The Maldives is one of the world’s most desired locations, with its tranquil blue seas, private islands and mesmerising fish swimming happily in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a holiday of a lifetime.
One of the wonders of the Maldives is the new underwater restaurant at the Anantara Kihavah Villa Resorts, part of the quartet of Anantara’s signature restaurants; the Sea, Fire, Salt and Sky dining complexes. The Sea restaurant has a very unique location as it is placed on the ocean floor; Sea is a magical experience with 360-degree views of passing fish, turtles, and even sharks.
With only a few underwater restaurant globally, this restaurant offers a dining experience like no other – not only because of the fascinating views but also due to their international gourmet food and wine menus.
Here at Aqua Platinum, we are truly fascinated by the design of such a unique restaurant under the sea. Ed Poole from one of the world’s best Design Agency, Poole Associates, which is based in Singapore, designed the interior as well as the resort’s food and beverage outlets, the library and reception building.
The restaurant, Sea, was first constructed on a nearby island and was then wielded to a barge which was floated to the end location. On the 26th of October 2010, the air which enabled it to float was replaced with sand causing the restaurant to sink to the ocean floor. It was then aligned over pre-constructed piles and anchored into the reef.
The octagonal shaped underwater wine cellar and restaurant was designed to explore the spectacular underwater views in a rare setting. The clever design of the restaurant gives the illusion to diners that they are part of the surrounding reef, due to the acrylic windows being set lower than the dining tables and extended past the guests’ peripheral vision. The room is finished with mirrored celling and pillars which create mind-blowing results to ensure diners have an unforgettable underwater dining experience.
