Hurawalhi, the Maldives
Maldives | December 11, 2017
Hurawalhi, the Maldives
LOCATION: This slice of heaven is a 40-minute scenic sea plane ride from the capital Male. It is on the Lhaviyani atoll in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Upon landing I was welcomed on the jetty
by a band playing traditional Maldivian instruments, and I instantly felt at
home. This feeling deepened as I wandered through the reception area with sand
beneath my toes and a glass of champagne in hand.
THE FACTS: The resort has 90 villas, 60 of which are ocean
suites and 30 beach suites. All are identically decorated, and the only choice
the customer has to make is whether to upgrade to have a private infinity pool.
Each of the 60 overwater villas comes with its own stairway into the ocean.
With countless water sports, a tennis court, football pitch
and excursions – as well as the ocean as your playground – there’s plenty to
keep guests occupied.
Three dining options are available: underwater restaurant
5.8, buffet venue Canneli, and Aquarium, which serves seafood and
teppanyaki-style cuisine. All three allow diners to bask in stunning views
while enjoying food of the highest calibre. Recommend dining at sunset for the
ultimate picture-postcard moment. There’s also the 24-hour Coco Bar, serving an
extensive list of delicious cocktails to sample while relaxing on the deck.
A GOOD BASE FOR: Couples desiring a dose of romance.
Hurawalhi is an adult-only private island, providing a peaceful backdrop for
guests. The resort is also perfect for newlyweds wanting to spend their
honeymoon relaxing in paradise. Watching the sunset in the champagne pavilion
at the end of the jetty is the perfect way to toast their nuptials.
Recommend clients head to the Duniye Spa to fully embrace
island life. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a pampering session while looking
out across the lagoon.
Keen divers and snorkelling fans will also feel very at
home, because the waters offer spectacular marine life. Hurawalhi is surrounded
by its own house reef, with tropical fish of all shapes and colours. A dolphin
passage way is close to the island, and sea turtles and manta rays are often
seen gliding through the waters.
WOW: There isn’t only one – the whole island has wow factor.
Guests will be impressed by 5.8; it’s the world’s largest underwater restaurant
but still intimate, accommodating just eight couples. It’s a dining experience
like no other, and descending the spiral staircase you feel something special
is about to happen. The culinary offering is nothing short of perfection, with
a seven-course menu sampling the finest cuisine.
Another big wow is the Hurawalhi staff, who are the friendliest and most attentive you could wish for, helping to create the sense of peace and high class that permeates the island.
BOOK IT: £350 per night on a B&B basis. Full board is
available for £115 per person per night extra.
hurawalhi.com
Joshua Merrick