Nestled within the enchanting Lhaviyani Atoll, the Hurawalhi Resort beckons travellers to experience the epitome of luxury on a private island adorned with pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical vegetation. This resort is a true marvel, not only for its breath-taking natural beauty, but also for its unwavering commitment to providing guests with unparalleled luxury, privacy, and impeccable service.
Hotel
To reach this haven of tranquillity, guests embark on a captivating 40-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport. This journey, offering spectacular views of atolls and resorts below, has become even more delightful with the recent opening of a new seaplane terminal. Here, guests can relax in luxurious comfort within a lavish lounge, with departure times typically just a couple of hours away.
Upon arrival at Hurawalhi, a buggy whisks guests away to their villas, navigating lushly landscaped, frangipani-scented paths, and, depending on the accommodation, over extended jetties where baby sharks and needlefish gracefully glide below. It’s a truly unforgettable first impression!
Room
The accommodations at Hurawalhi Resort epitomise luxury in every sense. With an array of exquisite villas, including overwater and beachfront options, each is meticulously designed to provide the utmost in comfort, privacy, and opulence. They are spacious, elegantly furnished, and equipped with state-of-the-art amenities.
Overwater villas offer the added allure of private decks with direct access to the lagoon, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or marvelling at the vibrant marine life beneath. Many of these overwater villas boast their own expansive infinity pools, while the beachfront villas feature private pools and direct access to powdery sands, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.
Hurawalhi is an intimate resort, boasting just 90 villas in total, comprising 30 ocean pool villas, 21 beach sunset pool villas, nine beach pool villas, 15 romantic ocean villas, and 15 ocean villas. The beachfront villas are discreetly nestled within lush tropical gardens, while the ocean villas are perched along extended jetties. For a truly remarkable experience, we recommend the ocean villa with pool, featuring large decks offering ample shade and generously sized infinity pools overlooking the captivating house reef.
Food and drink
One of the standout features of Hurawalhi Resort is its exceptional dining experiences. The resort boasts a collection of world-class restaurants, each offering a unique culinary journey. The quality of cuisine, attention to presentation, and personalised service from the knowledgeable staff elevate each meal to unprecedented heights.
Canneli Restaurant, situated on the beach, offers delectable buffet-style meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This indoor and al fresco dining experience boasts international and Asian cuisines, served in a traditional open-air dining room with live action cooking stations, offering exceptional choice and quality.
The iconic 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, the world’s largest all-glass underwater dining venue, is a true gem. Located 5.8 meters below the Indian Ocean’s surface, it offers an unparalleled gastronomic adventure. Guests can savour gourmet cuisine, including vegan options, while being surrounded by the vibrant marine life of the Maldives, creating an unforgettable and immersive dining experience.
Kashibo, Taste of Asia, is an overwater restaurant that tantalises taste buds with Asian street food. Guests can pamper their palates with Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese-inspired dishes, including seafood and vegetarian options. The restaurant’s unique layout allows guests to sit at the edge of the jetty, gazing out at the ocean, enhancing the dining experience.
JFK (Junk Food Kitchen), the newest addition, offers vegan twists on comfort classics such as burgers, nachos, and buffalo wings. Guests can indulge in ethical, guilt-free, and delicious options while overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Hurawalhi also offers various other dining options, including a snack menu at the Coco Bar and pool, in-villa dining available 24/7, candlelit beach dinners, and the picturesque beachside Chef’s Table.
Coco Bar, ideally located on the shoreline, features a chic indoor area and an al fresco terrace overlooking the lagoon. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy your favourite drinks while witnessing stunning sunsets or savouring a nightcap amidst evening entertainment.
Kashibo’s overwater bar lets guests sample eclectic Asian-inspired beverages, including shochu cocktails, all while enjoying the tropical breeze and breath-taking ocean views.
The Taittinger Champagne Pavilion, situated at the end of a long overwater villa jetty, offers an intimate al fresco terrace to toast to a sun-kissed day with Champagne and canapés, accompanied by uninterrupted ocean views.
Wine enthusiasts will delight in the resort sommelier’s expertise in selecting from a global array of wines. With more than 355 international wines on display in an overwater windowed showcase cellar at Kashibo, you’re sure to find the perfect complement to your chosen dish.
Service at Hurawalhi Resort is second to none. The staff members are attentive, professional, and dedicated to ensuring every guest’s comfort and satisfaction. From the moment of arrival, warm smiles and genuine hospitality greet guests, and the staff consistently goes above and beyond to cater to individual preferences and needs, offering personalised recommendations and ensuring a seamless stay.
To do
The resort’s Duniye Spa is a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. Nestled amidst lush tropical gardens leading to a string of overwater spa villas, guests can indulge in a wide range of holistic treatments and therapies. These treatments harness Asian massage techniques alongside pure organic products, offering a natural, holistic, and personalised approach to health, beauty, and well-being.
From sunset dolphin cruises and private luxury sailing to deep-sea fishing and a sparkling freshwater infinity swimming pool overlooking the ocean, Hurawalhi offers an abundance of activities. Enjoy artificial turf courts for football (futsal), tennis, and badminton, a fitness centre with a personal trainer, and a deep-sea sports fishing boat.
Water enthusiasts will appreciate Hurawalhi’s Prodivers outpost, offering guided diving and snorkelling trips, equipment sales, rentals, and repairs, along with a complete PADI five-star training centre.
The resort places a strong emphasis on conservation, particularly the preservation of reef manta rays. Guests can participate in workshops and trips led by Hurawalhi’s resident marine biologist.
For the more adventurous, jet skis, parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, fun-tubes, windsurfing, kayaks, and catamaran sailing are available for rental and instruction. There are also group and private speedboat excursions for snorkelling, manta watching, turtle spotting, and dolphin encounters.
An exceptional experience awaits on Hurawalhi’s Dream Island, a picturesque sandbank just a short speedboat ride from the resort. Surrounded by crystalline waters and soft white sand, guests can sunbathe, swim, search for shells, or simply admire the stunning views. It’s a truly romantic experience!
In a nutshell
A paradise that offers an array of extraordinary features and offerings for its guests, from luxurious accommodation to unique dining experiences, rejuvenating spa treatments, marine conservation initiatives, romantic experiences, and exciting activities, Hurawalhi caters to the desires of every luxury travel lover. With its stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, and commitment to excellence, Hurawalhi ensures an unforgettable and indulgent stay in the always breath-taking Maldives. Out of over 30 top resorts visited in the Maldives, this one is most definitely one I’d recommend.
Factbox
Address: Hurawalhi Island Resort, Lhaviyani Atoll, Republic of Maldives
Phone: +960 6622000
Email: reservations@hurawalhi.com
Website: hurawalhi.com
Photography courtesy of Hurawalhi Island Resort.
