DISCOVER THE MALDIVES AT ANANTARA KIHAVAH
Crowned as the ‘Best Hotel in the Maldives, 2021’ by DestinAsian and ‘Best Hotel in the Indian Ocean, 2021’ by World Traveller Middle East, Anantara Kihavah is an island paradise where pristine natural wonder meets exquisitely crafted luxury to create a whole new world of adventurous wonderment.
A LAND OF WONDERS
ABOUT THE MALDIVES
A stunningly picturesque archipelago located in pristine waters of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is comprised of 1,190 small tropical islands organised into 26 small clusters or atolls, making it a prime location for exclusive island getaways and romantic dream adventures. Blessed with dazzling white sand beaches nestled between swaying palms and crystal blue waters, this naturally self-isolated paradise adopts a one-island-one-resort concept.Arguably one of the most romantic tropical island destinations in the world, the Maldives is the ideal setting for every kind of romantic adventure, from secret proposals or beach weddings to a special anniversary or a honeymoon in the Maldives.
More than just a celebration of love, the Maldives is also a magical beach holiday destination for families and, offering unrivaled and fun-filled adventures such as dolphin spotting, snorkelling, treasure hunts, and a whole host of special weekly activities.
Located near the equator, the Maldives enjoys a year-round tropical climate, with an average temperature of 29 degrees celsius.
The Baa Atoll A Unesco Biosphere Reserve
The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve is arguably the most picturesque atoll in the Maldives, both above and below the water. Situated in the central western part of the Maldives, the site is home to an amazing diversity of underwater flora and fauna, including a vibrant array of hard and soft corals, reef-associated fish species, marine turtles, manta rays and whale sharks. The extraordinary submerged islands, known locally as thilas, form a unique ecosystem that provides a natural habitat for over 1,200 different reef-associated fish species and 250 varieties of coral.
With its privileged location within the Baa Atoll, Anantara Kihavah is entirely encircled by a stunning house reef that is easily accessible direct from the beach or even from the steps of the resort’s idyllic over water villas. Whether snorkelling around the island or heading out on a diving excursion, the colourful corals and fabulous fauna create unforgettable underwater adventures. From June to November, guests also have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with the majestic manta rays which frequent Hanifaru Bay during the season. Learn more about swimming with Manta Rays.
Anantara Kihavah – The Best Island In The Maldives
Translated from the local Dhivehi language, the word ‘Kihavah’ means “young coconut”. The island is aptly named as the lush tropical paradise of Anantara Kihavah is blessed with an abundance of coconut palms.Naturally gifted with a plethora of magnificent qualities, the island paradise of Anantara Kihavah is considered by many to be ‘the best island’ in the Maldives. As the resort follows sustainable practices to preserve the pristine nature of the island, guests can enjoy strolling along the wide open spaces of Anantara Kihavah’s white powder sand beaches in the shade of lush vegetation while gazing out over crystal blue waters. Beneath the water, the resort also houses the best coral house reef in the Maldives, also famous for the underwater Golden Wall, a popular attraction for divers.
Another major attraction of the resort is the multi award-winning SEA, the world’s first underwater restaurant and wine cellar and still the best underwater restaurant in the Maldives. After exploring the underwater world, guests can literally reach for the stars at SKY, the first overwater stargazing observatory in the Indian Ocean, home to the Maldives’ most powerful telescope.
House Reef Care
Being located in a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve, Anantara Kihavah is committed to its environmental obligations. With the resort’s Coral Adoption Programme, guests are encouraged to participate in planting coral in our reef nursery, “adopt” the coral they plant and even after they return home, they can follow its progress with photo updates and, of course, return visits. Overseeing conservation at the resort, a resident marine biologist is also on hand to inform the guests about all the wonderful underwater flora and fauna and recommend dive sites for their continued explorations.
Learn more about our Coral Adoption Programme.
Maldives Travel Notes
CURRENCY
The national currency is the Maldivian rufiyya, with the exchange rate approximately MVR 15 to the US dollar. Changing money is best done in Male, and ATMs are available throughout the capital city. Resorts, however, use US dollars. Major credit cards are also widely accepted.
PEOPLE
The Maldivian people descended from ancient seafaring settlers from across the Indian Ocean trading route, a diverse blend of South Asians and Muslim Arabs. While the predominant language is Dhivehi, the English language is understood by most.