Niva Kurumba Maldives Resort 

We’ve just spent a wonderful couple of weeks on Kurumba with our multigenerational family - 11 of us in total. After 6 visits to the Maldives over 25 years, Kurumba is definitely a firm favourite for a relaxing family holiday; we’ve been just as a couple and it was equally as enjoyable.It’s a short, exciting boat ride from the airport and whilst purists looking for the isolated island escape might prefer the longer journeys to far flung atolls, as we get older we love the short transfer and enjoy seeing the bright lights of Male and Hulhule Island in the evenings and watching the boats and sea planes during the daytime from the pool deck beach. Island life here is so relaxing and the staff make the experience extra special. Everyone is kind, thoughtful and friendly. Everyone smiles and says hello - the maintenance team, who work so hard making everywhere look Instagram ready; the bar staff, who bring cold water, tasty pre dinner snacks, iced coffee for your granddaughter without her having to ask, and kind attention to your needs from morning to night; the exceptional, multilingual, Ismol and his colleagues at the Athiri sunset bar; the lovely people in the Vihamanaa buffet restaurant who always found enough space to seat us all together and made food to order for our youngest granddaughter; the general manager Mr Morten Junior, who personally attended to a mini disaster when a medical situation delayed scheduled departure for a couple of days, managing to turn what seemed like a crisis into an opportunity to spend more family time together! Our beach bungalows were a grade above what we expected and were in a beautiful situation on the north west shore, with incredible sunsets over the lagoon. Our housekeeper made sure everything was spotless each day and replenished anything we used very promptly. He always serviced our rooms whilst we were at breakfast - very much appreciated. We had slippers, robes, flip flops, fresh ground coffee, fresh water, fluffy beach towels, L’Occitane toiletries and so many other items that would make life simple if you forgot anything. The only suggestion I would make is regarding the minibar - there’s a wide choice of items that are all chargeable irrespective of the dining plan you choose. It would be nicer if there was an initial complimentary offering of soft drinks and maybe a couple of beers or perhaps a bottle of wine and then if guests required additional items these could be chargeable? Of course some guests may prefer no alcohol in the room at all (I’m glad our teens weren’t tempted to sample the many spirits on display). The quality and choice of food and drink in the bars and restaurants was very, very good. I can highly recommend the à la carte breakfast at Thila, which we were lucky enough to experience. On the day we visited the chef was creating new dishes for the menu and asked us to sample them while our breakfast was being prepared and give feedback - what a lovely opportunity and some really delicious food. We loved the food and setting so much that we booked dinner for that same evening. We were on the All Inclusive plan (not Dine Around) and also treated ourselves to a 50% discounted dinner in Al Qasr one evening and The Cafe on another. All special experiences. We enjoyed the evening entertainment, varied, quite chilled and one evening the most incredible 4 piece group gave a fabulous performance of covers of some great numbers (Hotel California really stood out along with Brown Eyed Girl). Finally a word on the sea and beaches …Wow! … I think that covers it? Warm, crystal clear water, the stunning blue of the lagoon, reef sharks by the score, brightly coloured, exotic fish. We had the best time teaching the girls to snorkel. The soft, powder white sand made our beach walks around the island such a joy and listening to the birds calling and watching the fruit bats taking their early evening flights was so special. One afternoon a pod of dolphins swam past the pool deck beach, seeing them arcing out of the water right in front of us was incredible. It prompted a trip on the Kurumba Dolphin cruise and our girls were not disappointed. The knowledgeable crew and marine specialist took them to exactly the right spot and after calling to the dolphins, miraculously summoned a large pod who delivered a truly magical experience, racing and playing alongside the boat for ages. The weather is changeable in July and August but it’s always warm and tropical so pack your high SPF, wear your mosi repellent diligently (the island is fogged daily but during the rainy season the little so-and-so’s are about and will bite) and leave all your cares behind. Would we come back? In a heartbeat. Thank you Team Kurumba! Top tip: little tips go a long way and are much appreciated