By Jodie Mason, CEO at Extraordinary Escapes Maldives
Luxury Maldives Specialist Since 2002
There are some resorts that become part of your travel memories, and then there are those that become part of your life’s story. For me, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa will always be that place. It was the very first resort we experienced in the Maldives more than 23 years ago, and over the decades it has remained one of the destinations we return to time and time again. Every visit brings back memories of my children at different stages of their lives, from their very first barefoot adventures on the island to returning years later as young adults. Few resorts carry that kind of personal history for me, which is why Kuda Huraa will always hold such a special place in my heart.
We step aboard the familiar Four Seasons speedboat at Velana International Airport. Just 25 minutes later, we arrive at the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa jetty where the unmistakable rhythm of the traditional Bodu Beru drums welcomes us ashore. The smiling faces of the team, many of whom have become longtime friends over the years, make every arrival feel less like checking into a resort and more like coming home. It is early morning and after settling into one of the spectacular Beach Villas, we wander out to the beach where a graceful Maldivian heron stretches its wings along the shoreline. Nearby, the Four Seasons team quietly rake intricate patterns into the soft white sand, creating the immaculate island scenes that have become synonymous with Kuda Huraa.
We stroll along the beautiful hibiscus and bougainvillea-lined pathway to Café Huraa for breakfast, taking our time over fresh tropical fruit, pastries and freshly squeezed juices while watching the island gently come to life. A visit to Four Seasons Kuda Huraa wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Marine Discovery Centre, the amazing facility where injured sea turtles from all around the area are brought to be rehabilitated by the amazing Four Seasons Marine Biology Team.
Jodie Mason, Extraordinary Escapes, CEO, at the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa Marine Discover Centre where they rehabilitate injured sea turtles.
Today is all about surfing. Back at the villa we prepare our boards before meeting the Four Seasons Surfing team at the jetty. Our surfboards are loaded onto a traditional Maldivian dhoni and, within minutes, we’re heading across the lagoon towards Ninjas, one of North Malé Atoll’s iconic surf breaks. Jumping into the warm Indian Ocean from the dhoni with our boards before paddling into perfect waves has become one of our favourite Four Seasons Kuda Huraa traditions, and one of the experiences that keeps drawing us back year after year.
Extraordinary Escapes surfing with the Four Seasons at Nijas surd break in North Male
After an exhilarating morning on the water, we go straight to Four Seasons’ Indian restaurant, Barabaru, where we have another one of our favourite experiences waiting to begin, the Indian cooking class. Guided by the incredibly talented Barabaru chefs, it’s the perfect way to discover the authentic spices and techniques behind one of the Maldives’ finest Indian restaurants. You then reap the rewards of your efforts as you’re served the food you prepared in the stunning over-water restaurant setting.
Extraordinary Escapes Indian Cooking Class at the Four Seasons Barabaru Restaurant
Feeling very content, from there we board another traditional dhoni bound for one of the Maldives’ most unique spas. Set on its own private island, the Island Spa feels wonderfully secluded, and arriving by boat is all part of the experience. A peaceful afternoon treatment surrounded by nothing but swaying palms and the gentle sound of the ocean is the perfect contrast to the excitement of the morning’s surfing.
As sunset approaches, we meet our Four Seasons longtime friends for cocktails at the overwater sunset bar, catching up on everything that’s happening at the resort. The Four Seasons Kids Club gather the children for the famous 6pm hermit crab race, filling the beach with laughter while parents relax nearby with a cocktail as the sun sinks below the horizon. Dinner tonight is at Reef Club, where exceptional grilled seafood and Italian-inspired cuisine provide the perfect ending to another unforgettable day.
Every visit to Four Seasons Kuda Huraa reminds me why this resort has become one of the true icons of the Maldives. For me, it is far more than a luxury resort. It is where my Maldives story began, and more than two decades later, it feels like coming home.
