Astronomical reef sanctuary
Thatched villas cluster over a turquoise lagoon in the Baa Atoll, where an overwater observatory and underwater dining bookend the day.
“Anantara distinguishes itself from the reams of luxury hotels by offering a perfect mix of underwater and overwater experiences.”
Where it shines
Exceptional
Island campus with underwater dining at SEA, an overwater astronomy observatory, and excursions to Hanifaru Bay.
Remarkable
Dedicated 24-hour villa hosts attend each private pool villa, paired with customizable pillow and soap menus.
Remarkable
Overwater treatment rooms feature glass viewing floors, complemented by Ayurvedic therapies, an infrared sauna, and Muay Thai coaching.
What they say
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – The Indian Ocean
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery.
Local Maldivian accents and the brand’s own Thai touches merge seamlessly throughout the contemporary villas.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Kihavah Huravalhi Island sits in Baa Atoll, circled by a house reef with seasonal manta rays feeding in nearby Hanifaru Bay.
The rooms
Each villa features a private plunge pool, while overwater options add sunken glass-bottom bathtubs and netting suspended over the lagoon.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa
Treatment suites sit over the lagoon with glass floor panels below the massage beds and therapies using Tibetan singing bowls.
The gym
Treadmills look out across lush gardens, alongside an outdoor climbing wall, padel courts, and a Muay Thai boxing ring.
Restaurant
SEA
Curved glass walls look straight into the coral reef, where dinners accompany vintages from the underwater wine cellar.
A magical mélange of 80 design-rich accommodations–some floating, some rooted in the sand–Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is exactly what tropical dreams are made of.
At the table
Teppanyaki sizzles under a thatched roof at FIRE. Above the water, SKY serves evening drinks beside a high-powered astronomy telescope.
How it began
Built in 2011 within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island resort was engineered so that not a single tree was moved during construction.
Good to know
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Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.