Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas reveals new SKY Observatory Bar

The luxurious Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has unveiled its new SKY overwater observatory. Perched over the turquoise lagoon, the venue has a cocktail bar, a telescope and a resident story-telling "Sky Guru" who will educate guests about the night's sky. Resident astronomer Ali Shameem will explain everything from the rings of Saturn, to the different constellations.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has unveiled the world’s first overwater observatory and cocktail bar. The luxury venue is perched over a tranquil turquoise lagoon, where guests can gaze up at the stars.

The SKY Bar at the five-star resort in the Maldives, features raw timber furnishings, contemporary design and soft lighting. Guests can sit and sip cocktails at the circular bar in the centre, and the custom-built ash dome observatory sits on the roof deck of the structure.

There’s a resident astronomer Ali Shameem, who will be on hand to tell stories about the wonder of the sky from constellations, to the rings of Saturn. Shameem was trained by the Italian astronomer Dr. Massimo Tarenghi, who led the team at the ALMA observatory in Chilewill.

The observatory has a research-grade 16-inch Meade LX200 telescope which is mounted on a super-giant field tripod and remote controlled with 360-degree movement. Here, guests can get up close to the magnificent night sky, learn about the universe, and enjoy a delicious handcrafted cocktail within a tranquil overwater setting.

Anantara Kihavah is located on the island of Kihavah Huravalhi in the Baa Atoll island archipelago in the Maldives. The luxury resort has 80 private pool villas that sit on stilts over the sea, or on the white sand beach, and range from 260 to 2,730 square meters. The villas feature modern amenities including Bose sound systems, wine chillers, iPod docking stations, espresso machines, Satellite TVs with LCD screens and DVD players, minibars, and bathrooms with luxurious outdoor showers and bath tubs.

The lavish island retreat boasts an array of upscale facilities for guests of all ages to enjoy. These include tennis courts, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, a children’s club with fun activities, Spie Spoons cooking school, and the Elements water sports and dive centre where guests can adopt a coral or enjoy fun water sports such as kayaking, sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving. The overwater Anantara Spa has six overwater treatment suites, a beauty salon, overwater relaxation deck, Jacuzzi and plunge pools, a steam room and a spa boutique with pampering products. Guests can also take part in relaxing yoga and meditation classes here.

Dining options are plentiful at the beachfront resort, and there are six venues to enjoy gourmet cuisine. Salt offers Asian dishes, Fire serves Japanese culinary delights, Plates has international and Maldivian favourites, Manzaru serves Mediterranean fare and Italian classics, and Sea boasts a beautiful underwater setting where guests can watch the colourful marine species dart around while they enjoy gourmet treats.