Kudadoo Private Island

Following on from the success of Hurawalhi, Crown & Champa Resorts scaled another rung on the up-market ladder, with the neighbouring Kudadoo Private Island, a highly exclusive property comprising just 15 one- and two-bedroom over water Residences. The resort embraces an ‘Anything, Anytime, Anywhere’ concept of unscripted, all-inclusive luxury. This allows guests to opt to dine in the restaurant, in-villa or on the beach, from menus that are simply suggestions, and enjoy normally expensive extras, such as scuba diving and spa treatments, that are inclusive and unlimited, all arranged by your 24-hour butler service.

The Residences are expansive and impressive, with Yuji Yamazaki-designed contemporary Japanese architecture employing natural materials, exuding understated elegance. The generous sun deck features a larger than average pool and various lounging areas, with tantalising views onto the reef below. Screen doors behind the immensely comfortable bed reveal a pretty bath and shower suite, which flows through to an enclosed area with sinks and vanity. The latter feels a little cramped and not quite in keeping. Ditto the writing desk, if you’re planning to work during your stay.

The island itself is tiny, a couple of hundred metres in diameter, just the small water sports centre and a padel court nestle amongst the palms, and with a good beach around three-quarters of the island. Sadly, beach erosion on the water villa jetty side prevents walking all the way around. A lovely and easily accessible house reef encircles the island, with some super snorkelling on the drop off, particularly between the arrival jetty and the Retreat.

The Retreat, an impressive over water complex, is home to all other guest facilities, including the main pool, restaurant and bar. The roof is covered in unobtrusive solar panels which, supported by battery storage, meet all the resort’s power requirements. Other features include a well-equipped gym with ocean views, the Kudadoo Wellness Retreat, Himalayan salt room, games area, boutique and wine and cheese rooms.

Whether or not Kudadoo will suit you does depend what kind of vibe you are looking for on a resort. Even when fully booked, there will be no more than 30-odd guests on the island, usually in their villas, in the spa or out snorkelling or diving, so you are unlikely to bump into others much. Indeed, you may be the only people around the main pool, in the bar or restaurant. If you’ve ever been for a workout in a City health club on a weekend, you’ll have an idea: serene or eerie, take your pick.

If you are feeling a little stir-crazy, then there is the option to hop on a boat and use the facilities at the adults-only Hurawalhi, itself a chilled resort but a veritable hive of activity by comparison. The underwater restaurant and sunset Champagne bar are definitely worth the water taxi journey, but we imagine that the majority of Kudadoo guests will remain in their haven, unwinding and unseen.

This kind of exclusivity and comprehensive all inclusive package does not come cheap, especially in the Maldives. For those with the means and a desire for privacy within a resort, Kudadoo might just be perfect.