Kurumba - The Maldives in a nutshell Kurumba Maldives was the country’s first private island resort and, having pioneered tourism to the islands for nearly 40 years, it has remained one of the finest. Kurumba takes its name from the Maldivian word for ‘coconut’, which grows in abundance across this tropical haven, and the 5 star resort’s peerless blend of luxury and tranquillity tempts many a visitor to return to its sandy shores time and time again. Situated in the North Malé Atoll, merely 10 minutes via speedboat from both the capital and Malé International Airport, weary travellers will welcome Kurumba’s convenient location. Upon reaching the resort and receiving refreshments from the staff, guests can sink their feet into the powder soft sands and feast their eyes on the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, Lush gardens ablaze with frangipani, hibiscus and bougainvillea stretch across the island and shady coconut groves loom over 180 luxury bungalows and villas. Kurumba has 9 categories of accommodation which incorporate state of the art facilities and a fresh warm design. The introductory Superior and Deluxe rooms have a graceful contemporary Maldivian style with spacious teak-finished interiors, open air showers and sunny ocean-side balconies. The resort’s signature Deluxe Bungalows and Deluxe Beachfront Bungalows hide among the fragrant tropic flora in graceful horseshoe shaped clusters, just yards from the pure white beach corralling the island. Each features a king-sized bed, luxurious dual-basin bathroom, a glass-walled shower, a giant free-standing bathtub, and- adjoining the bungalow- a delightful garden containing an outside shower and spacious decking veranda. Guests wanting more luxury and privacy can opt for Kurumba villa rooms, starting with the Private Villa with Jacuzzi, and the Garden Pool Villas that offer good-size plunge pools within your private open-plan courtyard with rain shower to cool off. Kurumba’s Deluxe Pool Villas are even more sumptuous with the additional luxuries of a large private pool (each uniquely shaped) with a waterfall, day bed and wooden terrace, all enclosed within a walled garden. The largest of these pool villas are the resort’s four Presidential Suites; these are duplex apartments of over 306 sq metres, each with a large living area and interior courtyard. However, the largest and most extravagant villa on the island is the Royal Kurumba Residence. Measuring 768 sq metres in diameter and housing two bedrooms, two private pools, a huge living area and veranda, this opulent suite has proved a favourite of many visiting dignitaries and heads of state. Every category of accommodation on the island comes fully equipped with all the modern amenities you would expect from a first-class resort. Few resorts in The Maldives can match Kurumba for the variety and quality of the food available. The resort has no less than 8 restaurants serving an eclectic selection of the finest world cuisines. One could eat solely in Vihamana, the main restaurant, and never tire of the international gourmet cuisines served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The speciality restaurants on the island offer a range of fine dining options to suit every palate. Deciding whether to savour far-eastern sushi and teppenyaki at the over water Hamakaze or feast within the palatial Lebanese décor of Al Qasr (sampling its grilled meats and kebabs) is no easy task. Making a choice between the delicious Indian, Chinese and Italian menus of Kurumba Mahal, Ming Court, and La Cucina, respectively, is equally difficult. For guests who want to season their meals with a pinch of Maldives romance, the Ocean Grill offers a unique beachfront setting in which to dine; relish the finest grilled seafood by candlelight surrounded by a panoramic vista of the ocean. Those seeking total intimacy can request a private dining experience for two, either on the beach, out on a yacht or even on their own desert island. The Sounds of the Sea is a favourite. For those feeling a little more social, the resort also features three bars: the Rendezvous Lounge for karaoke kings, the Sand Bar for the best sunsets and the lively Beach Bar, where guests can share a drink and conversation in the company of a live bands and local dance. Surrounded by soothing reflection ponds, the Veli Spa is an oasis of serenity in the heart of the island. Here, guests can enjoy a dedicated yoga session and unwind in the relaxation lounge. Guests are led to one of eight single or couples treatment rooms to feel stress melt away via the creative range of treatments available. Using fragrant local herbs and spices the Thai, Balinese and Maldivian massages are a particular treat. Alternatively, you may want to indulge in reflexology or simply revitalize your skin with a selection of exotic body wraps and polishes. For a more romantic experience “The Spa Under the Stars” offers couples a chance to watch the sunset whilst enjoying unique cowrie shell massage using local hand pressed Coconut oil. The resort’s other facilities are equally impressive. For families there is the Majaa Recreation Club and the Majaa Kid Club offering fun and enriching experiences with a Maldivian Twist. The Sports centre offers a fully-equipped gym, pool, and three floodlit tennis courts. Business meetings can be held in the conference centre and there’s the Kurumba shop for gifts and souvenirs. However, if water sports are your passion then Kurumba is the place to visit, with the Dive School offering a full range of PADI diving courses. Beginners are eased into the sport gently in the clear shallow waters of the lagoon and, once competent, guests are taken to explore the most spectacular dive sites in The Maldives. Dazzling shoals of iridescent tropical fish wait to greet you as friendly reef sharks, manta ray and turtles swim by. The calm waters surrounding the island are also ideal for kayaking, waterskiing, windsurfing and parasailing, all of which can be found at the Water Sports Centre and there are Fun Tubes and Banana Rodeos available to keep children entertained. This is all in addition to a wide range of fascinating local excursions including the Sand Bank Picnic. Guests can sail the Indian Ocean in a traditional Maldivian Dhoni (stopping for a picnic on a desert island), wave to the dolphins on the ever popular sunset cruise or partake in a spot of night-fishing under the stars. Whatever your age or interests, Kurumba Maldives is the perfect holiday location for memories which last a lifetime. www.kurumba.com For more information including enquiries about press trips contact: Good Results PR Maya Mahir E mail: [email protected] Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7553 0585 .