BBAT Spring Summer 2012 : Page 71

Wedded Bliss Boy meets girl, and together—23 years later—they take a romantic trip down the aisle in the maldives. | By Jenn ornton | e rst thing that alerts me to the fact that I’ve just landed in paradise—or, the Maldives, a nation of 1,190 islands scattered like orphaned pearls throughout a narrow expanse of turquoise Indian Ocean—is a cool sea breeze that tickles my face and mists my shoulders, now bare after throwing o my pashmina in exchange for exactly this kind of welcome. After the long hop from San Francisco to Dubai to Male, and nally to the private island of Kihavah Huravalhi in the Baa Atoll archipelago—a UNESCO-declared Biosphere Reserve—it takes a few minutes to fully absorb sudden, inexplicable ecstasy. Call it an ambush of awe. is , I think while pinching myself, is the spot where I will nally marry Mike , who, in 1988, I fell for at his gawkiest and, time has proven, my most astute (I knew then as I do now, he is the only guy for me). Flash forward 23 years, 889 love letters and a trip halfway around the world, and one journey has ended so that another can begin. In the run up to our destination wedding-slash-honeymoon, Mike and I conjured every possible scenario about what it would be like—as it turns out, neither one of us can prognosticate worth a damn. We dared not imagine so quixotic an outpost, where natural beauty and quick solitude give way to otherworldly delights. At its center is a constellation of traditional Maldivian structures built to re ect an alchemistic swirl of local and regional design in uences—think India-meets-Morocco with accents sourced from Sri Lanka and the Maldives— that comprise the Anantara Kihavah Villas. Opened in February 2011, the Green Globe Certi ed luxury resort is signature Anantara, which means “without end” in ancient Sanskrit. Built around the island, no trees were excavated during its construction, which quite immediately brings to mind Frank Lloyd Wright’s aphorism, “If you build on top of the hill, you lose the hill.” Not so here, where a thicket of arching palms shadow a long, meandering sand trail that snakes throughout the meticulously preserved eden, showcasing at every unexpected twist and unspoiled turn, Anantara’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Our personal butler—the charming, big-smiling Solah—takes care of absolutely everything during our stay, setting a high benchmark for service by always attending but never chaperoning. At Kihavah, hospitality is best measured in smiles. Everyone, everywhere , wears one widely, from the front desk to the intricately carved front doors of our one-bedroom over-water accommodations. Inside our Pool Villa—one of 78 sanctuaries either suspended over the sea (with all due respect to Tahiti, an idea rst hatched in the Maldives) or nestled along the soft-as-powder beach—the niceties continue. A private pool, spacious sundeck with sun loungers and a swinging daybed, his-and-hers wardrobes (perfect for stashing your wedding gown from prying eyes, ladies), extensive living space and a spa-like bathroom out t our digs. Larger two-bedroom residences also perched over the water, and a two-bedroom beach villa, round out Kihavah’s other available lodgings. But it’s the discreet personal touches—the pearlized containers of luxurious, unbranded bath products, for example, that the resort’s general manager had custom-made in nearby ailand; and the hand-carved chess table encouraging human (not digital) connection—that stand apart from the state-of-the-art conveniences (among these a Bose home theater system and iPod docking station, a custom-stocked wine cabinet and in-suite bar, an espresso machine and complimentary Wi-Fi). Truly special, however, is how Kihavah balances bespoke services, activities and facilities—a dive center, watercraft, gym, spa and the Maldives’ longest swimming pool—with its sense of undisturbed intimacy. When Mike and I summon the motivation to leave the peaceful con nes of our villa, we are amazed to see or hear almost no one, except during meal times. Kihavah’s six restaurants and bars, including the underwater wine cellar and culinary concept Sea and her elements-inspired sibling eateries (Fire, Salt, Sky) teem with epicurean guests. In the Maldives, time is idle—it evaporates. So when our wedding day comes after a week of leisure—sunset shing, pHOTO BY AHmeD XAKi SoMethInG SpectacULar Jenn thornton and Mike Krch said “I do” at anantara Kihavah Villas in august. s p r i ng / su mme r 2 0 1 2 71

Wedded Bliss

Jenn Thornton

Boy meets girl, and together—23 years later—they take a romantic trip down the aisle in the maldives. The first thing that alerts me to the fact that I’ve just landed in paradise—or, the Maldives, a nation of 1,190 islands scattered like orphaned pearls throughout a narrow expanse of turquoise Indian Ocean—is a cool sea breeze that tickles my face and mists my shoulders, now bare after throwing off my pashmina in exchange for exactly this kind of welcome. After the long hop from San Francisco to Dubai to Male, and finally to the private island of Kihavah Huravalhi in the Baa Atoll archipelago—a UNESCO-declared Biosphere Reserve—it takes a few minutes to fully absorb sudden, inexplicable ecstasy. Call it an ambush of awe. This , I think while pinching myself, is the spot where I will finally marry Mike, who, in 1988, I fell for at his gawkiest and, time has proven, my most astute (I knew then as I do now, he is the only guy for me). Flash forward 23 years, 889 love letters and a trip halfway around the world, and one journey has ended so that another can begin. In the run up to our destination wedding-slashhoneymoon, Mike and I conjured every possible scenario about what it would be like—as it turns out, neither one of us can prognosticate worth a damn. We dared not imagine so quixotic an outpost, where natural beauty and quick solitude give way to otherworldly delights. At its center is a constellation of traditional Maldivian structures built to reflect an alchemistic swirl of local and regional design influences—think India-meets-Morocco with accents sourced from Sri Lanka and the Maldives— that comprise the Anantara Kihavah Villas. Opened in February 2011, the Green Globe Certified luxury resort is signature Anantara, which means “without end” in ancient Sanskrit. Built around the island, no trees were excavated during its construction, which quite immediately brings to mind Frank Lloyd Wright’s aphorism, “If you build on top of the hill, you lose the hill.” Not so here, where a thicket of arching palms shadow a long, meandering sand trail that snakes throughout the meticulously preserved eden, showcasing at every unexpected twist and unspoiled turn, Anantara’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Our personal butler—the charming, big-smiling Solah—takes care of absolutely everything during our stay, setting a high benchmark for service by always attending but never chaperoning. At Kihavah, hospitality is best measured in smiles. Everyone, everywhere, wears one widely, from the front desk to the intricately carved front doors of our onebedroom over-water accommodations. Inside our Pool Villa—one of 78 sanctuaries either suspended over the sea (with all due respect to Tahiti, an idea first hatched in the Maldives) or nestled along the softas- powder beach—the niceties continue. A private pool, spacious sundeck with sun loungers and a swinging daybed, his-and-hers wardrobes (perfect for stashing your wedding gown from prying eyes, ladies), extensive living space and a spa-like bathroom outfit our digs. Larger two-bedroom residences also perched over the water, and a two-bedroom beach villa, round out Kihavah’s other available lodgings. But it’s the discreet personal touches—the pearlized containers of luxurious, unbranded bath products, for example, that the resort’s general manager had custommade in nearby Thailand; and the hand-carved chess table encouraging human (not digital) connection—that stand apart from the state-of-the-art conveniences (among these a Bose home theater system and iPod docking station, a custom-stocked wine cabinet and in-suite bar, an espresso machine and complimentary Wi-Fi). Truly special, however, is how Kihavah balances bespoke services, activities and facilities—a dive center, watercraft, gym, spa and the Maldives’ longest swimming pool—with its sense of undisturbed intimacy. When Mike and I summon the motivation to leave the peaceful confines of our villa, we are amazed to see or hear almost no one, except during meal times. Kihavah’s six restaurants and bars, including the underwater wine cellar and culinary concept Sea and her elements-inspired sibling eateries (Fire, Salt, Sky) teem with epicurean guests. In the Maldives, time is idle—it evaporates. So when our wedding day comes after a week of leisure—sunset fishing, snorkeling, dining, and hitting the spa for soothing massages and rejuvenating facials—it arrives without stress, not one visible nerve. “Everyone should honeymoon before their wedding,” says Mike, a meteorologist, who for three days has been tracking the position of the clouds in anticipation of our big day. It’s been raining, so he’s not convinced our plans for an outside wedding will manifest. But, rather than worry, he’s in the pool, crossing off No. 4 on his bucket list: “Swim in a tropical monsoon.” Not a hint of tension. By sunset, miraculously, the clouds have cleared and a late-afternoon sun blazes. Again I’m pinching myself—and Mike, who’s now gussied up. I, too, have been rendered unrecognizable thanks to a trip to the spa for hair and makeup. When the gown finally goes over my head it hits me: In less than an hour I will be someone’s wife. But not just someone, my everything; the person who, 23 years earlier, on the eve of our first meeting, I mentally tagged as my future husband. It’s emotional when the stars align and I experience my first breakdown of the day. The second comes at the altar, which Mike and I arrive at, hand-in-hand, with an authentic Maldivian drum line, half the resort staff and a few beaming onlookers in tow. Palmfronded and festooned with flowers, the scene is breathtaking—a dreamy tangle of turquoise blue, blinding ivory, marigold orange and lustrous pink. We take our places under an artfully constructed and exquisitely adorned covering of white and peach chiffon and exchange rings and vows, just steps away from jewel-toned seas. Under dusty rose skies, we board Kihavah’s luxury yacht for a sunset sail, gourmet aperitifs and cascades of Champagne. (It’s here where the whole “without end” thing really kicks into high gear.) Calm seas lap the sides of the boat as it slices through the water and, as mister and missus, we take it all in from the bow—and yes, there’s a Kate and Leo moment. Romanced and dizzy, we finally return to Kihavah, where a private, four-course dinner helmed by a personal chef awaits us on a cloistered beach, illuminated by candles and stars. The evening culminates in our villa, where turndown has produced even more flourish—an aromatic bubble bath topped with rose petals, bed linens crafted into cotton swans, more candles strategically placed. Our heads spin, but not from the Champagne, more of which arrives in the morning with a sunrise breakfast. Not a simple meal, mind you—it’s never “simple” at Kihavah—but another feast for the senses. I had always heard romantics drone on endlessly about the Maldives—utopia smackdab in the middle of the Indian Ocean, they said. They’re overstating it, I assured myself, teetering on the cynical edge of envy, never believing that I would one day experience it for myself. But there is such a place. It is as described, and for my husband, and me, X marks the spot where our dream wedding was realized. Minimoon: Stopover in Dubai Fly: Emirates (emirates.com). The premier air carrier of the Middle East, Emirates offers direct flights to Dubai from Houston, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco hubs. Expect exceptional service in all classes of travel, but seats in business and first class are coveted for good reason— unrivaled comfort. An extensive menu of gourmet meals, snacks, and spirits; 600 channels of in-demand, self-controlled entertainment; and seats that lay flat are among the enviable list of in-flight highlights. Stay: The Par k Hyatt Dubai (dubai.park.hyatt. com). Located just minutes from the airport, this luxury hotel offers upscale accommodations and ideal proximity to the best of Dubai. Worldclass hospitality starts with the guestrooms—225 total, including 35 suites—and continues to the award-winning Amara Spa and the fine dining (everything off the wok at Thai Kitchen is incredible). But the real jewel here is the pool. Fashioned as a reflecting pond, it’s the chicest plunge in all of the United Arab Emirates. Shop: The Dubai Mall (thedubaimall.Com). Source every possible ware at the world’s largest shopping mall—a massive marbled mecca teeming with entertainment and the best global brands. Shopping markets more your thing? The Blue Souk, Gold Souk and Spice Souk are all stocked with amazing finds— think textiles, jewelry, carpets and perfumes. Do: Emirates Adventures (eatours.ae). Dune bashing is popular in these parts, but a far more calming way to scope the desert’s scenic dramatics is in a soaring hot air balloon at sunrise. This experience, as well as a full slate of safaris, cultural city tours, nature treks and an Arabian Nightsinspired dinner are all fabulous ways to immerse yourself in the local culture in and around buzzing Dubai.

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