Kuda Villingili

Kuda Villingili brings a fresh perspective to the Maldives resort scene. Located in North Male Atoll and reached by a 45-minute speedboat from the airport, it is built around the idea of giving guests more space and time to enjoy their surroundings.

The island has a backstory that adds character -- it was once a chicken farm, which is how the nearby surf break earned its name, Chickens. The transformation from that to the resort you see today has been thoughtful and thorough. The landscape is lush, with flowering shrubs and carefully tended gardens that reflect the owner's personal passion for horticulture. Some of the design choices lean towards the stylised, which may not be to everyone's taste, but the overall feel remains natural and well-cared-for.

Villas are a standout feature. They are genuinely spacious, starting at over 150 square metres, and every single one comes with a private pool. The folding doors that open entire walls to the outdoors are a particularly smart touch -- they make the most of the climate and bring the outside in. Bathrooms continue the theme, with bathtubs and basins made from recycled stone, quietly reinforcing the resort's sustainability ethos.

The 150-metre pool running through the heart of the island is one of the largest in the Maldives, and it works well as a social hub. Daybeds, cabanas and poolside service make it easy to settle in for the day.

Dining is built around choice. Most meals are a la carte, with options spanning Mediterranean, Asian, grill and seafood. The variety is good, and the quality on our visit was consistent. Breakfast is well handled, though a few more outdoor seating options would lift the experience further.

Surf access is a major draw. Chickens break is right off the island, and the small beach on the southern side naturally becomes a gathering point when conditions are right. Guests seeking total seclusion should note that a local island is visible from the sunset side -- it did not detract from our visit, but it is worth flagging.

There is no house reef, so snorkelling means taking a boat trip. The excursions are handled well, with a professional crew who give clear briefings and attentive guidance. Within about 35 minutes you reach extensive reef systems with excellent marine life.

Facilities cover all the bases: spa, gym, watersports, tennis, padel, and a kids club that is due for further expansion. The resort suits couples, families and groups alike.

A good deal of the resort's warmth comes from its leadership. The General Manager is visible, engaged, and clearly cares about both the guest experience and her team. That filters through in the atmosphere.

Kuda Villingili is a modern, spacious option that works well for a broad range of travellers. It may not suit those looking for a completely untouched island, but for guests who value space, variety, convenience and access to one of the Maldives' best surf breaks, it is a genuinely appealing choice.

Set in North Male Atoll, Kuda Villingili is reached by a 30-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport. The island sits right on the edge of Chickens Break, one of the Maldives' most celebrated surf spots, known for producing some of the archipelago's longest left-hand barrels.

The resort offers 75 villas and residences designed to accommodate couples, solo travellers, families and groups. Every room type includes a king-sized bed, private terrace or patio with sunbeds, a private infinity-edge pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen IPTV, and an in-villa tablet. Bathrooms feature both a rain shower and bathtub, and extras include bathrobes, a kimono, slippers, a minibar, an espresso machine, and a workspace with charging stations.

Dining spans a wide range of cuisines across several outlets. The Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner across three dining zones -- Fire, Earth and Ocean -- offering American-style grilled meats, Asian classics, and European seafood. Spice focuses on Indian-Arabic flavours with tandoor dishes and shawarma, while East serves Thai and Korean specialities. Med offers Italian and Mediterranean fare including wood-fired pizzas, and Mar-Umi blends Peruvian and Japanese cuisine. For drinks, The Bar sits by the pool with cocktails and live music, Raalhu Bar provides a sunset viewing deck overlooking the surf, and the Cigar Lounge offers premium cigars alongside a curated selection of fine whiskies.