Kurumba Maldives Review: Cosmopolitan Luxury at the Maldives First Private Island Resort

It was just a few months ago now when the idea of visiting the Maldives really came into full swing. I’m not entirely sure what fuelled my sudden obsession with this part of the world, but whatever it was inside of me that clicked – I am forever thankful. The Maldives is a tropical oasis, nestled deep within the Indian Ocean. Full of crystal clear waters, exotic marine life, people who love what’s around them, the best tuna you will ever eat and a sense of luxury which not everywhere in the world can quite manage to the same level. In short – the Maldives is incredible.

We spent a full week in the Maldives, including travel and our first point of call had to be the hotel which really turned the Maldives into what it is today, Kurumba. The resort has more history than any of the other Maldives islands as it was the first hotel to open here back in 1972, despite its remote location and what was then just a small airstrip for tourists. It was a part of the world which foreigners had never even visited.

To give you some idea of just how remote it was at the time, back before the hotel was built – all you would find here would be locals, fisherman and any contact with the outside world was via basic radio and morse code. But Kurumba defied those odds and ignored those who said it couldn’t be done. It was this hotel who has turned the Maldives into one of the best holiday locations in the world and in 2003 underwent a complete transformation, making it what it is today.

The biggest attraction of Kurumba, apart from all of its beauty is that the hotel is located just a short 10 minutes away from the main island of Male, where you’ll be landing. It means you can get that real island experience, but not have to shed £100’s of pounds on transfers and also not feel so isolated. Yes, you’ll see a few more boats and seaplanes – but nothing like you’d imagine. You rarely notice it and from the moment you step off that jetty and onto the platform, complete with welcoming staff – you immediately feel as though you’re miles from civilisation. The resorts name, Kurumba is taken from the Maldivian word for ‘coconut’ – something you’ll see and experience a lot of on this island. They put it in just about everything!

A few minutes in reception to sign away our lives and hand over our passport details, we jumped on one of the island buggys and made our way to our room – a beachfront deluxe bungalow. The room, as its name suggests it perched on the beach and looks out across the Indian ocean. White sands, crystal clear waters and so much tranquillity. Endless stretches of sand and a conveniently placed beach bar located just a little further up. In your room you’ll also find a complimentary, and very handy tote bag. Full of the essentials – USB stick, flip-flops, mosquito repellent and little memorabilia. The mini bar here is the stuff of dreams.

One thing which makes these beachfront bungalows stand out, is with a bathroom quite like no other. We loved our room, but from the moment you open that sliding door and your faced with a bathroom of dreams – you can’t help but smile. Natural untreated wood, stone tiles, white washed walls and real sense that your within nature. It’s all been so well designed and perfectly sinks in with the lush green surroundings. The Molton Brown shower vases were an added luxury, as the thick and fragranced products pour through your fingers and onto the stones below. Expect to also see the occasional gecko running across the walls while you’re sinking into the large bathtub. If all that in-room relaxing isn’t enough for you, head over to Veli Spa – it’s an oasis of utter relaxation which we sadly didn’t quite have time to experience. Perhaps next time.

With a complimentary cocktail making tray in our room for whipping up an arrival mojito, we stepped out our back door and onto our private stretch of beach. Words can’t even begin to describe the pleasure you get from stepping onto your first Maldivian beach, swim shorts on and cocktail in hand. The area we were staying was one of the islands best spots for snorkelling, especially by the surroundings reefs which keep the tides and waves from hitting the island hard.

We even had this private jetty right outside our back door. The perfect spot for stepping out into the ocean if you wanted to stay dry. It can also become a magical place to spend a romantic dinner with a loved one. The team at Kurumba really will do whatever it takes to make any guests stay magical and unforgettable.

After our short relax, recuperating from a rather long flight, we took a stroll across the island to Hamakaze – a teppanyaki restaurant on stilts in the middle of the ocean. Here chefs cook right in front of you and serve some of the best grilled dishes, sushi and sashimi you’ll find in the Maldives. We actually came here for something slightly different, a traditional Maldivian cookery course. It’s something you’ll find on the weekly resort itinerary and open to all guests. We were astounded by not only the quality of the ingredients being used here, but just how easy some of the dishes are to make. Traditional tuna curry from this part of the world is life changing stuff. It was made even more exciting being taught by the young and talented chef, Rana – the Maldives first celebrated female chef, pioneering the way for female chefs in this part of the world. I imagine Rana is currently an inspiration to alot of Maldivian women, especially those who lives revolve around cooking.

We walked off our delicious curry on the beach, rested our eyes in a hammock and went on our way to explore all the nooks and crannies of this private island. Every step you take here just takes your breath away.

First of our pleasant discoveries was the beautiful orchid bageechaa. A colourful and tropical safe haven for some of the most exotic orchids to set your eyes upon. I’m not entirely sure of the story behind these plants and if they’re simply for decoration, but either way it’s a lovely place to spend a wander in. The orchids are safely guarded by the islands miniature stone friends (who seem to have lost a few family members) and the beautiful burnt orange Oriental garden lizards. You’ll see these creatures on almost every island in the Maldives.

The relaxing swimming pool in the centre of the island is always quiet and sits within the islands 8 restaurants. For the foodie, it’s the perfect place to perch yourself as you gorge throughout the day. You’ll also find some magical seating areas for sipping on a freshly squeezed passion fruit juice or glass of Champagne.

Kandu open-air pavilion bar is the place to be when it comes to cocktail sipping and dreamy sunsets. Day beds, pods, loungers and a chic bar at the centre of it. Even the bathroom is a dream come true with a tranquil water fountain as you walk through the door. That’s the thing you’ll get to notice about Kurumba – wherever you look there’s never a dull moment. Everything is striking and the staff can never do enough for you.

Even the grand reception comes alive at night, glistening under the stars. Being so close to the equator and barely any light pollution, the nights sky in the Maldives is on fire with stars.

As the sun sets, Kurumba really does become a magical place. Spotlights, candles and oil burners illuminate the island by night and everything becomes incredibly romantic, especially when dining at one of the resorts restaurants. We visited three hotels on our trip to the Maldives and took something away from each and for me, when it came to food – Kurumba was leading the way. Everything we ate was utter heaven. Especially the grilled prawns from the signature Thila restaurant on the beach. A stunning place for sipping fine wines and eating amazing food while watching the reef sharks hunt just beneath you. It’s a breathtaking experience, worthy of pinch – just to check it’s all real.

Before heading back to our room we enjoyed the fantastic live entertainment at Kandu bar. Open daily until 1am, each night plays host to some of the Maldives best live acts and DJ’s to dance the night away too while sipping on the signature Kurumba Colada. Conjure up a better version of the classic Pina Colada and you’re halfway there.

After an early morning swim in the sea, we took breakfast in Thila. The mornings meal here gives you two choices. All guest can head into the main, buffet style restaurant Vihamanaa for an unlimited amount of some truly fantastic cuisine. But for that extra special touch, guests in deluxe rooms and above can enjoy a more luxurious breakfast at Thila while watching the morning fishing boats pass by. And it really is a special affair. Dishes from the a la carte menu such as the bean stew with parma ham and sourdough was divine and the options from the self-serve table were equally as indulgent. Doughnuts, pastries, cakes, fresh fruits, honeycomb, juices squeezed to order and my favourite – free-flowing bubbles. The best way to start any morning. It’s all these little extra touches which make you understand just why Kurumba was voted 2016’s Best Luxury Family All-Inclusive Hotel in the Maldives by the World Luxury Hotel Awards.

And then we had to sadly depart Kurumba. Something we really didn’t want to do! We had such an amazing time at Kurumba and it was a fantastic introduction to island life in the Maldives. Kurumba may not be the most luxurious hotel in the Maldives, charging £1000’s of pounds a night – but neither is it budget in any sense. The hotel has an all-inclusive dining option which isn’t just attractive, but fantastic value and the food here really is special. No matter what restaurant you dine in your always blown away by the quality and the cooking. Kurumba, we loved you and can’t wait to come back.

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Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offers 7 nights with breakfast at the 5-star Kurumba, Maldives in a deluxe room, including flights with SriLankan Airlines (we loved the airline) from Heathrow and group transfers in resort. Lead-in prices for May 2017 are from £1,408 per person, based on two sharing. To book please quote: IO0021

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NB: I was invited to review and my stay was complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.