Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives

Built in 1999, Hakuraa Huraa literally translates to "reef above water" and is the baby sister of the three Cinnamon hotels in the Maldives. The setting of white sand and turquoise sea is on full display at Crab Bar, which sits on stilts above the water, and in Beach Bungalows with the lagoon as their front yard. The resort switched ownership to Cinnamon Hotels in 2015, and some revamps are underway; management wants to add 30 more rooms, another restaurant, and an infinity pool to a nearby island, though these changes haven't yet happened as of early 2017. The rebranding efforts will also mean changes in decor, resort features, and even tweaks to the in-room toiletry kits.

The hotel's previous major renovation took place in 2004, mainly focusing on the Water Bungalows after the tsunami, though there's year-round maintenance to battle the harsh island conditions. Even with the routine upkeep, an overall worn out and abandoned vibe rests over some areas of the island, especially on the west where the terrain is more wild, less crowded, and undeveloped. So far, some of the updates have already occurred in the Beach Bungalows, which involved swapping out tile floors for hardwood and adding linen-covered walls. While it waits for renovation and new works, the far corner of the island is a reclaimed beach area where guests are likely to find a pump, working to redeposit sand back onto the island from incessant water erosion. Most guests are romance-seeking couples and families looking for a peaceful island retreat, as there's little in the way of nightlife or entertainment here. Cinnamon Hakuraa is smaller and quieter than sister property Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, and the snorkeling is better here. Also, rates here are always all-inclusive, while going all-inclusive is optional at the Cinnamon Dhonveli. 

Cinnamon Hakurra Huraa is located in the Meemu Atoll, the smallest of the Maldives' 26 atolls. The central location of the atoll makes the resort a 45-minute seaplane ride -- with stops -- from Male airport. It's also close to the Adam and Eve island, which the resort offers as a romantic excursion for couples who want a small, private island all to themselves. Dining and entertainment options are few and confined to the resort property. The staff can arrange for outdoor adventures like diving, dolphin watching, sunset fishing, and island hopping -- though even that lasts just 30 minutes, beginning with the local island of Muli, where guests can see coral stone houses. 

Hakuraa Huraa's 80 rooms are broken down into 70 Water Bungalows and only 10 Beach Bungalows. All rooms are keycard powered and air-conditioned (mostly), and include necessities such as fire extinguishers, life jackets, and rain coats, along with bathrobes, hairdryers, ironing facilities, laundry services, safes, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and coffee/tea facilities. Toiletry kits include complimentary toiletries and extras like shaving and sewing kits.

Since the Water Bungalows were added later in the resort's life, the older Beach Bungalows feel, well, a bit old in comparison. Outfitted with tile flooring and a contemporary, but very simple style, these bungalows each have a separate entrance sitting area with single bed, dim vanity and closet area in the short hallway, and a bright, clean (but still simply styled) bedroom. Sliding glass doors open out to a practically empty beach area that serves as a front yard of sorts. 

Water Bungalows bear frosted glass windows for privacy, and have a contemporary retro-modern look with stained wood-paneled walls, white beams, white tented tops commonly seen in Dubai, and stained wood floors. A standout feature is a plexiglass cutout in the floor of each bungalow for peekaboo views of ocean life (that seem to be more populous in the winter months), as well as DVD players and slippers. Because of the design, there's no air-conditioning in the Water Bungalow bathrooms, leaving them a bit humid and muggy in comparison. Each has a small deck with vinyl furniture padding and privacy walls, though with the direct sea access from all the Water Bungalows, guests might just spot a neighbor swimming by. 

Minibars are stocked, but only the sodas and water are free; mini bottles and beers cost extra unless guests are on the Premium All-Inclusive plan. 

Hakuraa Huraa's beach area is huge, but largely unequipped with only a few loungers scattered towards the western end and a lone chair swing set closer to the water. There's also a volleyball net out by the water sports area and kids' area. But, thanks to the active house reef, most of the action is happening underwater. Divers and snorkelers have spotted octopus, rays, and sea turtles swimming about in the house reef. The resort typically offers free boat trips out to the reef twice a day. The water off the shore is not very deep (in fact, it's so shallow that it can be tricky to swim at all at low tide) and the currents can be strong. Water shoes are recommended because of the sharp coral. 

There are two dining options at Hakuraa Huraa; the included buffet or the extra-charge a la carte. Located just off the main lobby, Malaafaiy is the hotel's main buffet restaurant -- and it gets packed during meal times. Lunch is a veritable cattle call, while dinner is more civilized thanks to assigned seating. The selection of dishes is large, ranging from hot local and international dishes like curries and pasta, to a walk-in cooler filled with desserts and fresh fruit. Quality, however, is average. 

Off on the far, slightly deserted edge of the island, guests can grab a more private, less hectic a la carte meal at Crab. This seaside seafood spot has a classier vibe with mood lighting, tables set in the sand or out on the wooden patio, and a specialty seafood menu touting local lobster and four courses. There's a service bar inside and reservations are recommended. 

Special meals include barbecue, fresh lobster, four-course candlelit dinners on the beach (serviced by Crab), romantic dinners aboard a dhoni, and Champagne breakfasts. Fees apply.

While all of the restaurants (and minibars) at Hukuraa Huraa have a supply of booze for guests' enjoyment, Nalha Falhu Lounge is the main bar area. It's located parallel to the arrival jetty, just beyond a verdant path. This overwater spot may be a trek from most of the rooms, but once here, guests don't need to worry about much else. In addition to a full bar, which includes a slightly basic international wine selection, there are cigarettes, cigars, and ice cream. Or guests can take a seat at one of the padded white-wicker seating areas and get hooked up with a hookah (there are designated smoking areas). For those who get hungry between meals, Nalha Falhu also offers afternoon tea and light snacks. Grabbing a seat outside on the wraparound deck makes for the best sunset views, though the open-air cutout in the middle of the main area does get frequent visits from a neighborly octopus. 

The bar at Crab opens at mid-day and stays open until the last guest leaves.

The standard all-inclusive plan at Hakuraa Huraa includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks (all served at designated times throughout the day); all house wines, liquor, and beer by the glass; a selection of cocktails and mocktails, draft beer, and sodas; canned juices, bottled water, soft drinks and water inside the minibars; and tea and coffee. It also tacks on free use of snorkeling equipment, gym, badminton court, ping-pong, and beach volleyball. 

However, if guests stay for a minimum of four nights, they'll be able to bump up to the Premium All-inclusive package, snagging 24 hours of Wi-Fi, a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, free cans of beer from the minibar (these are only refilled once daily), premium booze and cocktails, fresh juices, milkshakes, and a special dinner on the beach. Additional perks of the premium package are two free excursions, invites to two special resort events, an hourlong massage, and a turndown service with chocolates. 

Note that the all-inclusive packages are valid for set hours (though it's most of the day and night), and all drinks have to be consumed within the confines of the restaurant or bar. 

Considering that this is an upscale four-pearl property, the absence of a pool is hard to ignore (Cinnamon may eventually add a pool). Still, there's definitely no shortage of things to do here. Hakuraa Huraa is surrounded by a beautiful house reef with some good, convenient snorkeling and diving, but may disappoint anyone looking for fast-action water sports. Because of house reef's proximity, there are only non-motorized water sports like kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, and sailing. All water sports and underwater activities are scheduled at the resort's Dive & Sail center; most are free of charge. Other activities include a ping-pong table by the restaurant, darts and badminton out by the water sports center, all types of fishing, a small gym with a handful of cardio machines, a sports area, and beach volleyball.

Guests looking to relax can head over to the spa at the center of the island where everyone gets a free five- to 10-minute head and shoulder massage the day after their arrival. There are also standard treatments like body massages, manicures, and more involved Asian-style treatments. Treatment rooms are individual bungalows with tile floors and outdoor space; some have outdoor tubs for therapeutic soaks. 

Planned resort entertainment helps give the property a social vibe and typically includes dancing, live music, bingo games, crab races, magic shows, and traditional Maldivian culture nights. If guests want to experience Maldivian culture first-hand, they can book one of the resort's local island excursions -- or check out one that heads out for sunset fishing, private islands, or dolphin watching. Note that the souvenir and jewelry shops are only open during meal times and there's a doctor on-call 24/7 for minor medical inquiries. 

Family-friendly features include a kids' club area nestled between the water sports and sports area. This spot has a bunch of colorful plastic Lil' Tykes playground equipment, a seesaw, and large, covered sandbox activity area. Kids must be supervised by an adult at all times. 

Wi-Fi packages are available for a fee.