Dreaming of turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and a luxurious escape? Look no further than Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives. This all-inclusive resort offers an unforgettable experience, blending stunning natural beauty with top-notch amenities. From vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life to serene overwater bungalows, Hakuraa Huraa is a Maldivian paradise waiting to be explored. Let’s dive into what makes this specific spot so special!
Getting to Paradise: A Smooth Arrival at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa
Your journey to Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa begins the moment you land at Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. Forget about long waits or complicated transfers. The resort organizes a seamless seaplane transfer directly from the airport. This isn’t just a commute; it’s a breathtaking scenic flight that gives you a spectacular aerial view of the Maldivian archipelago. Expect the seaplane ride to last approximately 45 minutes, offering unparalleled photo opportunities – have your camera ready! The cost of the seaplane transfer is typically included in the all-inclusive package, but it’s always wise to confirm this during booking. Budget roughly $400-$500 per person for round-trip seaplane transfers if it’s not included.
Your Overwater Sanctuary: Bungalows and Comfort at Hakuraa Huraa
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa boasts a selection of exquisite overwater bungalows and beach villas, each designed to provide ultimate comfort and privacy. The overwater bungalows, perched above the crystal-clear lagoon, are the resort’s signature accommodation. Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of waves lapping beneath your feet, stepping out onto your private deck for a morning swim, and watching the vibrant sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. These bungalows typically include features like direct lagoon access via a private staircase, spacious living areas, luxurious bathrooms with soaking tubs, and private sundecks with sun loungers.
If you prefer being closer to the beach, the beach villas offer a delightful alternative. Nestled amidst lush tropical vegetation, these villas provide a sense of seclusion and tranquility. They often feature private gardens or courtyards, direct access to the beach, and similar amenities to the overwater bungalows. Consider weighing the benefits of direct ocean access versus sand-between-your-toes closeness to the island itself when selecting your villa.
Typical Room Amenities include:
- King-size bed
- Air conditioning
- Ceiling fan
- Mini bar (stocked daily)
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Flat-screen TV with satellite channels
- In-room safe
- Hairdryer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Expect to pay around $500-$1000+ per night depending on the season, room type, and any package deals that are available. Booking directly through the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts website or reputable travel agencies often yields the best deals.
Diving and Snorkeling: Exploring Hakuraa Huraa’s Underwater World
The Maldives is renowned for its incredible diving and snorkeling opportunities, and Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa is no exception. The resort sits on a vibrant house reef, easily accessible from the beach and overwater bungalows. Grab your snorkeling gear (available at the dive center) and immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colorful coral, playful fish, and other fascinating marine creatures. You might spot clownfish darting in and out of anemones, graceful sea turtles gliding through the water, or even reef sharks peacefully patrolling their territory. For the best snorkeling experience, head out during high tide when the water is clearest and marine life is most active.
For more experienced divers, the resort’s dive center offers a range of PADI-certified courses and guided dives to explore the deeper waters surrounding Hakuraa Huraa. Discover incredible dive sites teeming with diverse marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks (seasonal), and stunning coral formations. Remember to bring your certification card and dive logbook if you’re a certified diver. A single dive can cost between $80-$150, depending on the location and duration.
Dining Delights: A Culinary Journey at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa
As an all-inclusive resort, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa offers a diverse culinary experience with multiple dining options. The main restaurant, often buffet-style, features a wide array of international cuisines to cater to every palate. Expect to find fresh seafood, flavorful curries, pasta dishes, grilled meats, and a tempting selection of desserts. Theme nights, such as Maldivian night or Asian night, add variety and showcase local flavors.
In addition to the main restaurant, the resort may also have specialty restaurants offering à la carte dining experiences. These might include a seafood restaurant serving freshly caught delicacies or a grill restaurant preparing succulent steaks and other grilled meats. Reservations are typically required for specialty restaurants, so be sure to book in advance to secure your spot. Drinks, including alcoholic beverages (house wines, beers, and selected cocktails), are usually included in the all-inclusive package. However, premium brands may incur an extra charge.
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a romantic sunset dinner on the beach. Many resorts offer private dining experiences where you can savor a delicious meal under the stars, accompanied by the soothing sound of the ocean. This can be a specially arranged request with the chef and resort, adding a personal touch, expect to pay upwards of $200 for the ultimate private dining experience under the stars.
Island Hopping and Excursions: Beyond Hakuraa Huraa’s Shores
While Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa offers plenty to keep you entertained, consider venturing beyond the resort to explore other islands and experience the local culture. The resort can arrange various excursions, such as island hopping tours to nearby local islands, where you can interact with the friendly Maldivian people, visit local markets, and learn about their traditions. Visiting another island may cost $50-$100 per person.
Another popular excursion is a sunset cruise, where you can relax on a traditional dhoni (Maldivian boat) and watch the breathtaking sunset over the Indian Ocean. Keep an eye out for dolphins, which are often spotted during these cruises. Fishing enthusiasts can also enjoy a fishing trip, either in the form of traditional handline fishing or big game fishing. Your chances of catching impressive specimens are good in these warm waters.
Explore the local culture by visiting a nearby inhabited island. Some resorts organize trips to islands where you can see how Maldivians live, visit local craft shops, or sample traditional cuisine. This is a great way to get a glimpse into the authentic Maldivian way of life. Remember to dress respectfully when visiting local islands, covering your shoulders and knees.
Spa and Wellness: Rejuvenation at the Chavana Spa
Indulge in some pampering and relaxation at the Chavana Spa at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa. This tranquil sanctuary offers a range of rejuvenating treatments designed to soothe your mind, body, and soul. Choose from a variety of massages, facials, body wraps, and other therapies that incorporate traditional Balinese techniques and natural ingredients. Let the skilled therapists melt away your stress and leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
The spa often features facilities such as sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi, allowing you to further enhance your relaxation experience. Consider booking a couples massage for a romantic treat or try a traditional Maldivian massage using local herbs and oils. Spa treatments can range from $80 to $200 or more, depending on the treatment and duration. Check the spa menu upon arrival for a complete list of services and prices.
Activities & Entertainment: Beyond the Beach
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa offers a wide array of activities and entertainment to ensure that your stay is both relaxing and fun. Beyond the obvious water sports like snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, and paddleboarding, look into the less frequently advertised offerings. Many resorts offer yoga classes, beach volleyball, cooking demonstrations, and live music performances. A fully equipped gym is also usually available to those that want to maintain their fitness while traveling.
Evenings at the resort are often filled with live music, cultural performances, or themed parties. Relax on the beach with a cocktail, dance the night away, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the Maldivian night sky. Consider learning a few basic Dhivehi (the local language) phrases to surprise and delight the locals you meet.
Planning Your Trip: Tips for a Smooth Vacation
To ensure a smooth and stress-free vacation to Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa, here are a few helpful tips:
- Book in advance: Especially during peak season (November to April), it’s essential to book your flights and accommodation well in advance to secure the best deals and availability.
- Pack appropriately: Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Check visa requirements: Most nationalities receive a free 30-day visa upon arrival in the Maldives. However, it’s always best to check the latest visa requirements for your country before you travel.
- Currency: The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are also accepted at most resorts and restaurants.
- Respect local customs: The Maldives is a Muslim country, so it’s important to dress respectfully when visiting local islands, covering your shoulders and knees. Alcohol is generally not available outside of resorts.
- Stay connected: Wi-Fi is typically available at the resort, but you may want to consider purchasing a local SIM card for mobile data if you plan on exploring other islands.
- Be mindful of the environment: Help protect the fragile Maldivian ecosystem by avoiding single-use plastics, respecting marine life, and disposing of your trash properly.
Seasonal Considerations: When to Visit Hakuraa Huraa
The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this period, you can expect sunny skies, calm seas, and lower humidity. This is, however, peak season, so expect higher prices. May to October constitutes the wet season, where there is the possibility of more rain and higher humidity. This is the off-season, meaning lower prices, but also a risk of storms.
The temperature hovers between 80°F (27°C) to 90°F (32°C) year round, water temperatures remain in the balmy 80s. Consider your priorities, balance better weather with premium prices, or conversely, rain is offset by cost savings.
Consider the southwest monsoon (May-Oct) for surfers, as this season brings the most consistent swell. Divers who dream of spotting manta rays might coordinate a trip with manta season.
Budgeting for Your Hakuraa Huraa Escape
The Maldives is often considered a luxury destination, but with careful planning, you can experience its beauty without breaking the bank. It’s helpful to establish a budget to follow.
The biggest expense will likely be flights and accommodation. All-inclusive packages can help you manage costs by bundling accommodation, meals, drinks, and some activities. Look out for special offers and early-bird discounts.
Here’s a rough estimate of potential costs per person for a 7 night trip:
- Flights: $800-$2000 (depending on origin and time of year)
- Accommodation (all-inclusive): $3500-$7000 (depending on room type and season, roughly $500-$1000 per night)
- Seaplane Transfers: $400-$500 round trip
- Excursions: $100-$300
- Spa Treatments: $100-$300
- Souvenirs and Miscellaneous: $100-$200
This means a 7 day trip could cost between $5,000 to $10,000 per person. Costs could be significantly lower when looking for bargain tickets and room packages during the off-season.
Internet and Connectivity
Staying connected is important, even in paradise. Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa offers complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the resort, including guest rooms and public areas. The Wi-Fi speed is generally reliable for basic internet browsing, emailing, and social media. However, it may not be sufficient for streaming videos or video conferencing. If you require a faster or more reliable internet connection, you can purchase a premium Wi-Fi package for an additional fee.
Alternatively, you can purchase a local SIM card at Velana International Airport upon arrival. Dhiraagu and Ooredoo are the two main telecommunications providers in the Maldives. A local SIM card will give you access to mobile data and allow you to make local calls at a cheaper rate. This can be a convenient option if you plan on exploring other islands or need to stay connected while on the go.
Do note that some remote areas of the Maldives may have limited or no mobile coverage. Check with your mobile provider to confirm international roaming charges before you travel.
Local Customs and Etiquette
The Maldives is a Muslim country, and it’s important to be aware of local customs and etiquette to avoid causing offense. While resorts are generally more relaxed, it’s important to dress modestly when visiting local islands, covering your shoulders and knees. Swimwear should only be worn on the beach or around the pool. Public displays of affection should be avoided.
Alcohol is prohibited in public areas, including local islands. It’s only available at resorts and licensed establishments. Pork products are also generally not available outside of resorts. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. While resorts operate as usual, it’s respectful to be mindful of those who are fasting.
Tipping is not mandatory in the Maldives, but it’s always appreciated for good service. A service charge is often included in bills at restaurants and hotels. However, you can tip extra for exceptional service. When giving a tip, it’s customary to use your right hand.
Common Phrases
Learning a few basic phrases in Dhivehi, the local language, can enhance your interactions with the Maldivian people. Here are a few useful phrases:
- Hello: Assalaamu alaikum
- Thank you: Shukuriyaa
- Please: Adhes kuramun
- Yes: Aan
- No: Noon
- How much?: Kihaa vareh?
- Good morning: Suba` udhaas
- Good evening: Masaa`alaam
- How are you?: Kihineh?
FAQ Section
Q: What is the best time to visit Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa?
A: The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, for sunny skies and calm seas. However, prices are higher during this period.
Q: Is Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa all-inclusive?
A: Yes, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa is an all-inclusive resort, meaning meals, drinks, and some activities are typically included in the package. However, it is important to confirm with the resort what is covered, as premium alcohol brands may not be.
Q: How do I get to Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa from Malé Airport?
A: The resort arranges a seaplane transfer directly from Velana International Airport (MLE). The flight takes approximately 45 minutes.
Q: What activities are available at the resort?
A: Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa offers a range of activities, including diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, paddleboarding, spa treatments, island hopping tours, and sunset cruises.
Q: What should I pack for my trip to the Maldives?
A: Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
Q: Is Wi-Fi available at the resort?
A: Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort, including guest rooms and public areas.
Q: What currency is used in the Maldives?
A: The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but US dollars are widely accepted.
References
- Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Official Website
- Visit Maldives Official Tourism Website
- PADI – Professional Association of Diving Instructors
Ready to experience the magic of Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa? Don’t just dream about paradise, book your trip today and create memories that will last a lifetime! The turquoise waters and unparalleled luxury are calling. Your Maldivian adventure awaits!
