Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives

My husband and I holidayed at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa mid March. A dream destination that exceeded expectations. I travel a lot for business and we have been fortunate to enjoy some amazing holiday destinations, this magical island resort and its wonderful team topped all previous experiences. Couldn’t nit pick a single fault. We stayed in a sunrise water villa for a week, well worth an early alarm to watch the day come in from the hammock, we spent most days between our villa/lagoon and the pool/bar with other guests. The main restaurant was excellent, a huge variety of tasty cuisines. Only warning is to limit yourself to one type or you could end up with the world on a plate! We had a table in a perfect spot and our waiter was really attentive every mealtime. All of the resort team work so hard and really helped to make a perfect holiday. We enjoyed a BBQ evening at the Crab restaurant for a supplement. I also spent an afternoon at the spa - the Balinese massage is extra firm bliss. The free snorkelling trips are a must, to swim with all kinds of ocean life safely, including sharks. Evenings were lovely and low key in the main bar, most fun happened during the days. Due to CoVid situation unravelling around the world, news filtering in daily so guests had a this in common to talk about at length, which created some good friendships. A group of us chartered a special boat trip through the dive centre, the highlight of our holiday. We were so lucky to have enjoyed a perfect holiday before getting home safely to UK lockdown. As soon as this crazy time is over, we’ll definitely plan another visit. Do yourself a favour and book for your next holiday!

We stayed from 14th March till 21st March in one of the Platinum Island villas. You arrive by seaplane from Male and this is really where your holiday begins! Only 12 seats, these are small planes that give you a true sense of flying. Piloted by a couple of guys in shorts and flip flops (it's their uniform) you get a wonderful view of the atolls and islands as you overfly them at a couple of thousand feet. On arrival at the island we were greeted by local drummers and presented with palm leaf 'leis'. A short walk from the seaplane jetty to reception and we were met by Lateef who organised a buggy to the Platinum Island and then checked us in once in our villa. Moments later Doss arrived with a bottle of sparkling wine. The food served was truly outstanding with a la carte for breakfast and lunch with the most delicious buffet for the evening meal....and let me tell you this is not a standard chips and pasta bake buffet! Huge selection of starters mains and desserts all made to gourmet standards. I cant compliment the chefs enough...we've eaten in many restaurants in London and these guys are on a par. Hannan and Suneel looked after us throughout our stay as if we were family so a big thank you to them! In the poolside bar were Doss and Guyantha...super bartenders for whom nothing was too much trouble and both very nice to talk to....we miss all of them. The room was very large with direct access to the beach and water. Wifi and air conditioning worked well. The island is beautiful with pristine white beaches and the sea a million shades of blue. Do take beach shoes though....sharp chunks of coral can hurt. In all we thought this was a superb holiday and the resort should be categorized as 5*..everything about it was top class! We will be back! Neil and Vitalija

Where to start? The seaplane ride was just as we’d imagined, stunning views, arriving we were met by waving staff, Drums and garlands. Check-In was swift and we were quickly driven to our room. We stayed in a Water Bungalow which was perfect, peaceful, well appointed and of course a wonderful view! The island itself is small and being honest not much to do , suited us perfectly- Although all the meals are served in the one restaurant it never seemed to get repetitive, always seemed to be something different on offer, I’m quite fussy with AI offerings and was a bit apprehensive, wasn’t disappointed at all. If you want a busy , bustling Island then this won’t be for you, nightly entertainment consisted of a DJ or a couple of singers, not much going on in the day... just a chilled out piece of paradise. We’ve been lucky to visit some lovely places over the years, Aruba other Caribbean islands etc... have met some wonderful staff- but I can honestly say that the staff at Hakuraa are simply the best! A special mention goes to our room attendant Habeeb and our waiter Ibrahim, always a friendly smile, genuinely really nice people, nothing ever too much trouble I can’t emphasise how good they really were, whatever they get paid it’s not enough, if you’re lucky to get either of them please make sure and tip accordingly. Also thanks to Moosa (another waiter) Manoj on the hot meat station, Fukran on the Indian station and Johan behind the bar. All the staff at the resort are simply amazing. Thank you Hakuraa, Habeeb and Ibrahim for a truly memorable stay, we will be back! Rob and Monika (Room 302 February 2020)