Kudadoo Maldives Private Island

"This collection of 15 overwater villas is one of the most intimate properties in the country, designed by famed architect Yuji Yamasaki and inspired by traditional Japanese ryokans. Guests are pampered by the resort’s top-tier “Anything, Anytime, Anywhere” program, which is in the running for the country’s most luxurious all-inclusive option: upon arrival, you’ll rarely think about added costs, as almost everything is part of the package. 24/7 butler service, unscripted dining, unlimited spa treatments, and adventure-packed programming like parasailing, jet skiing, and private diving lessons are all part of the plan. What truly takes the resort to the next level is their commitment to sustainability, as it’s the first entirely solar-powered property in the Maldives." - Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd is a travel, wine and lifestyle writer.  Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

"Kudadoo is a fully solar-powered private island with 15 overwater residences designed with responsibly sourced wood with a minimalist Japanese aesthetic by Yuji Yamazaki. The resort is committed to sustainability, from helping to protect local green sea turtles and manta rays to using local and responsibly sourced produce and seafood. The resort is fully inclusive, and its guest service promise is an 'anything, anytime, anywhere' concept, achieved with the help of private butlers. Staff have been known to welcome guests by singing their favorite songs on arrival, arranging a special-occasion barbecue under the moon at 2 a.m., and setting up outdoor movies and photo sessions." - Annie Fitzsimmons

"This Yuji Yamazaki–designed property in the Maldives’s Lhaviyani Atoll is a next-generation, ultra-luxury experience like no other, underscored by a mind-blowing “Anything, Anytime, Anywhere” fixed price policy, where nothing is off-limits—nor costs extra—from floating breakfasts to top-shelf Champagne to private fitness training. The island’s 15 ryokan-inspired overwater residences epitomize contemporary Japanese ocean elegance, offering ample room to relax and play against the backdrop of the Maldives’ lazuline beauty (units start at 3,300 square feet.). At Kudadoo’s core lies The Retreat, an impressive open-air minimalist overwater pagoda crowned by 984 solar panels (that power the resort in its entirety) and housing the island’s bar, restaurant, spa, fitness facilities, and lounge areas. Thanks to the Anything, Anytime, Anywhere policy, your residence, The Retreat, and the surrounding nature become your muses for fulfilling the utmost island fantasies. Request to be marooned on nearby Dream Island for a luxury-draped Robinson Crusoe experience or ask for a private toes-in-the-sand beach lunch on Kudadoo itself. Snorkel with giant mantas alongside a marine biologist or try your hand at jet skiing, parasailing, or fishing. Pencil in plenty of time for spa treatments—they are unlimited after all—before or after you figure out how to manage an entire staff of butlers, cooks, personal trainers, yoga masters at your beck and call. Suffice to say, Kudadoo is the ultimate castaway narrative come to life—and the script is yours to write." - Paul Rubio

"When Kudadoo Maldives Private Island says all-inclusive, it really means it; the resort offers guests who book one of its 15 overwater villas unlimited spa treatments, water sports, diving excursions, and dining. There are, however, a few additional charges — notably, meals at the underwater restaurant, excursions on the private yacht, and private jet charters. But as long as you have the credit card limit for it, Kudadoo will make it happen, which is why the hotel's motto is 'anything, anytime, anywhere.'" - Travel + Leisure Editors

"Set the scene.A teeny-tiny island fringed with luminescent white sand, with a small forest of palms hung with hammocks. The villas are arranged in a glorious sweep around one side of the island, while the coconut-shaped main lodge is on the other, its eco-credentials writ large on its folded roof—984 solar panels in all. It feels like a desert-island house party—though if you choose it’s easy to go through a day without seeing another soul. What’s the story behind it?Swedish-born Lars Petre first came to the Maldives in 1985, when there were only about 15 laid-back hotels here. The Swede fell for not only the sunshine but also the possibilities, and since then he co-founded the country’s first sea-plane outfit and looks after nine other hotels. With Kudadoo, he wanted to take the idea of an island all-inclusive to another dimension. What can we expect in our room?Japanese architect Yuji Yamazaki (known in the U.S. for designing Armani stores) has created a tranquil place that feels part ryokan, part super-luxe pad. All 15 villas are enormous and arranged around an oval walkway, with wooden walls and floors, stone bathrooms and marble dressing rooms. Outside is a deck with a pool and day beds, connected by sliding doors to an open-plan living space. There are fresh fruits in the fridge, a table piled with books, and vases filled with jungly leaves and flowers. Everything is precisely where it’s needed, from hooks by the showers to chargers by the bed. And, smartly, the shower door opens out onto the deck, so you can swim, shower, then slip into your room. How about the food and drink?Chefs have time to make what everyone wants, when they want it—whether that’s ginger and mango smoothies with chia granola at breakfast, stone-baked pizza and avocado salad at lunch, or teppanyaki, sushi and Maldivian curry at night, served on the deck beneath a skein of stars. The head chef, Antoine Lievaux, has worked with Joël Robuchon and Alain Ducasse, and his seasonal menus dip into recipes from around the globe. And guests can dine where they like—in swimsuits, nibbling sushi by the sea, if they prefer. Anything to say about the service?Most of the staff are Maldivian, which isn’t the norm, and they’re very proud of what they've built. The butlers seem particularly caring and are the point of contact for everything, from laundry to fun things like swimming with manta rays, blue-light snorkeling, and kitesurfing—so get to know exactly how you like things. Who comes here?People who want to take their energy levels down a notch—hanging out in a hammock or in the Himalayan salt room, trying new wines and cheeses, performing downward dogs on the sand. Floaty kaftans, swimsuits, and flip-flops are the island uniform. The size of the island makes it great for a party or multi-generational take-over. How does it compare to other places in the region?It’s part of the Lhaviyani Atoll in the northern spread of the Maldives. Those who aren’t taking over the whole place and enjoy more of a scene can flit over in the island’s speedboat to neighboring Hurawalhi, with its buzzy bar, big gym, and underwater restaurant. Anything else we should know?Although every room has its own private pool, the main swimming pool is where most people hang out—on loungers, a cocktail in hand, and with a view of pale blue seas stretching to the horizon. And those cocktails are very well made, shaken or stirred. Is it worth it—why?The food is exceptional, and there are white beaches to lie on and bubble-like suites to escape into. This is a hugely enjoyable, totally private island escape." - Lisa Grainger