Male’, Maldives, 27th March 2024 – If you’re seeking to explore the mysteries of the cosmos, there’s no better place than SKY at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. Nestled in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, this private island not only offers a tropical paradise but also serves as a dream location for stargazers. Its remote setting ensures freedom from light pollution, while its proximity to the equator provides breathtaking views of both the southern and northern skies.
At SKY, Anantara Kihavah’s overwater observatory and luxury cocktail bar, guests can sip Champagne or cocktails while gazing through one of the most powerful telescopes in the region. The resort’s two resident SKY Gurus, Zunnoon Ahmed (Zunnu) and Ali Arushal (Shalli), captivate guests with fascinating stories of the night sky, drawing upon their local knowledge of the Maldivian sky and unraveling the intriguing tales behind the countless stars.
Zunnoon Ahmed, hailing from the small island of Kudarikilu in Baa Atoll, has been fascinated by the night sky since childhood. Despite pursuing a career in IT, his passion for stargazing led him to become Assistant IT Manager by day and storytelling SKY Guru by night. With years of dedication and training under Anantara Kihavah’s first SKY Guru, Zunnu now shares his profound understanding of the cosmos with guests, turning each stargazing session into a rewarding experience.
Ali Arushal, born and raised on the island of Kendhoo in Baa Atoll, joined Anantara Kihavah’s transport department before embarking on his journey as a SKY Guru. Intensively trained for one and a half years, Shalli’s passion for the stars shines through as he delights in sharing his knowledge with guests, showcasing celestial wonders like lunar eclipses, solar eclipses, and meteors.
Guests at SKY are treated to a cosmic journey across both hemispheres, guided by the SKY Gurus who point out different constellations and explain phenomena such as light years and galaxies. With a research-grade Meade 16” LX200 telescope offering views of up to 30 million light years away, guests have the opportunity to witness lunar eclipses, planets, and stars invisible from other parts of the world.
SKY at Anantara Kihavah is not just an observatory; it’s a state-of-the-art facility equipped with a 3.8-meter revolving Ash dome and a research-grade telescope mounted on a super-giant field tripod. Embark on a cosmic journey at Anantara Kihavah’s SKY Observatory. For more information or to book, call +960 664 4111, visit Anantara Kihavah Maldives or email [email protected].
