Kuramathi Maldives

The Island

Kuramathi Maldives is one of eight resorts run by the local brand Universal Enterprises, and due to its remote location the average length of stay for guests is 10 nights. Guests get to the island by seaplane for 20 minutes, or a speedboat trip for 90 minutes. Newcomers are greeted by attentive staff, seated in a modern reception area, offered a welcome drink and cool towel, and then given an intro to the resort before being transported to their rooms in various parts of the island. The island is long and tapered, stretching a mile from the infinity pool in the east to a stunning sand bar in the west.

Before, Kuramathi was home to three resorts, hence here are three separate buffet restaurants, three bars and two dive schools. Today, the guest check-in area is the epicenter of activities and adjoins such vibrant amenities as the infinity swimming pool, whale museum and the resort's key restaurants. Many prefer to walk around the island, but electric cars ply every half hour to certain points for quicker access. Central roads can feel a bit crowded due to the cart traffic (there are also more than 300 staff on the island), which slightly disturbs serenity. However, there are many opportunities for independent explore of Kuramathi, including neat hidden beaches, especially on the north side near Sand bar. There are also several naturalist trails through mature vegetation, where you will find banyan trees, coconut palms and pandanus. (Do not miss the giant banyan in the island's heart that is about 300 years old.) The island's smart use of space and intentional lack of jet skis helps maintain a relaxed atmosphere, despite this being one of the biggest resorts in the country. DOWNLOAD RESORT MAP

But since this is one and the same place, it is very pleasant to move between your favorite places to eat, sunbathe, drink, play and enjoy. Because it is a large and very puffy-green island, it never seems crowded, even in peak seasons (since people discovered the new Kuramathi).

The narrow, upper part of the island is a quiet area, with a sandbank ideal for watching the sunsets, Serenade Jetty and a great The Reef restaurant. The rooms in this part of the resort now have the most affordable rates. The middle area is the smartest, with a spa, a children's club, a large swimming pool, a water sports center and a some restaurants. And the island's wide lower part that used to be the village, still remains an exciting, active and accessible end. Nevertheless, there are several more top-accomodation here, and the new center is truly fantastic. Separate from the old main bar - chic Sand bar and island barbecue are located around a large swimming pool. Everything is beautifully conceived and presented.

What was one of the first in the country Bio Stations resort, is now a very impressive, award-winning Eco Center, with a resident marine biologist and a gardener. This is a place where every guest will want to visit again, and from various lectures and demonstrations, learn about environmentally friendly projects or sign up for a snorkelling lesson or a nature tour. The center on the island develops the best initiatives in the country, and guests at Kuramathi can be proud of this.

Most guests spend their day lounging in a beach chair and taking regular trips to the house reef, that is one of the resort's major draws, offering sightings of reef sharks, turtles, rays and lots of other marine life. At sunset hours, many trek over to the sand bar with camera in hand. Since restaurants are spread out, the atmosphere at night is quiet many are on the basic all-inclusive plan (covering meals at a designated buffet restaurant) and pay separately for the a la carte restaurants, where reservations are required. Evening entertainment varies at three bars, and a DJ spins at the disco, though there often are only a few guests on the dance floor. As at many resorts in the Maldives, guests tend to hit the hay early and wake up for sunrise instead of partying the night away.

Location

Kuramathi is located in Rasdhoo Atoll (administratively North Ari Atoll), a tiny atoll with 5 islands. After baggage claim at Velana international airport, guests head to Universal's main kiosk in the airport for their transfer. Unlike other resorts which require either boat or seaplane transportation, Kuramathi's location is able to offer both options. Those looking to save some pennies will choose speedboat, which takes 90 minutes, though conditions can be bumpy and the layout of the boat may have guests awkwardly facing each other for a long ride (returning staff members sit in the lower deck). The seaplane option will cost more, but the experience is worth considering for the convenience, comfort, and views. Guests are taken to the private lounge with refreshments and bathrooms before departure. The plane ride takes about 20 minutes and provides beautiful views of the Indian Ocean dotted with white islands. Guests jump off at a platform and then are transported to the resort's jetty by dhoni boat. 

Villas

Make the right choice - this is the number you want, based on its type, price and location. In 10 accommodation categories different rates for 4 different types of rooms: Honeymoon (Pool Villa and Beach Villa), Water Villa, Beach Villa and Garden Villa. Each room has the same facilities and amenities, except that the top-2 category also has a Nespresso machine. What is the difference between a room, except a jacuzzi or not, this is their size, age, layout and location. These categories are very carefully and competently calibrated. You will not make a terrible mistake, because the rooms look different, and you can always ask to move to another place. Critically, 3 'zones' still have different environments.

All 290 rooms are assigned to the villas and all boast clean, but simple, modern furnishings: artificial wood or white tiled floors, white bedding with dark pink curtains, photos of fish in a frame (but little or no other artwork), and a some rooms have vaulted wooden ceilings. The villas feature king-size beds with canopies, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, speakers, minibars and free coffee, tea and drinking water. Spacious bathrooms (most of them open-air, but not all) have rain showers, bathrobes and basic toiletries (no hair conditioner!). In separate patios there are two chaise lounges (some also have couches) and different types depending on the type of room; All rooms have easy access to a clean beach thanks to the island's long form.

Beach Villas offer the cheapest accommodation and are located along the resort's lagoon. Beach Villa with Jacuzzi is a good option for couples, with covered and open couches and overhead hydro massage baths (the water will change as often as the guest likes). Superior Beach Villas with Jacuzzi have a round shape, a large wooden deck and a spacious bathroom with an open bathroom with a hot tub. Deluxe Beach Villas with Jacuzzi are located in the center of the island, in close proximity to the best beaches. These rooms also have beds and Nespresso machines.

Water Villas with Jacuzzi are built on stilts over the water, next to a house reef for easy access to snorkeling from private sundecks. (Although the neighbors are not visible, the villas are close together, so neighbors are often heard.) The layout is large and open, and each block has a large bathroom and a two-level terrace with a hydromassage bath, two sun loungers, and an umbrella.

Honeymoon Pool Villa is the largest and most luxurious accomodation with a separate bedroom, living room and dining area. Outside there is a closed terrace with a large open bathroom with a shower and a hot tub. A highlight, however, is a private small pool that is romantically lit at night.

Reconstruction in 2015 added several new types of rooms: Two-Bedroom Beach House, Deluxe Water Villa, Water Villa with Pool, Sunset Pool Villas and Sunset Water Villa with Pool. These rooms have more modern decor elements, such as abstract wall sculptures and futuristic furniture.

The Beach

As it happens on long islands, the best beaches sparkle at each end with some pockets and bulges of sand on each side. The quality of the sand is excellent.

Despite the number of rooms, guests will still find plenty of beach space, and most guests adhere to the spot closest to their villas. Couples looking for solitude can find hidden, quieter areas located among the palms, especially at the western end. Two outdoor pools include one family pool with fresh water in the spa and a fitness center with a children's area and a swimming pool by the ocean near the Fung bar. Although children are welcome here, the infinity pool, as a rule, attracts mainly couples.

Restaurants and Bars

You already know that pristine beaches, abundant marine life and tropical climate make Kuramathi Maldives the ideal vacation getaway. But have you heard that Kuramathi has a host of excellent restaurants and bars offering a range of cuisine to suit all palates. Read our Foodie’s Guide to Kuramathi

The Kuramathi's cusine used to be one of its weaker sides, but today it's already a forgotten story. Buffets are very good, there are a lot of specialized outlets, and there are also many positive reviews about the quality of food. Each guest takes either a full board or all inclusive options. There are two all-inclusive options: the Basic package, which covers all meals at one of three buffet restaurants as well as premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and the Select package, which also allows guests to dine at the nine a la carte restaurants (bookings are required). This upgrade also includes certain bottled wines. Children under six are not allowed in many of the a la carte restaurants, so couples rather than families tend to choose the Select package.

Three main buffet restaurants: Haruge, Malaafaiy and Farivalhu are located in different parts of the island and serve guests with breakfast, lunch and dinner; Guests are assigned a number based on their category and location. Breakfast includes cereals, fresh bakery and bread, fruits, juices and live cooking stations for eggs, waffles and pancakes. For lunch, there are many hot and cold dishes, salads and mouth-watering sandwiches, and dinners are changed regularly with culinary themes from around the world.

For a change in food, guests with a basic plan can eat at any of the a la carte restaurants for an additional fee. The Island Coffee Shop does not require pre-booking and is a universal restaurant with indoor and outdoor accommodation for coffee and light meals. (A traditional Maldivian breakfast is especially emphasized here.)

The Reef, restored in 2015 serves fresh seafood in overwater setting. Tandoor Mahal is an Indian restaurant for lovers of tandoori and curry. Siam Garden - all about Thai cuisine from four regions of the Kingdom. Island Barbeque is next to an infinity pool with feet in the sand and quality meat cooked to order. The Palm restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine, such as pizza, pasta and salads, and at night becomes very romantic. In Duniye you will find the best wine map on the island, which perfectly complements continental snacks and main dishes. Two new restaurants, Kobe and Inguru, serving teppanyaki and Asian fusion cuisine, respectively, were added to the Kuramati culinary scene in 2015.

Recently Kobe, the overwater teppanyaki restaurant at Kuramathi Maldives has introduced an all-new dessert menu that will be pleasing both to the eyes and palette.

In 2024 La Belle Vie, an elegant Maldives resort French restaurant nestled in the luxuriant gardens of Kuramathi, has been opened. Designed to evoke the charm of a traditional Parisian bistro, La Belle Vie offers a warm and cozy environment where guests can savour classic French cuisine.

Among the five delightful treats introduced by their culinary team includes Mizu Mochi, a must-try Japanese raindrop cake made exclusively for Kuramathi. Hokkaido Milk Aisukurimu, made with the best Japanese Hokkaido milk in the world, guaranteed by the team to melt an ice cream enthusiast’s heart. And of course, you can never go wrong with a Matcha Green Tea Chocolate Molten Lava Cake.

When you come to restaurants, the dress code requires men to wear at least a T-shirt, shorts and ladies must wear something covering their body (long t-shirts or sarong / dress). In short - anything you like - just not in swimsuits.

Six bars scattered around the island offer cocktails, evening entertainment, and nightly happy hours. Fung Bar is the biggest and most popular bar, next to the infinity pool, with all-day drinks served either under shade or on the beach. Fung Bar turns into a disco at night, though not many partake in dancing. Havana Club Wine & Cigar Bar offers cigars and spirits from around the world, as well as a few snacks. Karoake is also available certain nights. Cocktail garnishes, fruits, and leafy greens are often home-grown from the island’s own hydroponic garden.

Perhaps what defines Kuramathi just like everyone else is the liveliness of the evenings. On a large mature island such as this one, you can always stay away from action, but when and if you want it, you will be very cheerful. If you do not know what is in one center, you can take buggies, listen, dance or watch the action in another. This is one of the best places to listen to good Maldivian and international singers. There are regular night entertainment, including discos, DJs, live music, solo vocal or duet, movie nights and karaoke.

There are two options ALL INCLUSIVE: Basic package, which covers all meals in one of the three buffet restaurants, as well as premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks; and the 'The Select' package, which also allows guests to eat in nine a-la-carte restaurants (reservation required). This update also includes bottled wines. Children under the age of six are not allowed in many a la carte restaurants, so couples, rather than families, prefer to select the Select package.

Combine great food and ocean views to start the day in style at Kuramathi Maldives. Paradise stays are even more alluring as Kuramathi serves a unique island experience by launching the most beautiful floating breakfast.

Childcare

In Kuramathi, there is something for everyone! Bageecha, the Kids Club at Kuramathi Maldives, is an excellent facility for children visiting the island resort. A professional and multi-lingual team ensures exciting activities to keep children active and creative. It’s a complimentary service for children between the ages of 3-12 years old. Babysitting services are also available for babies and toddlers below the age of three.

Today the Kids Club features a huge swimming pool that the kids surely will adore, along with splash pads for both younger and older kids. They also have a reading corner, an outdoor playground, barbeque area and an indoor play area abundant with fun games and toys.

Open from 8.30am to 7.30pm, the club provides kids with unforgettable experiences through a wide range of activities suitable for them. Storytelling, Night Walk, Karaoke, a Visit to the Eco Centre, Pool Time and Crafting are some of the activities that the children take part in at the Kids Club. Lunch and dinner are also complimentary for the children.

Kuramathi provides a safe environment for your little ones. The resort wants everyone — adult guests and kids alike — to fully enjoy their vacation. With Bageecha, guests can give their little ones the opportunity to make new friendships and engage in fun, educational and sport activities. At the same time, adults can the spend precious quality time together with a loved one.

During seasonal festivities such as Christmas, Halloween and Easter, the Kids Club has special programmes available for the kids;

On summer 2023 Kuramathi resort has unveiled its brand-new and exciting Bageecha kids club programme, promising endless fun and excitement for young adventurers aged 3 to 12 years.

Shark Awareness Day at Kuramathi Maldives is a resounding success, engaging guests in educational activities and immersive experiences to foster appreciation and understanding of sharks and marine conservation

DIVING & SNORKELLING

The whole resort has been re-imagined and the new product is top class. At the same time, the essentials are all still here. Diving is a big draw. There are many fine, varied sites, from thilas to channels, corners, inside and outside reefs. Mantas visit in the winter and the great all-year attraction is the hammerhead shark point. The personnel at the dive base, Rasdhoo Divers, couldn’t be more friendly and accommodating. In 2023 Kuramathi in collaboration with Rasdhoo Divers has expanded reach with Dive Speciality Courses.

Renting snorkel gear is highly recommended (and free to use with all-inclusive rates) and the house reef is one of the best in the Maldives. Guided excursions and safaris are available a good idea for first-timers to the island; guests can then explore on their own with confidence. Marine life is in abundance here with consistent sightings of manta rays, parrotfish, butterflyfish, moray eels, Portuguese Man o' Wars, sea turtles, and harmless reef sharks, to name a few. A perfect island for all adventure enthusiasts the resort invites to embark on a thrilling journey, with the resort's latest offering, the Nurse Shark Excursion.

The medical center is the best in this area and has the largest decompression chamber in the Maldives. It is equipped to handle major problems with diving or other emergencies. In addition to the hyperbaric chamber, the Medical Center is also equipped with modern diagnostic devices for ECG, radiography, blood analysis and audiometry. It includes a small room with two beds. Two German doctors, a diving officer and a specialist in general practice work all year round.

Activities

Aqua Sports & Fun is the water sports center for windsurfing, catamaran sailing, and kayaking, and lessons are available for all levels (ages eight and up). Speedboat activities include waterskiing, wakeboarding, and banana boat rides, though jet skis are not offered in order to keep noise pollution to a minimum. Two fully equipped PADI dive centers guarantee that everyone on the island can partake in small group trips with attentive instructors. On the island there is a marine biologist who teaches guests about proper etiquette regarding contact with marine life.

The spa has 13 treatment rooms for body and facial treatments, as well as nail services. The majority of rooms (indoor and outdoor) are designed for couples. European beauty products and natural essential oils are used. Kuramathi, renowned for its natural beauty, invites you to experience the depths of its healing heritage with Spa Maldivian treatments. Recently the spa has announced the launch of its all-new spa menu, a paradise for seekers of ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.

Since 1st of May 2023, the resort's guests have embarked on a journey of self-discovery and wellness through a series of complimentary yoga classes held at the breathtaking Yoga platform, Monday to Saturday.

Other activities around the island include a large fitness center (though with no views), badminton, tennis, and an Eco Centre with an entire sperm whale specimen on display. A few shops near the reception sell sundries, underwater cameras, beach wear, jewelry and souvenirs. A medical center is available for any emergencies. Wi-Fi is offered, but this service may be unreliable. Guests may also have to log in frequently.

Tired of the Same Old Vacay? Plan a Kuramathi Maldives Adventure

In 2023 Kuramathi has unveiled its revamped Island Hopping Excursion offering a one-of-a-kind experience with visit to the Thoddoo island where you will dive into the unique blend of agricultural life and breathtaking landscapes.

Capture Your Moment: One of the best places in the Maldives for travel photo, Kuramathi Island partners with Shutterfish to providing an unparalleled experience for the guests by introducing an exceptional photography service.

Reviews

Reviews of the Kuramathi Island Resort are very good, with an unusually small number of complaints, which is very good and encouraging for a resort of this size. Most were extremely happy with the island, the rooms, the food, and all the activities available. Most guests on the all-inclusive meal plans were also very happy with the broad range of things included. In addition, many feel that the resort prices, including the nightly room rates are well worth it, which is a very promising sign. One minor complaint that a few expressed was that one small edge of the island directly faces an inhabited nearby island, which detracts from the isolated paradise feeling. Still, for a reasonably priced 4-star resort with this many rooms, the track record is very impressive, making this a solid choice, especially for families.

...“Excellent resort but the food could be more international”, “Perfect vacantion”, “A nice all-inclusive resort with very competitive prices”, “The stay was amazing I would recommend it to everyone.”, “Paradise on Earth”, Exceptional, Superb, “Unforgettable experience.”, “A wonderful resort - perfect for a honeymoon getaway!”, “Amazing island getaway”, “Highly recommend this place. Would like to be back.”, 
“Excellent resort but the food could be more international”, 
“Lovely island and welcoming staff”, “Another perfect holiday in Kuramathi”...

Why stay here? What Guests Love

• Kuramathi island is the part of Universal Resorts the most desirable Maldivian hospitality group.
• Guests can choose the transfer: by air or sea
• On a mile-long private island with great water sports and two dive centers
• Large and modern villas, many with hot tubs and outdoor showers, some overwater
• Excellent snorkeling just offshore (some of the best in the Maldives)
• A unique natural sand bar, great for sunrises and sunsets
• Quality and varied food. Delicious breakfasts, lots of fruit. Every day for dinner a new theme
• Tucked-away beaches that are postcard-worthy
• Two all-inclusive plans; the Select Package covers meals and drinks at any restaurant
• Two outdoor pools including an infinity pool next to the shore
• Excellent children's club
• A good house reff snorkeling
• A wonderful diving with sharks and manta rays
• Hydroponic garden, 300-year-old banyan tree, and a sperm whale museum
• Nice outdoor lounge areas and evening entertainment
• Night life
• Service - everything top-class

What You Need to Know

• Browse through the special offers at Kuramathi Maldives with a myriad of tasteful options be it villas, wining and dining, or recreation. SEE ALL OFFERS
• In August 2024 Kuramathi appointed Bert Goebel as the new General Manager.
• In total, 296 villas and apartments, including 70 water villas, Kuramathi is one of the largest 4-star resorts in the Maldives
• The hotel is located on a private island in Rasdhoo Atoll and is 20 minutes by seaplane ride from Male airport
• The resort will arrange for a round-trip seaplane transfer by Seaplane or Speedboat to Kuramathi Island from Malé International Airport. Only one mode of transfers can be booked. Speedboat transfers from / to Kuramathi are combined transfers and takes approximately 90 minutes.
• Check-out at 12 o'clock Check-in at 2 pm;
• Everything on Milaidhoo has been custom-made and made for comfort with panoramic sea views
• Nightlife is pretty tame, even for an island of this size
• Toiletries do not include conditioner (ladies, take note!)
• Free Wi-Fi is spotty and guests may need to log in frequently
• Speedboat ride may be bumpy and uncomfortable
• Honeymoon Courtesies: Flower decoration on bed on arrival, chocolates or macaroons and bottle of wine (minimum 3 nights required). Flower decoration on bed on arrival, chocolates or macaroons and half bottle of champagne with canapés (minimum 7 nights required). A copy of marriage certificate must be provided at time of check-in. Honeymoon courtesies are only valid for travel within 6 months from date of wedding.
• In order to protect the privacy of our guests and team members, as well as for their safety, we do not allow the operation of drones within the resort premises, unless explicitly authorized and supervised by the resort.

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