Elite Traveler Spring 2021

EXPLORE MALDIVES

Dive Anantara Kihavah’s Golden Wall house reef

A stunning 35-minute seaplane ride north of Malé, Anantara Kihavah Private Island resort is the remote paradisiacal wonder of your post-lockdown dreams. Lots of timber and traditional thatched roofs instantly establish a low-key, barefoot kind of vibe — but don’t be fooled, because this island is as luxe as they come. Signature high-end Anantara touches (think glass- bottomed tubs looking into the seabed in the villas) dazzle alongside ‘out there’ sculptures, splashes of bold colors and a fine curated selection of art pieces. Out of the 80 over-the-top villas, the stunning Beach Pool Residences are best. The two- to four-bedroom glass palaces pack in all the contemporary elegance: Light and airy, neutral palettes blend together with rattan details, woven carpets, Maldivian motifs and exquisite teak furniture. Floor-to-ceiling doors open for views out to the beach, and a waterfall in the bedroom adds to the slick spot’s credentials. A personal chef and sommelier are also yours any time of day on request. Located in a hub towards one side of the island is a collection of drinking and dining dens, all taking inspiration from the resort’s surrounding environment: Fire is the Teppanyaki restaurant; Manzaru serves classic Italian bites; Sky Bar is where to sip an ultra-fabulous cocktail (Maldivian Anantara Kihavah Kihavah Huravalhi Island

sunset and the country’s largest telescope included); while Sea has the world’s first underwater wine cellar as well as a fine-dining restaurant (also very Insta-friendly). Newcomer to the scene, Spice, offers a mix of Asian fare, while Plates dishes out a wonderful patchwork of international cuisine come breakfast time. Experience-wise, don’t miss a nighttime ride aboard Ocean Whisperer , Kihavah’s superb private 78.7-ft sailing yacht. Expert guides will take you into the depths using

state-of-the-art tech in search of turtles, dolphins and all the bio-fluorescent magic of the marine world not usually visible to the naked eye. Back on dry land, hit up the observatory, the only over-the-water celestial hangout of its kind in the country, and stargaze into the early hours. Four Bed Beach Residence, $16,000 per night. Contact Dylan Counsel, general manager, kihavah.maldives@anantara.com, +960 660 1020, anantara.com

Clockwise The Pool Residence’s dreamy indoor/outdoor bathroom; Anantara Kihavah’s 78.7-ft Ocean Whisperer sailing yacht; the observatory