Why Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Is a Celebrity Favourite

The Maldives has long been a favourite destination for celebrities looking for privacy, space, and a setting far removed from the pressures of public life. Across the archipelago, a handful of resorts have quietly built reputations for attracting high-profile guests — and Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is among them.

Over the years, the resort has welcomed well-known names including Leonardo DiCaprio, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roger Federer, as well as musicians Ronan and Storm Keating and Robin Thicke. But celebrity visits alone do not explain its appeal. The resort’s location, architecture, and distinctive experiences have helped establish it as one of the Maldives’ more quietly impressive luxury properties.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its rich marine life and coral reefs. The resort is reached by a 35-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport, offering guests a scenic arrival over the Maldives’ turquoise lagoons and scattered islands.

The property features several villa categories designed with privacy and space in mind. Each villa includes a private infinity pool, outdoor dining pavilion, and spacious wooden sundeck facing the ocean or lagoon.

Inside, the villas combine contemporary design with natural materials. Details such as outdoor showers, oversized bathtubs, and walk-in wardrobes reinforce the sense of comfort and seclusion — qualities that many travellers, especially high-profile guests, value when choosing a resort.

One of the most distinctive features of the resort is SEA, its underwater restaurant located several metres below the lagoon’s surface.

Dining at SEA allows guests to enjoy a meal while surrounded by coral reefs and marine life. The restaurant also houses an extensive wine cellar, with thousands of bottles stored beneath the ocean.

Beyond the underwater restaurant, Anantara Kihavah offers several additional dining venues overlooking the Indian Ocean. Guests can explore menus ranging from Mediterranean-inspired dishes to contemporary international cuisine created by the resort’s culinary team.

The resort has also strengthened its culinary programme in recent years, including the appointment of executive chef Joachim Textor, who brings decades of international experience to the kitchens.

Wellness has also become a central part of the resort’s identity. In addition to spa treatments and relaxation programmes, the property has introduced several dining concepts focused on health and nutrition.

One of the more distinctive additions is an epigenetic dining experience, where dishes are designed to align with each guest’s personal health profile following a specialised assessment.

The resort has also introduced plant-based menus across several restaurants, developed with the guidance of holistic wellness chef Jamie Raftery. These initiatives reflect the broader shift in luxury travel toward personalised wellness and lifestyle experiences.

For celebrities and high-profile travellers, the Maldives offers something increasingly rare: privacy combined with extraordinary natural beauty.

Anantara Kihavah has positioned itself at the intersection of those qualities. Its spacious villas, unique dining experiences, and location within the protected waters of Baa Atoll create a setting that feels both secluded and connected to the surrounding environment.

That balance helps explain why the resort continues to attract famous guests — and why it remains a popular choice for travellers seeking a refined Maldives escape.