Kuramathi Water Villa: Review of Our Stay

The Maldives is a fascination for many due to the sheer beauty of the thousands of islands. As well, the concept of staying over water is intriguing (as it was to us!). As one of the first Resorts to open in the Maldives in 1975, Kuramathi was high on our bucket list. Especially seeing they were the first resort in the Maldives to introduce Over-Water Villas. Yes, the Kuramathi Water Villa was a world first (in the Maldives anyway)! And to think about how many Resorts have since introduced them is insane!

The island is full of thick lush vegetation, dreamy blue hues, divine beaches and even a long sandbank at one tip of the island! Needless to say, as soon as we stepped foot onto the island, we were eager to explore. And the benefit of staying on a larger island: a greater variety in terms of restaurants, bars and entertainment.

1. Location

Set in Rasdhoo Atoll, Kuramathi is a teardrop-shaped island, 1.8km long and 300m across at its widest part.

To reach the Island, there are two options. One is a 20-minute seaplane, the other is a 90-minute boat ride. We opted for the boat ride as we had taken a seaplane to another island a few days before. There are 2 times per day that the boat departs to/from Male. During both of our boat rides, the sea conditions were light and we found this an easy way to transfer! Keep in mind if you choose the seaplane option, that any resort you are staying at in the Maldives will only be able to inform you of the transfer time the night before. They do their best however to make sure you are not waiting too long!

On arrival, you will be whisked from the jetty to your designated check-in area. As the island is larger than most, they have separated the island into three sections (will explain more about this later). Three receptions, three main dining areas etc.

2. Style and Character of the Island

As mentioned above, the island is full of thick lush vegetation, dreamy blue hues and divine white beaches. At one end of the island there is even a long sandbank which is the perfect place to watch the sunset from. There are 12 different room categories spread out across the island. Each offering a slightly different experience – with the Kuramathi Water Villa only being renovated in the last couple years!

On arrival, we were a bit unsure of how we would enjoy our stay. That is because we felt like we were all just arriving at school camp. As we all piled off the boat we were directed towards reception. That moment of school camp disappeared however once we were shown to our area of the island, Thundi. It is clear that even though the island is large, there are practices in place to ensure all guests feel valued and that everyone is spread out across the island. Rather than all congregating in one area (like what used to happen at school camp!).

Also, each area of the island has a slightly different feel to it. Where we were staying, Thundi was the tip of the island, where the sand bank was located. Compared to the middle section, Athiri, there was a lot more open space and less vegetation. Athiri is comparison was filled with thick vegetation notably the banyan trees. Honestly, you will not find larger banyan trees elsewhere in the world. Make sure you walk through the banyan trees as it is a wonderful experience!

3. The Rooms

There are 12 different room categories to choose from! And each will offer a different experience. Room categories include the following:

• Garden Villas
• Beach Villas
• Water Villas
• Water Villas with Pool
• Pool Villas

And that is just some of the main categories available! During our 2 night stay we were fortunate to stay in one of their Deluxe Water Villas.

The Deluxe Water Villas are located along a jetty with Villas on either side. There are just a little over 30 in total. Each Kuramathi Water Villa comes with a king-size bed, sofa and a kitchenette area which includes a minibar and wine chiller. The bathroom which is separated by a sliding door offers two basins, a shower and free standing bath and a toilet cubicle. The Villa itself is very spacious with modern, crisp interiors. Outside is a large deck area with table and chairs as well as two sunloungers. From here, you are able to access the sea by a set of stairs.

While we are not able to compare the other rooms, we would highly recommend a Kuramathi Water Villa as the experience of waking up to a view over the water is next to none.

4. Facilities and Services

Another question regularly asked about the Maldives, is will there be enough to do on the island. The answer is YES! Especially seeing as Kuramathi is quite a large island. They certainly ensure there is enough for their guests to do. Some of the more popular activities include:

• Water Sports – Practice your balance and agility by trying out some water sports. Options include windsurfing, stand-up paddle surfing and kayaking.
• Island Hopping – Take off for the day and explore life off the island. The sister island nearby, Kandolhu is worth checking out! It is a more boutique island compared to Kuramathi.
• Experience the Semi Submarine – Yes, Kuramathi has their own semi submarine. If you are not a confident swimmer, this could be a great way to see what it is like underneath the water.
• Snorkel Safari – There are many great snorkelling spots off the island but it is also possible to go further afield to other sides in Rasdhoo Atoll.
• Sunset Cruise – Watch the sunset with a glass of champagne while cruising around the island.
• Join the DJ Night – There is something different on every evening, with one of them being a DJ night hosted by the resident DJ.
• Movie Night on the Beach – Sit back after dinner in a bean bag on the sand and enjoy a movie in a serene setting.

5. Food + Drink

As mentioned before, on arrival you are assigned to a particular area of the island. As we were assigned to, Thundi we were allocated to eat at Farivalhu, one of three buffet restaurants, for breakfast, lunch at dinner. These meals were included in our package (basic all inclusive).

We could however eat at any of the nine al carte restaurants at an additional cost (which we did!). If you know that you prefer to dine at al carte restaurants for lunch and dinner it’s worthwhile purchasing the select all-inclusive. Besides, anything purchased is subject to 10pc service tax and 12pc goods and services tax so you will end up saving money doing it this way! And alcoholic beverages will also be included with this package too!

Anyway, back to the restaurant choices. The buffet restaurant, Farivalhu, changes daily with dinner themes including Maldivian, Italian and Asian. There is a large selection so you are sure to be pleased if you choose this package type.

Other restaurants include Palm, which offers a selection of sensational Mediterranean culinary delights including antipasti, pasta, Italian pizza and homemade ice-cream. A must for lunch is Inguru which has incredible vast views over the ocean. The menu there is prodominately Asian with a bit of a Western twist. While we didn’t have time to dine elsewhere, we can tell you the other restaurants looked fantastic. Even the numerous bars around the island had a great atmosphere and an extensive choice of drinks and snacks!

Have a look here if you wish to compare with other Maldives Resorts we have visited. Also, if you have any questions about a stay at The Residence at Dhigurah please email us.

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