Kurumba is the first ever resort in the Maldives. However, not a lot of people know that along with the title of being ‘first’, Kurumba was also responsible for salvaging the economy of the Maldives.

Prior to tourism, fishing was the main industry and foreign exchange of the Maldives through export to Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Then in 1972, the Prime Minister of Ceylon unexpectedly ordered the Maldivian government to cut down the export of fish to Ceylon by 15 percent a year.

October 3, 1972. Kurumba Village received her first paying guest. And this changed the course of Maldivian history.

So we're honoured to have stayed at the resort that changed it all. The resort that turned tourism to become the number 1 economy that supported the Maldives. And continues to do so until this very day.

Kurumba Maldives in the 1970’s  | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical oasis, nestled deep within the Indian Ocean. Full of crystal clear waters, exotic marine life, people who love what’s around them, the best tuna you will ever eat and a sense of luxury which not everywhere in the world can quite manage to the same level. In short – the Maldives is incredible.

Nestled amid turquoise-blue waters laced with sandy white shores, Kurumba is the first ever resort to be established in the Maldives Islands. The resort, which have celebrated its 47th anniversary this year, dates back to 1972 when it was the only luxury resort of its kind.

The resorts name, Kurumba is taken from the Maldivian word for ‘coconut’ – something you’ll see and experience a lot of on this island. They put it in just about everything!

Arrival at Kurumba

Upon arrival at Male International Airport, guests quickly gain a sense of the impeccable service and hospitality that is so characteristic of Kurumba. The hotel staff are warm, welcoming, and helpful as they greet visitors at the airport and assist them with the onward journey to the resort.

Kurumba's proximity to Male airport gives it an advantage over other resorts in the Maldives that may require an additional seaplane transfer from the domestic airport, making it the ideal all-inclusive luxury resort for families traveling with young children.

Aerial view of Kurumba Maldives | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

As the boat arrives at the resort, guests are welcomed with Kurumba's signature coconut sorbet and wet towels, both of which are a refreshing treat in the island heat. Immediately, guests are fascinated by the incomparable natural beauty of this Maldivian Island. Picture-perfect views of the Indian Ocean, coupled with the lush green of tropical flora, adorn the resort, and the distinctly warm and hospitable service at Kurumba make the immediate promise of a truly blissful vacation.

Tropical bliss | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

Rooms and Suites

While rooms are prepared to perfection for arrival, guests are consulted with regard to personal preferences or requests that they would like catered to during their stay, with particular emphasis on diet preferences, sensitivities, and allergies so as to make the stay enjoyable and worry-free. The hotel staff confirm room reservations upon arrival, and guests are given a quick tour of the resort facilities before settling into their room.

Superior Room

Kurumba offers a variety of room types. The beach-facing Superior rooms, of which there are 38 across the resort, is most popular with families, as they feature four interconnecting rooms per block. The rooms on the top floor have balconies that boast beautiful views of the beach, and the rooms on the ground floor include beach-facing verandas.

Rooms are spacious, measuring 74 square meters in size, and are bright and well positioned. The rooms include outdoor bathrooms with rainfall showers and a range of the Kurumba in-house-brand bathroom amenities, • air-conditioning • minibar* • tea and coffee facilities • telephone • television • terrace or balcony 

Superior Rooms | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

Well-appointed bathroom in a Superior Room | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

All superior rooms are located within close proximity to the resort's water sports center and the euro dive center, making them a great pick for avid snorkelers and water-sports enthusiasts.

Beachfront â€‹Deluxe Bungalow

The beachfront deluxe bungalows are similar to the superior rooms at Kurumba, however these rooms offer direct access to the beach for the ultimate convenience. They also feature more premium Molten Brown bathroom amenities and have an upgraded feel when compared with the superior rooms.

Deluxe Pool Villas

Have a plunge pool and terrace. Includes premium breakfast at Thila plus cocktails from 5-6pm at Kandu Bar. • air-conditioning • minibar* • In-villa wine cellar* • Nespresso machine • telephone • television • Bose Mini Bluetooth speaker • terrace • 160m²

Deluxe Pool Villa | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

Deluxe Pool Villa | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

For those seeking more premium and spacious accommodation with increased privacy, the deluxe pool villa is a suitable option. These villas offer plenty of space and comprise a large bedroom, a separate living room, as well as a private pool, an enclosed outdoor lounging area, and rainfall shower for those who prefer privacy and seclusion. The indoor bathroom is decked with Molton Brown amenities and features an indoor shower, a bathtub, and an enclosed toilet. As a bonus, this room type offers eligibility for breakfast at Kurumba's more exclusive Thilia restaurant. Also included in the deluxe pool villa room rate is access to the White Cellar.

Presidential Pool Villas

Set over two levels and have a plunge pool. Includes premium breakfast at Thila plus cocktails from 5-6pm at Kandu Bar. • air-conditioning • minibar* • In-villa wine cellar* • Nespresso machine • telephone • television • Bose Mini Bluetooth speaker • terrace • 306m²

Presidential Pool Villas | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

Presidential Pool Villas | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

Kurumba's Presidential Pool Villas are the ideal choice for families in search of a good mix between private and communal accommodation. The house-style layout of the presidential pool villa is spread across two floors, with a living room and lounging area on the top floor, and spacious bedrooms on the ground floor. These units are the perfect choice for families who wish to enjoy some time together in a common lounging area and still have the option to retreat into the privacy of their bedrooms.

Royal Residence

For the ultimate in luxury, consider the Royal Residence, which connects two large pool villa rooms and a spacious living area all within a single, sprawling 1,768-square-meter unit.

Royal Residence | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

Royal Residence | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

Activities for Families and Children

Main pool | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

Perhaps one of the most distinct elements of the resort is how well it caters to families. With a full range of activities, excursions, and amazing recreational facilities, there is never a dull moment at Kurumba. Whether it's enjoying family fun in Kurumba's strikingly large swimming pool, positioned like a crown jewel in the forefront of the property, or a more adventurous excursion out in the ocean, there is plenty to choose from.

In addition to a range of water sports (including canoeing, kayaking, fun tubing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, night snorkeling, and banana boating), the resort also offers wellness and fitness activities, including yoga and meditation sessions, as well as sports such as table tennis and air hockey. The resort's Majaa recreation facility also boasts two tennis courts, a basketball court, and a dedicated outdoor playground and indoor play area for kids.

Excursions and Tours

Jet skiing at Kurumba Maldives | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

The resort offers a multitude of magical experiences for visitors of all ages. Families can enjoy various excursions together, from touring the island in Kurumba's glass-bottom boat for beautiful views of life under the ocean to experiencing breathtaking sunsets over the ocean on the sunset dolphin discovery cruise as the delightful dolphins of the Maldives come out to play.

For a taste of the local Maldivian culture, visitors can take a tour of Male Island with an experienced local tour guide who helps navigate through mosques, museums with historical relics, and iconic sites, as well as restaurants, cafés, and souvenir stores. 

For an unforgettable romantic experience or to celebrate a special occasion, Kurumba offers the sandbank picnic excursion, where a picnic-style meal is served amid pristine, sandy beaches in the seclusion of a remote Maldivian island, a short boat ride away from the resort.

Visiting the Spa

Spa rooms | Kurumba Maldives

Kurumba's serene and comforting Veli Spa offers the ultimate in relaxation, with an extensive spa menu featuring authentic Maldivian massage techniques and practices. Several of the massages include use of the signature Maldivian sandbag, which is heated with steam and used during the treatment to relax and ease sore muscles. Treatments are conducted in a considerate and careful manner in accordance with the visitor's personal preferences.

Treatment rooms at Veli Spa have a rustic, earthy feel in alignment with the nature-inspired decor throughout the resort. After the massage, visitors are sheltered from the heat of the island sun in an enclosed relaxation zone, where a comforting cup of tea is served on lounging beds to promote further relaxation.

Veli Spa | Kurumba Maldives

Kids' Club

Cultural crafts at the Kids' Club | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

The indoor kids' club is inviting, with popular rhymes and songs playing in the background, brightly painted walls adorned with murals, and a colorful and clean space where kids can enjoy themselves. Scheduled activities include paper crafts, leaf painting, coconut painting, rock painting, napkin folding, board games, and mocktail mixing.

Kids' outdoor playground | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

Outdoor activities include splash fun in the resort's outdoor play area and snorkeling lessons in a dedicated kids' pool. The supervisors at the kids' club are calm and in control of the kids, ensuring their safety and keeping them engaged, so parents can relax and know their little ones are well looked after.

Dining at Kurumba

Vihamanaa dining hall | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

Among the strengths of the resort is its wide variety of restaurant offerings and the unmistakably high quality of food across the board, which sets it apart from other Maldivian resorts. With seven restaurants to choose from, visitors to Kurumba are spoiled for choice.

For guests who opt for the full board option, meals are served primarily at the Vihamanaa restaurant—the resort's main dining hall for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast at Vihammana is intercontinental and always includes Indian, Asian, American, and European staples to cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of guests. In addition to the egg station and the large selection of fruit, cereals, and fresh-baked breads, other daily breakfast buffet options include freshly-made waffles, crepes, and pancakes, as well as a variety of juices. Despite such a large selection of items at breakfast, quality is never compromised, and food scores high on the taste meter.

Lunch and dinner also feature a diverse range of options, from vegetarian and non-vegetarian to kid-friendly options, as well as entrees from around the world. Almost always, the chefs at Vihamanaa will host live cooking stations and offer new and unique dishes in accordance with the cuisine-theme of the night.

Award-winning Thila Restaurant | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

Award-winning Thila Restaurant | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

Kurumba's contemporary, award-winning, ocean-facing Thila Restaurant is sure to impress. The a la carte menu at Thila offers a curated selection of breakfast favorites, among which the French toast (dressed with crushed raspberries, lime mascarpone, and slivered pistachios) and the vanilla hotcakes are worth a mention. The menu also has several options of savory entrees, as well as a buffet-style setup with more breakfast staples, including cereals, exotic fruit, breads, pastries, and fresh juices.

A reservation is required for dinner at Thila Restaurant, which has a fine offering of continental appetizers, entrees, and desserts, all of which boast gastronomic excellence. The steak and seafood entrees at Thila are among the best at Kurumba, and the contemporary twists to other classic offerings on the menu make for an interesting dining experience.

Opulent decor at Al Qasr restaurant | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

In addition, visitors have the option of dining at the resort's other cuisine-specific restaurants. These include Al Qasr, an opulently decorated Middle-Eastern-inspired restaurant serving typical Arabic fare; Hamakaze, an overwater teppanyaki restaurant with a distinctly Japanese vibe; and Mahal, an Indian restaurant featuring decor and delicacies inspired by the Mughal era, as well as delicacies from southern India.

Teppanyaki at Hamakaze | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

Carb lovers can indulge at Isola, an Italian restaurant that promises a contemporary and laid-back dining experience with Italian classics, such as pasta, risotto, and tiramisu on the menu. Those with a love for Thai food will find their match at Khing Thai, which offers a delightful choice of distinctly aromatic Thai dishes.

Casual dining at Cafe | Photo Source: Kurumba Maldives

For a quick snack in between meals, or a lighter more casual dining experience, the pool-facing Cafe at Kurumba features vegetarian snacks, soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and pasta dishes, as well as a dessert menu and separate kids' menu.

Loyalty Program

Another notable feature of the resort is that it offers a loyalty program for future stays and regular visitors. Perhaps this is just another reason why guests at Kurumba often return to the resort year after year for more of the impeccable service, incredible hospitality, positive ambience, fantastic food, and fun-filled activities that make this resort so memorable.