Kuda Huraa, Maldives – Paradise For Families
If you are a frequent traveller, there will be places that you visit that end up being rather underwhelming. For me, many tropical destinations in Asia have ended up blurring together after having lived there for four years. Not that they lacked beauty, but unless a destination can offer something unique, it’s not likely to spark a slideshow of vivid memories in me. This cannot be said for Kuda Huraa. In fact, I’m fairly certain I will spend a great many years trying to find a spot that can even come close to this remarkable piece of paradise. The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea south-west of India. It is made up of twenty-six atolls.
It seems a rather simple recipe: one brilliant sun, one island with powder white sand nestled in the middle of pristine water, handfuls of assorted luxury accommodation, and few dashes of (undeniably) top-notch restaurants. However, this Four Seasons is not unlike any other Four Seasons, in that they deliver quality service and do it exceptionally well.
My favourite: breakfast buffet’s chocolate croissants. Absolutely scrumptious!
We visited this island a total of 3 times and with each visit came an increased level of pampering. From tiny backpacks filled with sea creature toys with the boys’ names on them, to bottles of complementary wine and a yacht pick up from the Male Airport. The staff remembered our faces and were amazing with the children.
We did have friends wonder why we would take children to the Maldives. They thought, as I always did, that it is a place only for honeymooners and couples. Not so at Kuda Huraa. It houses the amazing Kuda Mas Kids Club (Kuda Mas means “small fish”) that is coordinated by an even more amazing team. A daily timetable of activities from games, songs, to scavenger hunts and fish feedings are posted outside the Club door every morning. The resort has a babysitting service to allow parents the freedom to dine, explore or relax on the island, day or night. We couldn’t imagine denying our children the experience of visiting this island, and when you can take advantage of the babysitting service, everyone gets to enjoy it fully.
Kuda Huraa is reached by a 40 minute boat transfer from the Male airport and has a sister property Landaa Giraavar that is 30 minutes by sea plane. As you approach the island you can almost feel yourself letting go of all the responsibilities of home and you realize you are about to experience something phenomenal. From the drum welcome, to the breezy check-in procedure, there is no easing into this relaxing atmosphere. You are there instantly.
Inviting chairs at the Sunset Lounge while you await a speedy check-in
What to Do Near Kuda Huraa
I am one of those people who is extremely happy to be on the beach, in the ocean/pool, and simply relaxing. I am certainly not disciplined enough to spend my vacation in a fitness centre, but it is of course available at Kuda Huraa for those that wish to stick to routine. My husband and son loved to spend the day snorkelling (highlight being spotting a baby red octopus), while the toddler and I searched for shells and watched the crabs race along the beach. You are able to see an abundance of fish, baby sharks, eels from the shore which is a real treat for the little ones.
If however, this remote location leads one to believe it prevents you from adventure, that is certainly not the case. Some of the activities we took part in included:
- Deep sea fishing
- Tubing
- Jet skiing
- Parasailing
- Scuba diving
Other activities available include surfing safaris, tennis, sailing, and more. Motorized sports are not included in the villa price. The resort offers yoga sessions on a very picturesque deck overlooking the ocean every morning. When our boys weren’t at the Kids Club or playing on the beach, they were in the infinity pool and racing around it! While guests are enjoying the beach or pool area, members of the staff will cycle around with fruit kabobs or little balls of ice cream treats.
Infinity Pool
Dad’s lazy snorkeling
The Spa is located on a tiny island a stone’s throw from Kuda Huraa which is accessible by small boat. The tranquility of the spa is remarkable and the perfect escape when you need a break from the sun. I had a fabulous wrap which took place in a treatment room that had a glass bottom portion in the floor so you could watch the fish swimming underneath you. Fantastic!
Maldivian boat (dhoni) making the short trek to the spa
Where We Stayed-Four Seasons, Kuda Huraa
The Four Seasons Resort is the only accommodation on this tiny island, but it houses an assortment of different sized villas to suit many couple/family configurations and preferences. Certain water villas have child age restrictions. The villas are very private due to the vegetation and vary in size/style, but each is equipped with a Nespresso machine, super luxurious L’Occitane products, robes, (in kids sizes too), outdoor showers and plunge pools. Families receive products for children including shampoos, diapers, bottle warmers, wipes, toys, cribs, strollers, age appropriate snacks etc. Each child receives a t-shirt and tiny backpack from the Kuda Mas Kids Club which was great for collecting shells or toting sunscreen etc.
There are four restaurants serving a variety of different cuisines. The food at all restaurants was outstanding. Meals are not included in the villa price, but you may choose half or full board basis to include lunch and dinner. The breakfast buffet is plentiful, fresh and the staff is extremely attentive. The morning newspaper (condensed version of the World’s top stories) is available in several languages. I thoroughly enjoyed slipping out of the villa in the early morning with my cup of Nespresso. Placing my feet in the heavenly sand and begging my memory to hold the vision of the beach and ocean forever in a safe place in my mind. I can see it still so clearly and hope it does not fade until we can visit again.
Four Seasons Kuda Huraa North Male Atoll Phone: +(960) 66 44 888 http://www.fourseasons.com/maldiveskh/