This time of year, many water lovers tend to dream of warmer weather activities. Those who enjoy scuba diving, surfing or just relaxing by the water can’t dream of a better place to visit than the Maldives. Situated nearly 500 miles south of Asia’s mainland, the Maldives are comprised of 26 atolls that stretch across the equator in the Indian Ocean. With an average temperature of around 82 degrees all year long, the winter represents the area’s dry season and a perfect wintertime getaway for surf and scuba enthusiasts and sunbathers alike.
Water Wonderland
A true bucket-list vacation for inspired scuba divers of all levels, The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is a five-star waterborne paradise. Inspired by Maldivian villages in the nearby North Male Atoll, the resort’s 96 rooms have thatched roofs, timber floors and are decorated throughout with teak woods and tropical-style interiors. As beautiful as they are inside, the uninterrupted ocean views from the beach and over-water bungalow suites are one-of-a-kind. Couples will enjoy diving into their own infinity pools or lounging away on overwater hammocks while they soak in all the turquoise hues. Two- and three-bedroom water suites provide spacious open-concept living for larger families taking in the sights and sounds together.
Scuba And Surfing
The 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater would agree — one could only watch the waves for so long before it’s time to take action. This past August, the surfing legend led a stellar field at the 10th annual Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Championships.
However, you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy the world-class waves like Slater thanks to the resort’s Tropicsurf coaches. No experience, no problem as novice surfers can learn the basics from the lagoon before venturing off onto the open water. There’s also a 10-step ride clinic for those looking to take their wave riding to the next level.
Surfing at the equator is amazing, but the action under the water may be even more so. With over 1,100 different kinds of fish, five sea turtle species and 21 types of whales and dolphins, it’s no secret that the Maldives boast some of the most incredible marine life in the world.
The resort offers six exciting tank dives and access to more than 35 nearby sites where their expert PADI five-star-rated dive team of instructors have made exploring the Maldivian reefs far from the tourist trails an art form. Full equipment from tanks and wetsuits to regulators and more is available for all certified divers.
A Private Island Spa
Rest and relaxation are also high atop the list of activities at Kuda Huraa. To ensure a truly relaxing experience, the Four Seasons has put this spa on its own separate island. After a short two-minute jaunt across the crystal blue waters, you’ll arrive at the thatched roof spa where a portal is built into the floor decking underneath each massage bed so you can gaze at the colorful marine life as it swims along with your preferred spa treatment. Here, the vitamins and minerals of seaweed harvested from their own lagoon take on healing properties across a wide range of treatments. The most indulgent experience may be the “Secrets of the Sea,” a 150-minute night spa ritual that includes a body wrap, a beauty bath and a healing massage all performed under the stars.
Tandoori Traditions
When it's time to dine, locally-sourced ingredients like coconut, tuna and mahi mahi shine at the resort's restaurants. Baraabaru ignites each evening with legendary dining rituals, from tandoor tapas under the stars to Indian thalis on the torchlit deck. Helmed by Chef Kishan Singh, this lagoon-top restaurant was recently recognized by CNN Travel as one of the Top 10 Finest Tables in the Maldives.
The Reef Club serves up Italian cuisine like fresh-made pappardelle alla Bolognese with braised short rib ragu, while Cafe Huraa is known for its curried lobster served with coconut rice with glorious views from its outdoor deck seating.