Anantara Kihavah Maldives | Baa Atoll

Information

Landmark: Anantara Kihavah Maldives
City: Baa Atoll
Country: Maldives
Continent: Asia

Anantara Kihavah Maldives, Baa Atoll, Maldives, Asia

Anantara Kihavah Maldives is a resort located on Kihavah Huravalhi island in the Baa Atoll, Maldives.

The resort comprises overwater and beach villas constructed primarily from wood and thatch, with natural stone accents. Villas are elevated or situated on beachfronts, offering direct access to the lagoon or ocean. The architecture incorporates open-air living spaces and private plunge pools.

Location & Access Logistics

The resort is situated in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Access is via a 35-minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. Seaplanes operate during daylight hours only. There are no direct road or ferry connections from Malé to the resort island.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Kihavah Huravalhi island is a natural coral island formed over millennia through the accumulation of coral polyps. The resort was developed on this existing island structure, with construction completed in 2011. The primary purpose of the development was to establish a luxury resort destination.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include snorkeling and diving in the house reef and nearby dive sites, including Hanifaru Bay (seasonal for manta rays and whale sharks). Water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing are available. The resort offers sunset dolphin cruises and private dining experiences. A unique feature is the underwater restaurant and wine cellar, SEA.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The resort provides private villa amenities including plunge pools and direct lagoon/ocean access. On-site facilities include multiple dining venues, a spa, a fitness center, and a marine biology center. Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort. Cell phone signal is generally strong (4G/5G).

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, from December to April, offers the most consistent weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. For manta ray and whale shark sightings at Hanifaru Bay, the season typically runs from May to November, with peak activity often in August and September. Sunrise and sunset offer optimal lighting conditions for photography.

Facts & Legends

Hanifaru Bay, located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is renowned for its seasonal aggregations of manta rays and whale sharks, attracted by plankton blooms. This phenomenon makes it one of the world's premier locations for observing these large marine animals in their natural habitat.