Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Launches New Overwater Observatory and Bar, SKY

Posted in News on 30 March, 2018

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has unveiled the new SKY, the Maldives’ only overwater observatory combined with a luxury cocktail bar, a resident story-telling Sky Guru and housing the most powerful telescope in the Indian Ocean. Situated in a prime location in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll, the luxury five-star resort has long been renowned as ideal destination to explore the underwater world of the stunning Indian Ocean. With the new SKY, guests of Anantara Kihavah will now also be able to explore the skies, with dramatic views of the planets and stars on crystal clear display.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas redefines luxury, giving guests the time and opportunity to experience what they’ve always wondered and is the ultimate destination for adventure and discovery. On a breathtaking private island where the forces of nature dazzle the imagination, SKY invites guests to play out once in a lifetime journeys, immersed in Time and Wonder. In a world of many firsts, guests are encouraged to take he time to swim with Manta Rays, dine underwater at SEA, and experience their own private cinema under the stars. Now, guests can gaze on the stars as they sip Champagne and revel in the majesty of life. Discover extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime experiences that enlighten couple’s romance and family adventure.

The Sky Bar

The new panorama lounge perched over the lagoon maximises ocean views from every vantage point. Contemporary yet warm, with raw timber and soft lighting throughout, this is THE place to take in spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets. A circular bar serves as the centrepiece, with the resident mixologist busy at work. Sip on island signatures such as Kihavah Island Tea, an Indian Ocean white rum and arak with lychee, peach, lemon and a dash of Earl Grey Tea. Laze on low oversized daybeds that wrap around the terrace, enjoying innovative tapas and fragrant shisha. Resident DJ Kristina spins mellow vibes that shapeshift with the fading light.

The Observatory

The custom-built ash-dome observatory sits on the roof deck of the Sky Bar surrounded by nothing but open skies and the ocean waves below. The first and only overwater observatory combined with a cocktail bar in the Maldives houses a research-grade 16” Meade LX200 telescope mounted on a super-giant field tripod. Remote controlled with 360˚ movement, the powerful telescope opens up a whole new world of wonder.

Stargazing with Sky Guru Ali Shameem

Sip Champagne or lay back on a circular daybed with the sky above as resident astronomer Ali Shameem points out the pale yellow rings of Saturn or the counter-rotating zones and belts of Jupiter that vary in width, colour and intensity from year to year. Take a peek through the telescope at the Milky Way’s shining Omega Centauri or Messier 13, a globular cluster of over 300,000 stars in the constellation of Hercules.

The Maldives’s location just above the equator means both hemisphere’s stars are visible from Anantara Kihavah. Coupled with minimal light pollution and open skies, this is astronomy par excellence. Sky Guru Shameem (protégé of Italian astronomer Dr. Massimo Tarenghi who headed the ALMA observatory in Chile) shares his passion and expertise of the constellations in weekly star gazing experiences and private couples’ sessions. Guests can even name a star after a loved one as the ultimate romantic gift!