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The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives
Imagine stepping off a seaplane onto pristine white sand, turquoise waters lapping at your feet, and palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze. Welcome to The Standard, Maldives, your gateway to island bliss. This contemporary and chic yet laid-back resort redefines the Maldivian experience, blending barefoot luxury with a unique and playful touch.
Why did we choose this hotel
Having visited the Maldivian paradise five times before, our family (two adults and our 11-year-old daughter) had high expectations for our Easter 2023 getaway. Crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand were a given, but this time we craved something more. We envisioned a luxurious haven that balanced laid-back vibes with chic, modern design, yet warm and inviting and embracing the Maldivian charm. A medium-sized resort, of perfect shape and unmarred by seawalls, unlike some other Maldivian islands facing erosion concerns. Water villa living and exceptional snorkelling were non-negotiable. Weeks of research, hundreds of reviews and countless photos later, we stumbled upon The Standard Maldives, a captivatingly recent and modern resort. Let me tell you, it was a brilliant choice.
The location
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives is located in the Raa Atoll, which is known for its pristine reefs, beautiful beaches, and diverse marine life. The resort is situated on a private island called Huruvalhi, which is about 147 kilometers (91 miles) north of Male, the capital of the Maldives. The Standard can be reached by a 40-minute scenic seaplane flight or by a domestic flight combined with a speedboat. Despite the hefty price tag of $600 per adult, we opted for the seaplane flight, and it was an unforgettable experience – truly worth it.
Arrival and Lobby
Exhausted from our long night flight from Europe, with a 3-hour stopover in Doha, our Qatar Airways plane finally touched down in Malé just past 8 am. Clearing passport control and collecting our luggage was a breeze, and we emerged into the open-air arrival hall – a unique Maldivian experience where resort counters replace grand terminals. A friendly resort representative whisked our luggage away for the seaplane transfer and escorted us to the shuttle for the short 5-minute ride to the seaplane terminal. At the seaplane terminal, another representative welcomed us and informed us of our imminent departure in just 15 minutes. While we missed the chance to explore the resort’s private lounge, the quick connection was a welcome surprise. Soon, we were soaring above the turquoise waters, the tiny islands scattered below like diamonds in the sea. After a 40-minute flight, we landed on a platform near The Standard, where a short speedboat ride brought us to the resort itself. Smiling staff greeted us with a warm Maldivian welcome and escorted us to reception. The entire process, from landing in Malé to reaching our room, was surprisingly smooth and efficient. Although the check-in process itself was a little slower than we’d prefer, the staff remained friendly and accommodating. Despite the official check-in time being 2 pm, we were delighted to receive our room early. By noon, we were whisked away on a golf buggy to our new home for the next 12 nights – a haven of relaxation and adventure awaited.
Our room
Our lagoon water villa No. 72, surrounded by other water villas, felt like a private haven within paradise. Boasting a generous 110 square meters, it unfolded into a symphony of comfort and style.Â
The main room, dominated by a king-size bed that promised cloud-like slumber (and pillows to match!), was an invitation to melt into relaxation. While our daughter’s extra bed didn’t quite match our bed, it wasn’t far behind, ensuring restful nights for all. And for lazy afternoons, a plush sofa became our reading nook, offering the perfect spot to lose ourselves in good books and breathtaking views. Storage woes vanished thanks to the ample wardrobes, while a playful touch awaited above the bed: a fun kit provided by the resort. Funky white snorkeling gear (eventhough we use our own), a pink inflatable ring, a dry bag, and a stylish straw bag – it was a delightful surprise that perfectly captured The Standard’s quirky personality.
But the true magic unveiled itself outside. From our private sundeck, a ladder led us directly into the crystal-clear lagoon, its turquoise embrace an irresistible invitation. As the sun moved on the sky, the panorama around us transformed into a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of blues. Rays, unicorn fish, and even small sharks glided past, captivating our attention. And then there was – just in front of our sundeck –Â the “baby island,” a tiny, uninhabited gem beckoning us on daily paddleboard adventures.
There are 115 villas that come in various configurations, including overwater villas and beachfront villas, offering different views and experiences. Each villa features a private lounge deck and plunge pool for a luxurious and relaxing stay. The water villas are facing either the lagoon or the ocean. We opted for the latter, and it was a lucky choice! Unlike the beach villas, our lagoon water villa offered a mosquito-free haven. We didn’t have to worry about pesky bites interrupting our relaxation, allowing us to truly soak in the Maldivian serenity. Compared to the ocean water villas, ours held unique advantages. The absence of coral beneath our sundeck meant we could dive directly into the crystal-clear waters without fear of injury. Additionally, our lagoon location avoided the low sunset sun that sometimes bothered guests in the ocean villass. And best of all? At high tide, the sundeck became our personal launching pad, offering exhilarating jumps into the turquoise embrace below.
The only flaw in this otherwise flawless room? A lack of drying rack. We had to resort to the classic “chair back” method!.
Restaurants and Bars
The Standard Maldives has 4 restaurants: Joos café: offers fresh juices, smoothies, and light bites, BBQ shak: serves up grilled favorites with an island twist, Kula: focuses on international casual dining with a vibrant atmosphere, Guduguda: delights guests with authentic Maldivian cuisine, Beru bar: Offers cocktails, mocktails, and light snacks with stunning sunset views.
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Foodies at heart, we opted for the breakfast-only plan to embark on a delicious adventure around the island! The all-day dining Kula served our daily breakfasts. While not the most extensive buffet, it offered a decent selection with stunning outdoor seating overlooking the lagoon. Friendly and efficient service made mornings pleasant. First night we had a dinner in Kula, the food fell short of exceptional, choices were limited and flavours average.
Seeking a change, on second night we ventured to Guduguda for a beautiful setting and unique Maldivian cuisine. The food fell short of expectations. Unfortunately, a repeat visit to Kula on third night confirmed our initial impression. While we didn’t explore BBQ Shak, Joos Cafe provided a surprisingly delicious light lunch option. The resort’s 18+ policy at Beru bar prevented us from enjoying sunset drinks as a family.
In conclusion, the food was the only thing that was standard in The Standard. But that being said, even as devoted foodies, we’d gladly trade any meal for another day in this paradise.
The beach
The beach here is simply perfect. The powdery white sand, so soft it squishes melts between your toes, was the first thing that captured our hearts at this resort. Stepping onto the beach felt like stepping onto a postcard, the turquoise waters beckoning with their gentle shallows. And what a joy it was to walk around the island in just 20 minutes! The feeling of being on a deserted island was amplified by the beach bungalows hidden amidst lush greenery, offering a sense of privacy and seclusion.
But the magic didn’t stop there. Our daily walks along the beach became a delightful ritual. Tiny hermit crabs, carrying their homes with them, scurried across the sand, adding a touch of whimsy to our stroll. And beneath the surface, the occasional glimpse of a small shark, ray, or other fish would spark our curiosity and wonder. Nature’s aquarium, right at our doorstep!
As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in vibrant hues, we’d end our walk by the pool, cocktail (mocktail for our daughter) in hand. The perfect ending to a perfect day, surrounded by the island’s beauty and the gentle rhythm of the waves.
Amenities and Activities
There are many amenities and activities offfered: infinity pool, the Standard Spa, kids’ club, water sports center (paddleboards, kayaks, glass-bottom kayak), tennis court, fitness Center, oganized excursions (variety of options), resort bikes.Â
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While the infinity pool offered stunning vistas, we found ourselves gravitating towards the luxurious privacy of our own water villa pool. However, the infinity pool held a special allure for us during golden hour. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, we’d settle in with a drink in hand, mesmerized by the breathtaking sunsets. It was a nightly ritual that became an unforgettable highlight of our stay.Â
The resort does boast a well-equipped gym and modern tennis courts. But the real question is: who goes to the gym and plays tennis in the Maldives? Not us! While we didn’t indulge in the spa treatments, we couldn’t resist peeking into the stunning haven. The tranquil ambiance and luxurious design promised a complete rejuvenation experience. We opted out of the organized excursions, having experienced similar adventures elsewhere. However, for those seeking unique island explorations, the options seemed promising.
Water Sports & Dive Center Carpe Diem: this was, without a doubt, the crown jewel of our stay. The service and selection were phenomenal, exceeding all expectations. Our daily dose of adventure came in the form of paddleboarding around the island and to the “baby island,” an experience etched in our memories. Kayaking and even a glass-bottom kayak ride (though not quite living up to our expectations) added to the aquatic fun. Big kudos to the amazing team for making this such a standout feature!
The resort offers multiple ways to move around the island. Feeling adventurous? Hop on a bike and whizz along scenic paths and water villa piers – remember, it’s “see one, grab one” as bikes are limited!). Want a relaxing ride? Call reception for a golf cart pick-up (though wait times can vary). One thing’s missing: kids’ and junior bikes! Unfortunatelly our daughter missed out this fun.
House reef and Snorkeling
As avid snorkelers, we found the house reef at The Standard offered a decent variety of fish. However, compared to other Maldivian experiences (like Veligandu), the access was tide-dependent, some corals were damaged, and the drop-off felt far away. Interestingly, we also noticed fewer fellow snorkelers, which, while allowing for a serene underwater experience, sometimes made it feel less comforting. While snorkeling was fantastic around the entire island, our personal favorite spot was in front of the ocean water villas. You can conveniently enter the water from Beru bar and snorkel all the way to the spa, or vice versa, encountering diverse marine life along the way. Another great spot is near Baby Island, where a sunken boat and a resort bike have become a vibrant underwater playground for hundreds of fish.
Our highlights
The room: our beautiful water villa wasn’t just a room, it was a portal to paradise. Stepping out onto the deck and plunging into our private pool felt like stepping into a postcard.
Baby island: visiting Baby island our daily ritual. This tiny gem offered pristine shores, crystal-clear waters, and a sense of adventure unlike any other.
Paddleboards: every day, we glided across the turquoise playground, exploring the island’s perimeter, seeing playful dolphins, rays, turtle, sharks and reaching the baby island.
The beach: the powdery-soft sand and crystal-clear waters of the beach were an endless source of delight. We spent our days soaking up the sun, swimming in the turquoise paradise.
Walks: strolling along the island’s pristine shores, we were greeted by lush greenery, powdery sand, and breathtaking views at every turn. Each corner seemed designed for picture-perfect moments.
Views: no matter where we were, the views were simply mesmerizing. The turquoise waters, swaying palms, and endless horizon painted a picture of pure paradise.
Water swing just off the resort Spa – picture this: sun-kissed skin, gentle sway, and the ocean’s caress – the swing’s embrace, a beauty beyond compare. Snag a solo pic or gather your crew, this island gem shines for all to see!
Bike rides around the island: island breezes, salty air, free rides – bikes await, hop on and enjoy!
Who is this resort for
Craving luxury that’s more “island cool” than stuffy formality? The Standard Maldives is your haven. This modern, funky resort will satisfy families, couples, and solo travelers alike. This recent resort boasts modern design with a funky edge, perfectly complementing the naturally beautiful island and its pristine white beach. Not too big, not too small, it offers luxury that breathes easy, perfect for those who appreciate something different. Here you will create unforgettable memories, like we did.
A few tips from our trip
Sun Safety First: pack reef-safe sunscreen and a snorkeling t-shirt. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later! The Maldivian sun is intense, and those Instagram-worthy underwater explorations can leave you looking like a lobster without proper protection.
Water Slide Surprise: while some online photos might show an inflatable water slide or fun park in the lagoon, these weren’t available during our stay. It’s always best to double-check with the resort directly for the latest information on amenities.
Mosquito-Free Bliss: if you’re prone to bites, consider opting for a water villa. Unlike their beach counterparts, these havens seem to be immune to the local mosquito population, offering a bite-free sanctuary.
Luggage Limits: pack light! The seaplane has a strict 20 kg luggage limit (plus 5 kg for hand luggage) per person per flight. Exceeding this means paying $5 per extra kilo, so be mindful and pack efficiently. Therefore think twice before you pack that fourth bottle of sunscreen just because it smells like “tropical paradise” 🙂
Adults-Only Zone: Beeru bar is unfortunatelly (for those with kids) adults-only.
And don´t forget: observe the mesmerizing nature and marine life, but resist the urge to touch. These wonders thrive on minimal interaction. Remember, only take pictures, only leave footprints.
Overall impressions
Stepping onto this island felt like stepping into a dream. Modern design met Maldivian charm, with pristine beaches and turquoise waters stealing the show. Impeccable service and stylish, comfortable accommodations made us feel truly pampered. While the food could use a touch of refinement, it didn’t overshadow the overall experience.
The crowd of fellow travelers was diverse – mainly English, Indian, Korean, and Chinese guests mingled, creating a vibrant yet elegant atmosphere. Even families with kids maintained a respectful vibe.
Our rating in numbers
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Pictures from our trip
Videos from our trip
Quick facts
When did we go? Easter 2023 (April).
Please note that the information in our travel blog reflects our experience at the time of our visit. Ownership, staff, and amenities may have changed since then. Also please keep in mind that all rights to the story, photos, and videos are reserved.