Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas – Baa Atoll

An Elegant Sanctuary Famous for Graceful Manta Rays and Timeless Beauty

Nestled in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Anantara Kihavah offers a refined yet deeply natural escape. This private island feels like a hidden paradise — lush, romantic, and intentionally designed for those seeking both luxury and meaningful connection with the ocean.

The island itself is naturally formed and beautifully balanced, with swaying palms, soft white sand, and vibrant tropical gardens that lead straight to the sea. There is an elegant, serene atmosphere here that invites you to slow down, breathe, and truly be present.

Introduction of Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is a sophisticated sanctuary nestled in the heart of the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll. What makes this resort truly special is its harmonious blend of elegant luxury and genuine connection to the ocean — offering guests an experience that feels both refined and deeply immersive.

The island is naturally shaped and generously proportioned, allowing for a wonderful sense of space while maintaining an intimate atmosphere. Lush tropical gardens give way to pristine beaches, and the resort’s thoughtful layout ensures privacy without isolation. With only 80 villas, the feeling remains exclusive and personal.

Anantara Kihavah is particularly beloved for its outstanding house reef and proximity to some of the Maldives’ most famous manta ray cleaning stations. Guests frequently enjoy graceful encounters with these majestic creatures just a short boat ride away, especially during the peak season from May to November. The underwater restaurant SEA adds a touch of magic, allowing diners to enjoy exquisite cuisine while surrounded by the living reef.

Service here strikes a beautiful balance — warm, intuitive, and never intrusive. The resort successfully combines five-star comfort with a relaxed, barefoot elegance that encourages guests to truly unwind and reconnect with themselves and their loved ones.

For couples and families seeking refined luxury, exceptional marine life, and a setting that nurtures both romance and restoration, Anantara Kihavah offers a memorable and deeply satisfying Maldives experience.

    Transfer from Malé

A scenic 35-minute seaplane flight brings you directly to the resort’s lagoon. The journey is breathtaking, offering stunning aerial views of the atolls and countless shades of blue. Round-trip seaplane transfers typically range from $850 per person  $425 per child.

Villa Accommodation at Anantara Kihavah 

At Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, every villa is conceived as a private ocean sanctuary — spacious, elegant, and seamlessly connected to the lagoon and sky. With only 80 villas on the island, the resort maintains an intimate and exclusive atmosphere where privacy feels effortless and natural.

The design blends contemporary Asian elegance with Maldivian soul. Rich teak woods, soft neutral palettes, high ceilings, and generous use of glass create spaces that feel both luxurious and deeply calming. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors open onto expansive outdoor decks, allowing the gentle rhythm of the ocean to flow through every villa.

Overwater Pool Villas – Floating Above the Lagoon

The Overwater Pool Villas are the quintessential Maldives dream. Perched directly above the turquoise lagoon, they offer uninterrupted horizon views and direct access to the water. These villas are especially loved by couples seeking romance and immersion.

Villa Size & Features

Each Overwater Pool Villa measures approximately 185–210 sqm (2,000–2,260 sq ft), including the large private deck and infinity pool. The outdoor space features a generous infinity pool that appears to merge with the sea, sun loungers, and a shaded sala perfect for intimate dinners or quiet reading.

Inside, the bedroom opens fully to the ocean, while the luxurious bathroom includes an oversized soaking tub positioned to face the lagoon and a rain shower that brings the elements inside. The seamless indoor-outdoor flow creates a sense of living on the water itself.

Beach Pool Villas – Grounded in Nature

The Beach Pool Villas offer a different but equally compelling expression of luxury. Nestled among lush tropical gardens with direct beach access, they provide a more grounded, cocoon-like experience while still delivering complete privacy.

Villa Size & Features

These villas are typically larger in footprint, ranging from 210–250 sqm (2,260–2,690 sq ft) including the private pool and garden. Each comes with its own infinity pool, expansive outdoor deck, shaded lounging areas, and direct steps onto the soft white sand. The interiors continue the resort’s refined aesthetic with warm wooden finishes, natural textures, and thoughtful lighting that enhances the sense of calm.

For guests who prefer to feel the sand beneath their feet and enjoy the gentle shade of palm trees, the Beach Pool Villas create a deeply restorative environment.

Why Villa Design Matters at Anantara Kihavah

Every villa at Kihavah is intentionally designed to deepen your connection with the ocean and support true relaxation. The generous outdoor living spaces, private pools, and seamless flow between inside and outside encourage you to live gently between the villa, the beach, and the sea. The thoughtful balance of elegance and comfort makes these villas feel like personal sanctuaries rather than mere accommodations.

Choosing Between Overwater and Beach

If your heart longs for the iconic Maldives experience — waking up above the water with endless lagoon views and the gentle lap of waves beneath you — the Overwater Pool Villa is the perfect choice.

If you prefer a more grounded connection to nature, lush garden surroundings, and immediate beach access, the Beach Pool Villa offers an equally luxurious and often more spacious retreat.

Neither is superior — the right choice simply depends on the experience you wish to wake up to each morning.

The Island & House Reef at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Anantara Kihavah sits on a naturally formed island within the protected waters of Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The island feels generously proportioned yet wonderfully intimate — lush with tropical vegetation, framed by long stretches of soft white sand, and surrounded by a lagoon that shifts through every shade of turquoise and aquamarine.

There is an elegant, serene atmosphere here. The resort never feels overcrowded, and the thoughtful layout allows guests to find their own perfect corners of paradise, whether it’s a quiet stretch of beach or a shaded spot beneath the palms. It strikes a refined balance between space and seclusion, making it easy to truly disconnect and reconnect with what matters.

House Reef and Snorkeling Quality

Anantara Kihavah is highly regarded for its strong and accessible house reef. The reef runs alongside much of the island and can be reached with ease from the beach and many of the overwater villas. Just a short swim from shore, guests enter a vibrant underwater world filled with healthy coral formations, colorful reef fish, turtles, eagle rays, and the occasional reef shark.

The reef’s drop-off creates dramatic visibility and rewarding snorkeling, often right in front of your villa. While not quite as shallow and immediate as some smaller islands, the quality and diversity of marine life make it deeply satisfying for those who love spending time in the water.

Baa Atoll & Manta Ray Encounters

What truly elevates Kihavah’s location is its privileged position inside the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The resort lies close to several renowned manta ray cleaning stations. During the southwest monsoon (May to November, with peak activity from July to October), guests can join short, guided boat trips to witness one of nature’s most graceful spectacles — dozens of manta rays gliding and feeding in elegant formations.

These encounters, when conditions align, are often described as life-changing. The combination of a strong house reef for daily snorkeling and easy access to world-class manta ray sites makes Anantara Kihavah especially appealing to ocean lovers who want both convenience and memorable marine experiences.

Dining 

Dining at Anantara Kihavah is one of the true highlights of the experience. With only 80 villas on the island, every restaurant maintains an intimate and unhurried atmosphere. Service is warm, intuitive, and never intrusive, allowing meals to unfold at the gentle pace of island life.

The resort offers a diverse yet refined selection of dining venues, each with its own distinct character and culinary focus. What sets Kihavah apart is the exceptional quality and creativity of the food, combined with some of the most spectacular settings in the Maldives.

The crown jewel is SEA, the iconic underwater restaurant. Nestled beneath the lagoon, guests dine surrounded by vibrant coral and passing marine life. The experience is both theatrical and deeply memorable — enjoying sophisticated international cuisine while manta rays and reef fish glide gracefully past the glass walls. Reservations are essential, especially at sunset, and for many guests, this becomes the most magical dinner of their entire trip.

Kihavah Restaurant serves as the main all-day dining venue, offering a beautiful beachfront setting with views over the lagoon. Breakfast here is particularly impressive, featuring an elegant spread of fresh tropical fruits, artisanal pastries, made-to-order dishes, and healthy options that set a nourishing tone for the day. In the evenings, the menu shifts through international and Asian influences with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood.

Thai Restaurant delivers authentic and refined Thai cuisine in a romantic, open-air pavilion. The dishes are vibrant, fragrant, and beautifully presented, making it a favorite for guests who enjoy bold flavors and aromatic curries.

For a more casual yet still elegant experience, the Pool Bar and beachfront venues offer lighter lunches, refreshing cocktails, and sunset drinks with your feet in the sand. The beverage selection is extensive, with carefully chosen wines, premium spirits, and signature cocktails that complement the tropical setting.

Beyond the restaurants, Anantara Kihavah excels in private dining. Romantic sandbank dinners under the stars, floating breakfasts in your villa pool, beachfront barbecues, and bespoke in-villa experiences can all be arranged. These personalized touches are especially popular for honeymoons and special celebrations.

The resort offers flexible dining packages, including half-board and full-board options. Many guests choose to upgrade to a more comprehensive plan that includes premium beverages, allowing them to fully relax without thinking about additional costs.

Overall, dining at Anantara Kihavah is refined, varied, and deeply sensory. It perfectly complements the resort’s elegant yet relaxed spirit — delivering culinary excellence while never overshadowing the natural beauty and restorative atmosphere of Baa Atoll.

The Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Anantara Kihavah is best described as refined, serene, and quietly luxurious. From the moment you arrive, you sense a thoughtful balance — elegant without being ostentatious, spacious without feeling empty.

The island is naturally shaped and generously proportioned, allowing for a wonderful sense of openness while still preserving intimacy. Tall palms and lush tropical gardens frame the pathways, and the villas are thoughtfully spaced to create pockets of privacy. Even at full capacity, the resort never feels crowded. There is room to breathe, to wander, and to simply be.

Anantara Kihavah does not rely on constant activity or entertainment. Instead, the days unfold at a gentle, natural rhythm. Mornings may begin with a quiet yoga session by the sea, afternoons spent floating in your private pool or snorkeling just steps from your villa, and evenings savored with sunset cocktails overlooking the lagoon or an intimate dinner surrounded by the soft glow of the ocean.

The design throughout the resort enhances this feeling of calm sophistication. Clean contemporary lines blend seamlessly with natural materials — rich woods, soft textiles, and subtle Maldivian touches — creating spaces that feel warm, harmonious, and deeply comfortable. Luxury here is expressed through attention to detail and a genuine respect for the beauty of the surroundings rather than overt displays.

Service follows the same refined philosophy — warm, intuitive, and never intrusive. The team anticipates needs with quiet grace, allowing you to fully relax and immerse yourself in the experience. Whether you are enjoying a silent moment on the beach at dawn or sharing a romantic dinner under the stars, the atmosphere gently encourages presence, connection, and restoration.

Exclusive Rates & Preferred Access 

Through my direct partnerships, I am able to access preferred rates at Milaidhoo, with savings that can reach up to 35% depending on season and villa category.

However, the real value lies beyond the rate itself.

I guide you toward the villa category that genuinely aligns with your travel style, privacy expectations, and priorities — whether that means sunset orientation, additional space, or proximity to reef access. If this is not the ideal fit for what you are seeking, I will say so. The Maldives offers many exceptional islands, and choosing the right one is what defines the experience.

From seaplane coordination to pre-arranged dining reservations and thoughtful detail management, every element is handled with care. You are not simply booking a villa — you are securing a seamless, curated stay where nothing feels overlooked.

In the Maldives, the smallest details shape the overall experience. Knowing which island, which villa, and which season truly match your expectations is where expertise makes a measurable difference.