Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

Nothing quite beats the magic of a beautifully boutique, perfectly placed and oh-so serene Maldives escape. What’s more, when Four Seasons (the masters of attention to detail) are acting as the irresistibly hospitable hosts, it soon became as good as guaranteed that my exclusive Indian Ocean adventure would include all of that, and plenty else besides.

There’s no doubt about it, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa sits among the Indian Ocean’s finest five-star resorts in every possible way; its timeless location, sultry good looks, and subtly dispersed onsite facilities all in equal measure. I stayed in a spectacular private-pool water villa boasting postcard-worthy ocean views – best enjoyed from the sundeck, pool, or outdoor daybed, of course. In fact, simply admiring the sprawling ocean scenes that encircled my villa each morning – or long and luxurious afternoon for that matter – left a truly lasting impression on me throughout my time at this magnificent Maldives retreat.

Such surroundings are made all the easier to appreciate when your Maldives home-from-home is anything like the villas and suites offered by Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa. They are all sensational. Mine was perched above the crystalline shallows in classic Indian Ocean style, with a gorgeous infinity pool, sun terrace and sofas for time spent outside, while an elegantly adorned master bedroom, bathroom complete with rain shower and standalone tub, lounge area and overall floorplan of 750sq ft awaited within. Neighbours of mine had similarly enticing villas with their own particular charms; multiple bedrooms, overwater hammocks, gardens and patios for the beachfront abodes and even private sections of sand for the speciality suites.

Going back a step however, due thanks must be paid to the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa staff, who were a warm welcome party on arrival and ensured that check-in was as seamless as possible, everything taken care of while I enjoyed a refreshing welcome drink in the lobby. What followed was a joyful sojourn of incredible fine dining cuisine in four different restaurants (the black cod served at Reef Club being especially noteworthy), sea kayaking and swimming, snorkelling, and the kind of resort-island setting that Indian Ocean dreams are made of. This is also a prime spot for marine life too, and the resort has an admirable Marine Discovery Centre as part of its eco-credentials; I was delighted by the chance to hand-feed reef sharks before dinner at the Reef Club on my very first evening!

And then there was the spa. Housed on its own little island, I was treated to holistic massage and treatments using sea minerals here, private yoga classes, relaxation therapies and reflexology in the most tranquil of settings; another major highlight.

Logistically, the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa sits in North Male Atoll, a short boat ride from most international entry points, making this luxe desert island hideaway easily accessible for the couples, honeymooners and families it is ideally suited to serve.