Rooms with Views: Four Seasons Kuda Huraa

Photo: The Four Seasons Maldives Kuda Huraa is located in the South Malé atoll

The latest article in our Rooms with Views series features a view unlike any we have featured before. The towering skyscrapers of Hong Kong, the historic center of Philadelphia, America’s birthplace, and a centuries-old cathedral in Vilnius old town have all showcased beautiful man-made structures, but this month we decided to give Mother Nature her say, when we spent three blissful and sun-drenched days at the Four Seasons Maldives Kuda Huraa resort.

Home to twenty six atolls comprising nearly 1,200 islands, the Maldives is Asia's smallest country in terms of both land mass and population. Four Seasons Maldives Kuda Huraa is located in the South Malé atoll just a 25-minute boat ride from the nation’s capital, and it offers everything you need whether you are looking for a relaxing, romantic or adventurous vacation, or even a little bit of all three.

After clearing immigration in Malé (be sure to heed the very stern warning on the customs card regarding alcohol) we were greeted by a very friendly Four Seasons representative and escorted the few steps to the resort’s airport lounge where we enjoyed a quick espresso before the boat arrived. As we cut through the azure waves on the way to the resort we were offered ice cold water, which is bottled at the resort’s own desalination facility, and a refreshing towel, which would be the first of many as the resort staff regularly appear with trays of cold towels just when you need one.

Photo: The adult-only serenity pool offers a little bit of peace if the resort happens to have more than a few kids when you are there

On arrival we were greeted by a trio of musicians playing what we imagine was traditional Maldivian music and were offered iced ginger tea (which we are reliably informed is delicious with tequila). After checking in, we hopped on an electric buggy - the island's main mode of transportation - and sped (they are surprisingly quick) towards our bungalow, passing the 58 beach bungalows that are partly concealed by gently manicured foliage en route. At the end of the small island, after passing Reef Club, the Italian fine dining restaurant, and the adult-only swimming pool, the coral sand gave way to boardwalk as we approached the overwater bungalows.

Photo: There are 38 over-water bungalows at the resort, and each one offers perfect views of either sunrise or sunset depending on which side of the island you are on

Our 61-square-meter bungalow (which was filled with bright afternoon light courtesy of the large windows and soothing music from the Bose system) was tastefully furnished with a loveseat at the base of a king-size bed, a large armchair, a desk, a table, and a separate wardrobe area. Some nice touches included a beach tote for use while at the resort (or for purchase to take home) and insect repellant.

The large bathroom featured two beautiful grey stone sinks as well as a large bathtub with a separate shower that had views of the lagoon floor. There was also an outdoor shower with views of the open ocean (beware of passing kayakers). Amenities included toiletries that were in eco-friendly refillable clay pots (keeping thousands of small plastic bottles out of landfill). Another nice touch was the pot of aloe vera gel – a very important balm for soothing burnt shoulders. The view from the small deck at the rear of the bungalow was a highlight.

The blue and green sea reached under our bungalow from the front to the back and stretched out into the ocean. The crystal-clear water afforded views of passing marine life (we saw a turtle on day one and a ray on day two) while a step ladder encouraged us to take a dip in the sea.

Photos: Reef Club offers classic Italian fare and unbeatable sunset views

After admiring our room and popping open a celebratory bottle of Champagne (we were there to celebrate a birthday), it was time for dinner. Guests have a choice of four restaurants as well as in-villa dining. We arrived on a Sunday evening which is the evening Indian restaurant Baraabaru hosts its weekly buffet. Other options include the aforementioned Reef Club, which has nightly shark feedings; Kandu Grill, offering freshly-caught local seafood that is, as you may have imagined, cooked on a grill; Cafe Huraa, the international restaurant that also doubles as the breakfast restaurant; and, for lighter (or liquid) meals, there is Sunset Lounge. There is also a swim-up poolside bar that offers cocktails, juices and snacks.

Photo: The free-form infinity pool reaches all the way to the lagoon

While we could spend hours lazing by the pool (there are two along with a children’s pool) sipping pina coladas, we know that beach or poolside boredom is a worry for some. Fret not, thrill seekers. There are dozens of activities to fit every schedule and whim. Non-motorized activities are complimentary (with a couple of exceptions) and include snorkeling, kayaking, sunrise and sunset yoga, sailing catamarans, windsurfing, and tennis. Charged activities include scuba diving, surfing, shark snorkel safaris, dolphin cruises, jet blading (a must to entertain not only those partaking but those watching too), water jetpacks, parasailing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, banana boat rides, tubing, island picnics, island hopping and even cooking classes.

Photo: Surfing lessons are offered by the resort's surf school, Tropicsurf

We opted to try surfing for the first time. After our exhausting one-hour class, conducted by the patient and knowledgeable Ben from Tropicsurf, we were looking for a way to relax. We found it a one-minute boat ride from the surf shack at the Island Spa. Not to be missed, the overwater treatment rooms feature panels in the floor that allow you to gaze at passing marine life while soothing treatments and expert hands work your surf-sore muscles into a state of bliss (read our review of the Island Spa here).

For those that “forgot” to pack gym clothes but somehow managed to find the motivation to actually go to the gym, the resort gym, while compact, has the latest machines and offers workout clothes and even shoes to guests, a service that goes beyond the lengths that a lot of hotels go to, which is perhaps why Four Seasons has the reputation it does.

While there probably isn’t a “bad” time to visit the Maldives, monsoons often strike between May and October, but this means prices drop along with occupancy. The dry season runs from November to April and, conversely, means higher prices and more people. We visited in late May, and aside from a few brief but heavy rain showers we enjoyed endless hours of sunshine as well as a resort that was only at 50% occupancy.

www.fourseasons.com

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