Astronaut Tim Peake to Host Space Week At Anantara Kihavah
Renowned UK astronaut Tim Peake will make a special appearance at the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Resort in November, offering guests an extraordinary opportunity to engage with him in captivating discussions about space. This exclusive event will include an intimate evening conversation with Tim, as well as a separate presentation tailored specifically for teenagers.
Nestled in the pristine Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Anantara Kihavah resort boasts the Maldives’ first overwater observatory and the most advanced telescope in the region. The resort’s enviable equatorial location allows guests to observe stars from both hemispheres, while the absence of light pollution and expansive skies enhance the visibility of celestial wonders like Saturn’s pale-yellow rings, Jupiter’s mesmerizing zones and belts, and even the Omega Centauri in the Milky Way. Such celestial marvels make Anantara Kihavah an ideal destination for astronomy enthusiasts, perfectly complementing Tim’s engaging presentations.
The highlight of the event will be Tim Peake’s enthralling talk titled “Journey Beyond Earth.” Scheduled for early evening on Thursday, November 2, the event will take place on Anantara Kihavah’s Sky Deck—a luxurious overwater observatory and cocktail bar. Against the backdrop of cosmic-inspired cocktails and champagne, Tim will offer an insider’s perspective on life in space, sharing captivating details about astronaut training, spacewalks, re-entry, and the remarkable reasons behind human space exploration. Limited to a maximum of 20 attendees, the intimate setting will allow guests to interact with Tim directly, asking profound questions about the astronaut experience.
Complementing Tim’s talk, Anantara Kihavah’s resident Sky Guru, Hammadh, will lead a 60-minute stargazing session at Sky, tailored to the convenience of guests during their stay. As a native Maldivian, Hammadh will skillfully guide participants through the stars and planets visible from both hemispheres, providing insights into naked-eye observations and utilizing the resort’s state-of-the-art 16″ Meade LX200 telescope mounted on a colossal field tripod. Housed within a purpose-built Ash-dome observatory, this impressive telescope extends the viewing capacity to an astounding 30 million light-years away.
During his stay, which coincides with the half-term period, Tim Peake will also engage teenagers aged between 10 and 18 in an enthralling talk on space exploration, scheduled for Friday, November 3, 2023. As a bestselling author of books such as the “Swarm Rising” series and “The Cosmic Diary of our Incredible Universe,” Tim will discuss his literary works and share firsthand experiences as the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station and conduct a spacewalk during a six-month mission. He will also recount his remarkable feat of running the London marathon from space. As an added bonus, Tim might offer some valuable advice to aspiring astronauts. The talk will be followed by a tailored 60-minute stargazing session with Hammadh, designed to captivate younger guests.
To further enhance the celestial theme, Anantara Kihavah’s Kid’s Club will undergo an intergalactic transformation from November 1 to 5, offering children a range of space-inspired activities. These include crafting recycled rockets, making space cookies, creating planet puppets, and engaging in coffee-based space painting.
Tickets for “Journey Beyond Earth: An Inspiring Conversation with Tim Peake” cost approximately £130 per person (USD 165) for a maximum of 20 participants. This price includes champagne, cosmic-inspired cocktails, canapés, and a60-minute stargazing session with Sky Guru Hammadh. For younger attendees, tickets for “Exploring Space with Tim Peake” are priced at around £98 per person (USD 125) and accommodate up to 10 guests. These tickets include cosmic-inspired mocktails, snacks, and a stargazing session with Hammadh.
For those planning to extend their stay, the Anantara Kihavah Villas offer a starting price of £1,200 per night, which includes breakfast and dinner. With six distinct restaurants and bars, including the renowned SEA underwater restaurant and wine cellar, guests can indulge in a variety of culinary experiences alongside their celestial adventures.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to engage with Tim Peake, one of the UK’s most celebrated astronauts, amidst the breathtaking surroundings of Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Resort. Immerse yourself in the wonders of space and embark on an unforgettable journey beyond Earth.