Anantara Kihavah
The formulaic blueprint of a Maldivian resort is simple enough but it is obvious William Heinecke aspired more with his landmark Anantara Kihavah, a grand island of luxury and fantasy replete with a horizon of unforgettable vistas, both above and below the sea.
Anantara Kihavah commands a truly impressive array of dining options in Maldives. Plates presents a smorgasbord of global delights over breakfast - extensive spread, exotic fruits and the brightest smiles. Manzaru serves Mediterranean signatures quite in sync with the seaviews and there's even a Teppanyaki lounge over the water full of dining theatrics. The showstopper is the amazing SEA, essentially a metal and glass restaurant cum wine cellar set at the edge of the atoll with the definitive under the sea view. Borrowing from the rich biosphere of the UNESCO listed Baa Atoll, a sitting here will take your breath away.
An amazing resort with spectacular sea life and fantastic F&B options right in the heart of UNESCO listed Baa atoll, Anantara Kihavah also comes with excellent butlers who really know how to pack a royal standard suitcase, layering with tissue and all.
The water villas' high arch doors and glass bottom bathtubs are impressive accents and there must be at least a dozen ways one can enjoy the views from the comfortable expanse of the villa's patio accoutered with a generous sized pool. The most compelling reason to leave these luxurious hideaways rises when the mantas glide back into Hanifaru Bay. An encounter with these gentle giants in the deep blue would leave one spellbound for life.