Kuda Villingili is the place to stay if youâre into surfing âbut the resort is a great option for families too
Words: Selma Day
The Maldives is known for its pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, but lesser known is its reputation as a world-class surfing destination. A must-visit for surfers is the luxury private island retreat of Kuda Villingili – only 30 minutes by speedboat from MalĂŠ.
It offers direct beach access to Chicken's Break, one of the best surfing spots in the Maldives, and a further six surf breaks are within easy reach, making the resort perfect for surfers of all levels.
But whether you're a surfer or not, Kuda Villingili has something for everyone. Its 75 beach and overwater villas range from one to four bedrooms, making it ideal for families. The Kuda Fiyo kids' club hosts daily games, workshops, competitions and treasure hunts, and there are tennis courts, a padel court, volleyball court, futsal pitch and a recreation centre for older kids.
Each villa has been designed with tranquillity in mind, with neutral tones, earthy textures and pops of vibrant blue to reflect the ocean, while floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic sunrise and sunset views.
Speaking of sunsets, don't miss the sunset cruise on a traditional wooden dhoni boat, when you're likely to see pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins putting on an impressive show in the wake of the boat.
In the day, you can snorkel to observe manta rays, reef sharks and hundreds of species of tropical fish swimming among the coral reefs. Kuda Villingili is also home to the largest swimming pool in the Maldives (150 metres), with Jacuzzis, stylish sun beds and shaded cabanas dotted around the lush surrounding greenery.
One of the most romantic experiences here is dining under the stars in a set-up in the pool, where the staff will bring dishes to you while you dangle your feet in the shallow water.
There are seven dining spots, including The Restaurant, which combines three spaces: Fire, with open-grill cooking, inspired by the steakhouses of the US; Earth – a journey through Asia, serving up traditional dishes from across the continent; and Ocean, a celebration of local fish, seafood and Mediterranean flavours.
Then there's Spice, which serves Indian and Arabic dishes; East, an open-kitchen that takes you on a journey through the vibrant flavours of Thailand, China and Korea; Med, ideal for lunch, which celebrates the flavours of Italy and the Mediterranean with charcuterie boards, pizzas and flatbreads; and Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant Mar-Umi.
Rahul Bar is the place for sundowners while watching surfers catch the waves, and the cosy, leather-clad cigar lounge overlooking the lagoon is ideal for late-night drinks, with its exclusive collection of whiskeys and cognacs.
The resort has an idyllic beachfront spa on its own private island, where guests are surrounded by nothing but the soothing sound of the Indian Ocean. It has eight standalone spa villas, a nail and hair salon, two steam rooms, a state-of-the-art gym and a wellness boutique.
Treatments use organic, plant-based products, while the Ayurveda room is dedicated to rituals guided by ancient Ayurvedic principles.
The vibe at Kuda Villingili is relaxed and friendly. If you're looking for understated, barefoot luxury within easy access of the airport, this is definitely one to think about.
Rates start from about ÂŁ1,200 per night for a Sunset Beach Villa with private pool on a bed and breakfast basis, excluding taxes
