Dine 5.8 metres beneath the ocean in the world’s largest undersea restaurant, snorkel a house reef with manta rays and reef sharks, and unwind in Forbes Five-Star adults-only tranquillity.
Forbes Five-Star 40-Min Seaplane House Reef All-Inclusive
Atoll
Lhaviyani
Villas
90
Transfer
Seaplane
Transfer Cost
~$475 pp RT
Packages From
$4,189 / couple
Meal Plans
AI
$4,189 / couple
Save $1,300 per coupleSAVE 24%From $4,189
Get a Personalised Quote
More inclusions than direct
Opened2016
A 90-villa adults-only Forbes Five-Star resort in Lhaviyani Atoll. Home to the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant, 5.8 metres below the surface. Excellent house reef with manta rays, reef sharks, and turtles. A resident Manta Trust marine biologist runs conservation workshops.
98 new reviews in the past 6 months across Google, TripAdvisor & Booking.com. Average rating 4.8 / 5 from 5,399 total reviews.
+4% review volume vs. prior 6 months
6
Awards since 2016
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide '24, '25, '26
Only Adults-Only Forbes 5-Star
Worldwide distinction
Best of the Best
TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice
PADI 5-Star Dive Centre
ProDivers at Hurawalhi
Manta Trust Partner
Resident marine biologist
Best Underwater Restaurant
World Luxury Restaurant Awards
How It Compares
Hurawalhi vs. the Field
Where this resort sits across the dimensions that matter most when choosing a Maldives property.
BudgetUltra-Luxury
Adaaran Club
LUX* South Ari
Soneva Fushi
Hurawalhi
LivelySecluded
Kuredu
Lily Beach
Kudadoo
Hurawalhi
Easy AccessRemote
Gili Lankanfushi
Anantara Kihavah
Park Hyatt Hadahaa
Hurawalhi
CouplesFamily
Komandoo
W Maldives
Siyam World
Hurawalhi
BoutiqueLarge Resort
Makunudu (36)
Coco Bodu Hithi (100)
Meeru Island (286)
Hurawalhi (90)
Poor ReefExceptional
Finolhu
Vilamendhoo
Hurawalhi
Hurawalhi
Reference resorts
Accommodation
Choose Your Villa
Hurawalhi keeps it clean — 90 villas split equally between 30 overwater, 30 beachfront, and 30 ocean pool. All share Hurawalhi’s signature minimalist aesthetic with natural wood tones, Healing Earth amenities, and espresso machines. The 105 sqm overwater villas have direct lagoon access via private steps; the 132 sqm pool villas add private infinity pools with unobstructed ocean views. The Romantic Ocean Villas add an indulgent terrace bathtub. Every villa is adults-only — there are no kids on the island.
OverwaterNo pool
Ocean Villa
From
$839
105 sqm ·24% smaller than avg
Ocean Villa105 sqmNo pool$839
OverwaterNo pool
Romantic Ocean Villa
From
$869
105 sqm ·24% smaller than avg
Romantic Ocean Villa105 sqmNo pool$869
BeachAll pool
Beach Pool Villas
From
$1,019
132 sqm ·Average size
Beach Pool Villa132 sqmPool$1,019
Beach Sunset Pool Villa132 sqmPool$1,019
OverwaterAll pool
Ocean Pool Villa
From
$1,129
132 sqm ·Average size
Ocean Pool Villa132 sqmPool$1,129
Not sure which villa is right? We'll match you based on your group size, budget and priorities.
Prices shown are indicative low-season per night. See the season guide in the sidebar for how rates vary by time of year. We'll confirm exact pricing for your dates.
Dining
5 Restaurants & 1 Bar
Hurawalhi’s dining is anchored by one of the most iconic restaurant experiences in the world — 5.8 Undersea, 5.8 metres below the lagoon surface. This 400-ton all-glass structure was built in New Zealand and shipped to the Maldives, seating just 20 diners at a time surrounded by reef life. Above water, Kashibo serves overwater Asian fusion with a teppanyaki grill, while the vegan-forward JFK delivers guilt-free poolside comfort food. All-Inclusive packages include one 5.8 Undersea lunch or dinner per stay.
5.8 Undersea
Fine Dining
The defining Hurawalhi experience — five-course lunches and seven-course dinners surrounded by the reef’s marine life through floor-to-ceiling glass. The 400-ton megastructure was built in New Zealand and shipped by cargo to the Maldives. Just 10 couples per sitting. One visit included with all-inclusive packages.
SettingWorld’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant, 5.8 metres below the surface, seating just 20 diners.
Our tipBook a lunch — the natural light flooding through the glass with fish swimming past is magical.
Canneli
International Buffet
The resort’s culinary anchor — high-quality international buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with live cooking stations and the freshest ingredients. A consistently well-executed buffet that outperforms expectations for a 90-villa resort.
SettingBeachside main restaurant with live cooking stations and indoor-outdoor seating.
Kashibo
Asian Fusion
Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese-inspired cuisine in an overwater setting. The teppanyaki table is a highlight for theatrical cooking. Seafood staples and vegetarian dishes round out a diverse menu. Wine cellar attached.
SettingOverwater restaurant with teppanyaki grill, wine cellar, and lagoon views.
JFK
Street Food
Junk Food Kitchen — a vegan-forward take on comfort classics. Burgers, nachos, cauliflower buffalo wings, and poolside snacks. One of the few Maldives resort restaurants built around plant-based dining. Overlooking the infinity pool.
SettingPoolside casual dining with ocean views and an extensive vegan-forward menu.
Coco Bar
Cocktails
The resort’s social hub — sunset cocktails, nightcaps, and evening entertainment. Positioned on the shoreline with both indoor and terrace seating. The most atmospheric spot for end-of-day drinks.
SettingShoreline bar with chic indoor area and al fresco terrace overlooking the lagoon.
Champagne Pavilion
Champagne Bar
An overwater pavilion purpose-built for champagne sunsets. Taittinger flows alongside canapés as the sun drops below the horizon. One of the most photographed spots in the Maldives. Intimate and exclusive.
SettingOverwater pavilion with 360-degree sunset views and Taittinger champagne service.
Meal Plans
Dining Inclusions
Hurawalhi offers an All-Inclusive Plus plan covering all meals across Canneli, Kashibo, and JFK, unlimited premium beverages, and one lunch or dinner at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant per stay. The package also includes daily minibar replenishment, snorkeling equipment, non-motorised water sports, and honeymoon perks (champagne, fruit plate, flowers).
All-Inclusive Plus includes: breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Canneli, Kashibo, and JFK, one lunch or dinner for two at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant per stay, unlimited premium beverages and cocktails at all bars, daily minibar replenishment, complimentary snorkeling equipment, non-motorised water sports, WiFi, and honeymoon perks (champagne, fruit plate, flowers). Additional 5.8 Undersea visits available at supplement. The island is tiny (400m x 165m) so everything is a short walk.
Plan
Restaurants
Alcohol
Minibar
~pp/day
All-Inclusive Plus
All 4 restaurants · 1x 5.8 Undersea dining included
Hurawalhi combines world-class marine experiences with a polished adults-only activity programme. The ProDivers PADI 5-Star centre sits at the heart of Lhaviyani Atoll’s best dive sites, while the resident Manta Trust marine biologist runs conservation workshops and manta excursions. Above water, the resort delivers tennis, padel, futsal, water sports, and a well-equipped games room. The absence of children means every facility stays serene.
Water & Marine
ProDivers PADI 5-Star, Manta Trust, house reef
ProDivers PADI 5-Star centreFull PADI courses · guided reef dives · equipment rental and sales · Lhaviyani’s top dive sites
House reef snorkelingExcellent fish life · beginner to advanced spots marked · reef sharks, turtles, manta rays · complimentary equipment
Deep-sea sports fishingDedicated fishing boat · big game and sunset fishing trips
Manta Trust Marine Biology Centre. Hurawalhi hosts a permanent Manta Trust research facility with a resident marine biologist. The Maldives has the world’s largest known population of reef manta rays, and Lhaviyani Atoll is one of the prime encounter zones. Guests can join workshops, manta identification sessions, and guided snorkeling trips to encounter these gentle giants. It’s conservation you can participate in, not just observe — and a genuine differentiator for marine life enthusiasts.
Hurawalhi’s house reef wraps around the island with access points marked for beginner, intermediate, and advanced snorkelers. Fish life is abundant and varied — reef sharks, turtles, and manta rays are regular visitors, with stingrays and eagle rays also commonly spotted. Some coral bleaching has occurred, but the sheer density of marine life compensates. The island’s location in central Lhaviyani Atoll gives ProDivers access to premier dive sites with vivid coral walls and pelagic encounters. The resident Manta Trust biologist adds a research dimension to every marine outing.
Regularly spotted here (+7)
Reef Sharks
Blacktip and whitetip reef sharks — regularly spotted on the house reef and nearby channels
Sea Turtles
Green and hawksbill turtles — frequent visitors, often seen from overwater villas
Stingrays
Eagle rays and stingrays — commonly spotted along the reef edge and in the lagoon
Tropical Reef Fish
Abundant and varied — dense schools on the house reef, excellent diversity for Lhaviyani Atoll
Octopus
Occasional sightings on reef dives and guided snorkeling sessions
Dolphins
Spinner dolphins on excursions and occasionally visible from the island
Manta Rays
Lhaviyani Atoll is a prime manta encounter zone — Manta Trust runs guided trips with resident marine biologist
Not typical at this reef (−1)
Whale Sharks
Not typical at Hurawalhi — South Ari Atoll is the main whale shark destination
PADI dive center on-site. Night snorkeling available. Marine life observations sourced from dive logs and guest reports.
Getting There
Transfer from Malé
Hurawalhi is in Lhaviyani Atoll, approximately 130 km north of Malé. The only transfer option is a scenic 40-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport. Seaplanes operate during daylight hours only. For late arrivals, Crown & Champa arranges overnight accommodation near the airport with a seaplane departure the following morning.
Only option
Seaplane
Velana Airport → Hurawalhi (~40 min) · Daylight only
~$475 pp roundtrip
Seaplane transfers operate during daylight hours (approx. 6:00–16:30). Guests arriving on late flights are accommodated near the airport overnight, with seaplane transfer the following morning. The 40-minute flight offers spectacular aerial views of the atoll chain. We arrange all transfers including airport meet-and-greet.
Resort island map — Hurawalhi Island Resort
Our Take
Who This Resort is For
Ideal for
Couples and honeymooners — adults-only policy, Romantic Ocean Villas with terrace bathtubs, Dream Island sandbank picnics, and champagne sunsets at the Taittinger Pavilion
Foodies seeking the extraordinary — 5.8 Undersea Restaurant is a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience, with one visit included in all packages
Marine life enthusiasts — excellent house reef with manta rays and reef sharks, plus a permanent Manta Trust research facility with a resident marine biologist
Divers — ProDivers PADI 5-Star centre in the heart of Lhaviyani Atoll’s premier dive sites, with vivid coral walls and pelagic encounters
Guests seeking refined tranquillity — Forbes Five-Star service in a 90-villa adults-only setting; even at 80% occupancy, it feels half full
Consider elsewhere if
Families with children — strict adults-only policy, no exceptions, no kids club
Budget travellers — from $839/night is competitive for Forbes Five-Star, but the overall cost with seaplane transfers and supplements adds up
Villa design purists — the interiors are functional and comfortable but some reviewers note the decor feels slightly dated compared to newer competitors; the outdoor spaces compensate
Reef purists — fish life is excellent but some coral bleaching has occurred; guests seeking pristine coral should consider Vilamendhoo or Anantara Kihavah
Season & Pricing Guide
Dec 20 – Jan 5Peak · Highest rates
Jan 6 – Apr 5High · +95%
Apr 6 – Apr 30Shoulder · +25–30%
OctShoulder · +25–30%
May – SepLow · Best value
Peak season fills 4+ months ahead. Shoulder season offers the best balance of weather, price and availability.
Why Book Through Lux Atolls
More Inclusions, More Maldives
What you get booking with us vs. going direct or through an OTA
Book with Lux Atolls
Best rate guarantee — avg. 11% below OTAs
Complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability)
Welcome bottle of champagne on arrival
One complimentary 60-min couples spa treatment
Early check-in / late checkout (subject to availability)
Personal trip advisor — villa matching, transfers, meal plan guidance
Direct resort relationship — we resolve issues in real time
Book Through Others
Standard rack rate
Room type as booked — no upgrades
No welcome amenities
No spa inclusions
Standard check-in/out times
Generic customer support
No direct resort contact
Frequently Asked Questions
Hurawalhi Island Resort — FAQ
Is Hurawalhi Maldives adults only?
Yes. Hurawalhi welcomes guests aged 15 and above. With 90 villas in Lhaviyani Atoll, it is designed for couples and honeymooners. The resort holds a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating.
What is the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant?
5.8 is the world's largest all-glass undersea restaurant, 5.8 metres below the surface. It seats a maximum of 20 guests. Open for lunch and dinner. Smart casual, barefoot dress code. Advance booking essential.
How do you get to Hurawalhi?
A 40-minute seaplane from Male airport (~$560 pp RT). Guests wait in the Hurawalhi Lounge at the seaplane terminal. Seaplanes operate during daylight hours only. Located in Lhaviyani Atoll.
Does Hurawalhi have a good house reef?
Yes — one of the best in Lhaviyani Atoll, accessible from nearly every point on the island. Resident turtles, reef sharks, rays, and tropical fish are common. Night snorkelling reveals bioluminescent plankton.
Packages From
$4,189 / couple
5 nights · Ocean Villa · Half Board · Seaplane transfers extra
Quote Request Sent
We'll reply within 4 hours with a personalised itinerary and exact pricing.
Lux Partner Rate
Save $1,300 per couple
5 nights in an Ocean Villa with Half Board (breakfast and dinner at select restaurants). Adults-only resort. Upgrade to Beach Pool Villa from $5,079 or Ocean Pool Villa from $5,649 per couple. Seaplane transfers ~$949 extra.
