My Maldives Escape: Kuramathi Island Resort Review

In February this year, my husband, 13-year-old daughter and I swapped the chilly UK winter for the turquoise lagoons and swaying palms of the Maldives, spending an unforgettable 9 days at the beautiful Kuramathi Island Resort. From the moment we arrived, we were completely captivated — crystal-clear waters, warm smiles, and that blissful “barefoot luxury” feeling everywhere you turn. As a travel agent, I’ve been lucky to see some amazing places, but Kuramathi truly stood out as a destination that delivers something special for everyone — the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and family-friendly charm.

We flew from Heathrow with Etihad Airways, and from start to finish the journey was seamless. The flight from Heathrow to Abu Dhabi took just under seven hours, and after a short, smooth connection at the lovely Abu Dhabi Airport — bright, modern, and filled with great shops and cafes — we were off again on our four-hour flight to Malé.

On arrival at Malé International Airport, we were whisked away to the Kuramathi departure lounge, which was a real treat — calm, peaceful, and the perfect place to freshen up after the flight. With comfy seating, drinks, and light snacks available, it made the short wait for our seaplane transfer all the more enjoyable.

Then came the highlight — a 35-minute seaplane flight over the most breathtaking scenery imaginable! Tiny islands, sandbanks, and shimmering lagoons as far as the eye could see — it’s such a special way to arrive in the Maldives. As we touched down on the water and stepped onto the jetty, we were greeted by the warm smiles of the Kuramathi team – and handed a refreshing welcome cocktail, the prefect way to begin our island adventure. Check-in was quick and effortless, carried out in a relaxed open-air lounge while we took in the turquoise views around us. Once we were all set, we were whisked away by buggy to our beach villa!

Kuramathi is one of the larger islands in the Maldives — so much so that it can take around half an hour to walk from one end to the other! You can easily get around on foot or by hopping on one of the island’s little buggies, which run frequently throughout the day.

We stayed in a Superior Beach Villa, tucked just back from the shore in a fabulous location. It was spacious and stylish, with a huge bedroom area and a luxurious indoor–outdoor bathroom featuring a whirlpool tub — bliss after a day in the sun!

In true travel agent style, I took the time to explore all the different room types across the island — from cosy Beach Villas perfect for couples, to the stunning Overwater Villas, and the 2-bedroom, 2-storey Beach Houses ideal for families with teens or anyone after a bit more space.

My personal favourites? The Thundi Water Villas with their uninterrupted lagoon views, and the Honeymoon Pool Villa — pure luxury and total privacy.

Food lovers, you’ll be in heaven here! Kuramathi has an incredible range of restaurants, and being on the Select All-Inclusive plan meant we could dine around the island each evening.

Being gluten-free, I was so impressed with how well I was catered for. The staff were
knowledgeable and attentive, and nothing was too much trouble — menus were adapted so I could still enjoy the same amazing dishes as everyone else.

Haruge Buffet Restaurant – our breakfast spot; fresh fruit, omelettes, pastries, and gluten-free options always available.

Island Coffee Shop – ideal for light lunches and snacks, perfectly placed by the pool.

Siam Garden – authentic Thai flavours in a lush garden setting; the green curry was a standout.

Tandoor Mahal – rich, aromatic Indian cuisine; the butter chicken and naan were perfection.

The Reef – fresh seafood and ocean views; my husband raved about the grilled tuna steak.

Palm – laid-back Mediterranean vibes, with lovely pizza and pasta dishes, and a fabulous array of homemade ice creams!

Inguru – creative Asian–Western fusion and some of the prettiest plates we’ve ever seen.

Island Buffet – great variety and themed evenings that keep it fresh and fun.

We truly never got bored of the food, and with six bars dotted around the island, we were spoiled for choice for evening drinks. Our favourite? The Laguna Bar, the ultimate sunset-watching spot with chilled DJ beats and magical ocean views. My go-to cocktail was a Denisa, fruity and refreshing — while my daughter became quite the sunset chaser herself, with her favourite mocktail, a Coconut Kiss, in hand!


Kuramathi also offers several board basis options — from basic breakfast to full board and all-inclusive — but my top recommendation is the Select All-Inclusive plan. With access to all the à la carte restaurants, premium drinks, and flexible dining, it’s absolutely worth it for the experience.

A trip to Kuramathi wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Kuramathi Spa, nestled within a peaceful garden setting. With treatment rooms overlooking the ocean and others tucked away among lush greenery, it’s pure tranquillity. I treated myself to a massage and can safely say it was one of the most relaxing hours of my life!

We made full use of the complimentary snorkel and mask hire, spending hours exploring the vibrant reef just off the shore — so many colourful fish! The absolute highlight of the trip, though, was the “Swim with Turtles” excursion. Gliding alongside these graceful creatures in their natural habitat was truly unforgettable.

Kuramathi is a fantastic choice for families, offering a great mix of relaxation and adventure for all ages. The Bageecha Kids Club caters for children aged 3 to 12, with a full schedule of fun, creative, and educational activities — from nature walks and treasure hunts to arts, crafts, and movie nights. For older children and teens, the island’s wide sandy beaches, snorkelling opportunities, and water sports mean there’s never a dull moment. Spacious two-bedroom beach houses are ideal for families, and the variety of dining options ensures even the fussiest eaters are happy. It’s a place where families can truly unwind, reconnect, and create lasting memories together.

One of the things that really stood out to me was Kuramathi’s commitment to sustainability. The island has its own Eco Centre, complete with an on-site Hydroponics Garden that supplies around 70% of the resort’s fresh salads. We took a tour and were so impressed by the team’s passion for protecting the island’s ecosystem — it’s luxury done responsibly.

As our holiday came to an end, we said goodbye with a 55-minute speedboat transfer back to Malé airport, for our return flight home.

Our trip to Kuramathi Island Resort was everything we dreamed of and more — from the scenic seaplane arrival and warm Maldivian welcome, to the incredible food, stunning sunsets, and unforgettable experiences like swimming with turtles. The island’s laid-back luxury, spacious villas, and genuine hospitality made it the perfect escape for our family. Whether you’re travelling as a couple or with children, Kuramathi offers something truly special — a slice of paradise where every moment feels magical.

If this sounds like your kind of getaway, get in touch and I’ll help you plan your perfect Maldives escape — because Kuramathi really is one for the bucket list!