Hurawalhi Island Resort

The most amazing resort we have ever been to! When we arrived we were introduced to our lovely island host Akan who took great care of us the whole time we were there. He helped us book activities and dinners and gave great suggestions and helped with the smallest of things, he even brought me some aloe vera when I got sunburned. Everybody everywhere around the island were so kind and helpful and some of them quickly learned our names. The island itself is tiny, it took about 15 minutes to walk around it. There was the iconic swing in the sea where you can get great pictures and there was no-one else there most of the time. There’s a tennis & padel courts and a small air-conditioned game room with a pool table, pingpong etc. Snorkeling gear was included for the whole stay. You could do scuba diving, jetskiing, fishing and a number of different activities for extra cost. There is an infinity pool and sunbeds and the pool was never crowded. We had an all-inclusive package and it really included everything. So many cocktails, wines and even champagne, smoothies, mocktails and sodas and a good variety of drinks and a few snacks in the mini bar. There are three restaurants and all of them were included: buffet restaurant (good buffet, not amazing), JFK (junk food kitchen) that had a la carte burgers, pizzas, tacos, fresh salads etc and the asian style restaurant that was AMAZING! All-inclusive included breakfast in the buffet and then three course lunch and dinner in any of the three restaurants (you had to make a reservation at the asian one). There is also the undersea restaurant that is not included but definitely worth visiting! Had the coolest dinner ever. Our room was a water villa with a bath tub outside and the room was beautiful, extremely clean, spacious and comfortable. Air conditioning worked perfectly. The view of the turquoise sea was amazing and you could just walk in to the sea from the room. Water was about 1,5 metres at our villa and there was good snorkeling right in front of our villa. The way to the villa along the pier was long (it was several hundred metres long) and the pier gets hot during the day so remember to bring flipflops for this! Honestly if we were to go to Maldives again, we would definitely go here and I recommend this to everyone.

From the minute we arrived on this island, we felt like royalty - an amazing drum beat welcome, smiling staff and a hand made necklace. We were quickly seated and met senior staff (including the General Manager, Akira) who assured us that they would be available to help us with anything we needed. Yum was introduced to us as our host for our stay -an invaluable source of information and assistance, she organised our itinerary, booked activities and appointments, sent us gentle reminders and taxi’d us around the island, when required. (Not often! We liked to walk I might add!) Yum made us feel like one of the family, always a friendly smile and a chat, whenever she saw us and only a WhatsApp Message away if we needed anything. The island is beautiful, well kept and amazingly clean with a truly luxurious feel. This was our 3rd visit to the Maldives but the first time to this island. Hurawalhi stands out head and shoulders above the other islands we have stayed at. We had a stunning overwater villa without a pool - (most of the rooms do have them). We instead made use of the infinity pool area which was stunning. Not only the view but the staff were amazing too. From our welcome tray of goodies each morning (totally unexpected and luxurious) to the smiling helpful friendly staff that greeted us each day, we felt like VIP’s . Special mentions to Dylan, Casmir, Akil, Barsha and Tulsa who felt like our own personal team! Checking on us throughout the day to see if we needed a drink? Some food? Towels? Etc Nothing was too much trouble for them. The food from JFK was delivered to us In style and was delicious. My favourite was the reef fish tacos- excellent! Would highly recommend an introduction to snorkelling with the dive team, even if you have tried snorkelling before. We picked up some great tips. We also had a session with their marine biologist (name begins with ‘A’- sorry if I don’t write it down straight away I forget!). A very informative session, advising us best places to find fish/turtles/sharks etc around the island and also the best way to get around without risking harm to the coral/marine life, places to avoid and the importance of the sea grass to the ecosystem. Would highly recommend this free 30 min session. We dined at Canelli restaurant most days. The choice and quality of food was amazing. We received a warm welcome every day from Ruwindi’s beautiful smiling face - never any problems finding an excellent table in the breeze! Madeeh the waiter kept my husband entertained with his knowledge of Liverpool FC and kept him up to date with match reports- lovely, helpful young man. When needing help with wine choices at dinner, Conrad the sommelier recommended some lovely wines to us, not at all worried about us trying something different each day. Khalil, Head Chef and his team were ever friendly and helpful and their food was stunning. Would highly recommend the underwater restaurant 5.8 for an out of this world experience. Yes, it is expensive but so worth it! The food was stunning and the fish display was outstanding. We were very lucky to have accidentally picked the best table in the house with the majority of the fish swarming around us- we felt very lucky. Kashibo restaurant is well worth a visit, especially if you can sit outside and look at the illuminated ocean and see the fish underneath. Lovely food and cocktails and of course, the best service as always. All of the staff we encountered were so helpful and friendly. I’m sorry that I have not remembered everyone’s names to thank them individually. I must not forget Maadin who kept our villa spotless and left us lovely gifts of chocolate and special displays on our bed - and our special anniversary gifts from the team. The management cocktails party on the beach was a lovely touch too.. Oh and the Spa!! Do not miss to book a massage- best ever!! Overall, the best holiday we have ever had, and we travel a lot ! Thank you Hurawalhi - we are already planning our next trip!

Everything was just beyond perfect! The view is stunning, all the staffs are kind and helpful, coaches are professional and knowledgeable in marine life. Food and beverage are great! Just want to stay here for more longer! Definitely recommend Hurawalhi to my friends!

5 stars don't do justice to this absolutely wonderful, breathtaking place! The Hurawalhi team is very kind, helpful and warm-hearted. They made a big effort in making our experience amazing! And it truly was. Special thanks to the kitchen team at Canelli restaurant (thank you Murugan for your marvellous attention). Also big thank you to Conrad and Cazimir! The tours provided are very well organized and worth doing (turtle tour and manta search). Atenea, thank you for sharing your big marine biological knowledge with us! Jesper, you are an amazing diving instructor with a remarkable patience and big heart. Also, thank you Zaha for being such an attentive host. Hurawalhi is amazing!

Staff 11/10 Food 10/10 - a shout out to their long standing chefs who are simply outstanding Island 10/10 Hostess (Yum) 10/10 This is our 2nd time & favourite Maldivian resort. Just the right size, with all necessary facilities & excellent house reef. We came with friends for my 50th birthday & wedding anniversary and will be very sad to leave tomorrow. One very very minor point is the experience in the underwater restaurant is outstanding but the food needs improving was everyones opinion. Very minor in the whole grand scheme of things. Will be back - cant wait. Thanks so much Hurawalhi team for making yet another stay truly magical. Jon & Linz