Kudadoo Private Island

Kudadoo Private Island takes the Crown & Champa Resorts concept and elevates it further. With just 15 one- and two-bedroom overwater Residences, this is an ultra-exclusive neighbour to Hurawalhi, and one that embraces an unscripted 'Anything, Anytime, Anywhere' approach to all-inclusive luxury. Guests eat where they choose — restaurant, villa, or beach — from menus that are merely suggestions, and enjoy premium inclusions like scuba diving and spa treatments without limits, all coordinated by a 24-hour butler.

The Yuji Yamazaki-designed Residences are spacious and striking, blending contemporary Japanese architecture with natural materials for a feel of understated elegance. Each features a generous sun deck with a larger-than-average private pool and lounging areas overlooking the reef. Behind the supremely comfortable bed, screen doors open onto an attractive bath and shower suite, though the adjacent vanity area with sinks feels slightly compact. The same could be said of the writing desk — this is not a resort designed for work.

The island itself spans around two hundred metres in diameter, with only a small water sports centre and padel court among the palm trees. A good beach runs about three-quarters of the shoreline, though erosion near the water villa jetty interrupts a full circuit. A lovely, easily accessible house reef encircles the island, with excellent snorkelling on the drop-off, particularly between the arrival jetty and The Retreat.

The Retreat is a striking overwater complex housing the main pool, restaurant, and bar. Its roof is lined with discreet solar panels that, combined with battery storage, supply all of the resort's power. Facilities include an ocean-facing gym, the Kudadoo Wellness Retreat, a Himalayan salt room, games area, boutique, and wine and cheese rooms.

At full occupancy, the island holds no more than thirty or so guests — usually in their villas, at the spa, or out exploring the reef — so encounters with others are rare. You may find yourself alone by the main pool or in the bar and restaurant. It is, depending on your perspective, serene or unnervingly quiet.

For a change of scene, a boat transfers guests to neighbouring Hurawalhi, where the underwater restaurant and sunset Champagne bar are well worth the journey. But most Kudadoo guests, we imagine, stay put in their haven, unwinding out of sight.

This level of exclusivity and comprehensiveness commands a premium, even by Maldivian standards. For those who can afford it and prize privacy above all, Kudadoo may be just right.

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi is conceived as a sanctuary of calm for guests seeking an all-inclusive luxury stay with generous personal space. Every detail has been carefully considered across the resort's fifteen highly styled one- and two-bedroom residences, which float above the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean.

The resort operates on an 'anything, anytime, anywhere' philosophy, from private dining arrangements to water adventures and spa treatments. Kudadoo is open to adults and children aged 15 and over, unless taken for exclusive use.

Kudadoo sits within a beautiful lagoon, roughly 200 metres across. A direct seaplane from Male takes approximately 40 minutes.

The resort comprises 13 one-bedroom Ocean Residences of 300 square metres and 2 two-bedroom Ocean Residences of 380 square metres, each featuring a 44 square metre infinity pool, expansive decking, and a range of relaxed seating options.