Lose yourself among the heavens: Anantara unveils SKY overwater observatory

There is not much on this Earth to challenge the simple of pleasure of stargazing. And, if you struggle to think of a better way to end your day than kicking back, drink in hand, to take in the dance of the constellations as they spiral across the sky, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has a treat in store.

With the relaunch of the resort’s rooftop bar SKY, Anantara have announced guests can now recline in comfort with the option of observing the night’s sky through what the company describe to be “the Maldives’ most powerful overwater observatory”.

To make the most of the experience Anantara has even employed their own in-house astronomer Ali Shameem, who is on-hand to provide guests with expert knowledge and insight, including helping them pick out constellations such as The Plough, Orion, the Maldivian sky’s brightest star Rigel.

Wannabe astromers will also be able to view the Milky Way’s Omega Centauri or Messier 13, a globular cluster of over 300,000 stars in the constellation of Hercules.

Shameem is the host of the thrice-weekly, hour-long, stargazing sessions, priced at USD$95 which run on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 7pm, and a glass of champagne thrown in for good measure.

“My pick of the bunch includes a four-course gourmet lunch and guided house-reef snorkelling”

Couples can also book private stargazing sessions for USD$250 per pair, including a full bottle of champagne. There is even a special Honeymoon Stargazing option, for newlyweds where, for the cost of USD$450 per couple, brides and grooms can name a star after their betrothed..

Anantara Kihavah has also put together the Time and Wonder Packages, which are combination of the above stargazing offers, mixed with the resort’s other signature deals, for example the resort’s Slumber Guru massage, with milk bath, back massage for two and lavender silk eye mask, plus a cinema under the stars experience.

“The Sea and SKY package, which is my pick of the bunch, includes a four-course gourmet lunch in SEA underwater restaurant plus guided house-reef snorkelling. The Spa and SKY package completes the trilogy by adding an hour spa treatment, wellness consultation and private sunset yoga,” said Shameem.

All three packages are for a minimum of three nights’ stay, and cover seaplane transfers and accommodation on half-board basis.