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Rebuilt Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives opens, offers new adults-only private island experience
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has reopened Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives after a complete rebuild of the resort, expanding its offerings to include an all-new, adults-only private island.
Located in Meemu atoll, a 45-minute seaplane ride from the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport, Hakuraa Huraa began welcoming guests in 1999. In 2010, the resort went through a major renovation and remained the same until its closing in 2018 for a complete overhaul of its facilities.
After the rebuild, the resort opened on Monday, giving the first guests in its new chapter a warm, traditional welcome.
With the latest reimagining of the iconic Hakuraa Huraa, accommodation and facilities on the five-hectare main island have been rebuilt from the ground up, whilst a 2.5-hectare private island has been added with facilities to cater exclusively for adult guests.
Effortlessly comfortable bungalows
The main island offers accommodation either in a Beach Bungalow or a Water Bungalows. The adults-only island is reserved for Platinum Beach Bungalows.
The comforts of the Beach Bungalows and their secluded inland location allows you to view the beautiful ocean ahead from the cooling shades of the thick foliage. The sun loungers in front of the rooms are all great ways in which to take in the scenery or snooze off an afternoon. Walk back into your room and lounge back on a plush double bed or make yourself a quick ‘cuppa to awaken you from that lazy island pace.
The 70 spectacular Water Bungalows are built facing out the island and gives you a direct view of both sunrise and sunset, depending on which one you make your own little haven for the duration of your stay. Step inside the water bungalow and notice the glass-bottom floor in the room for viewing the marine life in the ocean beneath your feet. Take in the breeze on your own private sun deck or take the staircase leading down to the lagoon for a quick dip without ever having to leave your room.
Signature dining experiences
On the main island, guests have the choice to wine and dine at three distinct venues:
- Malaafaiy: Named after a large, traditional wooden serving dish, Malaafaiy is the resort’s main restaurant, serving three daily buffets that are consistently large and constantly delicious.
- The Crab restaurant: specialty seafood restaurant, located at the far end of the island, provides easy access to most Water Bungalow guests.
- Veli Pool Bar & Lounge: Located in the heart of the island, the Veli Pool Bar & Lounge are perfect vantage points to view the beach and sea, whilst enjoying international cocktails, mocktails and chic entertainment.
Mandara Spa brings touch of Bali
Set in a natural open environment, Mandara Spa at Cinnamon Hakura Huraa brings a touch of Bali. It is designed as an intimate, luxurious resort spa with exceptional levels of attention to details and service standards.
The Mandara Spa is the resort’s focal point , supported by a service style that considers the guests needs for escape, unobtrusive delivery and capitalises on the dramatic ocean location. The spa offers five double rooms, a reception, relaxation lounge, retail boutique and a manicure-pedicure area.
The spa menu is created to showcase the exclusive nature of the spa and to offer each guests an outstanding spa experience. It combines traditional Asian favourites with Elemis Spa therapy and treatments that reflect the ocean and nature theme.
Adults-only ‘platinum’ island
Connected to the main resort via a walkway, the adults-only private island is home to 20 Platinum Beach Bungalows, which have been designed for ultimate privacy. For a chilled-out atmosphere, these bungalows are ideal for couples or groups of friends who want to enjoy a romantic or relaxing holiday experience, with the maximum level of comfort and exclusivity. The Bungalows are for adults above 18 years only.
The private island also consists of an outdoor common pool, bar and lounge, and a restaurant exclusively for guests staying in these beautiful bungalows.
Adventure awaits
There’s an inexplicable rush that surrounds special moments. And you can feel it in waves, in all boundlessness, at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa. Go diving, Snorkelling, canoeing, if you’d like to indulge in some sports. Or, go island hopping, or visit a local island for a cultural tour. If you’d like to spend time just around the resort, you could enjoy sandbank picnics, or you could play volleyball, or stay indoors and play table tennis, or billiards.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa is one of four resorts in Maldives run by Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells under its Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts brand.
In addition to the reopened Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa, Sri Lanka’s largest hotel operator owns and operates three resorts in Maldives: Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, and the recently-opened Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives.
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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