Our trip to the Maldives was just over a year ago now but I haven’t done enough posts on the wonderful trip we had. I have covered the food and drink in a post but not much more! I know that many people have the Maldives on their bucket list or honeymoon dream trip and it can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing an island.
We knew wanted a big island as we like to explore and try lots of different things. We visited the Kuramathi Island Resort which was honestly, the best place on earth. I wanted to give everyone a run down of what’s included, why you should visit and some insight into what makes the Kuramathi, the best experience in the Maldives.
What is the Kuramathi Island Resort?
The Kuramathi Island is a 1 mile long island and is the largest island in the Atoll. The island is located 35 miles from the capital Male where you have to visit to get to any Maldivian island. It is a 20 minute sea plane or 90 minute journey away. We tried both journeys and recommend them both for the fun full experience.
The island is popular for relaxation whilst having plenty of activities and things to do. There are excellent water sport facilities and you are given the opportunity to snorkel all around the island. There are two infinity pools plus a in-island pool.
There are numerous room options on the island from garden villas, beach villages with jacuzzis and pool villas including houses and water villas. There’s something for everyone! We didn’t do the water stilts houses but I don’t feel like we missed out at all! We barely spent any time in the room when you have an incredible island around you.
Why the Kuramathi is the must visit island!
As you will have seen in my dining post about the Kuramathi resort, my favourite part about this island was it’s dining and drinking facilities. There are three main restaurants which you are allocated one depending on your villas location which serves as your breakfast buffet but also can be your lunch/dinner if you choose full board or all inclusive.
We actually chose the Select All Inclusive option which I would recommend to everyone going on honeymoon. Despite the obvious cost increase, this meant we could eat in one of the many a la carte restaurants. This gives you option to dine at any restaurant of your choosing each night (booking required maximum two days before) Duniye serves up fine dining, Tandoor Mahal is an Indian restaurant, Palm serves up mediterranean dishes, The Reef, sits over the water and has loads of fresh fish options and Island Barbeque is just what it says on the tin.
There is also Siam Garden which provides wonderful Thai cuisine and then there is Inguru which caters for Asian fusion and Kobe for teppanyaki.
We decided to try as many of these as we could during our 7 day stay and my personal favourites were Palm, for incredible juicy steaks and fresh fish, The Reef which is where Dan had one of the tastiest fish he’s ever eaten and you could see the sea under your feet.
For lunch options there was also the use of Palm which personally is one of the best restaurants I’ve ever had the privilege of eating in. The salads, fish dishes and pizzas were incredible. There is the Island Coffee Shop which covers burgers and salads and also the use of the bars.
There are seven bars around the island. That really is one reason to choose it. It never felt crowded in any space and everywhere was chilled and relaxed. They all over looked the sea but had different vibes and music to them.
What facilities are available to do during the day?
As standard, snorkelling equipment is provided to every guest to the Island. We spent most days snorkelling in the morning is various points around the island, eating then going back in the sea or sun bathing. It never got boring as there was so much to see and do. It was an experience I’ll never forget even as a unconfident swimmer and first time open sea swimmer the equipment provided great safety and opportunities.
There is a spa and wellness centre which I tried for a treatment. I had a scrub massage and the beautician was very professional and kind and I literally snored myself to sleep during the treatment I was that relaxed. The sound of waves and a full body massage, that is heaven my friends. There are LOADS of day trips, excursions and outdoor equipment to make use of if you wanted to go out and about for the day too.
In the evenings there was always low-key entertainment avaliable. There would be events like cinema under the stars on the beach (see below), musicians and dancers. Nothing cheap or nasty or too obtrusive so you can be assured that it will be entertaining. We only went to a couple of these as we often headed back to our villa in the evenings to use the Jacuzzi.
Is it worth the cost?
Naturally all this luxury comes at a cost unlike a European holiday. It is probably the most we’ll ever spend on a holiday but as it was for our honeymoon and one we treated as a once in a life time for us it was completely worth it. We fully had our money’s worth when it came to food, the room, drinks, additional extras and of course the service.
There are no rude workers here, everyone seems happy to work on the island and it looks like a real family team. If you want to do the Maldives and you can afford it, do it. You won’t regret it especially by choosing the Kuramathi Island Resort.
–
We booked with Kuoni and paid for it all ourself (with some contribution from our wedding gifts.) Kuoni were a great help in choosing this and organising it all for us including transfers. When we arrived at the resort we were greeted by a representative who also checked in with us during the week to make sure it was running smoothly.