Dinner under the sea, diving, marine biology center – this is what the five-star resort island of Hurawalhi offers.
What is it like to enjoy a sumptuous dinner while the unique fish of the Indian Ocean swim above and beside you, completely undisturbed? Incredibly exciting! The highlight of the Hurawalhi Resort is the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, which opened five years ago. We're nearly six meters below sea level, in a restaurant covered with curved, transparent glass walls. The tables are set on either side, right next to the surrounding water. This is the world's largest glass-walled underwater restaurant—it's hard to imagine a more atmospheric, close-to-the-sea experience.
You reach the entrance by walking along a 60-meter bridge, then descend a spiral staircase into the restaurant. There's no need to put on diving gear for the experience—you won’t even get wet. However, from the photos displayed on the walls, you can learn how this 400-ton structure was built and placed in its current location. Its elegant, minimalist design doesn't overshadow the beauty of the marine life that feels almost within reach. Beneath your feet, a soft sea-blue carpet covers the wooden floor, and all around you is a perfectly transparent safety glass dome. You can enjoy your lunch in the company of colorful fish and vibrant corals sparkling in the sunlight. After sunset, strong spotlights illuminate the underwater world. The attentive staff gladly help you identify the various sea creatures that gather around—from rays and turtles to angelfish, wrasses, saw-edged groupers, batfish, and schools of tiny glassfish swimming by the hundreds. And then there are the parrotfish, flounders, butterflyfish, and triggerfish—it's a challenge just to remember them all…
In addition to the five- or seven-course fine dining menu, there's also a vegan selection to choose from. And if you'd like to visit the restaurant outside of lunch or dinner hours, that's possible too. In the afternoons— for an additional fee— you can stop by for a cocktail or a photo session in this unique “reversed” giant aquarium, where it’s us who are surrounded by the mesmerizing underwater world.
Hurawalhi’s above-water restaurants each deserve their own detailed review. The main restaurant, named Canneli—which means Yellowfin Tuna in the Maldivian language—is located in the central building designed by renowned Japanese architect Yuji Yamazaki. Built entirely from natural materials, the impressively spacious interior offers stunning ocean views from every angle. That is, if you're not already sitting out on the terrace, enjoying the contemporary culinary offerings right beside the waves.
Located next to the Coco Bar, the JFK (Junk Food Kitchen) offers a taste of home—perfect for when, after sampling countless seafood dishes, you start craving a juicy burger or crispy fries. One of Hurawalhi’s pride and joys is the Kashibo Restaurant, which showcases the best of fusion Asian cuisine. The menu features intensely spiced Thai, Indonesian, Chinese, and Vietnamese dishes, along with flavors inspired by local Maldivian cuisine. A standout from the restaurant’s lavish seafood selection is the Thai lobster tail, served with ginger rice and a silky butter sauce—an absolute must-try.
Diverse Wildlife
If you're vacationing on the five-star private resort island of Hurawalhi, you can, of course, enjoy the magical sights of marine life not only during meals but also while diving or snorkeling. The resort is located at one of the Maldives’ most popular dive spots, on the northern reef of the Lhaviyani Atoll, which consists of over fifty islands. It can be reached from the capital, Malé, in just 40 minutes by seaplane.
Diving in the region offers captivating sights for both professional and amateur divers. The Maldives' diverse wildlife can be enjoyed even near the water's surface, making it a complete experience for beginners as well. After a brief introduction, you’ll have the chance to dive in and explore the vibrant coral reef surrounding the island while snorkeling. The local dive center knows exactly which dive spots are best suited for amateurs and which ones can be recommended for seasoned professionals who have already completed hundreds of dives.
Most fish pay no attention to divers, continuing to live and swim through their daily routines. If you're lucky, you might get a close look at a manta ray or a sea turtle, but even the completely harmless reef sharks are not uncommon in this area.
Marine Biology Center: Not just research, but conservation
It's not hard to fall in love with the deep blue of the Indian Ocean and its velvet, crystal-clear waters. However, environmental threats also pose a danger to this paradise. Hurawalhi is not only home to tourists but also houses a marine biology center, where expert marine biologists inform us that just steps away lies one of the world’s greatest biological diversities. The Lhaviyani Atoll consists of several narrow, shallow channels that bring nutrient-rich water close to Hurawalhi. The island is situated between two such channels, where currents, sunlight, and incredibly clear waters create an ideal, aquarium-like environment for more than 2,000 species of fish and over 200 species of coral, all of which can be admired up close. There's also a chance to spot a manta ray with a wingspan of up to three meters swimming by the island's reef.
During our stay, we can also get involved in Hurawalhi’s coral reproduction program and seagrass conservation project. Few people know that the latter not only provide food and shelter for numerous marine species but also play a more significant role in capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide than even the earth’s rainforests.
Luxury Villas for Every Need
The Maldives is undoubtedly an attractive destination due to its incredibly rich marine life, ideal water and air temperatures, swaying palm trees, and white sandy beaches that beckon for lounging. However, the services and gastronomic experiences we can expect during our vacation are just as important. Hurawalhi stands out in this regard as well, with its five different types of villas. With a total of 90 villas, the amenities and comfort provided here surpass those of most other islands in the region.
The five-star resort exclusively welcomes adults, making it an ideal destination for honeymooners or anyone looking to escape the world in a stunning location. Before traveling, it’s easy to decide whether to choose a villa with first-class comfort and breathtaking views situated on the beach or one perched over the water on stilts. Our accommodation could be a beautifully furnished space ranging from 105 to even 132 square meters, featuring a luxurious bedroom, living room, bathroom, and sun deck.
The Ocean Villas, built on stilts, have a sun deck just a few steps from the turquoise sea. In the Romantic Ocean Villa, you can even enjoy the sunset from an outdoor bathtub, while in the Pool Villas, you can watch the sunrise as it rises above the horizon in the morning or witness the sunset sinking into the ocean in the evening, all from the comfort of your private pool.
Each villa is equipped with air conditioning, a color TV, Wi-Fi, an electric kettle, a coffee machine, and plenty of other comfort amenities. If there's anything we find ourselves missing, our dedicated butler is available 24/7 to assist us. Whether it’s making restaurant reservations, organizing sports or other activities, or arranging a private picnic and sunbathing on the Dream Island sandbar, a single word from us and they’ll handle everything in no time.
We can keep track of our activities and reservations through the Hurawalhi app, available for download on smartphones. The app provides information about all the services, restaurant offerings, and up-to-date details about the resort.
The tiny island, just 400 meters long and 165 meters wide, can be explored in just minutes. You’re guaranteed not to get lost! You’ll quickly feel at home, and from your villa, a short walk will take you to the wellness and recreation center, the water sports center, or one of the four restaurants.
