Anantara Kihavah sits in Baa Atoll's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, but it's best known for something else: the dining. Eat six metres underwater at SEA, grill teppanyaki over the lagoon at FIRE, and end the night under a professional telescope at SKY — the only overwater observatory in the Maldives. One of the strongest house reefs in the country wraps the island, turning every snorkel into a reliable encounter with turtles, reef sharks and eagle rays. This is the resort for guests who want extraordinary experiences stacked on top of each other, without ever having to leave.
About the Resort
A starry table beneath the surface.
Anantara Kihavah occupies its own island in Baa Atoll's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and while the setting is exceptional, the resort has built its reputation on something more deliberate: a lineup of dining experiences that no other property in the Maldives can match. Underwater, overwater, on the beach, and under the stars — every meal here is an occasion in its own right.
Six metres below the surface, SEA serves guests inside a glass-walled chamber on the ocean floor, surrounded by reef life. FIRE brings guests above the lagoon for teppanyaki grilled over open flames. SPICE is an overwater Asian restaurant where chefs from across the region prepare everything from tandoori and curries to fresh seafood and wok-fired dishes. Manzaru is the poolside Mediterranean Italian option, relaxed by day and more considered by night. At night, SKY — the only overwater observatory in the Maldives — pairs cocktails with a professional telescope and unobstructed Indian Ocean skies. The resort's wine cellar holds 6,500 bottles, one of the most serious collections in the country.
Away from the table, Kihavah's house reef is one of the strongest reasons to choose it. It wraps the entire island and is reliably home to turtles, reef sharks and eagle rays — all accessible directly from the beach without a boat. The broader Baa Atoll is one of the best places in the Maldives to encounter manta rays, particularly between June and November when they aggregate in large numbers at nearby Hanifaru Bay. On-site dive centre Elements is PADI-affiliated, and a full watersports programme covers everything else on the water.
The Anantara Spa sits overwater with six treatment rooms above the lagoon, drawing on Thai massage traditions and Ayurvedic techniques. The overall feel of Kihavah is full-service and experiential — a resort built for guests who want to be engaged and wowed at every turn, with a house reef exceptional enough to rival the dining as the headline act.
Accommodation
Villa Categories
Beach Pool Villa
A private infinity pool, direct beach access, dining sala and al fresco bathroom. Available in a standard or sunset-facing configuration — the sunset variant is west-facing for guests who want evening views. A family version is also available at the same size, with a dedicated kids' sleeping quarter built into the villa layout.
258 m² - 267m² · Up to 3 adults · 1 bedroom (standard) | Up to 2 adults + 3 children (family)
Over Water Pool Villa
Sitting directly above the lagoon with a private pool and direct water access. Villa host and personal bicycles are included as standard. Available in a standard or sunset-facing orientation. A family overwater version is also available at the same size, with an overwater hammock and the flexibility to accommodate either three adults or two adults with up to three children.
267 m² - 267m² · Up to 3 adults · 1 bedroom (standard) | Up to 3 adults or 2 adults + 3 children (family)
Two-Bedroom Family Beach Pool Villa
The largest option at Kihavah — two ensuite bedrooms, private pool, and a dining sala, set on the beach. Well-suited to two couples or a family needing the separation of a second bedroom. Note: there is no two-bedroom overwater option at this property.
412 m² · Up to 4 adults or 2 Adults + 2 children · 2 bedrooms
Honest assessment
Who this resort fits, and who it doesn’t.
- +Guests who want an underwater restaurant and observatory on the same island
- +Wine enthusiasts — the world's first underwater wine cellar holds 450+ labels from 15 countries
- +House reef snorkellers — the reef wraps the entire island and is accessible directly from the beach
- +Couples who want a full-service Anantara spa without ultra-luxury formality
- ·Guests who want a two-bedroom overwater villa — the two-bedroom option at Kihavah is beach-facing only; there is no overwater equivalent
- ·Guests who want an adults-only resort — Kihavah has a kids' club and dedicated family villas
- ·Guests who prefer a small, intimate island feel — Kihavah is a full-service resort with a kids' club, six dining venues and a broad range of villa categories; it has footprint and energy to match
Frequently Asked Questions
About Anantara Kihavah.
Yes — SEA sits 6 metres below the surface, completely surrounded by reef life. It holds one of the world's most awarded wine lists and features the world's first underwater wine cellar.
Yes — SKY is the only overwater observatory in the Maldives, with the most powerful telescope in the country. A dedicated SKY Guru leads stargazing sessions above the lagoon.
Seaplane from Velana International, around 35 minutes over the atolls.
Yes — one of the better house reefs in Baa Atoll. Turtles, reef sharks and eagle rays are regulars off the beach.
FIRE is an overwater teppanyaki grill above the lagoon. SPICE is an overwater Asian restaurant with chefs from across the region. Manzaru is the poolside Mediterranean Italian option, relaxed by day and more considered by evening. SKY bar on the observatory deck rounds it out for sundowners and late nights.
Yes — Thiththi Boli Kids' Club runs supervised programmes for children aged 4 to 12, with themed activities and exploration sessions. Teenagers have a separate recreation area. A resident marine biologist runs marine discovery sessions, and babysitting is available from 3 months old.
Baa Atoll is one of the world's best locations for manta ray encounters. The aggregations at nearby Hanifaru Bay peak between June and November — the resort arranges excursions to the bay during this period.
Yes — Elements is the on-site PADI dive centre, with access to some of the best diving in Baa Atoll, including sites suitable for beginners through to experienced divers.
A fully equipped fitness centre, tennis court, padel court with coaching available, a 9-metre climbing wall (ages 8+), and a Muay Thai boxing ring. Beach games including volleyball, badminton and pétanque are also available.