About this hotel
General information
NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort has the island of Kuda Rah to itself, in the heart of South Ari Atoll. The resort is built in a contemporary style from natural materials, with timber structures, roofs of woven palm thatch and open spaces turned towards the ocean. There are 51 villas and suites, on the beach and over the water, and every one has its own pool.
The sea is the main draw. The island lies within a Marine Protected Area, and South Ari Atoll is the only place in the world where whale sharks can be seen all year round, with manta rays present in every season too. Diving and snorkelling sit alongside slower pleasures: a Balinese-inspired spa, an infinity pool, Maldivian cooking classes and bicycles for exploring the island. Intimate wedding ceremonies are held on the beach, never more than one a day. Stays are offered with breakfast, half board, full board or all-inclusive.
Location
Kuda Rah lies in South Ari Atoll, about 100 km from Malé. From Velana International Airport a seaplane reaches the area in around 25 minutes, followed by a short speedboat ride to the resort. Seaplanes fly daily between sunrise and sunset, weather permitting; a resort representative meets guests at the airport, and the resort arranges the transfer.
Spa
The spa draws on Balinese healing traditions and local natural ingredients. It has three treatment suites, each with its own Jacuzzi, along with a sauna, a steam room, experience showers and separate changing rooms for men and women. The signature Spa Delight opens with a massage that blends aromatherapy, Hawaiian lomi-lomi, Shiatsu and Swedish techniques, then moves on to foot reflexology and a warm coconut-oil head massage. The menu also covers Balinese massage, Ayurvedic abhyanga and shirodhara with warm oil poured over the head, an udhvarthanam herbal-powder detox scrub, a coffee and coconut body scrub, an after-sun treatment, express facials and a couples' ritual with a steam bath and side-by-side massage.
Sports & leisure
The house reef, home to turtles, colourful fish and the odd reef shark, starts right off the beach. The Dive & Sail centre teaches PADI programmes from a first try dive to Rescue and Nitrox, runs night dives and heads out to sites for every level. Snorkelling trips go in search of whale sharks (most often from August to November), manta rays (peaking from September to May), nurse sharks and turtles, and guests can join coral restoration and turtle adoption programmes.
- On the water: windsurfing, catamarans and small sailing boats, skippered sailing trips, canoes (including a glass-bottom canoe), pedalos, stand-up paddleboards, water skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, banana rides, flyboarding, parasailing, jet skis and jet-ski tours
- Boat trips: sunset cruises with frequent dolphin sightings, traditional Maldivian handline fishing at dusk, deep-sea fishing on a private boat for up to four guests, dhoni trips around neighbouring islands, beach hopping and sandbank picnics
- On the island: a gym, yoga and water aerobics with an instructor, table tennis, complimentary bicycles and Maldivian cooking classes in which guests prepare four traditional dishes with a chef and then sit down to eat them for lunch
For children
Children have The Maxies Family, an indoor play area with games and activities, and babysitting is available on request.
Restaurants & bars
The island has two restaurants, a pool bar and a Maldivian café, with in-villa dining from 10 am to 10 pm and private dinners on the beach or on a nearby sandbank.
- Sea Spray — the main restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner: buffets, live cooking stations and international and local dishes rich in seafood
- Ocean by Kuda Rah — a seafood restaurant with ocean views, where guests pick their own catch of the day, from lobster to prawns, and choose how it is cooked
- Glow — the pool bar, serving cocktails and light bites until midnight, with a DJ at sunset
- Malaa — a Maldivian café where guests learn to make fragrant curries and other traditional island dishes with the chefs
Swimming
The island's focal point is an infinity pool above the white-sand beach, lined with loungers and with a bar close by. Every villa has its own pool, each set a few steps from the beach or above the lagoon with direct access to the water, and the house reef is an easy swim from shore.
Rooms
The island has 51 villas and suites on the beach and over the water, each with a private pool and views of the Indian Ocean. The most spacious are the split-level beach pavilions and the overwater residence.
Each villa has a private pool, air conditioning, a large TV with satellite channels, Bluetooth speakers, a Nespresso machine, a kettle, a minibar, a safe, a rain shower, a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers, and free Wi-Fi.
One Bedroom Beach Pool Villa
A beach villa opening straight onto the sand, with an ocean-view sundeck, a hammock, a private pool, a Jacuzzi and indoor and outdoor showers; king bed. Up to two adults and one child.
One Bedroom Over Water Pool Villa
A bright overwater villa with a deck, a private pool and steps into the lagoon, sunset views, a king bed and a bathroom with twin basins. Up to three adults and one child.
Over Water Royal Residence with Private Pool
A spacious overwater residence with a living area, a deck with its own pool and lagoon access, a Jacuzzi bathtub, a king bed and a pillow menu. Up to three adults and one child.
One Bedroom Beach Pool Pavilion Suite
A split-level beach suite with a living area, an upstairs balcony looking over the ocean, a beachside deck, a private pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi; king bed and sofa bed. Up to three adults and one child.
Two Bedroom Beach Pool Pavilion Villa
A beach villa with two king bedrooms, an outdoor deck with a dining area, a private pool, a Jacuzzi and indoor and outdoor showers, with the lagoon a few steps away. Up to four adults.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.