Review – We Check in to Kurumba, Maldives

As the Maldives’ first private island resort, Kurumba holds a special place in the country’s tourism history. Just a 10-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, it’s one of the most accessible resorts in the region – especially welcome after a long-haul flight.

While its proximity to the capital means Kurumba may not offer the castaway seclusion of some of the more remote atolls – city lights twinkle across the busy waterways – the resort has carved out a distinct niche of its own. It provides a quick, convenient gateway to luxury island life and, in many ways, the perfect introduction to the Maldives.

In addition to the island’s powder-soft white sand beaches, crystalline lagoon and tropical gardens, there’s a lively sense of community here – a spirit sometimes absent from more isolated resorts. There’s no shortage of things to do either. Whether gliding over the vibrant house reef in a glass-bottom boat (we spotted a turtle and some eagle rays), indulging at the spa or meandering through the Orchid Garden in the island’s lush greenery, Kurumba strikes the perfect balance between activity and relaxation.

Food is another highlight. With an impressive selection of restaurants, you can dine your way through fresh seafood, aromatic curries and colourful international fare.

The Kurumba Spa

Hidden in the verdant gardens, the award-winning Kurumba Spa is the heart of the resort. Reimagined by the dedicated spa director, Nura, the retreat is inspired by traditional Maldivian healing practices and incorporates indigenous ingredients to create an authentic holistic wellness experience.

The spa features eight treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite, a dedicated manicure and pedicure room and a serene relaxation lounge. A yoga pavilion offers a tranquil space for mindfulness practices, enhancing the overall sense of escapism and wellbeing.

Kurumba’s signature treatments utilise local herbs, sand poultices and the resort’s own homemade coconut oil. In addition to its own-brand products, the spa also uses premium international ranges including Aromatherapy Associates, Margaret Dabbs, Cochine and Obsidian for Men. Among the standout therapies are the Akarakaraa Oil Massage, which uses warm sand poultices to nourish the skin and calm the mind, and the Havaadhu ritual, which combines an herbal scrub, heat-stimulating wrap and lymphatic drainage techniques to revitalise the body and boost circulation.

We experienced the Couples Under the Stars signature ritual – a soothing sunset treatment beside the lapping Indian Ocean. Warm Maldivian coconut oil was massaged into the skin using local cowrie shells. Sparkling juice and chocolate-dipped fruits completed the dreamy, sleep-inducing experience.

After a hectic week and a long flight, my nails were in need of TLC, so I also booked the Margaret Dabbs Supreme Manicure. This natural spa treatment focuses on nail and cuticle care using the award-winning Margaret Dabbs™ London range. I must say, I’ve never had such an effective varnish-free manicure – my nails looked clean, fresh and shiny and my hands felt completely revitalised. I was fully preened for the next chapter of our Maldivian adventure.

Activities

The resort offers a broad range of activities. Fitness enthusiasts can work out in the gym or enjoy a night-time tennis match under the lights. Watersports include snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and parasailing. For younger guests, the kids’ club provides a host of fun and educational experiences.

Complimentary yoga sessions include sunrise and sunset practices overlooking the beach. For those seeking a deeper practice, private courses are available – from beginners’ yoga to pranayama (breathwork), yoga for stress and back pain and prenatal yoga. My private Yoga Nidra session with the resort’s instructor, Ravi, included deep breathing, body awareness and a calming sound bath.

To Stay

The resort offers a range of rooms, suites and villas. We stayed in a Deluxe Pool Villa, tucked away in a peaceful corner of the island. The villa featured a garden with a private pool and a terrace leading directly to the beach. A double daybed and cascading waterfall made the outdoor area perfect for whiling away a few shaded hours.

Inside, the décor blended contemporary design with Maldivian accents. The super king bed was incredibly comfy, the layout thoughtfully designed and the bathroom was generously stocked with L’Occitane products.

To Eat

Kurumba is renowned for its culinary offering, with eight restaurants and bars catering to a wide variety of tastes.

Thila, the resort’s signature restaurant, offers a premium breakfast with a continental buffet and à la carte options – including the occasional glass of bubbly. In the evening, it transforms into an overwater seafood venue serving lobster and tiger prawns in a stunning setting.

Vihamanaa hosts themed buffet dinners from seafood nights to surf and turf. Hamakaze provides a lively teppanyaki experience where chefs showcase their skills preparing Japanese specialities. For a taste of the Middle East, Al Qasr serves a rich spread of Lebanese and Moroccan cuisine, while Mahal focuses on traditional Indian dishes. Khing Thai offers fragrant Thai classics and La Cucina brings Italian favourites in a laid-back atmosphere.

Kurumba isn’t pitched as a remote ultra-luxury escape – and it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it offers something refreshingly different: a vibrant, welcoming Maldivian resort that’s deeply comfortable, full of life and wonderfully accessible.

British Airways flies from London Heathrow to Malé, Maldives from £759 return, including taxes and fees.
Please visit www.britishairways.com to book.