Four Seasons at Kuda Huraa
Male, Maldives
A short speedboat ride from Male, this Maldives resort, infused with Maldivian village charm, has a vibrant garden island all to itself. Guests can sail to the Resort’s Island Spa for an afternoon of natural bliss, embark on a snorkeling shark safari, find a perfect wave at the Surf School, or cast away for a day on a Robinson Crusoe adventure. Infinite views of sea and sky, sunshine and stars, and the unforgettable, on land and at sea, are right at the doorstep. Thatched beach pavilions and bungalows line the white-sand beach at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, while water bungalows are built on stilts over the lagoon. From their thatched roofs and timber latticework to the beautiful white stone walls, all the architectural details are constructed by local craftsmen using indigenous materials and techniques that date back centuries, to reflect a true sense of the Maldives. Rising on stilts above the placid waters of the lagoon, with views that stretch across the sea, Sunset Water Bungalows offer air-conditioned living area featuring a sofa, armchairs, plasma-screen television, DVD/CD player, an armoire with private bar, and a writing table. Guests are welcome to enhance their stay with a cruise on the Four Seasons Explorer, that takes vacationers island-hopping, stargazing and diving in Four Seasons style. The Resort at Landaa Giraavaru also makes an exciting complement to an experience at Kuda Huraa and a Four Seasons Explorer cruise.
The hotel is located on the Kuda Huraa Island, 20 km away from the Hulule International Airport (25 minute ride on a speedboat).
The Island Spa at Four Seasons Resort is situated on its own tropical island just a minute’s sail by dhoni (traditional Maldivian boat) across Kuda Huraa’s lagoon. Natural treatments are complemented by the restorative power of marine-based nutrients. Seven over-water treatment pavilions feature separate bathing areas, outdoor shower courtyards and massage tables with sea-viewing portals. An open-air yoga and meditation platform faces the ocean.
Maldives is known internationally as one of the world’s best dive destinations. A large number of excellent dive sites, including marine-protected sites, are located near the Resort and transfers are carried out by specially equipped dive dhonis. The Resort operates its own Dive Centre, licensed by PADI. A multilingual team of dive instructors offers courses for beginners and advanced divers, as well as leading daily dive trips.
The Gym is a state-of-the-art fitness facility featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, full-length mirrors, surround-sound music system, fitness equipment and the latest cardiovascular machines with individual flat-screen televisions. With an infinity edge that seems to merge with the blue horizon, the freshwater swimming pool is one of the largest in the Maldives. Surrounded by a large sun deck, it features chaises lounges for comfortable lounging.
Four Seasons Explorer - a three-deck luxury catamaran - takes a maximum of 22 guests, matched one-to-one by a seasoned crew on a marine and cultural odyssey into the undiscovered Maldives. Guests can embark on three-, four- and seven-night cruises, or private, customized charters. The fastest and most luxurious live aboard in the Maldives, Four Seasons Explorer offers scuba divers effortless access to a wide variety of exceptional dive sites – untouched reefs, vibrant thilas, exciting channels and wrecks, breathtaking sunrise and night dive sites and seasonal manta ray and whale shark hot spots. Cruises offer unique opportunities to snorkel, water-ski, fish, kayak and sail in virtually untouched waters. Guests are welcome to savor gourmet cuisine and relax with beachfront barbecues, massages on idyllic sandbanks and sunset dips in the on-board whirlpool. Beautifully complementing the stay at Maldivian resorts at Kuda Huraa or Landaa Giraavaru, Four Seasons Explorer offers a spirited resort experience.
Dining at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is an eclectic experience. Guests can savor fine Indian cuisine, celebrate the tastes of contemporary Italy or feast on Asian delicacies and choose from a cellar of handpicked fine wines. Natural settings inspire the palate and invite toasts to the magnificent Maldivian landscape – guests can claim a seaside table, settle into a cafe pavilion, swim up to the poolside bar or sit perched above the lagoon on a torch lit terrace for an unforgettable meal.
An elegant dinner at Baraabaru is a memorable affair. Guests may choose to dine in the restaurant’s brightly colored interiors, on the spectacular deck above the waters or in a private dining gazebo. The open kitchen features an open tandoori bar, where guests can watch as the chefs prepare fine Indian cuisine. The food is complemented by a wine list chosen to suit the tropics, with an emphasis on light wines and champagnes. The menu, which focuses on fine Indian cuisine, delivers a diverse selection of fresh local seafood, rice biriyanis (a flavorful Indian specialty served in a clay pot) and traditional Indian specialties.
Reef Club is the perfect spot to savor classic Italian fare featuring fresh seafood, pizzas and grilled meats. Guests can dine al fresco on the ocean-side deck or in the thatched roof pavilion; a free-standing bar is ideal for sundowners. Every Wednesday night is the Lobster Night, featuring a three- or four-course menu of succulent lobster prepared with Italian flair and complemented by fine wine pairings.
An open-sided Maldivian-style thatched-roof pavilion facing the free-form swimming pool and lagoon, Cafe Huraa offers indoor and outdoor dining in an exotic tropical setting. A sumptuous breakfast buffet has something for everyone – fresh tropical fruits and juices, cereals, homemade breads, grilled meats and vegetables and a made-to-order omelet station. Every evening, guests can enjoy Asian fare featuring a taste of traditional curries, wok-prepared noodles and fresh vegetables, as well as a selection of mouth-watering seafood. An exclusive wine cellar offers fine wines from around the world. Asian dinner takes place every Tuesday. At three stations, chefs serve up succulent fare such as Japanese maki and sushi, Chinese roasted meats, Vietnamese summer rolls and Indonesia satay.
Kandu Grill is the ideal place to savor grilled seafood and succulent meat. Guests are welcome to select a freshly caught fish or lobster from the island dhoni, then watch Four Seasons chefs grill it to perfection.
For many guests, the evening begins at the Sunset Lounge, for enjoying the glorious sunset while sipping creative cocktails. This open-air pavilion adjoins the reception area and overlooks the jetty and spa. Piped-in music complements the relaxed mood, while a tantalizing selection of tropical cocktails is offered till the early hours. Every Saturday, Sunset Lounge hosts Shisha Night.
The Poolside Bar, built into the main swimming pool, is a popular place to celebrate an invigorating dive or simply relax in the warmth of the midday sun. Tropical drinks and a light snack menu are available throughout the day.