical climate, with temperatures generally hovering around 30°C year-round, with night-time lows sometimes of 24°C.
We recommend booking experiences, dining venues, massages, or spa treatments in advance. either before arrival at the resort or as soon as you arrive.
KĀli Journey Maldives will be your trusted partner throughout the entire process, supporting you with travel planning, accommodation, curated experiences, exclusive access, and more. all tailored to your preferences.
Let us help you design a personalized itinerary that ensures you experience the very best of Araamu Hollyday & SPA
Book a consultation call or make a reservation directly through our website to begin crafting your dream getaway today.
