Maldives expert and TSF Editor in Chief Lisa Curtiss, delights in a luxurious stay at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa.
Gently emerging from the azure expanse of the Indian Ocean, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa is a beautifully designed luxurious sanctuary. This exquisite retreat embraces its picture perfect surroundings to offer a deeply immersive experience, steeped in Maldivian charm and hospitality. From its heart-centred service to its very pretty village-style setting, every aspect of Kuda Huraa is meticulously crafted to provide guests with a Maldives experience like no other.
Conveniently located just a 25-minute speedboat ride away from Malé International Airport, Kuda Huraa is in the North Malé Atoll. For those seeking seamless transitions between the sister resorts of Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru, the resort arranges connections with a minimum of 72 hours’ notice in the Four Season’s own rather cute and colourful marine life inspired seaplanes.
Villas
Four Seasons resorts are rightly famous for their exceptional quality and style and this certainly holds true here at Kuda Huraa. All villa types are excellent and exceed even the highest expectations. Our Sunrise Water Villa with Pool was a delight – spacious, elegant and comfortable with views out to a large warm infinity pool that seemed to blend seamlessly with the ocean. The villas have large decks with plenty of space and shade to fully relax in private, enjoy a glass or two of champagne, delicious lunch or just sit quietly and gaze out at the turquoise crystal-clear lagoon teeming with vibrant reef fish and corals.
Guests can choose from a variety of villas, each designed to cater to different preferences and needs. Whether seeking an intimate retreat for two or a spacious haven for the whole family, there is a villa to suit every occasion. From the intimate Beach Bungalows nestled along the pristine shoreline to the opulent Two-Bedroom Royal Beach Villa with Pool, every accommodation option promises an unparalleled experience of luxury and comfort. Every detail is thoughtfully curated to ensure maximum comfort and relaxation. Expansive living areas provide ample space for lounging and entertaining, while plush furnishings and sumptuous bedding envelop guests in a cocoon of luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the surrounding lagoon or beach, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living spaces and inviting the natural beauty of the Maldives indoors.
Dining
Elevating the art of dining to new heights, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa presents a culinary experience that is as diverse as it is delectable. From exquisite fine dining to casual beachside fare, the resort’s dining offerings promise to tantalise the taste buds and satisfy the most discerning palates. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative flavour combinations, each dining venue invites guests on a gastronomic journey that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the Maldives while embracing global influences.
At Baraabaru, guests are invited to savour the authentic flavours of Maldivian cuisine in a stunning beachfront setting. Named after the traditional Maldivian fishing boats, or “dhonis,” this elegant restaurant offers a menu inspired by the vibrant spices and fresh seafood that are synonymous with Maldivian cooking. From succulent grilled reef fish to aromatic curries and fragrant rice dishes, every bite is a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of the Maldives.
For a more relaxed dining experience, guests can head to Reef Club, where toes-in-the-sand dining meets laid-back luxury. Overlooking the tranquil waters of the lagoon, this casual beachfront restaurant serves up a tempting array of international favourites, from wood-fired pizzas to freshly grilled seafood and vibrant salads. Whether enjoying a leisurely lunch in the shade of swaying palm trees or sipping cocktails as the sun sets over the horizon, Reef Club offers a quintessentially Maldivian dining experience.
The Poolside Bar is the perfect spot to unwind. Sip on handcrafted cocktails crafted by expert mixologists while soaking up the sun and taking in panoramic views of the surrounding lagoon. With a menu featuring an array of tropical concoctions and light bites, the Poolside Bar is the ultimate destination for poolside indulgence.
For those seeking a more intimate dining experience, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa offers personalised in-villa dining options, allowing guests to enjoy a private meal in the comfort of their own villa. From romantic candlelit dinners on the deck to indulgent breakfasts in bed, the resort’s culinary team is on hand to create bespoke menus tailored to individual tastes and preferences, ensuring that every dining experience is a memorable one.
Spa
Nestled amidst the tranquil waters of the lagoon, Spa Island at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa is a haven of serenity where guests can embark on a journey of relaxation and renewal. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens and swaying palm trees, this secluded retreat, reached by its own cute little boat, offers a range of indulgent spa treatments inspired by traditional Maldivian healing rituals and modern wellness practices. From rejuvenating massages to luxurious body scrubs and holistic wellness experiences, Spa Island invites guests to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with their inner selves in a beautiful setting.
To Do
Beyond its spa offerings, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa offers a wealth of activities and experiences for guests to enjoy. For those seeking adventure, the resort’s PADI 5-Star IDC Centre offers world-class diving experiences led by expert instructors, allowing guests to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Maldives up close. From encounters with majestic sea turtles to sightings of elusive whale sharks, the waters surrounding Kuda Huraa are teeming with marine life waiting to be discovered.
Cultural Experiences: Discover the Maldives
For those interested in learning more about the rich cultural heritage of the Maldives, the resort offers a range of cultural experiences and excursions. Guests can embark on guided tours of nearby islands, where they can learn about traditional Maldivian crafts such as boatbuilding and weaving or visit local villages to experience the warm hospitality of the Maldivian people first-hand.
Exemplary Marine Conservation Initiatives
At Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, the preservation of the pristine marine environment of the Maldives is not just a priority; it’s a fundamental ethos that shapes every aspect of the resort’s operations. With a deep reverence for the ocean and its inhabitants, the resort has implemented a range of innovative marine conservation initiatives aimed at preserving the fragile ecosystems of the Maldives for future generations to enjoy.
We were particularly impressed with this resort’s marine conservation efforts – including its pioneering Coral Restoration Program, which aims to restore and rehabilitate damaged coral reefs in the surrounding waters.
In Summary
Four Seasons Kuda Huraa is not only a luxurious retreat firmly setting the benchmark for Maldives 5-star resorts, but also a beacon of hope for the preservation of the Maldives’ precious marine ecosystems. Through its innovative conservation initiatives, educational programs, and community engagement efforts, the resort is leading by example in the fight to protect this paradise and ensure that the wonders of the ocean remain intact for future generations to cherish and enjoy.
By Lisa Curtiss
Fact Box
NORTH MALÉ ATOLL, MALDIVES
Tel: +960 66 00 888
Email: [email protected]
