K is for kids, H is for Haven: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa offers “Grown Up” experiences in child-friendly sizes

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Known affectionately as “KH,” Kuda Huraa may as well stand for “Kids Haven” for the quality and extent of activities geared towards younger guests at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa.

“There’s still a preconception that the Maldives isn’t great for children,” explains General Manager Randy Shimabuku. “But when you combine Kuda Huraa’s engaging activities, intimate size, accessible layout and effervescent service culture, nothing could be further from the truth.”

Kuda Huraa kids can visit the island’s cutest residents in the Resort’s turtle pools – where hatchlings from protected nests are hand-reared to increase their chance of survival in the wild – or learn about the vulnerable marine ecosystem with 3D movies in the Marine Discovery Centre. Little dudes as young as six can then swap the classroom for the ocean with year-round lagoon courses with the Resort’s Tropicsurf Surf School. Advanced courses and surf clinics are available for older children, or those with more experience.

Scuba programs are available for oceanic adventurers as young as eight – and thanks to special permission from PADI, the Resort is one of only a handful in the world where children can learn to dive directly among the fish in the shallow lagoon, as opposed to in the swimming pool.   

Intrepid marine explorers will also love the Resort’s shark snorkel safaris, dolphin cruises, sunset fishing and Robinson Crusoe escapes; while adventure and sports lovers will relish soaring above the ocean on X-Jetblades or trying their hand at wake-boarding, tennis, parasailing and banana-boating.

After an action-packed day, wellness aficionados as young as 6 can catch a tiny dhoni (traditional Maldivian boat) to The Island Spa for marine-inspired spa treatments packed with oceanic wonders. Discover miracle shells, nourishing seaweeds, wobbly waterbed massages and yoga on land and at sea.

Children aged 4-12 seeking a more structured approach to their day will find all the entertainment they desire courtesy of Montessori-trained Kids’ Club Manager Lisa Rowland, whose daily program of complimentary activities includes crafts and cookery, spa sessions and scavenger hunts, beach games and garden fun. Under-4s are welcome when accompanied by an adult guardian or Resort babysitter.

In addition, a host of standard child-friendly extras await every child: goody bags; personalised treats and toiletries; child-size robes and slippers; complimentary meals for under-5s; and subsidised, tailored menus for 4-12 year-olds in all the restaurants. The Resort’s chefs happily cater to picky palates and will even accommodate early sittings for hungry little tummies.

Kids’ Club also organises extensive 2-week vacation programs during busy periods such as Christmas and Easter. During this time, the daily-changing schedule is supplemented by seasonal activities and entertainment from egg hunts to parties with Santa, as well as evening events including movie nights, theme nights, karaoke, treasure hunts, discos and s’mores under the stars. There is also a Kids’ Buffet Lunch in Cafe Huraa during the Easter and Festive holidays (USD 15 per child; complimentary for under 5 yrs).

“We base our kids’ activities on the understanding that if the kids are having fun, the parents are too,” concludes Randy. “And the best way to do that is to treat them like the ‘little grown ups’ they believe themselves to be. It also helps that Kuda Huraa is a small enough island for kids to feel right at home, yet big enough for those wanting peace and privacy to seek those all-important kiddie-free moments. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Four Seasons Resort Maldives At Kuda Huraa Announces Launch of Game-Changing Water Villas

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Embrace an evolution in over-water living

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa unveils its brand new all-villa water accommodations – the country’s ultimate lagoon sanctuaries – in December 2016.

Completely renovated, refurbished and extended throughout, each vast oceanic haven has its own private 24 square metre (260 square foot) infinity pool, accessible through sliding glass doors from a brand new day bed alcove in the master bedroom.

New Water Villas, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

But that’s not all. At the furthermost end of each villa’s vastly extended wooden sun deck – past the loungers and huge over-water sunbathing net – an open-air pavilion takes the notion of overwater living to the very edge with a shaded sofa area, dining table for four, over-lagoon hammocks and steps into the warm crystal lagoon dotted with fish and corals.

Available with one, two or three bedrooms, each ocean-top retreat is spaced widely for privacy along wither the sunset or sunrise side of Kuda Huraa’s long water villa jetty.

New Water Villas, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

In addition to the daybed alcove and air-conditioned lounge area, internal highlights include a naturally lit walk-through wardrobe corridor and a huge marble bathroom complete with separate shower cubicle and freestanding ocean-view tub.

Contemporary interiors are inspired by the vibrant garden-fresh colours of Kuda Huraa and complemented by cool timber flooring. A handmade Maldivian thatch roof and distinctive architectural detailing draw on the traditions of generations of local craftsmen to complement the Resort’s sense of place. And upgraded in-room technology includes IPTV, full stereo system and 55-inch screen and espresso machine.

New Water Villas, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

“We feel really proud to be putting Kuda Huraa on the map again with these exceptional over-water accommodations,” commented the Resort’s General Manager Randy Shimabuku. “We know guests will love the extra space and innovative touches but when combined with our wonderful surf and dive options, new Island Spa sea sanctuary and baby turtle-rearing pools, we hope to be able to immerse them in the deepest possible marine-inspired experience that the Maldives has to offer.”

To be one of the first to experience Kuda Huraa’s new Water Villas contact the central reservations department of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at tel: (960) 66 00 888, email: [email protected] or book online.

New Water Villas, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa hosts Surfing Champions Trophy from August 8 to 14, 2016

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As surf season gets underway in the Maldives, so too does the build up to the country’s hottest invitational: Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy. And kicking off 2016’s illustrious line-up, big wave legend Shane Dorian has confirmed his return to defend last year’s title.

Unique in many ways, the Champions Trophy determines a surfer’s heat time based on their age and tests skill across three different divisions: single-fin, twin-fin, and triple-fin thruster.  Places are granted by invitation-only to just six world champions in a battle for inner-circle kudos and the USD 25,000 prize winnings.

Hawaiian big-wave slayer Dorian secured the 2015 title in a nail-biting Grand Final against defending champion Dave Rastovich (AUS). En route to the final, he achieved the Champions Trophy’s highest single wave score – a 10, the first in the competition’s history – and the highest heat total: 19.60 (out of a possible 20).

A recent finalist at the Quicksilver Eddie Invitational and The Jaws Big Wave World Event, Dorian is already turning his attention to the August event, commenting, “Lisa and I can’t wait to return to the Maldives to enjoy the chilled out vibe of the Champions Trophy. It’s such a unique concept with fun waves and great company and definitely one of the highlights of our year.”

The Surfing Champions Trophy is hosted onboard Four Seasons Explorer – the Maldives’ ultimate surf vessel. Fans can get up close to the action with onboard VIP passes, while the surf tour experience continues with shoulder-rubbing events back at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, which plays host to the contest’s competitors, judges and Tropicsurf partners (the pros behind the Resort’s surf operation).

Event Coordinator Mark Winson of Tropicsurf comments, “It’s crazy to think how prominent the Surfing Champions Trophy has become in just six years. It’s a one-of-a-kind event where the camaraderie off the waves makes for an even more magical competition on them.”

It won’t be long before the remaining five world champions are announced, and if previous years are anything to go by, fans can expect powerhouse names and some interesting twists.

For a piece of the action, book the Group Surf & Stay package, available for a minimum booking of five rooms at Kuda Huraa between August 8 and 14, 2016, including:

  • All-inclusive 5 or 7 nights accommodation (full board)
  • Competition day passes aboard Four Seasons Explorer
  • 5 or 7 days of intense surfing with Tropicsurf’s expert guides
  • Return transfers

Limited day passes will be available (at a fee) for non-package guests and members of the public wishing to view the event from Four Seasons Explorer.  Call + 960 66 00 888 for enquiries and rates.

Yoga Master Kat Harding launches SUP yoga at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa

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The yogis at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa will be enjoying a few lessons themselves this summer. Kat Harding – Australia’s first qualified Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) yoga instructor – is coming island-side to train Kuda Huraa’s mat masters in the art of paddleboard-based poses. Kat will also be available for exclusive guest sessions from August 3 to 9, 2015, the week of the annual Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy: a WSL specialty event between six world champion surfers. Doyenne of SUP yoga and all-round yoga guru, Kat Harding is set to unite – and elevate – Kuda Huraa’s surf and Spa offering, expanding the opportunity for guests to strengthen their connection, both within their core and with the ocean.

“SUP Yoga is an amazing experience where you are able to synchronise the movements of your body with the ocean,” explains Kat. “Its appeal is in its natural rawness, floating gracefully and using your own strength to balance as you move and flow with the water underneath you.”

Kat Harding, SUP Yoga, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
SUP Yoga, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

While yoga’s origins date back thousands of years – and is practised to unite mind, body and spirit through breath – SUP Yoga is a relatively new hybrid, uniting yoga traditions with surfing and wellbeing through the paddleboard. It’s a discipline that engages the whole body, building strength, flexibility and focus while imparting an incredible sense of joy and freedom.

Kat hails from Noosa, Australia – home of Kuda Huraa’s surf partners, Tropicsurf – continuing the surf pedigree and easy laid-back vibe that the Resort has become synonymous with. Kat’s own yoga journey began as a teen with a Christmas gift of a yoga DVD. Her love of movement flourished, inspiring her to travel and experiment with various yoga disciplines; train as a yoga teacher with Laxmi Yoga (Sally Parkes) in London and Spain; and go on to qualify as Australia’s first SUP yoga instructor. Trained in vinyasa, hatha, dynamic, yin and prana flow yoga, she combines her passions for yoga, surfing, healthy living and nature on the paddleboard. She’s also an ebook co-author, blogger, Fire and Shine luminary, Wanderlust Festival presenter and hosts Australia’s only luxury SUP yoga retreats.

Kat Harding, SUP Yoga, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
SUP Yoga, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

“It’s a real honour to have Kat on board to help us launch SUP Yoga,” concludes Sanju Upadhyay, Manager of The Island Spa. “As a discipline it incorporates the best of Kuda Huraa – ocean-inspired activities, yoga and healthy outdoor living – while our warm, shallow lagoon makes the ideal practice ground. Our yogis and guests are in for a real treat.”

To be one of the first to experience SUP Yoga at Kuda Huraa, contact Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa on tel: (960) 66 44 888, fax: (960) 66 44 800 or email [email protected], or book online.http://www.fourseasons.com/maldiveskh

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

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Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is a colourful, garden ‘village’ just 25 minutes from the airport. Adopt an entire ocean lifestyle at the Resort’s ‘Tropicsurf’ Surf School.

Sail by Dhoni (local boats) to The Island Spa – the only spa in the Maldives on its own private isle. Retreat to traditional land and sea-based accommodations and as the setting sun paints the endless sky, the Sunset Lounge epitomises the Resort’s laid-back and sociable vibe.