The Maldives has long been a destination shrouded in romance and images of loved-up newlyweds, but Kuda Villingili Maldives is an ultra-private paradise for groups, couples – and everyone in between.
There’s a shift occurring that paints the Maldives in a different light. Families, for one, are flocking to resorts that are investing in kids’ clubs and a roster of activities for all ages. What was once a no-go for solo travellers is now becoming an attractive self-treat, with many resorts offering a mix of privacy and mingle-friendly activities – some with dedicated solo packages.
A swift 30-minute speedboat ride away from Male airport, Kuda Villingili is in a league of its own, kitted out with 75 lavish villas, a sumptuous floating spa and eight exquisite restaurants with rotating menus. Blending honeymoon-levels of privacy with endless aquatic adventures, this sprawling island retreat caters to families, groups, singles and couples alike, revealing a side to the Maldives that’s richly diverse and so much more than meets the eye.
The Vibe
Exceedingly private. Even when the resort’s fully booked, there’s a sense of calm that pervades the communal spaces and majestic pool area, the largest in the Maldives at 150 metres. In the background, the gentle sound of swaying mangroves and lapping waves will transport you into a meditative state of sleep. Palm trees are everywhere, towering high above the interconnecting, sandy pathways that lead to various corners of the island. Cycling is a breeze and the best way to get around the island on your allocated bike. Of course, there’s always the option to book an electric buggy, whisking you through the fragrant palms to wherever it is you need to be.
The Villas
Seventy-five flawless villas are scattered across the island, each with a private swimming pool and endless ocean views. Beach bums could be tempted by one of the beachfront villas, each offering direct access to the luminescent, bath-warm lagoon. Are you an early bird or more of a sunset person? Where you’re positioned on the island could be a game-changer for snagging your preferred view. Couples tend to opt for the traditional overwater villas, positioned high up on stilts with infinity pools that appear to merge with the ocean. Nabbing a sunrise villa gets you up bright and early for a morning swim, a very rare treat in such warm waters.
Inside, the interiors are pared back and elegant, dressed in sandy tones and a refined colour palette, with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in heaps of natural light. Crème-de-la-crème bathrooms have freestanding bathtubs with wooden caddies, extensive wardrobe space, double vanities, and an al fresco rainfall shower that’s completely private in a walled-off terrace. The lights and floor-to-ceiling curtains can also be adjusted to set the mood at the touch of a button, including blackout mode for total relaxation. All villas benefit from a dedicated butler who will happily cater to your every whim. Need a buggy? Booking a treatment? Just send over a WhatsApp message.
Beyond the villas, Kuda Villingili is home to a selection of retreats and residences for multi-generational families and big groups in search of enhanced seclusion. The three-bedroom beach retreat resembles a stately home from the outside, with a private entryway and a bulky wooden door to greet guests. Inside, geometric Turkish rugs offset the neutral colour palette, and there’s a dining table for big family get-togethers. Kitchens are also included for guests with special dietary requests or anyone travelling with private chefs.
The Food + Drink
Variety is at the core of Kuda Villingili’s culinary excellence, with eight restaurants and eleven alternating menus to choose from. There’s the main maze of restaurants by the pool, where East, Spice and Med neighbour one another. By day, Med offers homemade Italian pizzas and fresh Greek salads, best washed down with a glass of watermelon juice. East restaurant next door serves Chinese, Thai and Korean-inspired dishes in an elegant indoor/outdoor space with an open-plan kitchen. Expect delicate plates of dim sum and crispy king prawns served on a bed of sticky white rice. Tables and chairs are splayed out onto the sand, so you can dip into your dumplings and sip on coconut milkshakes with the sand in between your toes.
Spice restaurant is perched just opposite, serving exquisite Indian cuisine by chefs Ajaz and Asif Qureshi. The brothers are part of the renowned Qureshi family, bringing five generations worth of age-old recipes to Kuda Villingili. We devoured the classics (korma and butter chicken) alongside plates of haleem (a slow-cooked stew) and galouti kebab – all personally recommended by the chefs.
For date night or an intimate group soirée, dinner at Mar-Umi is a must for its sleek Japanese-inspired interiors and beachfront location. The teppanyaki experience takes place in a private dining room, where small plates of yellowfin tuna, Wagyu beef and succulent vegetable gyozas are whipped up in quick succession on an open fire. From the L-shaped countertop, it’s mesmerising to watch chef Allan Abellera in action, juggling multiple knives at once while prepping two to three dishes at a time with mind-boggling precision.
Breakfast is located by reception at The Restaurant in a bright and airy, beachside location. Once a week on Thursdays, the same restaurant completely transforms into a lively Maldivian performance night, with live music and a sprawling buffet showcasing local Maldivian flavours. If you can handle your spice, this is where you’ll get your fiery fix: Chef Ajay Yadav will be around to offer his recommendations based on your spice threshold. For the final hurrah, a sunset meal on the beach is quite the cherry on top, surrounded by lanterns that flutter in the sea breeze. From the Ocean menu, you’ll get to sample a medley of seafood dishes and tempting platters under the star-spangled sky. Don’t miss the fresh-caught grouper washed down with a cold glass of Babich rosé.
The Little Extras
Active types can start their day with sunrise yoga or a hardcore Bootcamp class. Daily yoga classes include an energising head and shoulder massage during Savasana, using a mint and chilli oil from the Philippines that makes your forehead tingle – in a good way.
At sunset, the shack completely transforms into an atmospheric beach bar with a live DJ and complimentary cocktails on Wednesdays. There’s also a beachfront library for cooling down and getting lost in a good read, as well as a cigar room just upstairs with some serious whiskeys. Cooking classes are just as enjoyable with Ajay Yadav. He’ll teach you how to make a traditional Maldivian fish curry from scratch, using an array of warming spices.
The To-Do List
Home to a private beach, tennis and padel courts, a boutique gym with daily classes, and a seriously swish floating spa, Kuda Villingili has a lengthy list of activities on offer for the restless; a stay is incomplete without a treatment at the overwater spa, perched high up on stilts above the milky lagoon. Eight treatment rooms look out to the ocean, a view that’s guaranteed to de-stress your mind and body while you get pummelled to the purr of the waves.
Adventure junkies should head straight to the water sports zone for an exhilarating go at the jet skis and fun tube – plus there’s kayaking and paddle boarding. Days pass by in a sandy, sun-bleached blur of snorkelling, diving and taking boat trips to catch the dolphins leaping through the air. The glassy waves here make it a top surfing spot, accessible from the resort’s relaxed surf shack.
For children, there’s a roster of engaging activities and creative workshops on offer each day. Let the mini globetrotters roam free at the kids’ club, a spacious indoor and outdoor play area with arts and sports activities like cupcake making and table tennis.
All image credit: Kuda Villingili
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?