Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives [Hotel Review]

Nestled in the undisturbed Noonu Atoll lies Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives – a luxurious resort set on a private island surrounded by crystal-clear waters and stunning coral reefs. The Mövenpick had been on my wish-list since it opened in 2018, so when it was time to choose my first destination post-COVID, I knew exactly where I wanted to go.

The island is a spectacular 45-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport in the country’s capital Malé. I love an island destination where the journey is all part of the experience and Mövenpick didn’t disappoint. From the moment we were greeted at the airport by Mövenpick, I knew we were in for something special. The Swiss are known for their exceptional levels of service, and it starts well before you set foot on the island. After checking in our luggage, we were ushered to a Mövenpick lounge that’s like a mini version of a business class lounge. We then boarded our seaplane for a bird-eye view of the islands that looked like a postcard brought to life. And 45-minutes later we got our first glimpse of the incredible island and resort as we landed in an iridescent blue lagoon.

THE ISLAND

Kuredhivaru Island is a nature lover’s paradise. The island’s natural beauty, crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush green vegetation create an incredibly peaceful and serene atmosphere. Everything on the island has been considered with the resort’s eco-conscious design blending in seamlessly with the island’s natural surroundings. From exploring the coral reefs and diverse marine life on a snorkel or a dive, to sunset fishing and dolphin watching, there’s something for everyone. The island is super lush with dense vegetation and coconut trees that you can explore on a bicycle. It’s the perfect destination to unwind and connect with nature in a peaceful and tranquil environment.

THE ACCOMMODATION

Mövenpick Maldives offers a range of luxurious accommodation options, all designed to offer guests an unforgettable experience (and epic Instagram photos!). Each villa features natural and eco-friendly materials, seamlessly blending in with the island’s natural surroundings. From the 30 Beach Pool Suites and three Beach Spa Pool Residences that offer direct access to the beach, to the 72 Overwater Pool Villas that provide stunning views of the ocean. All villas come equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi.

We stayed in a beautiful overwater pool villa and I can honestly say it is one of the best (and most photogenic) I have ever experienced. I was obsessed with how the black-tiled infinity pool popped against the bright blue aqua of the Indian Ocean that surrounded us. While I love a hotel bed as much as the next person, what I truly get excited about are the bathrooms. The bathroom in our villa was huge even by luxury villa standards with a walk-in rain shower and a massive bathtub positioned next to floor-to-ceiling windows. It could also be sectioned off from the rest of the villa with a sliding door. So, I could be in complete bubble bath relaxation mode, while Ryder was asleep in his cot next to our bed, and Jason chilled on the deck. And for the ultimate villa bucket list, there is even a glass bottom floor, so you can see what lies beneath.

From a content creation perspective, the Overwater Pool Villa was perfection. I was able to get most of my shots without ever leaving the villa. Ryder was still having two naps a day when we were there, so Jason and I were able to shoot content while he slept. And if the restaurants weren’t so delicious, we wouldn’t have ever needed to leave!

THE RESTAURANTS AND BARS

At Mövenpick you can choose from a range of dining options that cater to all tastes and preferences. We loved the charming market-style restaurant ONU Marché, where you can enjoy à la carte and buffet breakfasts and dinners, as well as super fun signature weekly theme nights. The restaurant is right on the beach, so it was great for Ryder – he loved having space to run around in between courses and loved watching the crabs gather under his high-chair to eat what he dropped/threw.

Then there’s the romantic overwater restaurant Bodumas, that’s the ultimate date night destination where the chefs use locally sourced ingredients to create delicious meals with a seafood focus. Unfortunately, the restaurant was undergoing maintenance during our stay, but we now have an excuse to come back!

Jason and I both loved the poolside restaurant Latitude 5.5 which was a great option for lunch and for cocktails. He’s still talking about the gourmet wagyu burger he ordered multiple times! Other than the burger of Jason’s dreams, we had a memorable experience one lunchtime when a tropical storm rolled in suddenly and we all had to be re-seated under the sheltered part of the restaurant. Ryder was sitting in a highchair that was on wheels and as the torrential rain and winds hit, the staff rushed to wheel him out of the rain – he was in heaven and couldn’t stop laughing and squealing as he was wheeled across the deck and under cover.

The resort also offers private dining experiences, including romantic dinners on the beach or a secluded island. On an island like this, there’s no better way to indulge in exquisite cuisine while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

With the brand’s Swiss origins being famous for chocolate, Mövenpick dedicates one hour each afternoon to the ‘Chocolate Hour’. In fact, all Mövenpick hotels worldwide treat guests to 60 delicious minutes of sweet indulgence daily – it’s one of their signature brand experiences.

THE KIDS CLUB

While we didn’t put Ryder in at the Little Birds Kids Club, it looked amazing. The club offers a range of indoor and outdoor activities, including arts and crafts, face painting, storytelling, and beach games. Kids can also enjoy exploring the island on a treasure hunt, learning about the marine life through educational programs, and having fun in the resort’s swimming pool. The Little Birds Kids Club also offers a babysitting service for parents who want to enjoy some time alone. With the range of activities available, children can have fun and make new friends, while parents can relax knowing their kids are in safe hands.

THE SPA

Zara Spa at Mövenpick Maldives is a must-visit for those seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. The spa, located overwater with stunning ocean views, offers a variety of treatments using natural and organic products, including massages, facials, body wraps, and traditional Ayurvedic therapies. I enjoyed a beautiful massage while listening to the sound of the ocean. You can also enjoy daily yoga classes in the overwater pavilion with experienced instructors. Couples can opt for romantic treatments like couple’s massages and private sunset yoga sessions. Zara Spa provides a tranquil and serene environment, perfect for unwinding, relaxing, and reconnecting with yourself or your plus one.

THE MARINE LIFE

The marine life around Kuredhivaru Island is simply breath-taking, with colourful coral reefs, exotic fish, and even majestic sea turtles. The resort’s location in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve ensures that marine life is protected and preserved for future generations. The resort offers a range of activities that allow guests to explore the beauty of the ocean, including snorkelling, diving, and glass-bottom boat tours.

At Mövenpick, you have the unique opportunity to witness the incredible beauty of dolphins in their natural habitat. We had been on a dolphin cruise on another island the week before. It was a sunset cruise with champagne and canapes, so we decided to make it a date night and got a babysitter for Ryder. We saw SO MANY dolphins and I felt so bad that Ryder had missed out. So, when I saw that Mövenpick had a day cruise, we decided to make it a family experience.

The dolphin watching tour takes guests out through the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, where you can see pods of wild dolphins leaping and playing in the waves. The experienced guides ensure that guests have a safe and enjoyable experience while also respecting the natural habitat of the dolphins. It’s an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the stunning marine life that surrounds the island. While on any dolphin cruise there is never a guarantee you will see dolphins, I was feeling confident. And luckily, not long into our cruise, we came across a pod of wild dolphins. While they were right in front of Ryder, he was more interested in the engine of the boat – he has a fascination with engines and anything mechanical. Jason and I were thrilled to see the dolphins off Kuredhivaru Island, and for Ryder we have the photos of him pointing at the boat engine with the dolphins in the background that we can show him when he’s older. I love how this experience creates lasting memories while connecting with the incredible wildlife of the Maldives (and the boat engine).

THE SUSTAINABILITY

Mövenpick are committed to preserving the island’s natural beauty and reducing their impact on the environment. Their eco-friendly resort design includes the use of natural and locally sourced materials, energy-efficient systems, and waste reduction measures. They source their ingredients locally, reducing their carbon footprint, and supporting local farmers and fishermen. Their coral conservation program ensures that they protect the fragile marine ecosystem, and they work with local organizations to promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste. They are a Green Globe-certified resort, which recognises their commitment to sustainable tourism.