Niva Kurumba
The Maldives' original island resort, still setting the standard.
Rates from our booking partners
We may earn a commission from bookings made through this site, at no extra cost to you. We are not the property and bookings are completed on the partner's site.
An island resort on North
Kurumba Maldives opened in 1972 as the very first resort in the Maldives, and it sits on its own island in the North Malé Atoll, roughly ten minutes by luxury speedboat from Velana International Airport. That short transfer makes it one of the most accessible private-island stays in the country. The property now operates under the Niva group (rebranded as Niva Kurumba), with seven restaurants, four bars, the Kurumba Spa, a PADI 5-star dive centre that has been on-site since the resort opened, and a kids' club. Room rates start from around $230 per night, and an all-inclusive plan is available.
The honest verdict
A large, well-run beachfront resort with serious dining variety, a house reef you can reach directly, and enough on-island activity to fill a week without leaving.
Best for
- Families wanting a kids' club and pool villas
- Divers who want a PADI 5-star centre on their doorstep
- Couples prioritising dining choice and a private pool
- Travellers who want a private island without a long transfer
Maybe not ideal for
- Those seeking a very small, intimate property
- Travellers wanting an ultra-remote, hard-to-reach location
What a stay costs
Indicative room-only estimate from the lowest nightly rate — excludes airport transfers, taxes and seasonal price changes. Many Maldives properties also require a minimum stay. Check live rates for your dates.
A house reef since 1972
The house reef is accessible from the on-site Euro-Divers dive centre. Blacktip reef sharks, eagle rays, moray eels, and turtles are regular sightings, and more than 30 North Malé Atoll dive sites — including Banana Reef and Lankan Manta Point — are within an hour's boat ride.
Seven restaurants, four bars
Thila focuses on seafood; Hamakaze serves Japanese; Mahal covers Indian; Khing Thai is Thai; Al Qasr is Middle Eastern; and Vihamanaa handles the international buffet and breakfast. The Café does pastries and light meals. Bars include Athiri on the beach and Fez for shisha and cocktails.
Pool villas and beachfront rooms
Accommodation ranges from 74 m² Superior Rooms to the 306 m² Family Villa with a private pool. The Two Bedroom Kurumba Residence adds a private kitchenette. Most categories face the beach or garden, and several have their own plunge pools.
Kurumba Spa and wellness
The Kurumba Spa is the island's main wellness facility, alongside a fitness centre. Water sport facilities are on-site, and the activities programme includes tennis, canoeing, water skiing, and evening entertainment.
Families and the Majaa Kids Club
The Majaa Kids Club is the dedicated children's facility. Family rooms and the 306 m² Family Villa with a private pool are purpose-built for groups of four. Family is one of the highest-rated review topics, with 106 positive mentions out of 115 total.
Rooms & suites
Deluxe Bungalow
74 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Minibar
- Free Wifi
Deluxe Bungalow - Beach Front
74 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Minibar
- Free Wifi
Garden Pool Villa
124 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Private pool
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Minibar
Beach Villa
103 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Minibar
- Free Wifi
Two Bedroom Superior
sleeps 2 · Bedroom 1: 1 queen bed Bedroom 2: 1 queen bed
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Minibar
- Free Wifi
Deluxe Villa with Private Pool
160 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Private pool
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Minibar
Family Villa with Private Pool
306 m² · sleeps 4 · 1 king bed and 2 sofa beds
- Private pool
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Minibar
Two Bedroom Kurumba Residence
sleeps 4 · 2 queen beds
- Private kitchenette
- Private pool
- Bath
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
Standout features
Inside Niva Kurumba Maldives
Amenities at Niva Kurumba Maldives
Most popular facilities
- 2 swimming pools
- Airport shuttle
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- 7 restaurants
- Room service
- Beachfront
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
- Bath
- Shower
Bedroom
- Alarm clock
Outdoors
- Beachfront
- Sun deck
- Terrace
- Garden
Room amenities
- Fold-up bed
Activities
- Bingo
- Live music/Performance
- Movie nights
- Beach
- Tennis equipment
- Evening entertainment
- Kids' club
- Water sports facilities on site Additional charge
Getting there
Niva Kurumba Maldives sits on North in Kaafu Atoll, about 4 km from Velana International Airport (MLE) — roughly a 10-minute speedboat. The resort arranges transfers for guests on arrival.
Resort speedboat transfers typically run $100–250 per person round trip, booked through the resort. Confirm the fare when booking.
On the map
North, the hotel's island, belongs to Kaafu Atoll. Kaafu (North & South Malé Atoll) is the most accessible region, a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.
Maldives tours & activities
Excursions you can book for a Maldives stay — manta & whale-shark snorkelling, sandbank picnics, diving and sunset cruises. Availability varies by island; filter by your dates and location on GetYourGuide.
Across 1,902 Google reviews, Kurumba Maldives holds a 4.7/5 rating. Service draws the most comment: 326 of 365 mentions are positive. The property itself scores 247 positive out of 266. Dining (157/181), nature and the reef (156/171), and family experience (106/115) are all consistently praised. Location opinions are more mixed at 99 positive out of 145.
- Things to do4.4
- Restaurants2.2
- Airport access3
Share of positive mentions per theme, from Google reviews.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Kurumba Maldives from the airport?
The resort is reached by luxury speedboat from Velana International Airport, approximately ten minutes away in the North Malé Atoll. The airport shuttle service is included in the resort's arrangements.
Is the resort being rebranded?
Yes. Kurumba Maldives has rebranded to Niva Kurumba Maldives under the Niva group. The original website now redirects to nivakurumba.com. Booking.com and PADI both list the property under the new name.
What room types are available?
The resort has nine main categories ranging from the 74 m² Superior Room to the 306 m² Family Villa with Private Pool and the Two Bedroom Kurumba Residence with a private kitchenette. Several categories have private pools.
Is all-inclusive available?
Yes, an all-inclusive plan is available at Kurumba Maldives. A free breakfast plan is also on offer. The resort has seven restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines, and room service runs 24 hours.
What restaurants are on the island?
There are seven: Thila (seafood), Hamakaze (Japanese), Mahal (Indian), Khing Thai (Thai), Al Qasr (Middle Eastern), Vihamanaa (international buffet and breakfast), and a Café for pastries and light meals. Four bars include Athiri on the beach and Fez for shisha.
Is there a house reef, and can I snorkel from the beach?
Yes. The house reef is accessible via the Euro-Divers PADI 5-star centre, which has been on-site since 1972. Blacktip reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and moray eels are commonly seen. Over 30 dive sites are within an hour's boat ride.
Is Kurumba worth visiting?
The resort has a dedicated children's facility, the Majaa Kids Club, plus family rooms and the two-level Family Villa with a private pool sleeping four. Family is one of the highest-rated review topics, with 106 positive mentions out of 115.
What water sports and activities are available?
On-site facilities include diving, snorkelling, canoeing, water skiing, and watercraft rental (extra charge). There is also a tennis court, a fitness centre, a game room, evening entertainment, and live music.
What is the price range?
Rates start from around $230 per night for a Superior Room. Deluxe Bungalows begin at roughly $317, pool villas from around $466, and the Two Bedroom Kurumba Residence from approximately $1,977 per night.
What dining options exist for special diets?
The resort caters to a range of dietary requirements on request, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and kosher menus, as well as continental, Asian, American, and Italian options across its seven restaurants.
Is there a spa on the island?
Yes. The Kurumba Spa is the on-site wellness facility. The resort also has a fitness centre for guests who want to keep up a training routine during their stay.
How do I book, and what payment methods are accepted?
The resort can be booked through nivakurumba.com or via third-party platforms. On-site, the property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash. The 24-hour front desk handles check-in, baggage storage, and currency exchange.
Where is Kurumba?
Niva Kurumba Maldives is on North, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.
Hotels near Niva Kurumba
- Niu Inn · Lot 10585 · 2.6 km
- Reef Guest House · Malé · 2.6 km
- Beach Stay by Wahuj Maldives · Malé · 2.6 km
- Hotel Vacanza · Neighborhood 1 · 2.7 km
- Elite Beach Inn · Hulhumale · 2.8 km
- Naaboli Inn · Malé · 2.8 km
- Manta Beach & Spa · lot no : 10976 nirolhu magu · 2.8 km
- RIJ Hulhumalé · Nirolhumagu - 06 Lot No.10056 · 2.8 km