Idyllic island dining

We journey to Anantara Kihavah Maldives to discover this stunning island’s unflawed beauty, culinary delights and unforgettable experiences.

- Glesni Holland

It’s the glimmering turquoise waters - their colour as bright as cerulean blue, that first catch my attention as we begin our descent into Malé Airport. It’s only then that it finally hits me that I am in the Maldives for the first time (and, naturally, I let out an involuntary squeal of excitement on the plane.) Islands of all shapes and sizes with snow-white sands and luscious pockets of greenery are dotted along our flight path to the mainland - just a mere selection of the Maldives’ 1,200+ islands.

After a 35-minute seaplane journey north of the capital, we arrive at our home for the next few days - Anantara’s stunning, private Kihavah island. Translating as “young coconut”, it seems only fitting that our welcome to Kihavah - which includes a performance from bodu beru drummers - also features a thirst-quenching coconut, cut from the towering trees above us just moments earlier. Following a super smooth, faultless check-in process, we’re soon whisked off by our personal butler via golf buggy in search of our private villa.

Checking in

It’s golden hour on the island when we arrive, and as we wind our way through its sandy pathways to the beat of the bodu beru drums - a sundown ritual that takes place daily at Kihavah, we arrive at our home for the weekend. Of the 80 villas available on the island, which range from overwater pool villas with direct sunset views to beach villas with a private pool and direct access to Kihavah’s shores, we’re staying in the latter during our visit. Suitable for both couples and families alike, accommodation options are aplenty to cater for various party sizes - from one- and twobed beach villas, to four-bed overwater residences.