Kurumba Maldives Review

Kurumba Island is one of the smaller resort islands in the Maldives, covering an area of approximately 15 acres (6 hectares), offers a unique experience where you truly embrace the simplistic island feel without ever feeling isolated. What makes it special is that, despite its petite size, you still have a sense of connection to the outside world as you gaze upon the distant skyline of Malé. This juxtaposition of serenity and the subtle reminder of urban life on the horizon creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, making Kurumba Island an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful yet not entirely remote Maldivian escape. Despite its compact size, Kurumba Island offers a range of luxurious amenities and a stunning natural environment, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a tranquil escape in the Maldives.

Getting There

Kurumba Island is strategically located in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives, just a short 10-minute speedboat ride away from Malé International Airport. This prime location makes it not only easily accessible but also a convenient choice for travelers arriving in the Maldives. The island's proximity to the capital city of Malé ensures that guests can swiftly transition from the hustle and bustle of city life to the serene and tranquil atmosphere of this tropical paradise, after a long international flight from their original destination. Kurumba's central location within the Maldives and proximity to Malé International Airport is a true blessing for travelers and serves as a fantastic starting point. Unlike many other resorts in the Maldives, where guests may have to spend a night in Malé due to limited transfer options, Kurumba's short 10-minute speedboat ride means you can arrive at any time of the day or night. This flexibility ensures that your dream vacation can begin the moment you step off your international flight, allowing you to maximize your precious time in this tropical paradise, without unnecessary delays or overnight stays in the capital city.

Accommodation

Kurumba Island in the Maldives offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. The island boasts a variety of luxurious villas, with some allowing guests to wake up to the tranquil sound of the Indian Ocean just outside their windows. These villas often come equipped with private pools and direct access to the turquoise waters. For those seeking a more traditional Maldivian experience, their bungalows offer spacious rooms right on the beachfront or nestled in lush tropical gardens, ensuring privacy and relaxation. Kurumba Island provides a variety of family-friendly options, making it an ideal destination for travelers with children. Regardless of your choice, all accommodations on the island promise easy access to the pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, that make the Maldives a coveted paradise for vacationers.

We stayed in the Garden Pool Villa, which offers a serene and private retreat amidst lush tropical gardens. These beautifully appointed villas are designed to provide a tranquil escape, featuring two spacious bedrooms with modern amenities, a private outdoor patio, and a refreshing plunge pool for relaxation and cooling off in the Maldivian heat. This option features a King Size bed and two daybeds, which can be used as two single beds. An extra single bed or cot can also be added, due to the roomy 124 sqm size. Guests can unwind in their own little oasis, surrounded by vibrant vegetation and the soothing melodies of nature. The Garden Pool Villa at Kurumba Island combines comfort, luxury, and natural beauty, providing an idyllic setting for a peaceful getaway in this stunning tropical paradise.

Gastronomy

Kurumba Maldives has earned a well-deserved reputation for its exceptional gastronomy, making it a culinary haven in the heart of the Maldives. With a diverse range of dining options that cater to every palate, from international cuisine to traditional Maldivian flavors, Kurumba's culinary experiences are truly unparalleled. The resort has consistently received accolades and awards for its outstanding food, showcasing its commitment to excellence in every dish served. Guests can savor fresh seafood, sumptuous buffets, and delectable a la carte offerings, all in stunning settings that enhance the dining experience. Whether it's a romantic beachside dinner, a family-friendly meal, or a taste of global gourmet delights, Kurumba Maldives continues to set the bar high for culinary excellence in this tropical paradise.

Dining at Thila Restaurant, is an utterly enchanting experience that transcends the boundaries of ordinary dining. Picture yourself seated at elegantly arranged tables, softly illuminated against the backdrop of the night sky, on decking that stretches out into the crystal-clear waters. As you indulge in world-class cuisine, the mesmerizing sight of sharks gracefully gliding by beneath your feet adds a touch of thrill to your culinary journey. The restaurant's attention to detail is unparalleled – from the menus aglow with soft light to unexpected delights from the chef that tantalize your taste buds. These thoughtful touches transform every meal into a captivating and utterly unique adventure, making dining at Thila Restaurant an unforgettable highlight of the Kurumba Resort experience.

During our stay, we had the pleasure of dining at several other restaurants, including Khing Thai, Mahal, and Al Qasr. These dining experiences were nothing short of breathtaking, with each restaurant exquisitely decorated. Conveniently situated next to one another, they beckon you to explore a new culinary adventure every evening. Each establishment offered expertly crafted dishes made from fresh ingredients and authentic recipes that transport your taste buds to the very heart of the cuisine's country of origin, making you feel as if you've been welcomed by locals.

Kurumba provides a delectable and diverse array of dining options available throughout the day, each thoughtfully tailored to meet the needs of your children. Beyond offering specialized menus designed for the little ones, the staff at Kurumba goes the extra mile to accommodate special requests and even make alterations to dishes when needed. They frequently go above and beyond by arranging for meals and additional items to be sourced from other restaurants, ensuring that every dining experience is a delightful and accommodating one for your family.

Undoubtedly, the culinary experience was the crowning jewel of our stay. We are in awe of the talented individuals behind the scenes, from the Food and Beverage manager to the creators of the exceptional menus and the ambiance of the restaurants. It's truly among the finest dining experiences we've ever had. Kurumba is a gastronomic melting pot, where each dish is a vibrant celebration of flavors, and this is why you absolutley must visit on the 'Dine Around All-Inclusive' meal plan. You cannot visit this gastronomic wonder and not experience what it has to offer. Whether you prefer the intimacy of in-room dining, a romantic beachfront dinner for two, or an adventurous exploration of the eight distinct restaurants within Kurumba, the food here is a journey of its own.

Things To Do

Kurumba Island is a treasure trove of experiences and activities that cater to a wide range of interests and desires. From pristine, white-sand beaches for tranquil relaxation to vibrant coral reefs for world-class snorkeling and diving, this tropical haven offers something for everyone. All you need to decide, is if you chill or play!

Swimming & Snorkelling

The warm, calm, and crystal-clear shallows make this island the perfect spot for children to paddle, play, swim, and even dip their toes into snorkeling. You don't need to venture far from the shore to witness the wonders of the ocean, as the reef sharks, in particular, frequent the sheltered coves of Kurumba. These friendly sharks will welcome you in even the shallowest of waters, helping even the most apprehensive family members become acquainted with these often misunderstood creatures.

The lagoon at Kurumba Maldives is encircled by protective wave breakers, ensuring tranquil snorkeling conditions by minimizing waves and currents. The water here maintains an average depth of 1 to 1.5 meters, with numerous small coral formations that play host to a thriving marine ecosystem. Just beyond the protective breakers, a dramatic underwater landscape unfolds, featuring an even greater diversity of coral formations teeming with vibrant fish, elegant stingrays, and graceful sea turtles.

At Kurumba, they provide complimentary snorkeling equipment and life jacket rental. You can also take advantage of free snorkeling lessons, not only to sharpen your skills but also to learn how to preserve the precious reef and be aware of any local risks. The Majaa Recreation team offers guided house reef tours for beginners, multiple times a week. Bookings are essential, and charges apply. This experience helps you gain confidence, make new friends, and become familiar with the house reef. For a unique perspective, they also offer night snorkeling, allowing you to discover the reef in an entirely different light. Photography aficionados can indulge in underwater photoshoots and even rent a GoPro for capturing their aquatic explorations.

Relax

Kurumba's pristine, white-sand beaches offer a haven of tranquility and relaxation, beckoning you to unwind in the lap of tropical luxury. The resort provides an array of facilities and amenities to ensure that your beach experience is nothing short of perfection. Comfortable loungers, shaded umbrellas, and attentive beachside service allow you to bask in the sun or find respite in the shade at your leisure. The resort is a serene paradise, graced by beaches that encircle the entire island, but to further enhance your comfort, the resort reserves sunloungers on the beachfront that are dedicated to your villa or bungalow, ensuring your stay is as blissful as can be.

Kurumba presents a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation with its inviting pools and world-class spa facilities. The resort boasts a selection of exquisite pools, each designed to cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a tranquil dip overlooking the ocean, a family-friendly pool for the little ones to splash in, or a more secluded adults-only option for peaceful solitude, Kurumba has it all. Additionally, the spa facilities at Kurumba are nothing short of exceptional. Offering a range of therapeutic treatments, holistic therapies, and wellness experiences, the spa provides a harmonious escape to unwind and revitalize amidst the serene beauty of the Maldives. Your journey to pure relaxation begins at Kurumba's pools and spa facilities.

Keeping Active

If you're seeking the perfect blend of relaxation and active leisure during your holiday or have a passion for tennis and wish to enhance your skills, you will be pleased to know that Kurumba have partnered with the internationally renowned Sunball Tennis Academy to offer comprehensive tennis courses for both beginners and advanced players. Additionally, the Majaa Recreation team, named after the local word for 'fun,' is conveniently located in the heart of the island. They're always at your service, ready to assist guests in choosing from a wide range of activities spanning Wellness, Fitness and Sports. Moreover, they've curated a seven-day activity schedule to ensure guests are consistently entertained throughout their stay.

In the realm of fitness, guests can engage in TRX training, utilize the 24-hour gymnasium, or opt for bodyweight workouts to stay active. For sports enthusiasts, the options are equally enticing, including two floodlit tennis courts and opportunities for tennis partners, a versatile multi-purpose court for activities like Futsal and basketball, along with options like table tennis, billiards, air hockey, fussball, and darts.

Additionally, art and craft enthusiasts can enjoy creative pursuits like coconut painting, canvas painting classes, napkin folding, and the intricate art of coconut palm leaf folding. Whatever your passion, Kurumba provides a wealth of engaging activities to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Water Sports & Scuba Diving

Kurumba Maldives stands out as a premier destination for snorkeling and diving adventures. PADI certified instructors open the door to a captivating underwater world teeming with marine life and stunning coral formations. Here, you'll witness playful schools of fish, magnificent shafts of sunlight, and even the occasional reef shark encounter. The resort collaborates with world-renowned diving company Euro Divers, offering an array of expertly-led courses and tours. Within a short boat ride, you can explore incredible dive sites like Manta Point, wrecks, and thrilling drift dives. The Diving Centre is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear and nitrox for an exceptional diving experience. Courses cater to divers of all levels, and even kids aged 8 and 9 can get a taste of scuba diving with the Bubble Maker program. For first-time divers, the Discover Scuba Diving experience provides an introductory course, followed by lagoon and house reef dives to hone your skills. Kurumba Maldives ensures that everyone, from novices to experts, can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Maldives' underwater paradise.

Kurumba Maldives offers an exhilarating world of water sports and adventures that will leave you breathless with excitement. Feel the thrill as you speed across the waves on a jet ski, hanging on for dear life while the wind whips through your hair. Or opt for a leisurely paddle in a kayak, feeling free as a bird while you explore the atoll. Balance on a catamaran, soar high above the crystal-clear waters while parasailing, or take on the challenge of wakeboarding. The possibilities are endless with a range of water sports facilities, including canoeing, water skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, and even surfing in the North Malé Atoll, known as one of the world's prime surf spots. For a unique adventure, embark on a Jet Ski Safari to explore hidden reefs and pristine spots while their experienced guides share local wisdom. It's an environmentally friendly approach to jet skiing, providing unforgettable experiences while preserving the serene beauty of the Maldives. Don't miss out on these unforgettable water adventures during your stay at Kurumba.

Excursions

Kurumba offers an array of enriching excursions to enhance your Maldives experience. Explore a remote island with pristine beaches and vibrant reefs on the Sandbank Picnic. Immerse yourself in Maldivian culture and snorkeling during the Maldivian Experience. Capture the beauty of the underwater world with the Glass Bottom Boat ride. Discover the history and culture of Male, the capital city, on the Malé Tour. Experience the thrill of fishing at sunset or test your skills with Big Game Sports Fishing. And for a breathtaking spectacle, embark on the Sunset & Dolphin Discovery Cruise, where you can witness playful dolphins leaping in the backdrop of a stunning sunset over the Indian Ocean. Kurumba's excursions offer unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise

Majaa Kids Club

Kurumba's Majaa Kids' Club provides a perfect haven for your little ones, granting you the freedom to relax and enjoy your stay. This spacious recreation center is designed for pure enjoyment, offering a range of activities that keep kids smiling all day long. From traditional craft-making with local materials to beachfront games and exciting new discoveries, the kids are in for a world of fun. At Majaa Kids Club, their team ensures children aged 4-13 years are entertained seven days a week. With a schedule filled with outdoor adventures like snorkeling lessons and sandcastle building, exploring a traditional Maldivian house, and indoor activities like arts and crafts, painting, puzzles, and even movie time, there's never a dull moment for the young ones. They'll return to you in the evening brimming with stories and begging to return for more tomorrow.

For teenagers seeking an unforgettable holiday experience, Kurumba Maldives offers an enticing range of activities through Majaa Teens. Here, your teen can relish a resort vacation of their own, with exciting opportunities year-round. With a dynamic schedule brimming with something new every day, teens stay constantly engaged right within the resort. From thrilling excursions and watersports to outdoor pool table games and interactive experiences in the Wii and PlayStation Pods, there's never a dull moment. Beach volleyball, tennis, yoga, Zumba, swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, and even a movie cinema ensure that teens have a fantastic time. These activities, including marine life presentations and painting classes, promise to make their stay at Kurumba Maldives a memorable and enriching experience.

Bars & Entertainment

Having experienced Kurumba's bars and entertainment firsthand, I can genuinely say it's a paradise for the senses. Athiri has a casual beach vibe, giving you the pleasure of sipping cocktails while watching the sun dip below the horizon. At Fez, we were enveloped in the ambiance of elegant Arabic design, indulging in a delightful variety of flavored shisha as we shared special moments, all while sipping colorful cocktails. Kandu, with its open-air pavilion and relaxing day beds, set the scene for tranquil afternoons and vibrant evenings, where we enjoyed the best live bands and DJs that the Maldives has to offer. Kurumba's bars and entertainment truly create an unforgettable island experience, and I can't wait to return. Whether it's watching soothing sunsets or enjoying lively nights, the bars at Kurumba create unforgettable moments, complemented by live entertainment and cultural showcases that truly celebrate the rich heritage of the Maldives.

Summary