Anantara Kihavah Villas Resort, Maldives

Anantara Kihavah has a wealth of decadent villas and residences , from beachfront boltholes on the sand peeking out from the palms and overwater bungalows hovering over an impossibly blue lagoon. Stylish inside with dark woods, whitewashed walls and flickers of bright fabrics throughout, every thatch-crowned retreat also comes with its own private pool.

The beach villas have a generously sized outside living area, complete with a double daybed and sun loungers, and along with the pool, stepping stones lead to a sunken bathtub surrounded by your own mini lagoon. They all offer direct access to the beach and the Sunset Beach Pool Villas, like their name suggests, are well-placed for dusk. If you’re a large family or group, the multi-bedroom residences are super spacious options which can sleep up to 12 people – they’re that big that even at full capacity you’ll still find it easy to find some solitude.

We have to admit, the overwater bungalows are some of the finest we’ve seen in the Indian Ocean. They’re fitted with sunken bathtubs which ooze romance, with your private pool mere steps from your bed. The glittering ocean views you get are very tempting, a refreshing sea dip made all the more easier by the steps leading into the lagoon from your outside decking or, if you’d prefer, straight from your bathroom. Catamaran nets, loungers and a giant swinging daybed big enough for two offer plenty of ways to relax in a villa you’ll find really hard to leave.

With the resort placing an emphasis on its natural surrounds, it’s no surprise that its four-in-one dining hub SEA.FIRE.SPICE.SKY is inspired by the elements. SEA is like dining in an aquarium, an incredible underwater restaurant where you can watch sharks, turtles and tropical fish swim by while eating delicious dishes such as lobster salad and pan-seared Japanese wagyu tenderloin. It’s also home to the world’s first underwater wine cellar – not a bad place for a glass or two! FIRE is flame-grilled teppanyaki food overlooking the lagoon and SPICE is another overwater restaurant serving delicious Asian cuisine, while SKY is the perfect place to watch sunset with a cocktail in hand. If that dining hub wasn’t enough, Plates offers a more relaxed atmosphere for breakfast and dinner on the beach and Manzaru is handy for Mediterranean poolside nibbles while you soak up some rays. If you’d prefer something a little more unique, Anantara’s signature Dining by Design experience allows you to dine wherever you choose, whether it’s a barbecue on the sand or a romantic picnic for two under the palms. There’s always in-villa dining, should you struggle to leave your heavenly abode…

We know the villas are hard to tear yourself away from but there’s plenty to keep you busy at Anantara Kihavah. The multi-hued house reef is a joy to snorkel and if you dive, you can explore deeper (with the resort’s on-site marine biologist as well if you’d like) and come nose-to-fin with hawksbill turtles and schools of tropical fish. You can’t miss what the locals call the Golden Wall, a submerged ledge gorgeously smothered in coral of all shades of gold. If you want to extend your underwater exploring, the marine protected area of Hanifaru Bay is home to majestic manta rays at certain times of year. Kayaking, windsurfing and a sunset cruise are some of the other water activities you can enjoy.

Back on land, you can book a tasting session in the underwater wine cellar but make sure, at least once, you spend an evening at SKY – not just for the cocktails. It’s also home to the Maldives’ first overwater observatory and the country’s most powerful telescope, so there’s no better place to stargaze. The SKY Guru will point out the constellations and planets, weaving them into a story that will make for an unforgettable night.

For families, the Thiththi Boli Kids’ Club is an excellent escape for 4-12 year olds, with everything from Jenga to creative crafts and beach volleyball to keep them entertained.

The Anantara Spa is an overwater oasis of calm, with six suites featuring treatment beds perfectly placed over glass floors, so the soothing sounds and waves of the ocean add to the tranquil atmosphere. A range of indigenous plants and fruits are used in the various treatments, including a number of signature massages that you’ll easily fall asleep to.

The unique Ayurvedic Retreats menu is an all-encompassing approach to wellness and during your stay you can choose to enroll on a multi-day tailored programme that can include anything from oil-based massages to exfoliating therapies and healthy juices, which combined are designed to completely detatch you from the outside world. Meditation classes, yoga and a fitness centre are also available.

Anantara Kihavah offers a beautiful romantic getaway for honeymooners. 

Couples can enjoy being served a champagne breakfast in bed, surrounded by the gorgeous beach views from your overwater villa, where sunset and sunrise never fail to provide a stunning display of pink and orange hues. 

Moreover, lovebirds can indulge in a 'bare foot' dining experience, with a delicious Maldivian dinner on the beach.

With beautiful clear skies, you can also look toward the stars with the resort's Sky Guru at their overwater observatory. 

There's plenty more for honeymooners to enjoy at Anantara Kihavah Villas - from private pools to complimentary champagne - get in touch to learn more. 

• Explore the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve - make the most of being on the Baa Atoll, renowned for its incredible marine biodiversity. Snorkel alongside majestic manta rays and whale sharks in one of the world's most extraordinary underwater habitats. 
• Dive to the Shipwreck of Corbin - discover the remains of a 17-th century, 400-tonne shipwreck lying on the ocean floor of the Baa Atoll. Now an underwater ecosystem filled with marine life, it offers a unique snorkelling adventure. 
• Visit Magaamfulhu - step back in time at this historic 11-th century house, once home to Abu al-Barakat Yusuf al-Barbari, who played a pivotal role in the Maldives' conversion to Islam in 1153 AD.

• Enjoy complimentary bicycles, perfect for exploring the island at your leisure. 
• If arriving at Malé Airport, reach the resort via scenic 35-minute seaplane flight or take a quick speedboat ride from Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport. 

Families can enjoy an array of activities and amenities at this luxury resort including:

• Kids' Welcome Pack: Kids' will receive their very own welcome pack to kick-off their stay.
• Kids' Club: Children can also enjoy a range of fun activities such as arts and crafts, beach games, cooking classes and more.
• Private Babysitting Service: Anantara also offers its own babysitting service for when you need some alone time. 
• Complimentary Ice-Cream: Plus, kids and parents can both enjoy a complimentary ice cream everyday!

There's plenty more to enjoy too! Get in touch with our holiday experts to learn more about family holidays at Anantara Kihavah Villas today.