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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.
Awards
Kuda Villingili listed in Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Cooking
Baros Maldives to showcase sustainable dining for Earth Day
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Awards
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives earns TUI Global Hotel Award recognition
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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