Anantara Kihavah SKY BarMaldives

When it comes to an exclusive experience, it's hard to top the Maldives. Throw in an overwater bar surrounded by crystalline-blue waters and topped with a world-class observatory and you have paradise made manifest: Anantara Kihavah SKY. Part of Anantara Kihavah Maldives resort, this circular bar offers a night of luxury under the stars.

The only observatory in the Maldives, this sky 'scope is headed up by resident astronomer and sky guru Ali Shameem. Having grown up on a Maldivian island without electricity, he developed a fascination with the cosmos and nurtured this over the years by mapping the constellations. With Shameem's assistance and expert knowledge, astronomy buffs and stargazing enthusiasts will delight in the viewing the Milky Way from the observatory – fitted with a 3.8 metre Ash-dome – via the powerful research-grade 16" Meade LX200 telescope. Rotating a cool 360 degrees, the telescope allows guests to experience the sight of outer space in exquisite detail, from the rings of Saturn to Messier 13, a sparkling constellation named Hercules and comprising of more than 300,000 stars. There's a weekly stargazing schedule x or opt for the more intimate setting and book in for a couples session, toasting with a different kind of sparkle – a bottle of champagne.

Naturally, the cocktail menu is as dazzling as the skies above, so for a little heaven on earth get your lips around one of the bar's signature tipples, King of The Sky. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek story about the creation of the Milky Way universe, the holy bevvy is concoction of toasted sesame bourbon, Havana 7, cream, condensed milk, vanilla and cinnamon dust. Legend has it that Zeus brought his son Hercules to feed from his mother while she slept but when she awoke, startled by their presence, some drops were spilled and thus, the Milky Way was born.

If you're more of a sun worshipper than a night owl, sink into one of the plush loungers, cocktail in hand, and tune into the mellifluous soundtrack of lapping water and slow beats while taking in the unencumbered views of the Indian Ocean.

get there

The Baa Atoll island archipelago is only accessible by private chartered flights. Contact Anantara Kihavah for further info.

price guide

A night viewing the galaxy with a small group costs about US$95 per person and includes a glass of champagne. If you’re after an private viewing for two, complete with a bottle of champers to share, it’s US$250 per couple.

contact

Anantara Kihavah SKY
skykihavahmaldives.com

need to know

To get in on this incredible experience, you’ll also need to be a guest at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. A beach pool villa, private pool and sundeck, outdoor shower and wi-fi, starts from US$1196.