Kudadoo Maldives, an Enchanting, Sustainable Luxury Resort

With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pare down the perfect Maldives island that will suit your travel style and goals. If you seek custom-tailored experiences, privacy, personalized attention and your travel style leans toward a sleek and modern aesthetic and understated elegance, I have the perfect recommendation!

The Kudadoo Maldives Private Island is the ideal resort, allowing you to completely disconnect, recharge and indulge all five of your senses. Kudadoo Maldives is a luxury all-inclusive resort.

Now, if you are the kind of traveler similar to how I was, who prefers to be in control of your overall vacation experience, you might be inclined to stop reading this guide. But please, stick with me for just a little longer! I, too, craved the freedom to explore and experience everything that a destination has to offer. Which is why I used to steer clear of all-inclusive resorts, as I thought it wouldn't be possible to fulfill my thrill of discovery and love of authentic food experiences.

Kudadoo Maldives was a transformative experience and shattered my preconceived notion of all-inclusive resorts. The resort introduced a whole new level of luxury, with their guiding principles of "Anything. Anywhere. Anytime."

Revel in ultimate luxury with a personal butler dedicated to fulfilling your desires and curating limitless experiences, from unlimited spa indulgences to water sports and excursions. The hardest part was selecting from the infinite options, whether it was experiences, spa treatments or water sports, we simply ran out of time, but never options.   Any stresses or worries we arrived with to Kudadoo, simply melted away with our daily, holistic spa and massage treatments.

For any gourmand, the on-demand access to exquisite culinary creations, exclusive wines and cheese can only be experienced in person to fully understand how Kudadoo is in a league of its own.

Enjoy these experiences either lounging poolside in your private residence, at The Retreat, or select a Destination Dining for a unique and charming experience. The resort can accommodate any food preferences or dietary restrictions. Seafood is my and my husband's love language. Once our butler, Ishaaq, discovered that fun fact, he made it a point to have the chefs prepare daily the freshest of lobsters, giant prawns, premium caviar: you name it, we had it. We were over spoilt, and lacked for nothing except wishing for more time and a little more room in our stomachs to indulge in the bountiful culinary delights. Over indulgence is a real thing, but so, so worth it! 

Yuji Yamazaki, is the architectural mastermind behind the private island. The resort is quite sprawling and expansive, even with only 15 total villas and the iconic Retreat. Often times, we were picked up and driven around on a golf cart. We hardly ever saw other travelers. I believe the staff do their best to intentionally plan each traveling group's activities away from one other to create that private island oasis vibe for each guest. We were able to completely disconnect from the world and enjoy all the available luxuries lavished upon us. 

If the Kudadoo Maldives's luxury philosophy has not already captivated you, you'll be further delighted to know the private island resort is fully committed to sustainability, with initiatives designed to minimize its environmental impact. Furthermore, the resort leans into and embraces a social responsibility to the local communities.

Here are some of the ways Kudadoo leads the way in sustainability, helping to protect the Maldives for future generations:

Fully solar powered: Kudadoo's solar panels generate enough electricity to power the entire resort.

Local sourcing: Kudadoo strives to source its food and other products locally whenever possible. This helps to support the local economy and reduce the resort's environmental impact.

Marine life preservation: Kudadoo works closely with the Manta Trust and Olive Ridley Project, in research and conservation efforts with manta rays and sea turtles. Furthermore, the in-house marine biologists tend to a thriving coral nursery project.

Although the Kudadoo Maldives Private Island is geared toward adults, the entire island of 15 villas can also be rented out entirely for a family-friendly escape or multi-generational travel. If the Kudadoo Maldives is outside of your current travel spend, there is a sister island catering exclusively to adults, Hurawalhi Island Resort. Hurawalhi is home to the amazing 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, which is simply sublime in its elegance and offers an intimate ambiance to view and delight in the incredible surrounding sea life.

Pro tips

For those who want a more culturally immersive experience, inquire with your personal butler about a tour of a local island.

Make reservations for 5.8, the spectacular underwater restaurant that is a must-do.

For sushi aficionados, skip the teppanyaki restaurant and opt for a destination dining experience instead.

Watch the Apple TV+ series "The Reluctant Traveler," hosted by Eugene Levy, to see Kudadoo Maldives Private Island featured in the series.

Interested in discovering more of this luxurious and sustainable paradise on earth? Let’s connect and I can share more of the magical Maldives!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Maldives. In need of further inspiration? Check out Ashtin Robison’s guide, A Beginner's Guide to Luxury in The Maldives.