The luxury is never ending and personal pampering is at its best at the Anantara Kihavah Villas, Maldives says Arati Thapa.

The sea plane

I have been to the magical island of Maldives a couple of times, but this time there were a couple of firsts that made my visit extremely cherishable. Let me begin by saying that there would hardly be anyone on this earth who is not enchanted by the islands of Maldives. So on a clear winding summer day, me and my group of friends consisting mostly of well known wedding planners from Delhi huddled together at the coffee shop of the Indira Gandhi International Airport animatedly discussing the Anantara Group of Hotels and waiting patiently for the boarding on the Sri Lankan Airlines. The discussion included the request for window seats from Colombo to Male, the whole idea being that we should get the aerial view of the Maldives while landing. Happily enough the friendly staff of the airlines consented to the request, well for most of us. The transit at the Colombo airport requires a stay at one of the nearby hotels if you are flying Sri Lankan Airlines from Delhi. We were assisted by the Walker's Tour for our ground arrangements and got to spend the night at the beautiful Covanro hotel which was about half an hour's drive from the airport.

The Anantara has a beautiful lounge at the Male airport with access to complimentary wifi, which is a boon for any traveler. The friendly staff there served us cool beverages while our luggage were being transferred. We were then escorted to the sea plane that would take us to the luxurious Anantara Kiahvah island which was about 40 minutes ride. The stunning aerial view from the sea plane is a visual that will stay in your memories for the longest of time.

Our beautiful villa with the private pool

The sea plane ride heralded the marvelous experience that was waiting for us at the beautiful island resort. Traditionally welcomed with the beating of Maldivian drums and chilled drinks we were escorted to our sea beach villas. The villas were huge and came with our own swimming pool.  The bathrooms were all open-air with utmost privacy maintained. A discreet path led us directly to the beach. We were all handed a personal villa mobiles with 24 hour access to our personal butlers, and a complimentary chilled bottle of Moet Chandon for each of us lit up our smile. Luxury couldn't get better on the islands I would say. As I soaked my feet into a mixture of tender coconut milk water that was also a part of the welcome in the villas to rest  our soles I took in the décor and the furniture of the villa lest I fell asleep with the heavenly relaxation. Each of the furniture had extraordinary smooth textures, there was a huge relaxed swing filled with cushions next to the pool, I made a mental note to go for it after dinner with my friends.

The SEA underwater restaurant

Soon after the lunch was a most spectacular affair at the SEA, the underwater restaurant. While the gourmet food served here will make your palate dance, you will be overwhelmed with the colourful schools of fish that swim across every other second. They almost touch you through the clear glass window as you enjoy your lavish four course meal. The circular restaurant is built right next to the reef and so the variety of fishes in the Indian ocean is of course mind boggling all of which can be seen next to you dancing in their most exotic colours. The story goes that this restaurant was once booked by a romantic couple and transformed into a bedroom for a night. How extraordinary that must have been!

The beautiful overwater spa suites

After the gourmet lunch I decided to take a walk on the sands with a quick dip in the inviting turquoise blue waters and take in the sea. Then it was time for a spa treatment in the overwater Anantara  spa suites. The signature spa had been booked for all of us here. The spa suites itself is a visual delight. You are kept wondering whether to keep your eyes open to experience the vastness of the blue sea right in front of you, while the therapist drowns you with her expert technique of massage or just succumb to the sleep. Happily as you lie on the treatment table you will be able to see the beautiful fishes through the small round glass floor in the spa. In a nutshell take in the tranquility of the sea as well as the relaxing feel of the therapists as she unknots you through the right pressure points.

Inside the spa with amazing sea view

My humble suggestion is that you let yourself drift to the soft sound of the spa music for there will be greater visuals awaiting you later. The spa's relaxing lounge faces the open sea and here's  where you can just be by yourself watching the vastness of the sea sipping quietly on the fresh ginger honey tea served to you after the treatment. Trust me when I say that you will feel the nature in all its beautiful glory and thank the universe for such wonder.

The swing couch; Beautiful wooden path way so typical of Maldives resorts

Fresh and relaxed from the spa treatments it was time to deck up for the evening and do some star gazing in the clear sky at their rooftop bar SKY followed by delicious Indian food at the Salt restaurant. Star gazing at the resort is a unique experience guided by Ali Shameer, the front office manager with a passion for the stars. He will take you through a guided tour of the zodiac signs glittering on the clear Maldivian night sky peppered with the information with the latest on astronomy as you sip on your chilled wine and some yummy snacks. The night wasn't ending yet as we gathered in one of the villas for our own private party, the Moet Chandon did call for one.

The resorts Nirvana luxury yacht that served us early morning yummy breakfast on our way to the airport.

All photographs by Morvi Images