“The Earth has music for those who listen”, said the Bard of Avon.
And one of the finest places where the symphony of the planet can be heard loud and clear was on the beautiful Maldivian island of Kuda Huraa, especially in the luxurious setting of the Four Seasons resort. As a holiday destination far from the maddening crowd, this was as perfect as it could get. Pictures do not do justice to the experience, nor do words, this place is to be experienced at leisure, spread over many days to indulge in the many experiences, morsel by morsel.
Why Four Seasons Kuda Huraa?
Aerial View Kuda Huraa
Firstly, it is THE Four Seasons. True to the meaning of its name (Kuda Huraa = small island), this tiny coral island had all the elements – silver sands, pellucid waters of the Arabian Sea in every shade of turquoise, fabulous accommodations, top-notch hospitality, excellent food, and more. I visited the resort in April this year for the first time and am yet under its magical spell. Four Seasons at Kuda Huraa lives up to its ‘premium luxury’ destination tag, without missing a step, and seemingly effortlessly. Impeccable standards of hospitality.
Beach Villa
Easy Access – A short four-hour Vistara flight from New Delhi to Malé-Velana International Airport, my holiday kicked off quickly. The Maldives is the only country in the world that allows visa-free entry for all. The traveler declaration form can be filled in online via IMUGA, within 96 hours of travel, which speeded the immigration on arrival. Post a brief wait at the Four Seasons Lounge at the airport, the fun begins with the half-hour speed boat transfer to the resort. Fine dining options featured gourmet cuisine crafted by world-renowned chefs, while state-of-the-art amenities ensured a stay that was both lavish and modern. And there is free internet access.
Water Villa
Spaces – This tiny island of barely 12 acres in area is a serene refuge. The 96 units, most of them on stilts over the shallow blue waters, spread out providing ample privacy. Said to be one of the earliest resorts in the region, the property is impeccably maintained. I was blown away by the exacting standards of hospitality, where every member of the team, in every department, was always friendly and helpful, and not fawningly so. From the meticulously maintained lush gardens to the elegantly designed interiors, every detail is carefully curated. Sustainability and eco-friendly solutions are more than a touch point.
Who Should Go?
Everyone! That was a trick question.
Four Seasons has covered all its bases, to cater to the needs of every category, young, old, family, singles, honeymooners, surfers, scuba divers et al, even large groups for destination weddings or family celebrations in an entirely different and very private location for noisy celebrations.
Accommodation + Activity
Solo Traveler – This is the preferred trend in recent times, the need to get away from all for just ME-TIME, to revel in the tranquility of solitude. I stayed in the sunrise facing water-villa. My recommendation is – BE LAZY. Wake up to the utter silence and lie in repose, watching the sky turn pink, the unobstructed view of the ocean, the rising sun, through large floor to ceiling glass window. Take laps in the private pool, lounge in the various settings of the private deck in absolute privacy, watch the fish frolicking on the ocean floor while lounging in the over-water hammock. The underwater lights below the deck give a magical view of the shallow waters and marine life. A pool ladder descends into the shallow sea, and one could take a dip. There is the choice of a large plasma TV, free Wi-Fi etc, but avoid the screen time. Read, gaze, turn hermit, write a book, renounce the world in the lap of luxury. When bored of your own company – try the activity options.
Sunset at Kuda Huraa
Couples / Families / Kids – Above mentioned recommendations for solo travelers hold true for all. The rooms are spacious, with private swimming pools, a deck and can accommodate two adults and two kids. There are 15 categories of units ranging from beach pavilions, bungalows, villas, and specialty suites, with unobstructed sunrise or sunset views. The two-bedroom beach villas have two full bathrooms and an outdoor shower too. Comes with a free-form plunge pool, private garden and open-air gazebo. Simply step out into the silver sands and splash in the sea.There is also the sunset and sunrise three-bedroom water suite and Kuda Estate. Enjoy the private infinity pool, a cabana with day beds to lounge in, the amazing overwater hammocks. They are like a luxury home one could move into and not leave at all. Each of the specialty suites comes with their own unique features.
Four Seasons Explorer Marine Life
Activity– There is the 1) Ocean, 2) Swimming Pools, 3) Healing Spa, 4) Tennis 5)etc
The ocean is the playground here, and there is so much to do. For those not wanting to get their ankles wet, there is the dolphin cruise with the in-house marine biologist. Go sunset fishing in the special Four Seasons fishing boat and get the catch-of-the-evening served for dinner. We got lucky and had Chef Hari Nayak accompany us.
Get closer to the waves with the guided jet ski tour or a water jet pack. Scuba Diving lessons with PADI certified instructors enable a twelve-meter-deep dive. Certified divers inactive for a while can get an orientation dive with a dive guide. Learn surfing with Tropicsurf coaches. One could also get a personal guide for private surfing excursions. The breaks around here see well-known surfers from around the world, participating in the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy. Another thrilling experience for anyone, beginners or experienced pros, is snorkeling with nurse sharks and seeing the marine life underwater up close. There is scope for all – beginners, professionals, children, with customized guidance.
Not counting the pool provided with every villa, there are another half-dozen swimming pools for more. There is the huge fresh-water infinity pool with the children’s pool alongside. The adults-only (16+) serenity pool for swimming post sundown is amazing. A sunken deck station serves lunch and drinks all day poolside. Do try the over-sea whirlpool.
Children – This very important category of traveler has its own dedicated programs to keep them entertained. Specially trained staff is in attendance according to the age requirement. The Kudas Mas club (for 4–12-year-old) at the resort organizes various activities like Explorer clubs, outdoor beach fun, gardening, games, singing, painting. Plenty going on to keep the young uns busy and always entertained.
Gastronomy
Baraabaru Restaurant
Good food and wine are central to one’s wellbeing and enjoyment, with many leisurely hours taken up in this activity. There is the 24-hour inhouse dining that does not bind the vacationer. Breakfast buffets go on till 12 pm at the Cafe Hura Asian Restaurant with its thatched roof and open seating, overlooking the pool, and the blue sea in the yonder.
Cooking class with Chef Hari Nayak at the Baraabaru
Adjacent to Cafe Huraa is the other waterfront restaurant Baraabaru with its distinctive thick dark pillars reminiscent of traditional Kerala architecture. The renowned Michelin Chef Hari Nayak had flown in from New York and held a private cooking class here. The Four Seasons Resort has embarked on a year-long gastronomic journey with the visionary Chef Hari Nayak, who is the celebrated Master of Modern Indian cuisine. He is also a restaurateur, author and culinary consultant. He is at the resort for week-long residency visits scheduled for spring and summer 2024. Imagine a masterclass with such a chef!
The Kandu Grill specializes in steak and seafood and has the pool-side bar. On the sunset side of the island is the Reef Club Italian beachside restaurant by the lagoon. The Sunset Lounge near the boarding decks is perfect for cocktails and sundowners.
For an exclusive romantic dinner, the Four Seasons provides a special five-course fine-dining menu with a personal chef and a private server, Champagne, ferried by boat to the magical island of Vabou Huraa.
sland Spa Kuda Huraa(
Island Spa
North of the docks, set on a separate island of its own, is the Spa accessed by a ilittle boat, which offers another level of one-of-kind experience. The Healing Tent with its ice-water dip is unique. Many types of spa treatments, aromatherapy baths, Island bath rituals, massages, separate zones for couples-only treatments, or singles, are truly magical. Keep an entire afternoon, or morning, or day for this. The 4-hour Night Spa under the stars is much talked about and worth experiencing.
Dhoni Ride
The Marine Discovery Center
The Marine Discovery center at the resort has a special area for marine life rescued from nets. Turtles with limbs chopped, their shells damaged, were being rehabilitated and treated. It also gave an insight into the many conservation projects run by Four Seasons besides turtle rehabilitation, such as the Reefscapes program for regeneration of the coral. The guests too can sponsor coral reef regeneration frames.
