A Foodie's Honest Review of Hurawalhi' All-Inclusive Dining Experience

🍽️ First Impressions: More Than Just a Buffet

The cornerstone of the All-Inclusive Plus plan is Canneli Restaurant, the resort's main dining venue. The term "buffet" often conjures images of chaotic food lines and lukewarm chafing dishes, but Canneli effortlessly shatters that stereotype .

• Atmosphere: The restaurant features stunning vaulted ceilings and a design that blends Maldivian and Japanese aesthetics, creating a space that is both sophisticated and relaxing . Whether sitting indoors or on the outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean, every meal comes with a breathtaking view. I even spotted a pod of dolphins during a morning coffee, a truly magical moment .

• The Food: The breakfast and dinner buffets are impressive. I found live cooking stations where chefs prepare everything from fresh eggs to pasta, and the array of international dishes changed daily. One guest review perfectly captured the sentiment, calling it "by far the best buffet (breakfast and dinner) I’ve ever had" . Standouts for me included the perfectly prepared Maldivian fish curry and a decadent truffle lobster risotto .

• A La Carte Upgrade: A recent and wonderful development is the introduction of an à la carte lunch menu at Canneli. This isn't your standard pool-side fare. I was blown away by dishes like the White Snapper Crudo in a blood orange leche de tigre and the delicately steamed catch of the day with ginger and scallion . This option, available even when the buffet is running, elevates the lunch experience from a simple refueling stop to a culinary event.

The "Dine Around" Experience: Kashibo & JFK

A major benefit that sets the All-Inclusive Plus plan apart is the "Dine Around" option. This allows you one 3-course lunch and one 3-course dinner at either Kashibo (Asian fusion) or J.F.K. - Junk Food Kitchen during your stay . This is your ticket to culinary variety.

🔥 Kashibo: An Overwater Delight

Kashibo, the overwater restaurant specializing in Asian cuisine, quickly became one of my favorite spots .

• The Food: The menu is a hit. I highly recommend starting with the soft-shell crab and the prawn toast, which was legitimately some of the best I've ever tasted. For mains, the fresh sashimi and sushi were impeccable, and the teppanyaki grill looked fantastic (though it requires a separate pre-booking) .

• The Setting: Dining on the terrace, surrounded by the endless blue of the Indian Ocean, is an unforgettable experience. As the sun sets, it’s the perfect place to enjoy one of their Asian-inspired cocktails—the lychee martini is a must-try .

🍤 J.F.K. - Junk Food Kitchen: Gourmet Comforts

Don't let the name fool you. J.F.K. is a creative culinary spot that reinvents classic comfort food, with a surprising and laudable emphasis on plant-based options .

• The Food: The confit duck nuggets were a revelation, and the yellowfin tuna tacos were fresh and flavorful. Even the vegan and gluten-free burger was so good it could turn a committed carnivore . It's the perfect place for a more relaxed, yet still gourmet, lunch by the pool at Coco Bar.

Hurawalhi Maldives Dining: Ocean-to-Plate Flavors

🍷 The All-Inclusive Perks Beyond Food

The value of the All-Inclusive Plus plan extends far beyond the restaurant doors.

• Drinks: The plan covers an extensive list of premium drinks. I enjoyed unlimited glasses from a selection of over 60 wines, 50+ cocktails, and international beers . The convenience of ordering a specialty coffee or a fresh coconut water without a second thought truly enhances the carefree holiday feeling.

• Minibar: Having a minibar in the villa, restocked daily with house wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and snacks, was an incredible luxury . An afternoon glass of wine on our private deck became a cherished ritual.

• Activities: The plan includes a sunset dolphin cruise, which was a highlight of our trip. We also took advantage of the free use of kayaks and windsurfing equipment, which added another layer of enjoyment to our stay .

What's NOT Included: The Fine Print

A truly honest review must address the exclusions. The All-Inclusive Plus plan does not cover Hurawalhi's most iconic dining venue: the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant . This breathtaking all-glass underwater restaurant is an à la carte experience that costs a significant extra premium . Similarly, dining at the romantic Champagne Pavilion or ordering In-Villa Dining is not part of the plan . It's essential to budget for these separately if they are on your must-do list.

Ultimate Guide to 5.8 Undersea

✨ The Final Verdict: Is It Worth It for a Foodie?

After a week of indulging, my conclusion is a resounding yes—for the right kind of foodie.

Choose the All-Inclusive Plus plan if:

• You appreciate variety and want to sample different resort restaurants without worrying about the bill.

• You enjoy having a few drinks throughout the day, whether it's coffee, cocktails, or wine.

• You value convenience and the ability to indulge spontaneously.

• The included activities like the dolphin cruise appeal to you.

You might be better off with a Half-Board plan if:

• Your primary goal is to dine at the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant multiple times and you'd rather allocate your budget there.

• You are a very light eater and drinker.

• You prefer the simplicity of knowing exactly where you'll be for every meal.

All-Inclusive vs. Half Board at Hurawalhi

For me, the All-Inclusive Plus plan was the key to a truly stress-free and indulgent foodie experience. It offered more than enough quality, variety, and premium drinks to feel like exceptional value. It allowed me to say "yes" to that second cocktail, "yes" to trying the special dessert, and "yes" to a world of flavor, all while watching the Maldivian sun dip below the horizon.

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