Hurawalhi Island Resort Review: More Than Just The World’s Largest Undersea Restaurant

The biggest attraction of island resorts in the Maldives is being able to leave the frenetic pace and stress of the world behind.

Some resorts, however, with their over-attentive staff and bustling social hubs don't understand this. Hurawalhi island resort, on the other hand, claims to be designed especially for sophisticated idleness—allowing you to guiltlessly do nothing so you can experience complete immersion and disconnection.

Considered among the best resorts in the Maldives, the adult-only Hurawalhi island resort is surrounded by a lagoon, a house reef, and long stretches of white sandy beach. The island is a tiny 400 meters long by 165 meters wide, and thanks to the Maldives’ famous ‘One Island, One Resort’ policy, guests and staff are the only souls for miles.

As well as being a hideaway from civilization, Hurawalhi island resort is also home to a stack of luxury amenities, adrenaline-pumping experiences, and modern marvels, not least 5.8’, the world’s largest undersea restaurant for which the resort has become renowned. 

Hurawalhi island resort seems to have everything going for it. We recently sent a few members of our luxury travel concierge team to stay at Hurawalhi island resort and scope out its amenities, accommodation, dining, and activities and see if it could live up to our sky-high expectations.

Slow-Paced & High-Octane Adult-Only Amenities

Despite appearing like a deserted island and being attuned to idleness, Hurawalhi island resort has a wide and carefully-selected range of luxury amenities for adults.

With its location in the middle of a lagoon that gives easy access to a magnificent house reef, the ocean and marine life are clearly its top attractions. Hurawalhi’s Prodivers outpost takes full advantage of this with regular scheduled guided diving and snorkeling trips, equipment rental, a complete PADI 5-star training center, a deep-sea sports fishing boat, and a long list of watersports. 

Back on dry land, the focus is on getting in touch with and moving the body. Guests can enjoy a sparkling freshwater infinity pool, artificial turf courts for football (futsal), tennis and badminton, a fitness center with a personal trainer, and the well-being oasis of Duniye Spa.

Interestingly, Hurawalhi island resort is one of the few resorts in the Maldives that has a medical clinic with a doctor on call for emergencies.

The range of amenities at Hurawalhi island resort includes:

• A paddle tennis court (one of the few in the country).
• Duniye Spa with world-class therapists, Asian massage techniques, and chemical-free, pure organic products.
• A hyperbaric chamber located nearby at Kuredu Resort Maldives.
• The Manta Trust Marine Biology Center offering ecology workshops and talks
• Watersports including jet skis, parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, fun-tubes, sofa rides, windsurfing, kayaks, and catamaran sailing.
• Games room featuring table tennis, billiards table, a pinball machine, board games, Pac-Man, air hockey, and chess.
• Thari Boutique offering a selection of swimwear, sportswear, Hurawalhi branded merchandise, books, music, artwork, crafts, sundries, cigarettes, and more.
• Fine Jewel with a variety of gemstones and jewelry at reasonable prices.
• PixMaldives professional photography service

Immersive Activities & Romantic Experiences For Two

The best resort experiences in the Maldives don’t require filling your itinerary with exotic activities and wild excursions, they are an experience in themselves. 

Hurawalhi island resort is a fine example of this. Whether it’s a post-dinner walk down the beach, a destressing sunset appointment at the spa, or even a romantic escape to ‘Dream Island’, a private offshore sandbank where you can be dropped off with a cooling box of drinks and snacks for several hours, the island is rife with moments of exploration and connection.

Hurawalhi also works hard to give back to the environment, while also getting guests involved in the process. Guests can take part in workshops and trips run by Hurawalhi’s resident marine biologist at The Manta Trust Marine Biology Center, a UK-based non-profit whose mission is to advance the conservation of manta rays and their habitat.

The activities and experiences available at Hurawalhi island resort include:

• Free use of snorkeling equipment.
• Sunset dolphin cruises, private luxury sailing, deep sea fishing, and more.
• Daily fitness activities such as a variety of yoga themes, Aqua Fitness, Circuit Training, and diverse meditation options.
• Entertainment including BoduBeru cultural dance show, live music, DJ disco, divers video night, Maldivian culture & history introduction, and other themed events.
• Wellness experiences at Duniye Spa, including Balinese massage and Tibetan singing bowl therapy.

World-Class Accommodation & Warm Maldivian Service

When a resort is designed by Yuji Yamazaki of YYA New York, the designer of many of the top resorts in the Maldives, you know you’re going to find something special and that nothing is left to chance. 

Hurawalhi island resort offers a total of 90 classic Maldivian villas, including 30 Ocean Pool Villas suspended over the ocean on stilts, 21 Beach Sunset Pool Villas, 15 Romantic Ocean Villas, 15 Ocean Villas, and 9 Beach Pool Villas. 

The villas are characterized by timber and natural materials, calming earth tones, sunlight, shade, ocean views, and soothing sea breezes. Each villa features a king-size bed, bathroom with a luxurious rain shower, sitting area, workspace with charging station, and a private sundeck with chaise lounges and a table and chairs.

The service at Hurawalhi island resort is consistently reviewed as warm, friendly, and helpful, and we can confirm that this is exactly the case. The villas come with a designated butler who will introduce himself and share his contact details for any assistance you may need. Anytime we needed anything, whether it was a ride to a restaurant or information about an activity, we always received above and beyond what we expected. 

The accommodation options at Hurawalhi island resort include:

• Ocean Pool Villas (132 sqm) suspended over the waters of the lagoon with a private infinity pool.
• Romantic Ocean Villas (105 sqm) with an indulgent bathtub on the terrace 
• Ocean Villas (105 sqm) with private terrace and direct access to the ocean
• Beach Sunset Pool Villas (132 sqm) with infinity pool and location a few steps away from the beach and lagoon.
• Beach Pool Villas (132 sqm) a few steps away from the beach, lagoon, and Hurawalhi’s main facilities.

Serious Culinary Journeys & Plentiful Dining Options

As an adults-only resort, the dining experience at Hurawalhi island resort is taken very seriously. Not only do you find some of the best ingredients and chefs in the world, you also find some exceptional and unique ways to spend an intimate evening as a couple.

The resort’s four principal restaurants combine the freshest produce, imaginative cooking techniques, and beachside settings with incredible ocean views. You’ll likely start the day at Canneli, the resort’s main common area offering a great variety for breakfast, and end the day indulging in a themed dinner at Kashibo, enjoying ethical, guilt-free vegan options at Junk Food Kitchen, or simply taking a nightcap at the overwater Champagne Pavilion. 

Of course, a highlight of Hurawalhi island resort is the restaurant 5.8’. Named for its depth below the lagoon surface (5.8 meters or 19 feet), the restaurant is the world’s largest all-glass underwater restaurant. Guests enjoy 180-degree views and exquisite seafood as well as a vegan option—but with just 10 tables, be sure to reserve well in advance.

The selection of restaurants and dining options at Hurawalhi island resort include:

• Canneli Restaurant serving all-you-can-eat delicious buffet-style meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 
• Kashibo featuring Asian street food, including Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese-inspired cuisine.
• JFK (Junk Food Kitchen) offering a vegan take on comfort classics such as burgers, nachos, and buffalo wings.
• Coco Bar with cocktails and a chic indoor area and an al fresco terrace. 
• Champagne Pavilion, over-water pavilion perfect for Champagne sunsets.
• Wine Cellar with an over-water windowed global selection of fine wines.

Getting to Hurawalhi Island Resort & Maldives Covid Restrictions

Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, Male, you are transported in a private vehicle to the seaplane terminal where you can wait at the VIP lounge with some snacks and cold drinks before departure to the resort.

Hurawalhi island resort is a scenic 40-minute seaplane ride then a 5-minute speedboat ride from the airport. 

Since March 13th, 2022, a positive PCR test result or any other COVID measure has not been required to enter the Maldives.

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Planning a vacation to Hurawalhi island resort in the Maldives? Allow our luxury travel concierge team to arrange everything from booking and custom pre-trip itineraries to exclusive experiences and luxury transfers.