Hotel Review: Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa, Maldives

Are you dreaming of a luxurious, sun-soaked escape to paradise? If so, then look no further than the stunning Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa in the Maldives!

Situated on its own private island surrounded by mesmerizing turquoise waters and dazzling white sand beaches, this incredible hotel will surely provide an unforgettable experience.

But don’t just take our word for it, let’s dive into the details and discover what makes this resort a must-visit destination!

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase through my link. Please note that we were invited to stay at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own, as always.*

Basic Information

Arriving at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa lies inside one of the largest shallow-water lagoons in the Maldives, making it as stunning as it is secluded.

Situated in the southern part of the country in Meemu Atoll, the resort is made up of its main island and bungalows, plus an exclusive adults-only complex on a smaller, separate island connected to the main island.

You’ll have two options when it comes to reaching Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa from Male: a speedboat transfer or a scenic seaplane flight. We opted for the latter, and we were over the moon that we did.

The entire 45-minute ride was filled with pinch-me moments, and my jaw was on the floor for most of the journey as we cruised above turquoise reefs and untouched stretches of sand. 

If you prefer to take the speedboat, it’ll take you a little under 2.5 hours to reach the resort, and this includes a short stop in the middle. However, when you’re somewhere so beautiful, I think it’s worth going all out and riding the seaplane.

After our plane touched down, we were greeted by a team of staff members right on the pier who welcomed us with traditional music and incredible hospitality. 

They told us everything we needed to know about the resort before whisking us away to our bungalow on a golf cart. At Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa, the VIP treatment started from the moment we arrived!

Bungalows

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa has three different bungalow styles. Two of these are within the resort’s main island, the Beach Bungalow and the Water Bungalow, while the Platinum Beach Bungalow sits on the exclusive adults-only Platinum island.

• Classic Beach Bungalow: This is slightly cheaper than the others and is just meters from the beach. Though primarily catering to couples, this bungalow allows space for an extra bed for one child. There are only 10 beach bungalows on the island, so if your heart is set on this one, be sure to book early!

• Water Bungalow: The overwater bungalows offer direct access to the lagoon and come with a terrace that’s perfect for lounging and soaking up the stunning views. Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa has 70 water bungalows in total, and each one of them is truly stunning! We stayed in one of these, so I’ll go into more detail about it below.

• Platinum Beach Bungalow: For the ultimate intimate hideaway, it doesn’t get better than this beachfront bungalow on the kids-free section of the resort. You will find 20 of these bungalows, which are located on a separate island and offer more privacy and exclusivity compared to the other options.

Each of the three bungalow options is similar in design and built in the style of deluxe cabanas, with beachy features like thatched porches, neutral interior with tasteful pops of color, and clean wooden finishes.

Water Bungalow

We stayed in one of the gorgeous Water Bungalows and would spend weeks there in a heartbeat if we could!

The bungalow was well-appointed with everything we needed, including luxurious toiletries, a bathroom with dual vanities, and an in-room glass panel, bringing the sea right to our bungalow’s floor. If you’ve ever imagined what it’d be like to sleep on a cloud, the beds here are as good as it gets.

Our room faced right onto the lagoon, giving us views of endless blue waters in every direction every morning when we woke up.

My personal favorite touch was the hammock built right into the front deck. We spent hours here completely switching off and taking in the views. We witnessed some of the most magical sunsets night after night, which made our stay even more memorable!

A flat-screen TV, fluffy bathrobes, and air-conditioning were some of the other top features of our bungalow.

One thing to note though is that while the water bungalow is absolutely stunning, it’s not really family-friendly due to the very shallow water around it. So, if you’re traveling with young children, the beach bungalow might be a better option for you!

Facilities

Beach 

The beach at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa is every bit as idyllic as you’d imagine and then some. If you opt for a beach bungalow, you’ll never be more than a few steps from the pristine sands of this resort. 

I didn’t believe beaches like this existed before my stay; it was even more perfect than any photo could capture, which many of you know is a pretty big feat for any location.

You’ll find a bunch of incredibly comfortable sun loungers with umbrellas located in front of the main pool, and there are also some really cool swings and hammocks on the beach, perfect for Instagram photos!

Due to the shallow nature of the lagoon, the water here is gorgeous to look at but not quite deep enough to swim in. In fact, you can easily walk to the small sandbank across the pool in the middle of the lagoon!

Pool

However, if you’d like to take a dip, you can head to the immaculately-maintained pool that will be waiting for you right behind the beachfront.

When I say this pool is well-kept, I really mean it. The reflection it gives in the morning is the next best thing from a mirror! I loved starting my mornings off with a swim here, as it was so peaceful and serene.

It’s also accompanied by a poolside bar for when you get a hankering for a cocktail or beer under the sunshine, and the atmosphere is always super easygoing. Between meals, you can also find some snacks like fresh fruit and sandwiches here.

Gym

I’d be lying if I said I spent time here in the gym, as I was a little too preoccupied chilling on our hammock and enjoying the views!

However, those of you who want to stay in shape during your stay will have access to the resort’s small but well-equipped gym. It’s located right by the pool and offers sweeping views of the beach and the ocean in front!

Inside, you’ll find treadmills, spinning bikes, free weights, and a couple of other machines for resistance training. The air conditioning will keep the humidity at bay.

Mandara Spa

If you’re a fan of spa treatments, then get ready to pamper yourself at the Mandara Spa. It offers an array of massages, facials, body scrubs, and wraps designed to make you feel rejuvenated and relaxed.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have a chance to visit the spa personally, but it’s definitely on our list for our next stay!

Experiences & Activities

Snorkeling & Diving 

If you love diving, you’ll be happy to hear that the waters surrounding the resort offer some of the best diving and snorkeling opportunities in the Maldives.

The dive center on the island – Dive & Sail – has an experienced team of instructors who will guide you through the underwater beauty of the Maldives. They also offer courses for beginners, so even if you’ve never gone diving before, this is a great chance to try it out!

They also offer snorkeling equipment that’s free to use, so you can explore the nearby waters. As I mentioned before, the lagoon surrounding the island is pretty shallow, so even though you can snorkel around your water bungalow or directly on the beach, it’s not the most exciting.

To see the best of the area’s sea life, join one of the snorkeling tours, which are free of charge for guests and run every day of the week. The team will take you on a short boat ride where you’ll have the chance to swim with brightly-colored fish and adorable sea turtles.

Excursions 

From sunrise and sunset fishing outings to local island visits, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa has some terrific options when it comes to excursions and exploring the Maldives beyond the resort.

We opted for the dolphin safari and absolutely loved every second of it. We were really lucky as we came across a huge pod of dolphins that swam, leaped, and played right next to our boat! It was an absolutely incredible experience and one that we’ll never forget.

Unfortunately, capturing the dolphins in photos was really hard, but we took a bunch of videos and I think they portray the experience even more! You can check them on my Instagram highlights.

The other tour we picked was the sunset shark experience, which was just as amazing. I couldn’t believe the sheer amount of sharks we could see and how close they came to the boat! We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a seaplane landing when we were out boating, too.

Dining

Dining packages

Every guest at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa can enjoy all-inclusive dining, but there are two distinct packages to pick from, depending on your preferences and tastes.

• Classic all-inclusive package (AI): Three meals a day plus snacks are included, plus standard wines, spirits, and cocktails, selected draught beer, soft drinks, and tea or coffee.

• Premium all-inclusive package (PAI): This includes everything from the classic package, as well as premium spirits and wines, sparkling wine on arrival, a beachside dinner, and a minibar that’s replenished with beer, spirits, and snacks daily.

In addition to the extra benefits listed above, it’s worth noting that the premium package also features the likes of two complimentary excursions during your stay, two invitations to onsite, themed events, and daily turn-down service with deluxe chocolates.

Restaurants 

The resort is home to three superb restaurants, and each of the two bars also serves food, focusing mostly on snacks and smaller plates. 

Hakuraa Huraa (Main Island):

• Malaafaiy Restaurant: The main restaurant offers guests a variety of local Maldivian and international dishes in buffet style. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• The Crab Restaurant: This exclusive a la carte restaurant serves fresh seafood and local dishes in a romantic setting. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and reservations are recommended.
• Veli Bar & Lounge: Located right by the pool, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing cocktail or a light snack while enjoying the ocean views.

Platinum Island (Adults-Only Island):

• Manzaru Restaurant: This is the buffet-style main restaurant that caters exclusively to guests staying on Platinum Island. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Vevu Bar & Lounge: Just like on the main island, guests can head to this bar for drinks and snacks throughout the day. The only difference is that here, it’s reserved exclusively for Platinum Island guests.

As we stayed on the main island, we mostly ate at the Malaafaiy Restaurant and absolutely loved it. The food was always fresh, delicious, and plentiful, with a mix of local specialties and international dishes to choose from.

Every guest receives a dedicated table during their stay, so you’ll always have your own spot to enjoy your meals with stunning views of the ocean. If you don’t like the table you were given, you can ask to change it, and the staff will try their best to accommodate your request.

We also had the chance to dine at The Crab Restaurant for dinner one day, and it was a fantastic experience. The food was delicious, the service was impeccable, and the romantic setting by the beach made it even more special.

Even though it’s not included in either the AI or PAI package, I think it’s definitely worth visiting at least once during your stay for a special occasion or a romantic dinner with your partner. Just make sure to reserve in advance!

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa is an absolutely stunning resort that exceeded all of our expectations. From the incredible water bungalows, beautiful beaches, and crystal clear waters to the delicious food and amazing experiences, there’s something for everyone here.

The staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful, always going above and beyond to make our stay even more special. This was our first time staying at a Cinnamon Hotel, but certainly not the last!

They have three more amazing locations in the Maldives – Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, and Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives – and we can’t wait to have the chance to visit them all.

Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or your significant other, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa is the perfect destination for a peaceful and relaxing getaway in paradise.

We would highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for a luxurious and unforgettable vacation in the Maldives!

You can check their current prices & availability on Booking.com or you can book directly on their website to enjoy special benefits.

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