Kurumba Maldives
Our ‘Deluxe Bungalow’ was directly opposite the beach, where we had our own personal sun loungers so we could enjoy being even closer to the water, soaking up the island vibes under the shade of a tree. We could choose from relaxing on our private patio right next to the white sand beach, or walk just a few steps to enjoy those barefoot beach vibes. Inside our room was a supremely comfortable kingsize bed, flat screen TV, more inviting seating areas and plenty of space. A highlight was definitely the indoor-outdoor bathroom with both an inside and outside shower, plus a double bath tub for a long hot soak. There were also useful items like beach sandals, a beach bag and reusable water bottles provided as a welcome gift. If we didn’t know better then it would have been easy to stay in our room, relaxing in the comfort, but the outside resort beckoned and we had island exploring to do. Let no one say we aren’t adventurous.
The island might be tiny but Kurumba is certainly not a place to get bored; there were a range of complimentary fitness activities on each day outlined in the activities programme, and complimentary snorkelling equipment so we could explore the house reef. Other excursions included the ‘Sunset and Dolphin Discovery Cruise’ and the chance to take a trip on Kurumba Maldives’ spaceship-looking glass bottom boat. Water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding were also included in our package. The resort is easy and pleasant to walk around and for plant lovers, the small but beautiful orchid garden made for an enjoyable stop en route to the main resort area.
So what were we doing when we weren’t off exploring the ocean, soaking up the chilled vibes on the beach or being amazed by the pretty flowers in the orchid garden? We were eating of course…
The Vegan Food
There are 3 meal plans available to guests staying at Kurumba Maldives, and our ‘Dine Around All-Inclusive’ package gave us the opportunity to dine around the globe during our stay, sitting down to meals inspired by Indian, Sri Lankan, Middle Eastern, Thai and European cuisines.
Thila is Karumba Maldives’ ocean front contemporary seafood restaurant, and where we dined on our first night on the island. As you might imagine, the menu was predominantly seafood, but there were 3 vegan options clearly marked on the menu. In addition to these, the chef was happy to make us an off-menu pasta dish on request which meant that we were able to dine at one of the resorts most scenic settings. The food was presented beautifully and tasted just as good. We loved the shaved macadamia nut Parmesan on the nettle and black garlic risotto, and we also enjoyed a delicious dessert topped with Kurumba’s gorgeous coconut sorbet.
Thila was also an excellent spot for breezy, chilled breakfasts where the chef was happy to veganise the menu to cater for us. He prepared tasty vegetable stacks layered with avocado, asparagus and grilled mushrooms on crisp vegetable fritters, and equally delicious loaded sweetcorn fritters that were packed with flavour. We also delved into sweet treats like vegan pancakes and vegan waffles with caramelised banana and berries, all enjoyed whilst drinking fresh orange juice and soya milk cappuccinos next to the ocean. Perfect.
Good breakfast choices were also found at the Vihamanaa international buffet restaurant. Southern Indian idli, sambar and peanut chutney, or coconut chia pudding topped with papaya and pumpkin seeds were both excellent. Whilst delicious Sri Lankan ‘pol roti’ coconut flatbreads, with spicy caramelised onion ‘seeni sambal’ and ‘lunumiris’ chilli chutney were prepared by the ever helpful chef team. We were also impressed (and very happy) to also find vegan butter, rice milk and soya milk on offer.
There are eight restaurants at Kurumba and all menus had vegetarian options and vegan options, in addition to these dishes the staff were more than happy to adapt dishes meaning there were plenty of choices for us. The menu at Khing Thai stuck closely to the stars of this world famous and well loved cuisine, bringing the classic flavours of Thai food to the Maldives. Fresh, sour salads and creamy red, green and Penang curries really hit the spot. At Mahal there was an Indian feast of carefully spiced, vegetable laden dishes. We loved the ‘tadka dahl’ which was vibrant with cumin, turmeric and chilli oil and the heavenly ‘bhindi masaladar’ made with spiced okra. At Al Qasar there were several delectable Middle Eastern vegan dishes and a mezze platter that both looked and tasted amazing. At Cafe, they had a Beyond Meat burger which was easily veganised by removing the mayo and coleslaw, making for a hearty vegan treat especially when loaded with our own choice of extra toppings. Very tempting.
The Vegan Essentials
At Kurumba Maldives, our villa had both feather and non-feather pillows to choose from, so a peaceful vegan sleep was guaranteed. The bathroom amenities were from French brand, L’Occitane in large dispensers, therefore avoiding the use of multiple single-use plastic bottles. The majority of their product range is free from animal derived ingredients, except for honey which is found in some but clearly labelled. The L’Occitane amenities at Kurumba Maldives did not contain honey, making them 100% free of animal derived ingredients. However, as a brand that is sold in mainland China, they must test their products on animals in line with Chinese law, this of course sadly makes their products not vegan.
The Vegan Food Quest Verdict
Check into Kurumba for a Maldivian island escape that is located only 10 minutes by luxury speedboat from the international airport. Being vegan is easy at Kurumba, and you’ll have no issues eating delicious vegan food in each of the restaurants on resort. Don’t forget to take the opportunity to enjoy one of the many excursions where you too might get to meet dolphins and turtles, some of the Maldives most famous inhabitants, in their own natural environment.
We were guests Kurumba Maldives but please rest assured that their generosity in hosting us didn’t influence our views
Kurumba Maldives
Vihamanaafushi
North Male Atoll 08340
Maldives
Cost From: £250 / $300 per night (July 2022)
Email: reservations@kurumba.com
Call: +960 6647393