Insiders
Anantara Kihavah Villas, The New Hideaway

Maldives Promotion House – Anantara Resorts’ latest island hideaway in the greatest paradise on earth ushers in a new chapter of unique guest experiences in unsurpassed luxury surrounded by untouched natural beauty. Welcome to Anantara Kihavah Villas, Maldives.
Set on Kihavah Huravalhi, one of the most pristine Maldivian islands, the resort is just 35 minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport. Following the scenic flight, guests arrive to a postcard-perfect setting surrounded by the jewel-coloured waters and uninhabited islands of the majestic Indian Ocean.
Some 78 spacious private pool sanctuaries, ranging from 260 to 860 square meters, are either poised over the water with sweeping ocean views or nestled along a pristine stretch of private beach. Comprising 74 one-bedroom villas and four two-bedroom residences, each hideaway boasts large personal infinity-edge pools, dining pavilions, expansive wooden sundecks and ample lounging areas complete with swinging daybeds, hammocks and sun loungers.
All villas feature his and hers walk-in wardrobes, rain showers, outdoor showers and over-sized bathtubs big enough for two. Sunken glass bottom bathtubs in the over water villas and residences offer a mesmerising view of the sparkling ocean, both below and beyond the adjacent infinity-edge pool.
Seamless style is achieved with contemporary interiors featuring local accents in every room and colour schemes that take inspiration from the surrounding coral reefs. Guest villas are at one with the natural tropical surroundings with coconut trees jutting through some of the luxury villas’ natural wood floors and lush canopies offering shade and seclusion.
All the comforts from home, and more, are provided by a Bose home theatre system and iPod docking station, 42-inch LED television, a custom stocked wine cabinet and in-suite bar, a Nespresso machine, tea facilities, complimentary high-speed internet access and a selection of books for leisure reading. The two bedroom residences additionally include an expansive indoor living and dining room, pantry and guest powder room. To further enhance the experience, all villas and residences are indulged by a discreet yet attentive personal Villa Host 24 hours a day.
Guests at Anantara Kihavah Villas will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining, with six restaurants and bars each offering a distinctive setting, menu and ambience. Highlighting the resort’s idyllic location in the dazzling Indian Ocean is the exclusive Sea, Fire, Salt, and Sky, signature dining experience. This unique under and over water gastronomic concept features four remarkable venues, each offering a different type of cuisine that is as unique as the perspective.
Oenophiles will delight in the impressive underwater wine cellar and restaurant, “Sea”, featuring one of the most balanced and diverse wine collections in the Maldives with 250 labels from 14 countries. Some 22 labels are available by the glass and regular tasting sessions offer guests a tantalising journey through the vineyards of the world. The restaurant also offers exquisite degustation menus for a small number of guests.
At 49 metres, the swimming pool is the longest in the Maldives and Sunshine Butlers are always on hand with fruit skewers and cold face towels to cool sunbathers down. Casual lunches of crisp salads and traditional pastas are served poolside. In the evening the upstairs restaurant, Manzaru, transforms into a leisurely Italian delight offering regional specialties.
As the day slowly drifts away with the setting sun, guests can indulge in the ultimate romantic dining with personalised “Dining by Design” experiences, where a specially devised menu is prepared by a personal chef, and served at a table for two in dreamy locations, from an isolated sandbank in the Indian Ocean to the deck of a private yacht – anywhere of the guests’ choosing.
Recreation and leisure facilities include a tennis court, bicycles, fitness centre, boutique, gift shop and a library with a range of books and films as well as iPads. iPad lovers and workaholics on holiday can check-out an iPad just as though they are borrowing a book from the library.
Anantara Kihavah Villas also has a specially-designed Thiththi Boli Kids Club for younger guests of 12 and under, which offers daily complimentary supervised activities including full and half-day programmes, as well as a Kids menu and “Little People’s” Spa menu.
Traditional Maldivian activities invite guests to delve beneath the surface of this fascinating culture, with an array of experiences and excursions that stir the senses and arouse the imagination. Guests can choose to tune into the authentic rhythm of Maldivian life by learning how to play the Bodu Beru drums, or visit a museum on a nearby island where displays of traditional lacquer ware and weaving afford a glimpse into this island nation’s history.
“Elements Kihavah”, the experience club, is a bespoke and exhilarating journey of adventures taking guests under, on and alongside the turquoise Indian Ocean to discover and explore the greatest paradise on earth. Whether scuba diving or snorkelling, experienced instructors, first class rental equipment, comfortable Dhonis and reef dive sites cater for beginner and experienced explorers alike. The coral reefs are home to a variety of marine ecosystems that vary from Planktonic organisms to sharks, crustaceans and sponges. Dolphins, turtles, mantas and even whale sharks can be seen thriving in their natural habitat.
Guests can experience an element of adventure on board an array of luxury boats, including the “Catcher” big game fishing boat. “Ocean Whisperer” is a luxurious 25 metre, two mast wooden Turkish gullets, ideal for deserted island exploration or a romantic dinner on the ocean.
A resident Marine Biologist at the resorts’ Bio Centre will gladly suggest sites to explore and share valuable marine ecosystem information or help guests to play their role in Anantara Kihavah Villas’ coral adoption programme.
Other island journeys steeped in exotic rejuvenation and deep relaxation is the Anantara Spa. Offering a therapeutic range that combines traditional Asian therapies and luxuriously pampering Elemis products, all spa treatments are delivered by highly skilled and comforting hands.
The spa comprises of six over-water treatment suites, a beauty salon, hair and nail salon and two single facial suites accompanied by a relaxation area with large sweeping decks and a Jacuzzi in between two oversized plunge pools that are suspended over the ocean. Local ingredients play an important role in the treatment menu itself with some of the therapies drawing on the generous healing benefits of the island’s abundant coconut fruits, such as the Essence of Kihavah Signature Experience designed for couples.
Anantara Kihavah Villas is passionate about bringing stories collecting travellers closer to the natural, cultural and historic allures of this fascinating island nation, and nowhere is it more perfectly articulated than in the greatest paradise on earth.
News
Crossroads Maldives appoints Frederic Lebegue as General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

Crossroads Maldives has announced the appointment of Mr. Frederic Lebegue as the General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. With a distinguished career spanning over four decades, Mr. Lebegue brings a wealth of experience and an impressive track record of success in the dynamic realm of the hospitality industry.
Hailing from France, Mr. Lebegue is renowned for his value-driven leadership approach, and his ability to foster development within diverse multicultural teams. His illustrious career includes pivotal leadership roles at esteemed properties such as Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, and Harmonie Golf & Beach Estate in Mauritius, as Cluster General Manager, Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa Fiji Islands, Double Tree by Hilton Fiji, Sonaisali Island as Cluster General Manager, and Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort, and Conrad Bali in Indonesia, as General Manager.
His invaluable expertise has also significantly contributed to the Maldives tourism industry, notably during his tenure as General Manager at Waldorf Astoria Maldives (JA Manafaru Maldives), and as the Director of Operations at Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island. Mr. Lebegue’s ability to orchestrate high-performing teams that resonate with the unique rhythm of Hard Rock culture and the wealth of Maldives’ experience he brings as a seasoned senior hospitality professional are truly remarkable.
Mr. Lebegue has consistently demonstrated his expertise in driving commercial, financial, and sustainable performance. His accomplishments extend beyond the conventional notes, encompassing successful tenures at renowned properties, large-scale renovation projects, innovative team development strategies, and the implementation of resonant corporate social responsibility programs. Beyond the spotlight of his professional accolades, Mr. Lebegue is not just a maestro in the hospitality industry; he is a dedicated advocate for community initiatives. As a board member actively engaged with various foundations supporting education and sustainability goals, he sets a standard that perfectly harmonizes with the ethos of the Hard Rock brand as well as one of the core pillars of sustainability goals for the brand – Save the Planet.
“We are turning up the volume of excitement as Mr. Lebegue joins us at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. His extensive experience, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence will be the driving force behind the continued success and growth of our Hard Rock Hotel Maldives,” stated Mr. Michael Marshall, Chief Executive Officer, and Graham Kiy, Area Vice President Hotel Operations EMEA – Hard Rock International. “We eagerly anticipate the positive impact of this much-anticipated addition to our leadership team.”
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is gearing up for a new era of excellence under Mr. Lebegue’s guidance, where his passion for the industry will be the main riff in delivering unparalleled guest experiences. This appointment marks a key chord in the brand’s commitment to providing a rockin’ stay in the heart of the Maldives.
Gastronomy
Rashid Ahmadzada appointed as Executive Sous Chef at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Rashid Ahmadzada as the new Executive Sous Chef. With an impressive fifteen years of culinary expertise, Rashid brings a wealth of experience and a passion for creating exceptional dishes that reflect culinary excellence.
Before joining, Rashid served as Chef De Cuisine at JW Marriott Absheron in Azerbaijan and held various positions in well-established properties across Kazakhstan and Montenegro, consistently delivering outstanding service throughout his career. He is also known for his leadership in the kitchen, embracing his culinary team to achieve collective goals as a team. He is committed to continuously improving through active participation in various training programs and exposures. His dedication to culinary arts aligns seamlessly with Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa’s promises to provide unparalleled dining experiences with Back to Basic twist boasting across seven dining outlets, In Villa Dining, the curated Destination Dining, as well as banquet and catering.
Beyond the kitchen, Rashid enjoys playing chess, curling himself in good books, and maintaining his fitness through regular exercise. Despite being away from his family, he is excited to embark on this new chapter in the Maldives, captivated by the beauty of the beach and its sunny weather.
Rashid Ahmadzada will be working alongside Executive Chef Riccardo Pinna, and both chefs are enthusiastic about elevating the culinary offerings at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. Together, they aim to bring innovative and delectable dining experiences to guests, making the resort the preferred destination for not only the beauty of its island but also its culinary excellence.
Gastronomy
Simon Joublanc takes the helm as Executive Chef at Baglioni Maldives

Baglioni Maldives Luxury has announced the appointment of Simon Joublanc as its new Executive Chef. With a culinary career spanning over two decades and a diverse portfolio that includes renowned establishments such as Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-Starred restaurants, Hilton, Marriott, InterContinental, and Six Senses, Joublanc brings a wealth of experience and innovation to his new role.
Originally hailing from France, Joublanc discovered his passion for the culinary arts early on. His journey began with formal education in Hospitality Administration and Management at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, setting the stage for a remarkable career trajectory.
Joublanc’s dedication to his craft became evident during his tenure as Sous Chef at Gordon Ramsay’s esteemed establishments, where he honed his skills and developed a keen understanding of the finer aspects of culinary excellence. His culinary journey has taken him across continents, leaving an indelible mark on some of the world’s most renowned luxury hospitality brands.
In his new role as Executive Chef at Baglioni Maldives, Joublanc will spearhead menu designs and introduce innovative concepts aimed at elevating the overall guest experience. His responsibilities extend to providing strategic direction for all culinary operations within the resort, ensuring a seamless fusion of flavors that resonate with the resort’s commitment to luxury and excellence.
Known for fostering high-performance teams and a commitment to unique food presentation, Joublanc brings a distinctive touch to every culinary endeavor. His previous role as Executive Chef at Six Senses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia showcased his ability to seamlessly integrate local flavors with international culinary trends, creating a harmonious culinary experience for guests.
Baglioni Maldives is poised to benefit significantly from Joublanc’s culinary expertise, as the resort continues to position itself as a premier destination for luxury, relaxation, and gastronomic indulgence. Guests can anticipate an array of meticulously crafted dishes that reflect Joublanc’s dedication to culinary innovation and excellence.
The appointment of Simon Joublanc reflects Baglioni Maldives’ commitment to providing guests with an unparalleled dining experience, reaffirming its status as a top-tier luxury destination in the Maldives.
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