I rarely visit the same place twice, so when I do you know it’s somewhere special. I first visited Kuramathi Island back in 2019, after getting engaged a few days earlier on a neighbouring island. For five magical nights, we celebrated our engagement watching sunsets, sipping on champagne, and swimming in the warm Indian Ocean. I didn’t think I could top the memories from that trip, but then came our 2022 return.
Not only was this our first overseas trip since COVID-19, it was also our first overseas trip as a family. While COVID-19 was going on in 2020, we luckily had another distraction – the arrival or our beautiful baby boy Ryder. For his first overseas trip (and first time on a plane ever), I wanted him to go somewhere special. So, in 2022 when the borders in Australia reopened for the first time in almost two years, I knew exactly where I wanted to go.
Positioned in the turquoise waters of the Maldives’ Rasdhoo Atoll, Kuramathi Island is a tropical paradise that offers the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With its palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, the island is a haven for beach lovers, adventure seekers, and nature enthusiasts alike. From snorkelling and diving to indulging in spa treatments and romantic dining experiences, there is something for everyone at Kuramathi Island.
THE ISLAND
One of the most breathtaking experiences on Kuramathi Island is the Sand Bank Sunset excursion. This magical experience takes you to a secluded sandbank in the middle of the ocean, where you can watch the sun slowly set over the horizon. The sandbank is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, and the stunning colours of the sunset reflect off the water, creating a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere. As the sun sets, you can enjoy a glass of champagne or a refreshing cocktail and soak up the beauty of nature. It’s a truly unforgettable experience that is not to be missed during your stay at Kuramathi Island.
THE ACCOMMODATION
Kuramathi Island offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From spacious beach villas to luxurious water villas, there’s something for everyone. The island has 12 room categories, each offering a unique experience. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, you can opt for the Honeymoon Pool Villa, which has its own private pool and outdoor jacuzzi. For families, the Two-Bedroom Beach Houses are a great option, with plenty of space and a large outdoor terrace. The Water Villas are perfect for those who want to be close to the ocean, with direct access to the water and stunning views of the reef below. We were lucky enough to stay in a Deluxe Water Villa again, so we could relive the memories of our first trip and show Ryder the very best of island life at Kuramathi.
THE RESTAURANTS AND BARS
The location of your villa location determines your allocated buffet restaurant among the island’s three main restaurants featuring international-themed buffets. As we stayed in the top-tier villa category, we were granted access to Farivalhu Restaurant for breakfast and lunch each day, and dinner when we didn’t opt for specialty restaurants. Kuramathi offers Basic and Select All-Inclusive Packages, which provide access to all nine a la carte restaurants or three buffet restaurants without any extra charge.
Kuramathi boasts a diverse range of restaurants to cater to every culinary desire, from authentic Thai, Italian or Indian cuisine to fresh seafood or barbeque on the sand. Private dining experiences on powdery soft sand under the stars are also available for a romantic evening. While we mostly dined at Farivalhu Restaurant, we also had a delicious Italian feast under the trees at Palm as well as an evening under the stars at the Island Barbeque.
On our last trip we spent a lot of time at the Champagne Loft as we were celebrating our engagement. We didn’t quite make it back this time around, unless you count the time when Ryder wanted to explore after dinner and did a runner straight into the bar. But when you’re staying in a Deluxe Water Villa, sipping drinks on the deck to the sounds of the Indian Ocean lapping against our villa while Ryder slept soundly inside was a pretty good alternative.
THE KIDS CLUB
Just seeing how happy Ryder was at the kid’s club, topped all the previous memories I had from the island. Ryder was only 18 months old on this trip, and even though he has had weekly swimming lessons since he was a baby, he was still a bit scared of the ocean. He LOVES a shower, a fountain, or a tap – basically any form of running water. Pools and the ocean, he could take it or leave it. Plus, with the sun being so strong in the Maldives, it was hard to have beach time with him unless it was early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This timing clashed with his nap time. Ryder was still on two sleeps a day, so his main playtime was in the middle of the day.
Luckily Kuramathi Island offered a fantastic kids club, and the best part about it. A shaded outdoor pool area with splash zones, fountains, tipping water buckets – so many vessels, so much water – literally Ryder’s dream play situation. The Bageecha Kids Club is open daily and provides a range of fun activities for kids aged between 3 and 12 years old. While Ryder was too young to attend the kids club on his own, kids under three can attend with parents, a nanny or guardian, or for USD$10 per hour you can have a Kuramathi carer look after your baby one-on-one.
Ryder loved the carers so we put him in for two to three hours each day so we could have time to snorkel, get massages and take all the photos I needed for my sponsored stay. In the kids club, all meals and snacks are provided so we were even able to sneak in a lunch date.
While for Ryder the highlight was the water area (and the unlimited food options) there are a range of activities that include arts and crafts, games, movies, and nature walks. There’s also a separate area for toddlers, complete with a soft play area and toys. The kid’s club is run by experienced and trained staff, ensuring that your little ones are in safe hands while you enjoy some time to yourself. With so many fun activities on offer, the Bageecha Kids Club is the perfect place for kids to make new friends and create lasting memories.
THE SPA
Kuramathi Island offers a relaxing escape with its on-site spa, which provides a range of wellness treatments for guests. The spa features private treatment rooms surrounded by lush tropical greenery and a serene ambience that is perfect for indulging in some pampering. The spa menu includes traditional Ayurvedic therapies, massages, body scrubs, facials, and a variety of other treatments to cater to all guests’ needs. The spa also offers couples’ packages for a romantic and rejuvenating experience. The professional therapists use natural and organic products to enhance the overall experience, leaving guests feeling revitalised and refreshed.
THE MARINE LIFE
The crystal-clear waters surrounding Kuramathi Island offer an opportunity to witness an array of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and a variety of fish species. Snorkelling and diving excursions are available for guests to explore the stunning coral reefs and encounter the vibrant underwater world. The island’s location in the Rasdhoo Atoll also offers opportunities for seasonal sightings of whale sharks and manta rays. The resort’s Marine Biology Centre offers educational programs and guided excursions for guests to learn about the island’s ecosystem and marine life conservation efforts.
THE SUSTAINABILITY
Kuramathi Island is committed to sustainability and responsible tourism practices. The resort has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as a waste management program that includes recycling, composting, and the use of solar energy. The resort also operates a coral propagation program, where coral fragments are grown and planted back into the reefs to enhance their recovery and conservation. The Marine Biology Centre offers educational programs and guided excursions for guests to learn about marine life conservation efforts. Additionally, the resort supports the local community through employment and sourcing locally grown produce for its restaurants. Kuramathi Island’s dedication to sustainability and responsible tourism ensures that guests can enjoy their holiday while minimizing their impact on the environment.
HOW TO GET TO KURAMATHI ISLAND
The journey from Velana International Airport to Kuramathi Island is all part of the experience. You can choose a shared speedboat or the ultimate arrival by seaplane.
- Seaplane Transfer
Duration: 20 minutes
- Speedboat Transfer
Duration: 90 minutes
More details here.
