The smaller of the two Four Seasons resorts in the Maldives, Kuda Huraa has long been a favorite with families and with surfers.
Indagare Loves
The only spa in the Maldives on its own island and reached by three-minute boat ride
The reef coral sponsorship and turtle rearing and rescue programs, which involve guests and local villages
The Tropic Surf team who works with kids as young as eight as well as the champions who come every summer for world-class competitions
Review
Designed like a Maldivian village with thatched beach villas and overwater bungalows, the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa was one of the first five-star hotels to open in the Maldives, though it was majorly rebuilt after the 2004 tsunami. The 96-room hotel is smaller than its sister resort Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, and since it is only a twenty-five minute boat ride from the airport, it is popular with Asians and Middle Easterners who pop over for short three- or four-day visits and want to avoid the longer seaplane journey to Landaa. Many also prefer the community feeling that this more intimate resort fosters. You are not eating at the same table as other guests (in fact, there are multiple restaurants) but you do pass each other frequently enough that you are likely to be saying hello to familiar faces within a day.
The island is divided (as many here are) into the sunrise and sunset sides depending on whether your views face east or west; and rooms lead on to the beach or drop into the sea depending on whether you choose a beach villa or an overwater one. Both have lovely “modern tropical” Interiors, which translates into airy spaces with high, thatched ceilings, wood floors, enormous sliding glass doors and beachy touches like sea grass carpets, baskets of shells, drift wood accents and light cotton bathrobes printed with a tropical sea motif. The one-bedroom overwater suites have two large sun decks with loungers and steps into the sea and a bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers. All of the rooms feature amenities like wifi, Nespresso machines, Bose sound systems and plasma TVs and DVDs, as well as a dining area for ordering meals in the room.
Two of the resort’s highlights are on prominent view when you arrive at the resort jetty. On one side is the island spa (reachable by boat) and on the other is the water sports center. The spa offers twice daily yoga as well as a range of treatments, including massages on tables with glass views into the lagoon below so you can watch the hypnotic marine life below. And for those who want to get into the sea, the dive center can teach children as young as eight as well as handle advanced divers, offering reef, wreck and channel dives as well as Master and Rescue Diver courses. Those not yet certified can shorten the process before coming to the resort (from three or four days to just two) by completing the online portion of their instruction before arriving at the resort. Additional activities include sailing, water-skiing, parasailing, banana boating, jet skiing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking and tennis. The Marine Center, staffed by marine biologists, hosts daily lectures and safaris to teach guests (and sometimes local school children) about the resident marine life. They run dolphin cruises and shark safaris and a turtle rearing and rescue program, which includes raising just-hatched turtles to juvenile size and then tracking their progress in the sea by satellite.
On the other side of the island from the water sports center is the main family pool, Café Huraa, gym and Kids’ Club, which serves as the other family hub. Tucked away on the tip of the island, the Reef Club features an adults-only infinity pool and tranquil beach of its own as well as an Italian restaurant. The Indian restaurant Baraabaru opens for dinner only and offers the prized spot on the water to view the sunset. These separate social zones allow for families and romantic couples to co-exist harmoniously on this small piece of paradise.
Who Should Stay
Those looking for a beach paradise with impeccable, friendly service and a commitment to marine education; the staff is amazing at deliver service, making you feel welcome and imparting their passion for the Maldives’ natural resources. If instead you are looking for a flashy scene, book elsewhere.
From honeymooner Indagare members Will Menkes and Laura Holder:
“The second stop on our trip was the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, which we loved for several reasons. We had a beautiful one-bedroom overwater villa that was huge and featured an outdoor shower overlooking the water. I would recommend the sunrise side of the resort–it has more of an untouched vibe.
“They clearly pride themselves on very personal service here. Each employee made a strong effort to remember our names and greet us. They always remembered our last activity, and made sure to ask us how we enjoyed it. We really liked this, and made us feel like we were part of a community–the friendliness of the staff really went a very long way.
“The amenities of the Four Seasons were also great, including kayaking, snorkeling trips and sunset fishing. The food was quite good, especially the romantic Reef Club. A real highlight for us was the cooking class; after you’re done, the staff serves you the food you just cooked at a table overlooking the ocean. There is also an amazing marine education center, which further emphasizes that the resort is committed to preserving the environment and caring for the indigenous species of the islands. On our snorkeling trip, the marine center employees brought along a sea turtle they had founded stranded on the beach 10 days earlier.”
You are about to check room availability as a guest. If you would like to take advantage of our member rates and benefits, please join Indagare now.
Book as a Member
Sign in to be able to book the best rates and amenities available only to Indagare members. If you do not see the special Indagare plus rates, contact our Bookings Team.
Book as a Member
Contact the Indagare Team
SAFARI JACKET ORDER REQUEST
Select your jacket size and a member of our team will reach out to you directly for shipping and payment information.
Fields marked with (*) are mandatory.
Submitting this form constitutes acceptance of our terms of use and privacy policy.
Share This Page
Member Login
Member Login
START MY TRIP
Contact the Indagare team to see how we can help with your next adventure.
Fields marked with (*) are mandatory.
Submitting this form constitutes acceptance of our terms of use and privacy policy.
Comments (1) OpenClose
One Comment
From honeymooner Indagare members Will Menkes and Laura Holder:
“The second stop on our trip was the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, which we loved for several reasons. We had a beautiful one-bedroom overwater villa that was huge and featured an outdoor shower overlooking the water. I would recommend the sunrise side of the resort–it has more of an untouched vibe.
“They clearly pride themselves on very personal service here. Each employee made a strong effort to remember our names and greet us. They always remembered our last activity, and made sure to ask us how we enjoyed it. We really liked this, and made us feel like we were part of a community–the friendliness of the staff really went a very long way.
“The amenities of the Four Seasons were also great, including kayaking, snorkeling trips and sunset fishing. The food was quite good, especially the romantic Reef Club. A real highlight for us was the cooking class; after you’re done, the staff serves you the food you just cooked at a table overlooking the ocean. There is also an amazing marine education center, which further emphasizes that the resort is committed to preserving the environment and caring for the indigenous species of the islands. On our snorkeling trip, the marine center employees brought along a sea turtle they had founded stranded on the beach 10 days earlier.”