Hurawalhi Island Resort

A 40-minute seaplane ride from Male International Airport gets guests to the gorgeous Hurawalhi Island Resort, located on a private coral island home exclusively to the property. The vibe is posh here, with exquisite service, a serene atmosphere catering to those wanting to get away from it all, and beautiful architecture that blends in easily with the lush grounds. The resort is a perfect embodiment of the idea most travelers have of what the Maldives offer: white-sand beaches with pristine turquoise waters shaded by palm trees, overwater wooden structures, and a romantic feel that is equal parts upmarket and relaxed. With its sand floors, pitched wooden ceilings, and curvy furniture made with sticks, the lobby is immediately soothing and exotic, a feeling that continues in the rest of the property. The central part of the island is occupied by lush green areas, while most buildings are set along the coast or flanking wooden walkways that jut out into the lagoon. This layout, along with a no-kids policy, allows for a peaceful ambience that draws honeymooners and couples. The Hurawalhi offers a variety of meal plans, from half-board to a wonderfully comprehensive all-inclusive package that covers tons of great extras, including sunset cruises, daily minibar items, and non-motorized water sports. However -- and as should be expected of a luxury property -- rates aren’t low. For something cheaper, consider the Kuredu Island Resort & Spa or the Kuramathi Island Resort, both of which feature overwater bungalows. In the same price range as the Hurawlhi, the Dusit Thani Maldives is a good alternative for those traveling with children under the age of 15, while the all-inclusive Constance Moofushi delivers an all-around top-notch experience for those with a bigger budget.  

Hurawalhi Island Resort is located on its own private island on the northern edge of the Lhaviyani Atoll. As most other islands in the Maldives, it is surrounded by powdery white-sand beaches with gorgeous turquoise waters, offering easy access to reefs and other wonderful diving and snorkeling sites. Dolphin sightings are also a main attraction here, and guests can easily spot them both from their own private deck and during the sunset cruises offered at the hotel. Manta rays and other marine life can be spotted right off the coast. While this location is great for those wanting to get away from it all, some may find it a tad too remote, as the resort is only accessible via a 40-minute seaplane flight from Male International Airport, and only during daylight hours. 

The property offers a choice of beachside suites and bungalows built on stilts over the lagoon. Decor throughout is elegant and contemporary, with dark-wood floors, heavy furniture made with local woods, and a soft palette that combines neutral hues and pastel blues. Pitched wooden ceilings, lamps decorated with maps, and artwork with marine motifs add a touch of local charm. In all rooms, beds look out onto private decks, all of which offer panoramic sea views. The main difference between Beach and Ocean units is their location: while the former are built directly on the sand, the latter are over the water, built on wooden walkways with direct lagoon access via stairs on their deck. Pool rooms, which can be on the beach or overwater, have private infinity pools. Each room is outfitted with an array of great amenities, including Nespresso machines, free Wi-Fi, well-stocked minibars with snacks (free and refilled daily for all-inclusive guests), and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are large and sleek, with walk-in showers (plus outdoor soaking tubs in Romantic Ocean Villas), double sinks, and large windows opening directly onto the deck. Hairdryers and eco-friendly toiletries are provided in all rooms.  

Dining options are varied and outstanding across the board at the Hurawalhi. The most impressive venue is hands down the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, housed in a glass underwater tunnel from where guests can see the area’s rich marine life. It offers wonderful five-course lunches and seven-course dinner menus for up to 10 couples per day. Meals here are not included in the all-inclusive package and cost a small fortune. Canneli Restaurant is the main dining venue here, serving up a great buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Kashibo is open for lunch and dinner and offers an Asian street-food menu, as well as a teppanyaki area. Snacks and drinks are available at the poolside Coco Bar. Duniye Spa is a soothing, two-story wellness center offering a wide array of excellent massages and salon services in overwater treatment rooms, as well as free yoga classes. The infinity pool is beautiful and quiet, with panoramic lagoon views, plenty of loungers and umbrellas, and palm trees for shade. The fitness center is airy and well-equipped, but there is also a wide array of outdoor activities on-site, ranging from free non-motorized water sports to tennis (for a fee, except for all-inclusive guests) and a dive center that offers day trips, sunset cruises, and scuba lessons.