Pool villas and big family residences next to the Chickens surf break, with the Maldives' largest pool and a dozen places to eat and drink.
Kuda Villingili is a lush island in North Malé Atoll, about 30 minutes by speedboat from the airport, with the well-known Chickens surf break just off its shore. Every villa has its own pool, and the resort claims the largest swimming pool in the Maldives.
Beach villas and overwater villas each come facing sunrise or sunset, from 152 m² on the beach to 182 m² over the water. For families and groups there are two-, three- and four-bedroom beach villas and residences of up to 764 m², the largest with a professional kitchen and a wine cellar.
Food is a strong point: buffets at The Restaurant, plant-based Earth, Thai, Chinese and Korean at East, an American-style steakhouse at Fire, Japanese-Peruvian at Mar-Umi with teppanyaki, Italian-Mediterranean Med, seafood fine dining at Ocean and Indian-Arabic Spice, plus three bars and a whiskey and cigar lounge. Kuda Fiyo keeps children busy.
It's expensive, and the cheapest rates include breakfast only. This is a big, busy resort rather than a secluded hideaway; the surf season runs from April to October.
A beach villa facing the sunrise, with a 6 m pool, a patio daybed and a bathtub for two.
King bed
Among the greenery on the sunset side, with an ocean-facing bed, a bathtub for two and a 6 m pool.
King bed
Over the lagoon facing sunrise, with an infinity pool on the deck and a swing.
King bed
Over the water on the sunset side, with a 10 m pool and steps into the lagoon.
King bed
Two bedrooms on the beach opening onto a big patio and a 10 m pool, facing the sunset.
Two king beds
A beachfront residence with a living area, a big patio and a private pool looking out to sea.
Two king beds
The most exclusive home: a living and dining room, a professional kitchen, a wine cellar and infinity ocean views.
Three king beds
Three bedrooms on the beach with large living spaces and a private pool over the lagoon.
Three king beds
Four bedrooms in soft neutral tones and rustic wood, with a soaking tub for two and a private pool.
Four king beds
On the white beach, with a shared living area, a spacious patio and a pool overlooking the sea.
Four king beds
The same resort and the same villa, booked through people who live here.
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Buffets in three dining spaces, with plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free choices and a Maldivian night
Organic, plant-based and vegan dishes with Maldivian and global flavours
Thai, Chinese and Korean favourites
American-style steakhouse and grill
Japanese-Peruvian dinners and South American lunches
Japanese teppanyaki in an intimate oceanfront room
Italian and Mediterranean, with pizzas and charcuterie
Seafood fine dining with a European touch
Indian-Arabic cooking: kebabs, mezze, tandoor and shawarma
Poolside cocktails and beer with a live band
Sunset cocktails and a resident DJ on a deck facing the Chickens surf break
Exclusive whiskey and cigar lounge
The resort's huge main pool, which it calls the largest in the Maldives
Kids' club with games, activities and creative workshops, and a little island train
Beachfront venue for events, an indoor cinema, family dinners and beach barbecues
The shape comes from OpenStreetMap, simplified: a guide to the layout, not a survey. © OpenStreetMap contributors.
About 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, with Wi-Fi on board.
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