Maldives
Baa Atoll polish with a private observatory above the water and a wine-and-dine room beneath it.
Kihavah sits in Baa Atoll, the Maldives' UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a short run from Hanifaru Bay where mantas and whale sharks gather in season. The 80 villas — beach and overwater, each with a private pool — are more polished and full-service than the barefoot southern resorts, without tipping into ostentation.
Two signatures define the stay: SKY, an overwater observatory with a resident astronomer and a serious telescope, and SEA, the glass-walled undersea wine cellar and restaurant. Between them sits a capable spa and one of the better house reefs in the atoll.
Couples and families who want refined service, strong diving and the Hanifaru manta season
You prefer rustic, sand-underfoot simplicity over polished resort service
An Overwater Pool Villa; the two-bedroom beach pool villas suit families
May–November for Hanifaru mantas and whale sharks; December–April for calm, dry weather
Roughly a 35-minute seaplane from Malé, landing in daylight hours
Composed and full-service; dinner under the lagoon at SEA, stargazing at SKY
Paltino arranges the seaplane transfer, a villa suited to your party, and timed Hanifaru Bay snorkelling and an astronomy evening when the season and skies allow.
Tell us a little about the trip you have in mind and a specialist will be in touch personally. Prefer to talk? Call +1 250-385-3001.