BY HERMOINE MACURA-NOBLE
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES KUWAIT
Featuring pure white shores lined with swaying palms, the Maldives, a cluster of islands located in the Indian Ocean, is probably the number one honeymoon destination in the world. Just a 6-7 hours flight from the GCC, it’s also the destination of choice for many residents looking to escape the big city and summer heat.
Described by many as a balm for the soul, The Maldives is truly a tropical paradise that must be seen to be believed. An archipelago of about 1190 islands, grouped into 26 coral atolls (200 inhabited islands, plus 80 islands with tourist resorts), travellers are promised adventures designed to awaken wanderlust; snorkelling with majestic manta rays, stargazing and fine dining underwater to name a few.
A short seaplane journey from the country’s capital brings you to the secluded and stunning Anantara Kihavah resort. As the plane slowly descends, one can easily see the crystal-clear water and shallow lagoons are perfect for snorkelling and meeting over 2000 species of fish, while the reef walls offer a kaleidoscope of sea life for more experienced divers.
Recently voted ‘Best Hotel in the Indian Ocean, 2021’ by World Traveller Middle East, Anantara Kihavah is worth the wait. Situated within the Baa Atoll in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah is enveloped by lush vegetation, making you feel as though you and your loved one are the only souls on the island paradise.
Offering a choice of accommodation options ranging from a beach pool villa nestled along a pristine stretch of private beach or an overwater pool villa poised over the crystal-calm lagoon with sweeping ocean views – each hideaway boasts a large infinity-edge pool, dining pavilion, spacious wooden sundeck and ample lounging areas complete with swinging daybed, hammock, and sun loungers.
All villas feature his and hers walk-in wardrobes, rain showers, outdoor showers, and oversized bathtubs big enough for two, while a sunken glass-bottom bathtub in the overwater pool villas offers a mesmerising view of the sparkling ocean.
Seamless style is achieved with light, airy, contemporary interiors featuring local accents in every room with all the comforts of a-home-away-from-home provided for. To further enhance the experience, all villas are serviced by a personal Villa Host 24 hours a day.
For those who love adventure, the resort offers a bevvy of aquatic experiences, including the opportunity to snorkel with Manta rays. Thanks to the abundance of krill and plankton that accumulates in Hanifaru Bay close by during the season, nature lovers will thoroughly enjoy this life-changing experience as they bear witness to the annual migration of these mysterious gigantic oceanic creatures as they feed.
Once in the water, it’s easy to become mesmerised by their graceful movements of glides and somersaults. Curious and friendly, they often swim within centimetres of snorkellers, managing to avoid contact at the last second, making for the most extraordinary of memories. Designed for swimmers of all levels, the Anantara guides also come alongside those who aren’t necessarily strong swimmers, to hold your hand and guide you through the experience while sharing insightful information that can only be understood by people who call this place home.
As for dining, there is nothing more special than enjoying a sublime culinary journey underwater at the resorts award-winning restaurant called SEA. Perched at the edges of Anantara Kihavah’s famed house reef, guests descend six metres along an underwater corridor that opens to the resort’s award-winning restaurant and wine cellar, home to over 450 labels and vintages dating from the 17th century.
An exceptional feast for the senses, guests can savour a gourmet four-course lunch whilst luxuriating in panoramic views of marine life at play amongst vibrant corals. You can expect to see turtles and, if you’re lucky – some of the reef sharks, all while enjoying some of the best seafood found in the area. From Seabass Ceviche in “Tiger’s Milk”, and Lobster with Olive Oil and Pink Pomelo Essence, the dishes here look as good as they taste and will exceed your expectations.
From the ocean to the sky, other unique experiences at the resort include stargazing and learning about the universe. With its proximity to the equator, the Maldives is truly an astronomer’s paradise, and Anantara Kihavah is the perfect place for spectacular views of both the southern and northern skies. Custom-built for such stargazing encounters, the resort is home to the most powerful telescope in the Indian Ocean, in the only overwater observatory in the Maldives.
Perched over the aquamarine lagoon, the lounge offers front-row seats and an open roof deck that comes alive with a gigantic telescope that allows you to view most of the planets, sun, and moon, not to mention an insightful commentary imparted by the resort’s Sky Guru on cosmic journeys.
Known for their wellness packages, spa lovers will be glad to know that Anantara Kihavah also offers unique body scrubs and massages, in their state-of-the-art spa facility built over the ocean.
Another brand-new spa worth visiting is the Ritz Carlton Spa, located 45 minutes by boat from the capital, Male, on the Fari Islands. Located on the most westerly of the resort’s four islands, the beautiful circular building hovers ethereally over the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon, creating an elegant silhouette and bringing to life that sense of movement found in the Maldivian waters and sea breeze.
Guests begin their Spa journey by walking three minutes out into the lagoon along a stilted pontoon, surrounded by water and immediately, that sense of escape and disconnect is created.
Once inside, guests will feel enveloped by a sense of calm and of leaving the outside world behind before they step into one of the nine treatment rooms. The name of the treatment room is inspired by and aligned with the Ancient Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang energies.
The Bamford face and body treatments include two signature treatments exclusive to Ritz Carlton Maldives – with The Bamford Signature Journey is the best choice. The 150-minute healing journey incorporates Maldivian ingredients and signature Bamford techniques. An island-grown coconut oil massage with a combination of Japanese Shiatsu and Swedish motions releasing tensions and balancing meridians followed by wave-like massages to the ocean’s rhythm.
The therapist aligns your Chakras with a heated sacred stone placed on the abdomen while slipping you into complete serenity with a face and Indian head massage. The ritual is completed with relaxing breathwork with Maldivian seashells and a fragrant bath to soak any impurities. Whether you’re looking to do a romantic getaway or some luxurious self-care, this is one spa experience you do not want to miss.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a soul-searching trip to calm your senses and relax in nature – a journey to the Maldives may be the answer.
By Hermoine Macura-Noble
The first Australian English speaking News Anchor in the Middle East. She is also the Author of Faces of the Middle East and Founder of US-based 501c3 charity – The House of Rest which helps to ease the suffering of victims of war. For more from our Contributing Editor, you can follow her on Instagram, here.
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