I’d heard about Kihavah long before I became blissfully acquainted. It had a lot to live up to – from the glowing reviews on the likes of Trip Advisor, to rarely given effusive praise from fellow luxury travel hacks. My anticipation was as high as my sea plane flight the first time I visited, wondering would it be as amazing as everyone said? Little is worse travel-wise than venturing back to a favourite haunt, only to be so disappointed as your long-cherished memories shrivel to dust.
But oh, what needless worry – it was as awesome as I’d recalled – actually, even more so this time round. Despite having visited almost 20 Maldives top 5 star resorts to compare against, Kihavah’s pearlescent sand seemed even more talc-soft, the island’s spectacular views and orchid-bejewelled interior even prettier, the villas more luxurious and larger, and the dining… too delicious to easily describe.
Kihavah is located a sea plane away from the main Maldives international airport, at the heart of the Baa Atoll, famous for its variety and abundance of underwater species, all protected thanks to its classification as a UNESCO Biosphere reserve. Like neighbours Dusit Thani and Amilla Fushi, it is a circular emerald green tropical gem, fringed with white sand beaches and crystalline shallows of incredible turquoise hues. But it has its own distinct character, and unique style.
Flying in, the approach quite takes your breath away. It seems small, and perfectly formed – with large villas perched like a string of pearls out on a sea so clear you can see rainbow coloured fish swimming below even before you land. The arrival jetty leads you past one of the Maldives loveliest and longest main pools – which has artfully placed tiny lights in its depths which at night, make it seem you are diving into a star-lit galaxy far, far away. Next to this is the main restaurant where you’ll enjoy sumptuous breakfasts with more choice than you could imagine and another serving very good Italian fare.
The buggy journey through the heart of this tropical paradise takes you through frangipani and exotic jasmine scented pathways, and past lovely and very private beach villas, to the jetty where all the over-water villas are to be found. Heading out to the West they offer their guests incredible sunset or sunrise views, and a serene and private haven to truly relax and unwind in luxury. The villas at Amilla Fushi are large, but these are also very spacious, with stunning bathroom areas with large baths, steam rooms, in and outdoor showers and floor to ceiling windows and doors leading out to a huge private pool.
The deck area is split level – with stairs down to an almost sea level platform perfect for stretching out and watching the fish swim below. There’s plenty of shade too – unlike some villas in the Maldives, where you have no choice but to brave the uncomfortable sharp heat of the tropical sun. The pools at Kihavah are among the very best you’ll find. Much larger than most, with iridescent pretty tiling, and practical gently sloping stairs and seating ledges, meaning you don’t need to fully submerge to enjoy the cooling water. The views are mind-bendingly beautiful too – the colour of the sea here seems even more turquoise than others. And you can spot neighbouring islands on the horizon, and pleasure excursion and dive boats meandering by.
This special island has a super spa – perched out on its own jetty, with high vaulted roofs and individual spacious treatment rooms, and lovely outdoor relaxation area with its own pools. Treatments are excellent, as you would expect, and a wide choice offered too.
When the sun starts to set, head to the Sky Bar, again perched over the sea on a jetty, for creative cocktails, a wonderful view and fine champagne, before being spoilt for choice with the restaurants Sea. Fire and Salt. Japanese fare fans head to Fire, for teppanyaki dining; Asian cuisine lovers enjoy Salt, and the unbeatable signature restaurant Sea offers incredible multi-course lunches and dinners, meters below the sea in what is definitely THE best under-water restaurant the Maldives has. Floor to mirrored ceiling windows reveal an incredible array of pretty fish, sharks, moray eels and turtles on a mature reef system. This coupled with an excellent cellar of over 6,000 fine wines, and the quality of the food is impossible to beat. The resort has an observatory now at the top of Sky Bar – so you can view the planets and stars with expert guides.
Anantarah Kihavah is special. I will return soon – with confidence, knowing the 3rd time will be just as good as the last. A staggering percentage of guests agree, with most returning again and again – often bringing new generations with them to experience its heart-warming delights.
