The island that keeps calling us back.
In a world brimming with breathtaking destinations, returning to the same place more than once is rare. Returning three times? That’s practically unheard of for me. Yet here I am, writing about our third stay at Kuramathi Island in the Maldives – a place so special, so intuitively designed for island life, that it keeps drawing us back like a tide.
Kuramathi has become more than just a favourite – it’s woven into our story. From romantic escapes to barefoot family adventures, this island has evolved with us in the most meaningful ways. Jason proposed just before our first visit to Kuramathi Island. Maldives, and while the engagement happened at another resort, it was here – at sunset on the sandbar – that we captured our announcement photos, champagne in hand and golden hour lighting up the moment. We celebrated that milestone at the Champagne Loft, toasting to the future with views that still take our breath away.
Years later, it was Kuramathi that welcomed us for Ryder’s first overseas trip – his tiny toes in the Maldivian sand for the very first time. Since then, we’ve returned again and again, each visit marking a new chapter in our lives, a new layer of connection with this special place.
And while each stay has revealed new experiences, what remains constant is the effortless mix of laid-back luxury and exceptional service that continues to set Kuramathi island apart.
THE ISLAND
Kuramathi is one of the largest resort islands in the Maldives, but you never feel it. Whether you’re strolling the powder-white beaches, snorkelling the vibrant house reef, or cruising along the palm-fringed paths on a buggy, the island feels both expansive and intimate – like your own private piece of paradise. Each area has its own unique vibe, allowing return guests to experience the island anew with every stay.
Part of what makes Kuramathi so appealing – especially for families – is how easy it is to get to. If you’re travelling by seaplane, airport hosts greet you on arrival, check you in, and escort you to the terminal for a scenic 20-minute flight that offers an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the atolls below. Prefer to travel by speedboat? Transfers run three times daily and take approximately 75 to 90 minutes. Either way, the journey is seamless and well-organised, setting the tone for the effortless island life that awaits.
What continues to impress is Kuramathi’s seamless blend of natural beauty and thoughtful design. Sustainability isn’t a marketing line here – it’s part of the island’s DNA. From the Eco Centre and marine biologists on staff, to the carefully preserved flora and fauna, the island stays grounded in its environment.
THE ACCOMMODATION
For this stay, we checked into Villa 350, a Thundi Water Villa with Pool – the highest category of water villa at Kuramathi, and our most luxurious accommodation on the island yet. Perched at the far western tip, these villas sit as close to Kuramathi’s iconic sandbar as you can possibly get. We’ve always gravitated toward this end of the island, drawn by its quiet beauty and extraordinary sunsets – and the Thundi villas are the pinnacle.
Sharing the same elegant layout as the Water Villas with Pool, the Thundi villas elevate the experience with their unparalleled location. Inside, a king-sized bed faces floor-to-ceiling glass doors, opening onto a private deck with an 18sqm plunge pool, loungers, and direct access to the lagoon. The bathroom is spacious and thoughtfully designed, featuring twin vanities and a freestanding bathtub with panoramic views.
What sets these villas apart is the sense of seclusion and immersion in nature. With the sandbank at your doorstep and uninterrupted ocean vistas in every direction, this is barefoot luxury at its finest.
THE KIDS CLUB
Ryder was just two and a half during this stay – still too little for the kids club’s independent program – but that didn’t stop him from making the most of it. With his own dedicated babysitter (USD$15 per hour), he was able to join in on all the fun, just with a grown-up by his side. And for Ryder, that meant one thing: water, water, and more water.
Kuramathi’s kids pool is a toddler’s paradise, with multiple splash zones designed for non-stop fun. There were water-spraying tunnels to dash through, oversized buckets tipping water onto his head to squeals of delight, and gentle fountains perfect for cooling off. He spent nearly the entire day splashing, swimming and laughing – only ever emerging from the water for lunch (and even then, reluctantly). He called out “sharky” every time a reef shark cruised by.
Having a trusted babysitter on hand meant Jason and I could carve out pockets of time to snorkel the reef together and capture content – including some incredible drone footage over the sandbar. It gave us the rare luxury of balancing family time with creative work, all while knowing Ryder was having the time of his life.
Bageecha Kids Club is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive we’ve come across in the Maldives. During our stay, we met families who had been returning to Kuramathi year after year – some since their children were babies. One family had kids around ten years old who were absolute regulars at the kids club, running in like they owned the place and living their best vacay lives. It speaks volumes about the way this island captures hearts across generations.
THE RESTAURANTS AND BARS
One of Kuramathi’s most remarkable features is its culinary diversity. With 12 restaurants and 7 bars, dining here is an experience in itself. While the à la carte options offer everything from Thai to Mediterranean, we found ourselves returning again and again to Farivalhu, the island’s main buffet restaurant for guests staying in the central part of the island.
Set in a relaxed open-air setting, Farivalhu delivers far more than your typical buffet. Breakfasts began with a generous continental spread – fresh pastries, tropical fruits, juices, cereals – and a live cooking station where eggs, waffles, and pancakes were made to order. Lunch was a lighter affair, featuring vibrant salads, sandwiches, and tropical fruit. But it was dinner that really stole the show, with themed buffets showcasing cuisines from all over the world—each night bringing something completely different and consistently delicious.
And then there were the desserts. Jason, a devoted dessert enthusiast, declared them a daily highlight – and I have to agree. From rich chocolate mousses to delicately layered tropical tarts, the dessert selection at Farivalhu rivalled (and in many cases surpassed) what we’ve experienced at much higher-end resorts. We kept meaning to ask about the pastry chef – whoever they are, they’re clearly exceptionally talented.
Dining packages at Kuramathi offer flexibility without compromise, and the attention to quality and variety across every restaurant makes it a standout among Maldivian resorts. Whether you’re enjoying a candlelit dinner on the sand or returning for your third helping of dessert (Jason, I’m looking at you), food here is always something to look forward to.
THE SANDBAR
The iconic sandbar on Kuramathi Island is more than just a postcard-perfect stretch of white sand – it’s a ritual. A pilgrimage, even. Over the years, we’ve walked its length in golden light, watched it disappear beneath high tide, and captured it under moody skies and blazing sunsets. Each time we visit the island, the sandbar offers something different – like nature’s own mood board, changing shape and texture with the elements.
On our previous visits, we made our way there most evenings, drawn to its cinematic views as the sun slipped into the sea. But this time, with our villa just footsteps away, we found ourselves experiencing it from a different perspective. Instead of walking to the tip of the sandbar each night, we’d often stay close to home – perched on the wooden walkway that leads to the overwater villas. From there, we could take in the sunset in a more relaxed way, cocktails in hand, Ryder nearby, the whole island glowing.
There was one evening in particular that felt straight out of a movie. As the sun began to set, the sandbar was temporarily closed – roped off for a vow renewal. A couple and a small number of staff were gathered in the distance while the rest of the resort guests congregated along the walkway, watching in hushed admiration as the sky turned shades of rose and tangerine. There was such a shared sense of joy – strangers quietly celebrating someone else’s love story, unified by the beauty of the moment.
It must have been an unforgettable memory for the couple – and for us too, witnessing it from a distance, soaking up the atmosphere of an island that continues to surprise and move us in unexpected ways.
THE MARINE LIFE (AND ACTIVITIES)
Kuramathi is a paradise not just above the water, but below it too. The island offers a wide range of ocean-based experiences – from diving and guided snorkelling excursions to non-motorised water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking. While we kept things simple this time around, sticking to our usual snorkelling sessions, the beauty of Kuramathi is that you don’t need to get into the water to experience its marine magic.
The island is teeming with life. Even from the shore, you can often spot reef sharks gliding past and vibrant tropical fish darting through the shallows. For Ryder, it meant he could enjoy the underwater world simply by walking to and from our water villa – pointing out fish with wide-eyed wonder and squealing every time a shark (“sharky”) cruised by.
And just when we thought we’d seen it all, the team surprised us with something new: a booking on the semi-submarine. This unique experience took us on an underwater adventure along Giri, a reef located between Rasdhoo and Madivaru. The vessel is fully air-conditioned and fitted with large viewing windows, offering an immersive look at the reef without getting wet—ideal for little ones (and for camera gear!).
But what made it truly unforgettable was the pod of dolphins that swam alongside us. It was pure magic. Ryder was absolutely enthralled, pressing his face against the glass as the dolphins danced in and out of view. It was one of those unexpected moments that completely takes your breath away – and becomes a core memory you’ll talk about forever.
WHY WE KEEP COMING BACK
Kuramathi is the rare kind of resort that feels just as magical the third time around. It’s not just the picture-perfect setting or the luxe villas – though those certainly help. It’s the warmth of the staff who remember your name, the familiarity of your favourite stretch of beach, the small but thoughtful touches that make every stay feel personalised.
It’s the way the island adapts to your stage of life – whether you’re on a romantic getaway, a baby’s first island adventure, or a family holiday with a toddler who refuses to nap. Kuramathi is a place that grows with you. And that, I’ve come to realise, is the very essence of a truly exceptional resort.
HOW TO GET TO KURAMATHI ISLAND:
Kuramathi is located in the Rasdhoo Atoll and can be reached by either seaplane or speedboat. The 20-minute seaplane offers spectacular aerial views and includes meet-and-greet service at the airport. Speedboats depart three times daily and take approximately 75 to 90 minutes. Transfers are arranged directly through the resort. More details here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT KURAMATHI ISLAND, MALDIVES
Is Kuramathi Island good for families with toddlers?
Yes. Kuramathi is one of the most family-friendly resorts in the Maldives, offering flexible options for young children. The Bageecha Kids Club accepts children under four with parental supervision or a babysitter (available for USD$15/hour). There are also shaded playgrounds, toddler-friendly dining, and calm lagoon beaches ideal for little ones.
What is the best kids club in the Maldives?
While there are many excellent kids clubs in the Maldives, Bageecha Kids Club at Kuramathi stands out for its thoughtful programming, beautiful design, and flexibility for younger children. It’s the best we’ve experienced across our travels in the Maldives.
What age range does the Kids Club cater to?
Bageecha Kids Club welcomes children aged 0 to 12 years.
- Children under 3 require one-to-one babysitting, which is available at an additional cost.
- Children aged 3 to 12 can attend the Kids Club complimentary during regular hours (08:30–18:30).
What are the Kids Club hours and fees?
The Kids Club is open daily from 08:30 to 18:30 for complimentary play and activities (for ages 3–12). Evening sessions are available by prior reservation:
- 18:30–22:00 – USD$15 per child, per hour
- 22:00–00:00 – USD$20 per child, per hour
Is babysitting available at Kuramathi?
Yes, babysitting services are available 24 hours a day for babies and toddlers under 3 years, and for older children outside regular Kids Club hours. Rates are as follows:
- 08:30–22:00 – USD$15 per hour
- 22:00–00:00 (in-villa or at Kids Club) – USD$20 per hour
- 00:00–07:00 (in-villa) – USD$30 per hour
- 07:00–08:30 (in-villa) – USD$20 per hour
Siblings aged over three receive a 50% discount starting from the second child. This discount does not apply to children under three years old.
Which villa is best for families at Kuramathi?
For families with toddlers, the Beach Villas with Pool offer the ideal setup – private yet spacious, with easy beach access and a shaded plunge pool. Families with older children may prefer the Two Bedroom Beach Houses for added space and privacy.
Does Kuramathi have a house reef for snorkelling?
Yes. Kuramathi boasts an incredible house reef, teeming with marine life and easily accessible from the beach or by guided snorkelling excursions. Expect to see everything from reef sharks and eagle rays to colourful coral gardens.
Is Kuramathi all-inclusive?
Kuramathi offers flexible dining packages, including full board and all-inclusive. With over a dozen restaurants and bars, there’s no shortage of variety or quality – whether you’re dining buffet-style or à la carte.
