Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, Maldives: A Timeless Classic That Continues to Impress

For nearly three decades, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa has been a cherished destination. Despite being an older and more compact property amidst a landscape of newer, expansive five-star resorts, Kuda Huraa impressively holds its own. The exceptional experience offered far surpasses its modest footprint, making it an ideal introduction to the Maldives. My arrival via a convenient speedboat from Male's Velana International Airport, bypassing the need for a seaplane, set the tone for a visit filled with lasting memories. These included participating in a coral fragment planting ceremony dedicated to my children and enjoying a meal while a baby shark swam by in full view.

The Arrival:

A 25-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport leads to a small jetty on a coral island in North Male Atoll. While the arrival may be understated compared to the dramatic seaplane entrances common in the Maldives, Kuda Huraa benefits from this more intimate approach. The island is compact, with its 96 villas designed in the style of a traditional Maldivian village, featuring thatched roofs and timber floors. This scale allows the friendly staff to quickly learn guests' names, fostering a sense of community that feels more like a village than a typical resort.

The Room:

The Deluxe Beach Pavilion with Pool offers a charming coastal ambiance. Spanning 46 square metres, the interior features teak floors, wooden shutters, and nautical-inspired decor. Outside, a private plunge pool is complemented by a swinging hammock and direct access to the shore, thoughtfully screened by lush planting. A particular highlight is the outdoor shower set within a walled garden. The design throughout the villa reflects the island's Maldivian village aesthetic, incorporating lattice panels, natural timber, and woven textures for a comfortable, cozy, and picturesque retreat.

The Food:

Kuda Huraa truly excels in its culinary offerings, with five restaurants and bars that maintain a high standard across diverse cuisines. My first dinner was at Reef Club, the beachfront Italian restaurant, where I savored freshly grilled Maldivian catch. Lunch the following day at Cafe Huraa, the all-day dining venue overlooking the infinity pool and ocean, featured a light and well-balanced Hawaiian-style poke bowl with fresh tuna. However, the meal that will linger in my memory was at Baraabaru, the resort's Indian restaurant situated over the lagoon and inspired by Kerala's architecture. A special menu by Hari Nayak included the catch of the day prepared in a Malvani fish style: a mango coconut curry served with roti. The whole fish, presented with its head and body intact, was a testament to honest, flavorful cooking. The curry offered a complex balance of sweetness and heat, a depth of flavor that was truly remarkable. Adding to the idyllic setting, a baby shark gracefully swam past in the shallow waters near the restaurant during the meal.

Hotel Facilities:

The resort spans two islands connected by a traditional dhow. The main island provides access to watersports and direct beach snorkeling, with shallow, clear waters and an engaging reef. I also tried a morning surf session, managing to stand on the board by the end of the lesson. The Marine Discovery Centre is another noteworthy facility, where the team rehabilitates turtles and manages the coral framing program. Guests can attach live coral fragments to a metal frame on the ocean floor, which is then monitored. Receiving updates every six months on the coral's growth provides a lasting connection to the reef. I dedicated my coral frame to my children, envisioning their future participation.

Spa and Wellness:

The award-winning spa, recently reimagined as Urja Naturopathy Island (urja meaning “vitality” in Sanskrit), is located on a separate island accessible by a short traditional dhoni ride. The spa's philosophy is rooted in naturopathic principles, focusing on self-healing, root-cause care, and therapies centered around rest, cleansing, nourishment, and reconnection. Following a consultation with naturopathic physician Dr Shristi Paudel, I received practical lifestyle adjustments. The subsequent 60-minute massage was excellent. The short dhow crossing can be a pleasant ritual in good weather, though it may be a minor inconvenience in inclement conditions, so booking treatments with weather in mind is advisable.

Family-Friendly Factor:

The island's manageable size makes it exceptionally well-suited for families. Children can explore freely without the vast distances found in larger resorts. The beach offers calm, shallow waters, and the watersports and children's club provide ample activities. The coral framing activity is also engaging for older children.

Accessibility and Sustainability:

Coral restoration is an integral part of the guest experience, fostering a connection to the reef that extends beyond the stay. For specific accessibility requirements, guests should contact the resort directly. Rates for a Deluxe Beach Pavilion with Pool start from US$1,255 (excluding taxes), with seasonal variations. Check-in is at 2pm and checkout at 12pm. Kuda Huraa operates on 'island time,' which is one hour behind Male. This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel.