Last Updated on September 11, 2024

A Fresh Twist on Maldives Luxury

The Maldives, a dream destination in the heart of the Indian Ocean, is famous for its pristine white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and coral reefs teeming with life. Once the playground of the elite, this enchanting archipelago has become a bucket-list spot for travellers everywhere. Since the first resort, Kurumba opened in 1972, the Maldives has blossomed into a collection of 160 resorts spread across 187 idyllic islands, each offering its own slice of paradise. My journey led me to The Standard, Huruvalhi, a 5-star gem in the unspoiled Raa Atoll, where luxury effortlessly blends with the wild beauty of nature.

Travelling to The Standard Huruvalhi

Travelling to the Maldives takes around 10 to 11 hours on direct flights from the UK. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer non-stop flights from London to Malé, while other airlines including Emirates and Qatar connect through Dubai or Doha. As we did, opting for an overnight flight makes the journey easier. Upon landing at Malé Airport, the seamless experience begins. The Standard’s staff warmly welcomes you and escorts you to a luxurious lounge, where you can relax with complimentary soft drinks and WiFi. Then, the adventure continues with a thrilling 35-minute seaplane ride over vibrant lagoons, lush islands, and gleaming white beaches.

About The Standard Huruvalhi

As soon as I set foot on The Standard Huruvalhi Island, I knew I was in for something special- something a bit different. The warm, ocean-scented air set the perfect tone, and the staff greeted us with a friendly, laid-back vibe – none of the usual pomp and ceremony you might expect at a 5-star island resort. Don’t get me wrong, they were attentive and helpful, but in a refreshingly cool and relaxed way. Instead of the typical floral iced tea, we were welcomed with a chilled face towel and a delicious coconut sorbet in a red Calippo-style pouch, cheekily branded with The Standard’s signature upside-down logo.

It was the perfect introduction to a resort that loves to play by its own rules. Here, the Maldives takes on a whole new look. In place of the usual muted tones, the resort bursts with colour. The clear blue water and soft yellow sands are complemented by bright murals that add flair to the walls, while quirky touches are scattered throughout…think giant glitter balls above the baths and neon pink pool floats bobbing lazily in the water, echoing the resort’s playful vibe.

However, luxury isn’t in short supply… Island life at The Standard includes the indulgence of a personal butler. While butlers and technology might seem like an unusual pairing, at The Standard, they blend seamlessly. With the convenience of WhatsApp, your butler is just a message away, ensuring impeccable service throughout your stay.

The hotel’s main social areas, including the Kula dining room, Todi’s bar, and Joo Cafe, are set along the seafront, featuring airy, adjacent rooms with high-pitched ceilings and overhead fans. These spaces seamlessly flow into one another, cleverly divided by tranquil waterways.

The décor is bright and summery, with large raffia hanging lights, vibrant green tropical print banquettes, and coral-toned upholstery. Lush green plants in large earthenware pots bring a touch of nature indoors, while floor-to-ceiling windows and tropical hardwood doors open onto the terrace, leading to pristine white sands and a stunning infinity pool flanked by sun loungers.

Just behind, you’ll discover a beautiful tropical mangrove garden. Nearby, there’s a bike rack – kind of like the London Lime bikes – where you can just grab a bike whenever you spot one. We loved this and ended up using them all the time to get around the island!

Accommodation

The resort offers 115 villas, including Ocean and Lagoon Beach options, as well as overwater villas with either ocean or lagoon views. Painted in soft block colours, these villas are perched along a decking pathway that extends out to sea.

Each one features a private lounge deck and a plunge pool, providing the perfect blend of relaxation and luxury, with uninterrupted views of the ocean and easy access to both sunbathing and swimming.

Our spacious air-conditioned Lagoon Overwater Villa embodied a fun, modern, and colourful aesthetic. One wall popped with bold yellow, while another embraced a quirky nautical vibe, adorned with life jackets, a big pink rubber ring, and snorkelling gear, adding both a playful and practical touch. Furnished with a comfy sofa, a desk, a sisal rug, and raffia pouffes, all enhanced by stylish lighting controls that create cool mood effects.

The king-sized bed, dressed in dreamily soft linen, was perfectly positioned to offer a view of the terrace and the ocean beyond, equipped with a jacuzzi plunge pool, sun loungers, and steps leading directly into the water. And those morning swims… pure bliss!

The spacious bathroom at the rear of the villa was a true showstopper, boasting a striking mural, a massive round bathtub big enough for two, a spacious shower, and a double sink unit – all topped off with an overhead disco ball for an extra touch of glamour.

Each room is equipped with a TV, Wi-Fi, coffee and tea-making facilities, a Bluetooth speaker, a minibar, a safe, bathrobes and slippers, and a selection of delicious-smelling bath products and useful toiletries.

Restaurants and Bars at The Standard

Kula, the resort’s main restaurant, is set in the hub of the resort, directly on the beach, offering a welcoming, airy, and stylish atmosphere for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Each meal is served buffet-style, featuring a wide array of high-quality international cuisine, with live cooking stations offering everything you can imagine -from beautifully fresh seafood to curries, pasta, carved meats, noodles, salads, and an array of mouthwatering desserts that tempt you to sample everything. With so much variety and the food being of such a high standard, dining here is pure joy.

Next to Kula, you’ll find Todis Bar and Joo Café, right by the poolside. With table tennis, a funky-looking custom-made tubular ping pong table, cosy sofas, board games, and bookshelves stacked with interesting reads, it’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

Here, you can enjoy cold beers, soft drinks, a selection of wines, and expertly crafted cocktails. And at Joo Café, you’ll find all-day snacks, with items like smoothies, coffee and pastries, sandwiches, salads and wraps. If you’re feeling creative, you can even join an art class.

The BBQ Shak is a relaxed beachfront dining spot where you can feel the ocean breezes and take in stunning views while enjoying a variety of delicious fresh seafood and meat dishes, all expertly grilled over charcoal.

The name “Guduguda” captures the art of relaxing and connecting with loved ones over a meal, and trust me, it’s easy to do in this gorgeous setting. Guduguda is perched directly over the ocean, offering an authentic taste of Maldivian cuisine in a setting that embraces tradition, with low-to-the-floor tables and seating on colourful cushions, available both indoors and on a water-facing patio. We went all in with a set tasting menu, eager to try a bit of everything – freshly caught seafood, dried tuna, coconut, juicy dates, and the most flavourful coconut and tuna curries. So good, let’s just say, I’m hooked!

Beru Bar, perched at the end of the promenade over the water, quickly became our favourite post-dinner hangout. The clear glass dance floor offers a unique view of the ocean below. Whether you’re sipping on fabulous cocktails served by charming staff, playing a game of pool, singing your heart out at karaoke, or just fancy a boogie, Beru Bar is the perfect spot.

Amenities & Activities

Waking up to breathtaking views, swimming in pristine waters, and savouring leisurely meals is heaven….but if you’re looking for more, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you entertained.

The Standard is also a fantastic family resort, offering plenty of activities for the kids. And if you need some adult time, the Lil’ Shark Kids Club will keep the little ones entertained and happy with its playroom, paddling pool, sandy park, and movie den.

Many people visit the Maldives to explore its incredible marine life, here you’re in for a treat. They have an excellent Water Sports & Dive Centre, where you can enjoy jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Their vibrant house reef boasts 98 types of coral that are home to over 220 species of marine life, making it perfect for both snorkelling and deep-sea diving. I took a guided tour of the reef and was blown away by the stunning marine life.

For those who prefer to stay active on land, there’s a well-equipped fitness centre and a tennis court.

The Standard Spa is a haven of relaxation, offering face and body treatments, DIY hammam and mud experiences, and therapies like vibrational skincare and sound healing. We enjoyed a wonderful yoga class in their magnificent studio, complete with aerial yoga equipment for those feeling particularly adventurous.

The spa also features a hammam for individual or group bookings and rejuvenating treatments like the Maldivian Chill jet lag remedy. After your session, unwind at Tonic Lounge, the adults-only swim-up bar, with nourishing drinks and stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

If relaxation is your goal, the pool deck is the place to lounge and enjoy the sunshine and a blissful swim. But if you want to stay fit, jump into the morning pool aerobics class – I gave it a try and loved it!

We went on a sunset dolphin cruise, an absolute must when visiting the Maldives. There’s something truly magical about watching dolphins leap and swim alongside the boat as the sun sets.

Summary – The Standard, Huruvalhi

It’s easy to see why The Standard attracts such a diverse crowd. Couples, families, and groups of friends from around the globe are drawn to its blend of luxury and laid-back, whimsical charm. This is the Maldives with a refreshingly modern twist, and it’s simply irresistible.

The Standard Huruvalhi

Huruvalhi Island Raa Atoll
+960 658 5555