Kuredu Island Resort

Overview

Ever wondered what it'd be like to stay on your own private island? Well, this isn't quite that, but Kuredu Island Resort is the only resort on this island, so it's kinda the same thing. You'll literally be surrounded by sand here, which is totes our vibe. You can spend your days dunking in pools, snorkelling around the reef and loading up on tasty treats from the Beach Shack - like the seafood platter for one (because we don't like sharing), and the vegan coconut panna cotta. Well, you don't have to. But we did, and it was pretty great.

Location

• The sand's right on your doorstep here (literally), so getting to the beach is no trouble

• The resort is a 40-minute sea plane transfer or a 35-minute domestic flight from Madivaru Airport, followed by a speedboat transfer. Sounds daunting, but trust us - the journey's worth it.

Rooms

• The resort has over 350 swish bungalows and villas on offer, including Garden Bungalows, Beach Bungalows, Beach Villas, Jacuzzi Beach Villas and Private Pool Villa (which, as you might have guessed, come with their own private pool)

• All bungalows and villas come with:

  • Tropical décor (obvs)

  • Air con

  • Overhead ceiling fan

  • Bluetooth alarm clock or sound bar for streaming music (fancy)

  • Mini fridge

  • Nespresso machine with tea/coffee facilities for all your caffeine needs

  • Telephone

  • Safety deposit box

  • Hairdryer

  • Nightly turndown service (proper fancy)

Food & Drink

• Each villa type has their own dedicated buffet restaurant, but Private Pool Villa guests have the pick of the bunch from all the restaurants. It's a hard life.

• Buffet restaurant - whatever room type you're staying in, the buffet restaurant you have access to will have a traditional, open-air feel with an all-you-can-eat buffet at breakfast, lunch and dinner, and each room will have their own table

• Franco's - Mediterranean all-day dining restaurant, with a few familiar faves like pizza, burgers and sandwiches

• The Far East - your go-to spot for authentic Asian food

• Beach Shack - exactly what it sounds like, serving fresh, local seafood - including seafood platters, Surf & Turf, jumbo prawns and Indian Ocean lobster

• Akiri Bar - right by reception along the beachfront, perfect if you're in the mood for a cheeky rum or a tiki cocktail

• Babuna Bar - an all-rounder kinda bar, serving famous cocktails, shots and local favourites

• Raalhu Bar - located in front of the watersports centre, ideal for laidback drinks (including beer) on the sand

• Pool Bar - cool down with a frozen cocktail on the pool deck

• Sai Kotari - an Insta-worthy tea house perched right at the end of the jetty, so you can enjoy a hot drink or an ice-cold beer overlooking the sunset

• Sangu Wine Cellar - up to 250 labels are on offer here, all show-cased in a glass wine cellar

• 'O' Bar - the name of this one's pretty fitting, because when you taste one of their selection of international vodkas, 'O' is exactly what you'll be saying (followed by 'my god')

• Golf Bar - unwind after a day on the course with a beer, wine or whatever your favourite tipple is. You'll be in good company.

• Bulleit Bar - the Indian Ocean's first speakeasy (kind of a big deal), tucked away behind tropical foliage, you'll have to do some hunting to find this place, but once you do you'll be in for a private bar experience that you won't forget (well, depending how many whiskeys you have)

Sports & Entertainment

• Main outdoor pool - the main pool overlooks the beach, and there's even a kids' wading pool for the youngsters

• Sangu infinity pool - sorry, kids - this one's just for the adults, and just for the Sangu Villa guests

• Watersports - listen, when the sea's that close to you, it'd be a crime not to explore it a bit. Take your pick from scuba diving, parasailing, water-skiing, banana boating, kayaking and more. Just hit the beach and choose your weapon.

• Loads of sports - you'll find beach volleyball, badminton, football, darts, table tennis, regular tennis, golf and cricket on site. Oh, and giant chess - if that's your thing

• Duniye Spa - this resort's relaxing enough as it is, but if you fancy going one step further, hit the on-site spa for a traditional massage or some pure, chemical-free beauty products

• Weekly entertainment - think live music, night golf, DJ sets, dance shows and beach parties

• 4 gift shops - decked out with all the essentials (and a few non-essentials), from jewellry and books to snacks and swimwear - so don't fret if you somehow forgot to pack your cozzie. Nothing can stop you from getting in that sea,

• The resort also offers super-handy extras, like:

  • Broadband internet connection - so don't worry, this isn't an I'm a Celeb/desert-island kinda sitch

  • Araam Lounge - a cosy, air-conditioned lounge where you can relax and freshen up before your seaplane transfer. It's got showers and computers for internet access!

  • Medical clinic on the island

Transfers to the Maldives hotels are from Male International Airport via either domestic aircraft, seaplane, or speedboat. Luggage allowance varies depending on transfer type:

• Domestic aircraft (20kg hold luggage and 5kg hand luggage)

• Seaplane (20kg hold luggage and 5kg hand luggage)

• Speedboat (No luggage restrictions)

Immediately upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by either airport or hotel staff, who will escort you to your transfer departure point, and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have regarding transfers and timings. Please note that other flight arrivals or sudden changes in weather might mean you need to wait up to 3 hours before boarding the transfer.

If you’re travelling via seaplane, flights can only operate between 09:00 and 15:00. If you land in Male after 15:00, or if there are any sudden weather changes, you’ll need to stay overnight in an airport hotel. Don’t worry – if this is the case then we’ll be in touch to make the arrangements. It’s also worth noting that, like most holiday transfers, seaplanes will stop at multiple resorts on the way.