Kuramathi Maldives FAQ

Our experts love talking about Kuramathi Maldives – many of us have been and experienced first-hand what makes a holiday here so unique. You'll get the best advice from talking to us, but to make your holiday planning easier, we've rounded up the most popular questions our travellers ask, so you have a quick reference guide.

The island

Who do you recommend this island for?

The great thing about Kuramathi is that everyone from honeymooning couples to groups of families or friends will feel comfortable here. There are plenty of quiet spots and tucked away tables for two for quality alone time, as well as atmospheric bars to meet up with friends, activities from snorkelling to sunset cruises, a wide choice of room types and a fantastic kids' club. If you're a foodie, you'll be in your element; the dining experiences and choice of cuisine are a rarity in the Maldives.

When's the best time to go, weather-wise?

The peak season for Maldives holidays is between January-April when it's hotter and there's less rain, but temperatures stay gloriously warm year-round, averaging between 25-30°C. Off-peak, from May-November, you may bag a great value offer such as a room or meal upgrade, and although there is a chance of rainfall and some cloud cover, showers are often short and you'll still see plenty of sunshine. Our advice is to delete all your weather apps (as the predictions are rarely correct) and enjoy each day as it comes.

What do I need to pack?

Leave your heels at home; you'll be happiest barefoot or in flip-flops. Some suggested items include high factor suncream, mosquito repellent, casual beachwear, swim shoes, an underwater camera and a few inflatables (especially if you've booked a villa with a pool). It's also a good idea to bring your own refillable water bottle.

Do I need to bring cash?

If you purchase anything in the resort, you can charge it to your room and settle your account on the last evening of your holiday, so no cash is necessary. However, you may want to bring some currency (US dollars are most common) if you plan on visiting the local island during your stay or if you’d like to tip. Note that a service charge is included on menu items and within your all-inclusive package, so this is entirely optional.

Where can I find everything I need to know about the island?

The Kuramathi App is packed with valuable information. You'll find menus for the spa, bars and restaurants, excursion details and price lists and the most-asked FAQs. There's even a helpful guide on how to work the TV and jacuzzi in your room. Download here from your iPhone or android device.

What's the island layout?

The ribbon-like, one-mile-long island has a different vibe on each end. On the east, you have the charming original villas wrapped in jungle and most restaurants and bars. The more modern Thundi side was developed around seven years ago and is home to contemporary venues such as the sleek Champagne Loft, the Reef seafood restaurant and the newest water villas. You'll also find the stunning sandbank – the go-to place for sunset strolls and an enviable photo reel.

Travel

Speedboat or Seaplane?

Travelling on the Kuramathi speedboat is included in the cost of your holiday. When you arrive and depart the island, you may need to wait a little while as the boats leave at set times. The boats are large and steady, although you may experience some chop, and the journey takes about 90 minutes. Your Personal Travel Expert will advise on the speedboat timings.

We recommend upgrading to seaplane transfers one way if you can. On the way there, you'll be whisked to the seaplane lounge to relax and tuck into light refreshments as you wait for your plane to depart (the wait may be a couple of hours). The journey only takes about 20 minutes and it's an unforgettable experience; the pilot wears flip flops and you'll get to see a birds-eye view of the reef-ringed atolls and you land in the sea, a few hundred metres from the island's shore.

How do I get around the island?

You can walk Kuramathi Maldives in around 30 minutes or take advantage of the complimentary buggy service; pick-up stops are dotted across the palm-lined pathways. This shuttle service operates from early morning till approx. 1am.

The villas

Which is the right villa for me?

There are several room types on Kuramathi Maldives; choosing the right one depends on your preference. Would you rather step onto the sand from your terrace or jump into the underwater world straight from your overwater deck? Is having your own pool a must-have, or would you prefer a jacuzzi? Think about what is most important to you and then speak to our experts, who'll talk you through your options and give you the best advice.

If budget is a deciding factor, the most cost-effective rooms are the garden and beach villas nestled in greenery on the 'south' side of the island. If you're looking to splash out, the highest categories are the huge Honeymoon Pool Villas, which have a pool big enough to do laps in, and the Thundi Water Villa rooms, which have a top spot overlooking the sandbank.

Is it better to face the reef or the lagoon?

The shoreline known as the 'reef side' runs south of the island and is great for snorkelling, sunsets and sunrise views. The lagoon side to the north has no coral but softer sand beaches and shallow waters for swimming. You're only a few minutes apart on whichever side you stay on, so you're close enough to have the best of both.

Can I request a specific room number?

We can add a room number request to your booking, but it can't be guaranteed. The resort staff will try their best but it's all down to availability and sometimes – luck.

I have a budget in mind; shall I upgrade my room type or the dining?

If the water villa experience and the a la carte dining doesn't match your desired budget, consider going for an entry-level room such as a Garden or Beach Villa and upgrading your dining, then you can still enjoy all the fabulous restaurants this island offers. The Garden Villas are, at most, 20 steps from the sea and have all the facilities of the beach villas. As a bonus, you could upgrade your last few nights to a water villa so you can experience both styles of rooms while keeping the cost down.

Dining

What's the difference between Full Board, All Inclusive and Select All Inclusive?

Full board is breakfast, lunch and dinner in your allocated buffet restaurant. If you want to dine in any other restaurants, you can do so at extra cost. Those on the standard all-inclusive package will also have a good selection of alcoholic and soft drinks included, high tea and a couple of excursions. On Select All Inclusive, you'll have the whole shebang; you can dine around in any of the à la carte restaurants as part of your stay and enjoy select bottled wine with your meals (some premium options are extra).

What if I am on Full Board or All Inclusive and I want to dine in the à la carte restaurants?

You are welcome to dine in any of the à la carte restaurants and you'll receive a 20% discount; you just need to book 24 hours in advance (subject to availability). If you're on All Inclusive, your drinks are still included in the restaurants as per your package.

There are three buffet restaurants on the island- can I use them all?

The three buffet restaurants are spaced out on the island with a similar menu. You'll be allocated the buffet restaurant closest to your villa, which you'll use throughout your stay. Haruge and Malaafaiy are on the east and centre of the island and are airy spaces with tiled floors and thatched roofs. Farivalhu is on the west of the island and overlooks the ocean. Theme night examples include Maldivian, Mediterranean, Chinese and Italian. You can order wine, beer and soft drinks with your meals.

I'm going Select All Inclusive: how do I make restaurant reservations?

You can reserve restaurants for the first three nights of your stay on arrival at the resort. The following day, pop by reception (we recommend before or after breakfast) to make reservations for the fourth day, so you are always booked two days in advance. It’s quick and easy to do and the reception staff will ensure everything runs smoothly. You don’t need to make reservations for the Island Coffee Shop and lunch at Inguru and Palm.

Any other tips?

Once you've experienced life on Kuramathi Maldives, you'll understand why our travellers rave about it and many of them return time and time again. So, what is the best tip? Start saving for your next trip now.

This feature was updated on 12th July 2023. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. For the most up-to-date information, please contact your Personal Travel Expert.