Review – We Check in to Four Seasons Kuda Huraa & the Island Spa, Maldives

Set amidst the tranquil turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and just a 25-minute speedboat ride from the Maldivian capital of Malé, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa offers the kind of top-notch hospitality synonymous with the Four Seasons brand, paired with an Instagrammable paradise island aesthetic.

Kuda Huraa is one of two Four Seasons resorts in The Maldives and is a perfect destination for families, couples and solo travellers seeking luxury escapism.

Taking inspiration from a typical Maldivian village, 96 thatched-roofed beach bungalows and over-water villas fringe the tropical island. Each offers hypnotic sunset or sunrise views. Private pools, lavish interiors, premium entertainment systems, and huge comfy beds, are part and parcel of all accommodations – with chic private decks or lush tropical gardens offering direct access to the ocean or the silky white sand beaches.

A laid-back sunset bar, four high-end eateries and an infinity pool create the vibrant hub of the resort. A morning dip in the ocean or a sunrise yoga class is followed by a leisurely stroll to Cafe Huraa where you’ll find a western-style breakfast buffet, a juice bar and everything from sushi and salads to charcuteries and curries.

Dining offerings include the Kandu Grill – where you can chomp on the daily catch whilst gazing out to the ocean, while the Poolside Bar serves up healthy lunches to sun seekers. Set on stilts above the lagoon, the award-winning Indian eatery Baraabaru serves up a moreish menu of Kerala-inspired dishes such as tandoori lobster and crab masala, as well as a dedicated vegetarian and vegan menu.

Island activities include an extensive choice of watersports – ranging from snorkelling to wakeboarding, water skiing, jet skiing and catamaran sailing – there’s also dedicated a surf school and dive centre. Other activities include painting classes and cookery classes at the Baraabaru Restaurant, where you can learn to create authentic Indian delicacies.

At the island’s Marine Discovery Centre the friendly resident marine biologists host interactive classes, as well as baby turtle feeding and coral reef building programmes.

Ocean-inspired massages, holistic rituals and body scrubs are the order of the day at The Island Spa. A private palm-fringed sanctuary, just a short Dhoni (traditional Maldivian boat) ride from the resort, you’ll find open air and over-water treatment suites and tranquil relaxation areas along with a yoga studio and a treetop treatment terrace. The spa embraces its environment by using products from the organic marine skincare brand Osea.

A highlight treatment is ‘The Night Spa Ritual – Secrets of the Sea’. The top-to-toe holistic journey is performed on the treetop terrace beneath a blanket of stars. As dusk turns to darkness the treatment ensues with an invigorating dry body brush, followed with a warming floral wrap and a ‘Gigartina Beauty Bath’ infused with relaxing essential oils. A lava shell massage then lulls you into a blissful night’s sleep…

Other treatments include ‘Island Rescue’ – a restorative facial to brighten and regenerate sensitive or sun-damaged skin and ‘Sea of Life’ which uses botanicals and cranial sacral therapy to boost collagen. There’s also a range of holistic facials and body treatments, TCM therapies and Swedish and Thai massages.

Tailored spa treatment programmes and one to one or group yoga classes – including Paddleboard Yoga, Yoga Nidra to Yin Yoga – are also available, and for fitness fans personal trainers are on hand at the state of the fitness centre.

Keep your eyes peeled for the spa’s Visiting Masters. These global experts are some of the wellness industry’s most renowned teachers and practitioners and offer private or group sessions throughout the year.

British airways offer direct flights from London Gatwick and London Heathrow to the Maldives from £744 return per person: