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.