Wake 200 metres from Hanifaru Bay, where the world's densest manta aggregation funnels into a UNESCO channel each southwest monsoon — one of the Maldives' closest resorts to the main event.
5-Star Resort Seaplane 30 min Hanifaru Bay 200 m All-Inclusive
Atoll
Baa
Villas
124
Transfer
Seaplane
Transfer Cost
~$650 pp RT
Packages From
Request Quote
Meal Plans
HB / FB / FB+ / AI
Secret Price
Secret PriceTailored to your dates
Get a Personalised Quote
More inclusions than direct
Opened2012Renovated2017
Kihaa sits 200 metres from Hanifaru Bay — the UNESCO Biosphere channel where the world’s densest manta feeding aggregation forms each southwest monsoon. Among the closest full-service resorts to the spectacle. 124 villas across 12 categories on a 600-metre coconut-shaped island, with Ocean Dimensions PADI running daily dives from the resort’s own jetty.
124 villas across 12 categories — the widest accommodation spread in Baa Atoll. The Classic Collection (Beach Villa, Beach Access, Lagoon, Island Pool) runs 75–110 sqm; the Luxury Collection (Beach Villa with Pool, Sunset, Beach Suite, Water Villa, Ocean Suite, Royal Suite) spans 130–765 sqm. Under-12s in Water Villas need a parental disclaimer.
Beach1 of 3
Classic Beach Villas
From
$350
77–110 sqm ·31% smaller than avg
Beach Villa77 sqmNo pool$350
Beach Access Villa77 sqmNo pool$380
Lagoon Beach Villa110 sqmNo pool$450
PoolAll pool
Beach Villas with Pool
From
$550
75–150 sqm ·Average size
Island Villa with Pool75 sqmPool$550
Beach Villa with Private Pool130 sqmPool$650
Sunset Beach Villa with Private Pool150 sqmPool$750
Beach Suite with Infinity Pool150 sqmPool$850
OverwaterAll pool
Water Villas
From
$950
150–169 sqm ·25% larger than avg
Water Villa with Plunge Pool150 sqmPool$950
Sunset Overwater Villa with Infinity Pool169 sqmPool$1,200
FamilyAll pool
Ocean & Royal Suites
From
$1,800
310–765 sqm ·4.2× larger than avg
Two-Bedroom Ocean Suite with Infinity Pool310 sqmPool$1,800
Three-Bedroom Royal Beach Suite765 sqmPoolOn request
Not sure which villa is right? We'll match you based on your group size, budget and priorities.
Prices shown are indicative low-season per night. See the season guide in the sidebar for how rates vary by time of year. We'll confirm exact pricing for your dates.
Dining
2 Restaurants & 3 Bars
Two restaurants and three bars. Malaafaiy is the main international/Maldivian buffet venue; Sangu sets up à la carte on the beach for a single moonlit course of romance. The Wine Loft handles serious cellar work; Raaveriya runs the family pool by day; Undhoali catches the sunset with swing seats by the infinity pool.
Malaafaiy
International Buffet
The island's culinary heart — 'a presentation of a lavish banquet' translating to international and local Maldivian delicacies. Indoor-outdoor with ocean views; cover-ups required at lunch, smart-casual at dinner.
SettingOceanview · Main restaurant · All-day
Our tipEvening setup under the stars is the best time to dine
Sangu
Fine Dining
Romantic fine-dining setup on the beach — candlelit sand-floor dining with a seasonally rotating à la carte menu. One of the few Baa Atoll private-dining experiences you can book without a package upgrade.
SettingBeachfront · À la carte · Dinner only
Our tipRequest the setup on the outer beach for full privacy
The Wine Loft
Wine Bar
Kihaa's Exclusive Wine Loft — a sophisticated enclosed cellar with an outstanding array of fine wines and a complementary menu of excellent food. Relaxed atmosphere with service-led wine flights on booking.
SettingEnclosed cellar · Booking required
Our tipRequest a flight pairing — the sommelier runs real cellars
Raaveriya Bar
Pool Bar
Under palm trees by the family pool and lagoon — Kihaa's signature ice-cream, light snacks, ice-cold juices and colourful cocktails. The go-to spot for afternoon family hangs and lunchtime poolside bites.
SettingFamily pool · Palm-shaded · Lagoon-side
Our tipTry the Kihaa signature ice cream — unique to the resort
Undhoali Bar
Cocktails
Adjacent to the infinity pool, a row of undhoali 'swings' hangs beside the bar for a fun sway after a dip in the pool. Happy hour starts with chill music as you enjoy the sunset; one of Baa Atoll's best sunset-bar settings.
SettingInfinity pool · Sunset · Maldivian swings
Our tipClaim a swing seat by 5:30pm before the sunset crowd
Meal Plans
Dining Inclusions
Four tiers on the way up to the Premium 'Island Wide Experience'. Kihaa offers Half Board, Full Board, Full Board Plus, All-Inclusive Basic, All-Inclusive Gold, and Island Wide. Published USD supplements aren't on the website — enquire for current pricing.
Premium "Island Wide Experience" includes additional à la carte dinners on longer stays, a weekly management cocktail, daily minibar refill, and non-motorised water sports. The Wine Loft is a supplement on every plan.
Plan
Restaurants
Alcohol
Minibar
~pp/day
Half Board
Malaafaiy (B+D)
—
—
Included
Full Board
Malaafaiy (B+L+D)
—
—
On request
All-Inclusive Gold
Malaafaiy + select AI menu
House
Daily
+$75 pp
Island Wide Experience
All venues + à la carte dinners
House
Daily
On request
Half BoardIncluded
Malaafaiy (B+D)
Alcohol —Minibar —
Full BoardOn request
Malaafaiy (B+L+D)
Alcohol —Minibar —
All-Inclusive Gold+$75 pp/day
Malaafaiy + select AI menu
Alcohol HouseMinibar Daily
Island Wide ExperienceOn request
All venues + à la carte dinners
Alcohol HouseMinibar Daily
Experiences & Activities
Your Days on the Island
Ocean Dimensions PADI runs the dive programme — 8+ Baa Atoll signature sites within 30 minutes including Hanifaru Bay (200 m away; UNESCO protected, seasonal snorkel-only access Jun–Nov). The 'finding-manta' snorkel with the resident marine biologist is the signature experience and worth booking for the stay.
Water Sports & Diving
Ocean Dimensions PADI · Hanifaru Bay 200 m · Baa Atoll's signature sites
Snorkel gear rentalUSD 10/set/day via Ocean Dimensions · complimentary on Island Wide
The world's densest manta channel — 200 m away. Hanifaru Bay is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve MPA that draws the densest seasonal manta-ray feeding aggregation in the world from June to November. Ocean Dimensions runs private small-group snorkel boats to the bay from the resort's own jetty — ~5-minute transit. This is the single reason most guests book Kihaa.
Excursions & Cruises
Dolphin safaris, sandbank picnics, Maldivian night fishing — biologist-led where possible
Dolphin safari cruise
Turtle Adventure snorkel excursion
Local island / village visit
Afternoon Booze Cruise
Sunset cruise (shared or private)
Starlight Champagne Cruise
Sunset fishing
Big-game fishing (private)
Castaway deserted-island picnic
Night fishing — traditional Maldivian style
Spa & Wellness
K-Spa with overwater chalet · Ayurvedic programmes · Couples massages
Overwater spa chaletOcean views during the treatment
Kihaa Signature Massage
Traditional Thai, Balinese, Swedish massages
Pregnancy-specific massages
Facials, detox treatments, skin wraps
5 massage rooms + 2 beauty roomsPer the spa factsheet
Free daily supervised programmeIncluded — no charge
Babysitting$25/hr/child · max 2 hrs · ages 2–12
Children's menus at all restaurants
Baby food on requestComplimentary baby cribs provided
Playground on island
Water Villas not recommended under 12Parental disclaimer required
Children under 6 stay and eat free (on parents' meal plan)
Family & Kids
Family-Friendly Features
Kihaa's family pitch centres on its Baa Atoll location — Hanifaru Bay manta trips the older kids won't forget, a dedicated family pool at Raaveriya Bar, and a Kihaa Kids Club running 9am–6pm across two sessions for ages 3–12. Under-3s are welcome with a guardian, and babysitting via the PLAY Crew runs $25/hour for ages 2–12. The two-bedroom Ocean Suite (310 sqm) and three-bedroom Royal Beach Suite (765 sqm) cover multi-generational family setups. Under-12s aren't recommended in Water Villas — beach categories are the family pick.
Kihaa Kids Club
Ages 3–12 · Free
Under 6 Stay Free
Under 6 eat free
Babysitting
$25/hr
Shallow Lagoon
Calm, shallow water safe for young children
Highlights for Kids
Manta rays 200 m awayDedicated family poolFree kids club 3–12Baby food on requestBeach playground
Family Villa Options
Two-Bedroom Ocean SuiteThree-Bedroom Royal Beach Suite
Snorkeling & Marine Life
House Reef & Underwater
6.8
Good House Reef
Lux Atolls Reef Score · top 40% of Maldives resorts
Shore entry from multiple points · Turtle Reef 45 min shows 12 turtles · Southwest has small caves
Hanifaru Bay 200 m · Manta season Jun–Nov · Whale sharks (seasonal) · Nurse & lemon sharks southwest
Kihaa's house reef is mixed — the north side and jetty areas are strong with resident hawksbill and green turtles, Napoleon wrasse, reef sharks, and schooling fusiliers, while the south side can be patchier. 2022–2024 reviews flagged some coral bleaching in places, with recovery noted more recently. The real reef story isn't the house reef — it's the 200-metre proximity to Hanifaru Bay, where the world's largest manta ray aggregation feeds from June to November. Ocean Dimensions runs boat trips direct from the dive jetty.
Regularly spotted here (+8)
Reef Sharks
Blacktip · nurse sharks on southwest dive site
Sea Turtles
Resident hawksbill and green — 'like an aquarium' at Turtle Reef
Stingrays
House reef and boat-accessed sites
Tropical Reef Fish
Fusilier schools · Napoleon wrasse · bannerfish · batfish
Octopus
Resident · coral caves southwest
Dolphins
Raa/Baa spinner pods on the dolphin cruise route
Manta Rays
Hanifaru Bay peak aggregation · Jun–Nov
Whale Sharks
Hanifaru Bay · seasonal Jun–Nov · less frequent than mantas
PADI dive center on-site. Night snorkeling available. Marine life observations sourced from dive logs and guest reports.
Getting There
Transfer from Malé
30-minute seaplane from Velana via Manta Air, or a domestic flight + 5-minute speedboat. Arrivals pre-16:30; departures after 09:00.
Option 1 — Seaplane
Manta Air seaplane from Velana
~30 min · Daylight only · Direct to jetty
~$650 pp roundtrip
Option 2 — Domestic + Speedboat
Maldivian flight to Dharavandhoo + speedboat
30 min flight + 5–10 min boat · Late arrivals
~$399 pp roundtrip
Max baggage 20 kg check-in + 5 kg hand per person; excess USD 5/kg. Second option is the budget alternative and suits late arrivals.
Resort island map — Kihaa Maldives
Our Take
Who This Resort is For
Kihaa’s pull is Hanifaru proximity — minutes by boat to one of the world’s most photographed wildlife events, at a price point meaningfully lower than Baa Atoll’s premium peers. The dining is honest, the boat-dive access strong, and the southwest reef has caves with baby sharks and lobsters most reefs can’t match. For travellers who want manta-season Baa Atoll without the ultra-luxury bill, Kihaa is one of the best-value picks in the country.
Ideal for
Manta ray travellers — Hanifaru Bay is 200 metres away (about a 5-minute boat transit), and Ocean Dimensions runs private small-group snorkel trips during the Jun–Nov aggregation
Divers — 7–8 signature Baa Atoll dive sites within 30 minutes; PADI certifications from Discover Scuba through Divemaster; Milaidhoo Wall adjacent for night diving
Families on a budget vs. Baa peers — meaningfully cheaper entry (Beach Villa from $350/night) than neighbouring Anantara Kihavah, Soneva Fushi, or Amilla; kids free under 6 on meal plan
All-inclusive guests who upgrade to Island Wide — the à la carte dinner allowance plus non-motorised water sports and daily minibar are the material value in the upgrade
Consider elsewhere if
Travellers who can’t time their trip to manta season — Hanifaru Bay’s aggregation peaks June–November during the southwest monsoon, and outside those months the headline experience isn’t active
Guests expecting ultra-luxury finish — Kihaa is a solid 5-star but sits below Baa Atoll's Soneva/Anantara Kihavah/Nautilus tier on in-villa finish, service ratios, and dining theatre
Couples seeking a small boutique — 124 villas across a 600 m coconut-shaped island puts Kihaa squarely in mid-size resort territory
Season & Pricing Guide
Dec 20 – Jan 10Peak · Highest rates
Jan 11 – Apr 15High · +25–40%
Apr 16 – Jul 15Shoulder · +10–20%
Jul 16 – Dec 19Low · Best value
Peak season fills 4+ months ahead. Shoulder season offers the best balance of weather, price and availability.
Why Book Through Lux Atolls
More Than Just a Booking
What you get with us vs. booking direct or through a generic OTA
Book with Lux Atolls
Best rate guarantee on partner resorts — we match or beat what you find elsewhere
Exclusive package inclusions negotiated through our direct resort relationships
Transparent pricing — transfers, taxes, and meal plans quoted upfront, no hidden fees
Personal trip advisor — villa matching, meal plan guidance, and honest recommendations
Maldives-only expertise — we know every reef, transfer route, and seasonal sweet spot
Direct resort contact — if something needs fixing, we call the GM, not a call centre
No booking fees, no hidden charges — the price we quote is the price you pay
Book Through Others
Published rack rate — no negotiated extras
No package inclusions beyond the standard rate
Transfer costs and taxes added at checkout
Generic customer support with no local knowledge
One-size-fits-all recommendations across dozens of destinations
Issues routed through a ticketing system, not a person
Hidden fees and service charges added late in the process
Frequently Asked Questions
Kihaa Maldives — FAQ
How close is Kihaa Maldives to Hanifaru Bay?
Just 200 metres — roughly a 5-minute boat transit. Kihaa is among the closest resorts to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve's Hanifaru Bay MPA, where the world's densest manta ray feeding aggregation forms from June to November. Ocean Dimensions runs private small-group snorkel trips during peak season.
How do you get to Kihaa Maldives?
30-minute seaplane from Velana International with Manta Air (~$650 pp return), or a 30-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo plus 5–10 minute speedboat (~$399 pp return). Transfers are arranged for arrivals before 16:30 and departures after 09:00.
Is Kihaa Maldives all-inclusive?
Optionally — Kihaa offers Half Board, Full Board, All-Inclusive Gold (~$75 pp/day, house drinks and selected menu), and the Premium "Island Wide Experience" which adds à la carte dinner allowance on longer stays, daily minibar refill, and non-motorised water sports. The Wine Loft is a supplement on every plan.
Is Kihaa Maldives family-friendly?
Yes — Kihaa has a Kids Club for ages 3–12 (under-3s welcome with a guardian), a dedicated family pool at Raaveriya Bar, free-stay-and-eat for children under 6 on parents’ meal plan, and family villa options up to the 765 sqm Three-Bedroom Royal Beach Suite. Babysitting via the PLAY Crew is $25/hr. Note: water villas aren’t recommended for under-12s — beach categories are the family pick.
When is manta season in Hanifaru Bay?
May to November (peak August–October). Southwest monsoon currents push plankton-rich water into the bay's natural channel, drawing manta feeding chains of 50+ animals and seasonal whale sharks. Hanifaru is strictly snorkel-only (no diving) to protect the aggregation.
PricingGet your secret price
Secret Price
Custom package · Your villa choice · Meal plan · Transfers
Sending
Quote Request Sent
We'll reply within 24 hours with a personalised itinerary and exact pricing.