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Anantara Kihavah Maldives unveils $5 mln renovation of private pool residences
Setting a new precedent in naturally inspired design and luxurious living in the greatest aquatic paradise on earth, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has unveiled a collection of the largest private pool residences in the world with the completed renovation of the resort’s two-bedroom overwater pool residences.
A multi-million-dollar project that started in 2020 with the redesign of its four-, three- and two-bedroom beach pool residences, this exclusive collection of seven private Maldivian accommodations is the pinnacle of palatial seclusion, ideally suited for multi-generational vacations and larger group travel.
Inspired by the natural beauty of the island encircled by a pure white shoreline, the renovation of the residences included careful preservation of the element of space while marrying a light and airy interior refit with smart home technology, thus creating a balance between an utterly brand-new look and a welcoming familiarity that repeat guests have come to expect in the resort’s 10th year of service excellence.
Two-bedroom overwater pool residences
Perched over a crystal-calm lagoon and offering commanding views of the Indian Ocean, both units of Anantara Kihavah’s Two-Bedroom Overwater Pool Residences were completed in early 2021.
Exemplifying the Maldivian experience, these overwater retreats are generously spaced at 1,500sqm and feature expansive floor-to-ceiling windows guaranteeing endless views of shades of blue.
Outfitted with a professional working kitchen in the living and dining room, each ensuite bedroom features an individual outdoor living space, while the infinity pool and shaded outdoor dining sala is the perfect hangout for shared leisure activities with family or friends.
With fitness and wellness being a bigger focus than ever in the modern-day traveler’s needs, the redesign of these residences also saw the addition of a gym fully equipped with the latest in TechnoGym machinery and a couple’s spa treatment room.
Both rooms are fitted with retractable blinds, allowing for ample sunlight by day and unfiltered stargazing at night.
While relaxing with a signature Anantara Spa massage, a peek into the marine life in abundance just beneath the residence is made possible with the strategic placement of glass panels underneath plush spa treatment beds.
Glass-bottomed whirlpool bathtubs have also been fitted in each bathroom, providing therapeutic massages and astounding underwater views even during bath time.
Staying true to the heritage of the Maldives, each residence features Kajan thatched palm roofs and Balau hardwood flooring spanning the entire length of its expansive outdoor deck, accompanied by netted hammocks suspended over water.
Tiled in natural Sukabumhi stone, the infinity pool presents an ever-shifting overtone of green and blue with each movement of the sun, mirroring the hues of its turquoise-coloured surroundings.
Two-, three-, four-bedroom beach pool residences
At a commanding 2,000sqm, the crown jewel in this collection is the Four-Bedroom Beach Pool Residence.
A connecting door set at the end of a lush garden pathway adjoins a standalone villa fitted with its own ensuite, infinity pool, and dining pavilion, with the main wing of the residence.
A spacious layout smartly optimised for creating shared memories or moments of solitude, this four-bedroom sanctuary comfortably accommodates up to eight adults and four children, or 12 adults.
The collection’s remaining beachfront hideaways include a generous 1,330sqm two-bedroom option and an ample 1,770sqm three-bedroom residence.
Cradled by lush foliage and bright bougainvillea accents, occasional sights of coconut trees jutting through floors or ceilings is testament to the resort’s commitment to preserving and incorporating the natural beauty of the island, while optimising each residence’s space.
Like the overwater pool residences, each beachfront residence includes palm roofs and Balau decks.
The newly extended swimming pools, measuring 20 meters x 6 meters for the four-bedroom retreat and 16 metres by six metres for the two- and three-bedroom residences, are now fitted with massage jets, while an outdoor Sala Thai provides shaded relief for lounging and dining.
The simple yet elegant façade complements the intricate redesign within.
A light neutral palette uplifts a previously dark wood scheme, presenting an atmosphere that is at once comfortable and relaxed, yet modern and luxurious.
Rattan details, woven straw carpets, Maldivian motifs, and teak wood furniture further accent the distinctive tropical vibe of each room.
Floor-to-ceiling doors of the main living and dining area effortlessly slide open for sweeping views of the surrounding fauna.
Further embodying island living at its most luxurious, a water feature wall designed to mimic that of a real waterfall is the highlight in each revamped bathroom, each of which are newly fitted with intelligent toilet technology.
Well-being and fitness are also given equal attention – with each residence outfitted with its own private double-bed spa treatment room and a private gym featuring a complete range of fitness equipment.
With a dedicated Villa Host to attend to every need and a wine sommelier, personal chef, and baby-sitting service on request, a stay in one of these residences is a promise of a truly private escape.
.Here Baa Atoll, a private island retreat in the Maldives, has been named the No. 6 Resort in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
The annual Readers’ Choice Awards recognise hotels, resorts, destinations, airlines and other travel experiences based on votes submitted by Condé Nast Traveler readers.
The recognition places .Here Baa Atoll among the highest-ranked resorts in the Indian Ocean and comes during a milestone year for the property.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, .Here Baa Atoll comprises nine residences spread across two natural islands, Somewhere and Nowhere.
Somewhere features seven three- and four-bedroom residences extending from the beach towards the lagoon and designed for families and groups travelling together. Each residence offers indoor and outdoor living spaces, multiple pools, private dining and personalised Roohu service. Guests are transferred directly to their residence by private speedboat, avoiding a conventional lobby and check-in process.
Condé Nast Traveler has previously highlighted the resort for its emphasis on privacy, its beach-to-lagoon residences and its discreet approach to luxury.
The resort experience also includes Nowhere Private Island, which is reserved exclusively for a single group at a time. The island features a five-bedroom Presidential Residence and a three-bedroom Lagoon Residence, providing eight bedrooms and 3,329 square metres of private living space, supported by dedicated service and individually curated experiences.
The Readers’ Choice Award follows several other recognitions received by .Here Baa Atoll during 2026. The resort was included in the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2026, with the publication highlighting its residences and design. It has also received international recognition for its architecture and design, alongside creative collaborators Kulör Group, Muza Lab and Topo Design Studio.
Elina Adiyan, Resident Manager of .Here Baa Atoll, said: “To be recognised by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler so early in our journey is incredibly meaningful. .Here was created around a simple idea: to give guests extraordinary space, genuine privacy and the freedom to experience the Maldives entirely on their own terms. This recognition belongs equally to our team, whose care and dedication bring that vision to life every day. We are deeply grateful to everyone who voted for us.”
The latest recognition adds to .Here Baa Atoll’s growing international profile within the luxury travel sector, with the resort positioning privacy, spacious accommodation, design and personalised service at the centre of its guest experience.
Reethi Faru Resort has announced three medal wins by members of its culinary team at the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge and the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge.
At the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, Chef Rohit Kabdal received a Gold Medal in the Decorated Cake category, recognising his work in cake design, presentation and technical execution.
Chef Abhishek Sharma also represented Reethi Faru Resort at the competition, earning a Bronze Medal in the Hot Cooking Fish category.
At the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge, Chef Mayank Bijalwan secured a Silver Medal in the Dress the Cake category, adding a third medal to the resort’s recent culinary achievements.
The results highlight the range of skills within Reethi Faru Resort’s culinary team, spanning pastry, cake presentation and hot kitchen techniques.
According to the resort, participation in professional culinary competitions provides its chefs with opportunities to develop their skills, exchange knowledge and test their abilities alongside other industry professionals.
The achievements also form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s wider focus on dining and guest experience, with its culinary team involved across the resort’s restaurants and food and beverage offerings.
Reethi Faru Resort congratulated Kabdal, Bijalwan and Sharma on their respective achievements, describing the results as recognition of their commitment, technical ability and creativity.
The three medals add to the resort’s recent culinary accolades and reflect its continued emphasis on professional development within its kitchen team.
Ifuru Island Maldives will celebrate the 2026 festive season with “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars”, an immersive Christmas and New Year programme running from 21 December 2026 to 10 January 2027.
Inspired by the natural beauty of the Maldivian ocean, the night sky and the festive season, the theme will bring together marine and celestial elements across the resort’s décor, entertainment, dining, activities and guest experiences.
At the centre of the concept is the idea that the ocean carries memories, while the stars represent dreams and new beginnings. Rather than presenting the festive season as a series of standalone events, Ifuru Island plans to create a connected journey spanning Christmas, New Year and Orthodox Christmas.
The visual identity of “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” will combine an underwater-inspired world with celestial elements. Bioluminescent-inspired colours, reef motifs and glowing details will be paired with stars, constellations and moonlit features throughout the resort.
The colour palette will include deep ocean blue and midnight navy alongside pearl white, silver, soft turquoise, pink and purple, with accents of celestial gold. Coral forms, waves, shells and reef-inspired features will be combined with stars and festive details, giving traditional Christmas elements an interpretation inspired by Ifuru Island’s natural surroundings.
The concept will extend beyond decorations to dining, entertainment, activities, uniforms, signage and festive communications.
The resort said the theme is also intended to reflect the emotions associated with the festive period. The ocean represents peace, connection and possibility, while the stars symbolise hope, dreams, guidance and new beginnings.
The festive journey will begin on 21 December and continue through 10 January, encompassing Christmas, New Year and Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
Christmas Eve on 24 December will feature festive dining and entertainment, while Christmas Day on 25 December will centre on family celebrations and relaxed island experiences.
On 31 December, Ifuru Island will mark New Year’s Eve with the main celebration of the festive period, before welcoming 2027 on New Year’s Day with activities centred around the island setting and surrounding ocean.
Celebrations will continue from 1 to 10 January during the Orthodox festive period, including Orthodox Christmas.
According to the resort, the broader concept is intended to connect the entire guest experience, with the island’s natural environment forming part of the festive setting. The ocean will provide inspiration during the day, while the night sky will shape the atmosphere after sunset.
Dining experiences, entertainment and activities will each form part of the wider “Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” narrative, giving guests different experiences throughout their stay while maintaining a consistent creative theme.
The programme is designed for guests travelling with family, friends or loved ones, with Ifuru Island aiming to combine its natural surroundings with festive celebrations and shared experiences.
The full festive programme, including entertainment, activities, culinary experiences and special events, will be announced separately.
“Echoes of the Ocean and Stars” will run at Ifuru Island Maldives from 21 December 2026 to 10 January 2027. Christmas Eve will be marked on 24 December, Christmas Day on 25 December, New Year’s Eve on 31 December, New Year’s Day on 1 January and the Orthodox festive period from 1 to 10 January 2027.
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