Hurawalhi Island Resort

After 50 years of waiting, and we have just got around to our first ever Maldivian experience, and WOW, what an experience it was. With so many islands and tours available, and all looking so gorgeous in the photographs, we presented Simply Maldives (Amit) with some criteria: relatively small and quiet; friendly; adult only; all-inclusive options; luxurious but not overly opulent. He came up with a number of selections, all of which fitted our criteria and each with its own take on “paradise”. We settled on the resort of Hurawalhi and haven’t been disappointed. The journey from Male to Hurawalhi involves a 40-minute transfer via seaplane— another first for us. It was great fun, and it gave us the opportunity to see so many beautiful islands on our flight. Be aware, though, the planes are hot, noisy, and a bit cramped and usually enjoy a reduced luggage allowance to your main carrier. The last five minutes of the journey from their sister resort to Hurawalhi was by speedboat. As we stepped off the boat, we were met by the resort manager (Bahau) along with some of his team, offering cold towels and even colder drinks. A local islander welcomed us with the beat of the local drum. Having completed much of the registration detail online prior to arrival and having downloaded the app, the time needed for registration, etc., was minimal, and before long, we were being driven by our host, Zayanppppii, on a buggy to our sunset beach villa. The villa was amazing. Zayan explained that he was our host for the duration of our stay, and anything and everything that we required could be requested through him. He checked that we had access to the resort Wi-Fi and set us up in a WhatsApp group that allowed us to contact him 24 /7. He was true to his word and an excellent island host throughout our entire stay. Throughout our stay, we ate at all three restaurants included within their “All Inclusive Plan”— The Canneli (primarily buffet style with some excellent additional cooking stations); the Kashibo and JFK. Although the AIP plan included lunch, we often found we didn’t need this as breakfast in the Canneli provided an excellent choice. We also ate at The Teppanyaki (excellent) and 5.8 the undersea restaurant, which for a lot of people, certainly us, is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but be warned it is very expensive. By choice, our daily activities were limited to sleeping, eating, drinking, visiting the spa, the odd boat trip, and snorkelling the reef from the beach immediately in front of our villa. There is a really good house reef, and like so many other reviewers of this hotel we saw, turtles, pods of spinner dolphins, sharks, rays, and a variety of different fish. There is an excellent dive centre offering “reef safaris” and for those who are new to snorkelling or uncertain of their abilities or local currents/tides, they provided support, encouragement, and local knowledge. The spa was heavenly. For the more adventurous, there was Padel, kayaks, fishing, jet skis, yoga, etc., and indoors, a gym, table tennis, snooker, and a couple of games. We also took a tour of the “team village” which showcased many of the behind-the-scenes operations involved in keeping the island operational, including the impressive use of desalination techniques and the capture of solar energy. Ultimately, we found this resort provided everything we wanted. It was relaxed, friendly, but professionally run. At the time we visited, it was enjoyed by a collection of guests from around the world. Others might want more fine dining restaurant options, more or different entertainment options. Often, what makes a great holiday are the staff running the resort, and without exception, everyone we met, whatever their role, offered a smile and a greeting. Many we spoke to seemed to enjoy working there, and they spoke openly of being well looked after. The following lists those that we met or served us regularly, but I am sorry to say there are some names we have mislaid, misspelt or forgotten Bahaudden, Zayan, Ruwindi (a special thank you), Casmir, Tulsa & Farray (fabulous— enjoy your Thailand trip), Nano & Fredy (teppanyaki). Thank you for delivering the magic, What is for certain is that for every great customer-facing employee, there are still lots working hard behind the scenes. Well done to each and everyone of you all!

Hurawalhi exceeded our very high expectations in every way. Five star in the Maldives far exceeds service at the nicest big name resorts in America! SR Travel Collective - our travel agent - recommended we look at Hurawalhi versus a big name resort for this once in a lifetime honeymoon trip and we couldn’t be happier we did. Great food, gorgeous infrastructure, incredible reef for snorkeling, tons of perks like buggies to drive you, sunscreen and an incredible buffet and finer dining. This is your sign to book your visit today! Only thing on our schedule was sunrise and sunset daily and we ended up finding tons to do! If you go, meet Fazeel who works in Canneli - he became our friend throughout the week and even took us snorkeling on our first day during his time off. I’m telling you - this place is truly magical!

What a beautiful place! We had a wonderful stay! The staff was very attentive, kind, and helpful. It’s a beautiful island. The food was excellent, and the buffets were incredible. They have a great wine list. We’ll definitely be back

Picture perfect This goes to the top of my list as just about the best 12 days we have had. Beautiful resort, the very best in warmth, authenticity and hospitality and a house reef that was simply amazing! We arrived on BA flight which was on time; getting through immigration and getting luggage took about 20 mins. We met the hotel rep in a very crowded arrival hall and were quickly taken to the TMA check in which is a short walk. The new Male terminal is very good and a huge improvement on the old one. The TMA check in was fast. Note they are unforgiving for any weight in excess of 25kgs including handbags…it’s 5 USD for each kg in excess. The rep took us in a private car to the new TMA terminal, the Coral lounge is on the second floor and was remarkably quiet with hardly anyone there. I presume the flight cancellations from Middle East must have impacted the footfall. Do go on the terrace overlooking the busy TMA departure terminal for some amazing pictures of the sea plane operations. We waited just over an hour and departed for the resort at 12:40 for 50 min flight to the resort followed by a 5 min speedboat to Hurawalhi. At the arrival jetty we experienced a warm arrival from the team and met Akan our host who was in every respect an amazing person and took care of all our needs for the remainder of the holidays. The information he provided about the resort based on our prior interest on the App showed that he took a real interest in what we needed and appropriate for us. He kept in touch with us on a daily basis. First impressions of the resort was picture perfect well maintained & small but beautiful resort. We had booked a overwater villa on the odd side relatively close to the reef to swim on to. I know lots of blogs suggest upgrading to pool villa, I didn’t see the point when we could swim in the ocean! The room was well apportioned with a full mini bar and excellent amenities from Healing Ocean….we especially liked the factor 30 sunscreen and after sun lotion which was a nice touch. Life jackets, snorkelling equipment was waiting in the room based on information we had provided for checking in. Note that when waiting in the TMA lounge we completed the check in on their app which saved a lot of time on arrival as we went straight to our room. Additional features we loved to were the large bathroom and sun deck. Our housekeeper Sujau was amazing. I have absolutely no idea how we knew we had left for breakfast or dinner but we always found our room immaculate upon our return. Our first evening and on most evenings we enjoyed cocktails at the Coco Bar thanks to Tushar and his team. Sitting on the front deck with a slight breeze from ocean sipping our cocktails was a lovely prelude before dinner. We were on an all inclusive plan. The wine and spirits selection was excellent in the bar and in the restaurants, I’d recommend it as excellent including unlimited laundry twice during our stay. We mostly ate at Canneli which is the main restaurant for all our meals. It is a vast space which does not look crowded. Cold, live, hot foods and desserts was plentiful and the team were only too willing to accommodate my wife who is a fussy vegetarian; she had no complaints! Murrugam the chef was amazing he really made things easy to order for her each meal! Thank you also Chef Rahul and Harshal. We did try Kashibo one evening the ambiance was outstanding, and service faultless. We chose not to go there as it has limited veggie choices and simply because we were spoilt at the main restaurant which we loved! Thanks so much to the warmth and hospitality from Anees, Barsha, Ruwindi, Harry, Saleem, Arun and many more! You made it truly special. During our stay we booked a couple of guided safaris around the house reef, the manta ray safari and turtle safari. The Prodivers is incredibly friendly place for all our outings they were amazing especially Appu. He took us on all our outings and was incredible in helping my wife navigate currents when needed. The house reef is rich in marine life. Countless variety including huge turtles, eagle rays, sharks and many more, we loved all our outings. It was relatively easy swimming to the edge of the reef from our room and following it around, an amazing experience! Watch out for the porcupine rays they sort or creep up on you! We used the Spa as well. Lovely ambience. Choki was exceptional with the Balinese massages - great technique and I loved the experience, having been around many resorts I’d say this spa is easily in my top 5! 12 days went very quickly! I celebrated my birthday during the stay the resort was kind enough to arrange a few surprises, thank you. We arranged an island dining experience with the choice of our food, thank you chef Rahul and Matheen for a really lovely experience! On the last day, out host Aken provided very clear information on timings, we were collected from our room at 9 for a 9:20 departure on the seaplane. On arrival we were bussed to the departure terminal with a short wait for our luggage. Plenty of time for a check in, a very efficient process. There are 350 people who work tirelessly at the resort, led by Bahaudeen the GM, he was a very visible and engaging presence throughout our holiday and noticeably took a lot of interest in the guests. Lots of amazing memories, what will stand out? I suppose the school of spinner dolphins passing by one early morning which we saw from room has got to be up there as the tops! When speaking to the team they all praised Crown & Champa for looking after employees in giving them time off and great facilities to make their lives easier in being away from their families. It shows in their work ethics as this resort by far exceeded our expectations. We cannot wait to return.

An unforgettable week in Paradise. Amazing experience from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. The food was amazing, the service better than anywhere else we have ever been and the sunset pool villa was magnificent. What else can I say? Thank you to Jihane and Mariia for making us so welcome. Anees and Ruwindi for attending our every need in the restaurant with so much passion and pleasure. Tips No need to take shoes unless planning to play tennis/padel. Flip flops or bare feet mostly. Snorkel, mask and flippers provided. Sun lotion, after sun, insect repellent and toiletries provided.