The World’s Most Instagrammable Resort: Anantara Kihavah

A Luxurious Arrival

Anantara Kihavah is a private island in the Maldives, boasting 80 beach and overwater pool villas and residences. Each accommodation option offers unparalleled luxury, privacy, and breathtaking views. One of the most unique features of the resort is its award-winning underwater dining experiences and the Maldives’ only overwater observatory. The resort’s design pays homage to the seafarers of old, seamlessly blending Indian Ocean, Arab, and Portuguese motifs with indigenous materials. This thoughtful approach ensures that the pristine nature of the island remains intact, with villas growing up around the existing trees.

To get to Anantara Kihavah, we flew from LAX to Dubai, then from Dubai to Malé. From Malé, we took our first-ever seaplane to the Baa Atoll, the home of Anantara Kihavah. The seaplane ride itself was an adventure, offering stunning aerial views of the Maldives’ iconic turquoise waters and coral islands. Upon landing, we were greeted with a quick boat ride to the welcome dock, where the staff welcomed us with refreshing drinks and a comprehensive tour of the resort led by our 24-hour villa host, Ifoo.

Our Overwater Villa Experience

Ifoo then escorted us to our luxurious overwater villa, and “luxury” is truly an understatement. The villa was spacious and beautifully designed, featuring floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that opened to breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Each of us had our own walk-in closet, complete with a vanity for Abbey to relax while applying her makeup. The villa’s bathroom was our favorite part, equipped with glass-bottom indoor and outdoor showers, a glass-bottom tub, and even a glass-bottom toilet. The villa’s patio area was the perfect place to lounge and enjoy the sea, with a large comfy swing, dining area, hammock, and lounge chairs. We were in heaven!

Dining in Paradise

Once settled in, it was time to eat. Anantara Kihavah boasts seven restaurants and bars, several of which are housed in an overwater complex. Our favorite dining experience was at the award-winning underwater restaurant and wine cellar, SEA. We could have stayed there all day, savoring the contemporary European cuisine while marveling at the vibrant marine life, including reef, fish, sharks, and turtles.

Endless Activities and Adventures

Anantara Kihavah offers a plethora of activities, both on land and underwater. On land, guests can enjoy private movie viewings, floral garden tours, and stargazing at the overwater observatory. However, our favorite activities were underwater! The resort’s dive shop is top-notch, and we were fortunate enough to dive with the incredible dive team to explore the house reef and surrounding areas. Within the first 30 minutes of our dive, we encountered sharks, turtles, and an array of colorful fish and gorgeous reefs. It was a dream come true to have all this beauty just steps away from the shore, truly a diver’s paradise! We were especially honored to collaborate with the dive team on an underwater ad campaign for the resort, which we will share more about later on.

A Trip of a Lifetime

Overall, Anantara Kihavah was the most incredible place we have ever seen. Each day felt like a dream, surrounded by the island’s natural beauty and luxurious amenities. This trip was truly the trip of a lifetime, and we cannot wait to return. A huge thank you to the Anantara Kihavah team for hosting us and providing this life-changing experience. We are forever grateful and excited to continue creating and collaborating together.

Planning Your Visit to Anantara Kihavah

For those inspired by our experience and considering a visit to Anantara Kihavah, here are a few tips to make your trip even more memorable:



1. Travel Preparations: Ensure you book your flights well in advance.
2. Pack Smart: Bring light, breathable clothing suitable for tropical weather, as well as swimwear and diving gear if you plan to explore the underwater wonders.
3. Dining Reservations: Make reservations for the underwater restaurant, SEA, ahead of time to secure a spot at this sought-after dining venue.
4. Activities: We especially loved the overwater stargazing. This is a must do!
5. Capture the Moments: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning vistas and unique experiences. Anantara Kihavah offers plenty of Instagrammable spots!
6. Explore and Relax: Balance your itinerary with both activities and relaxation. While there’s plenty to do, the serene environment is perfect for unwinding and soaking in the natural beauty.

We hope our journey inspires you to experience the magic of Anantara Kihavah for yourself. It’s a destination that promises unforgettable memories and endless photo opportunities. Safe travels and happy adventuring!