It’s always a bit of a thrill to climb on board a small plane; an expectation and excitement that you don’t get these days climbing onto a large modern jet aircraft. And when it’s a seaplane and your destination is a beautiful tropical island then that thrill is magnified – in fact, the 40 minute or so journey to Kuredu may well be one of those special experiences that will forever remain in your memories – the sight of the gleaming coral atolls, strung out like pearls, in aqua blue waters is a truly awesome sight before circling the as you drink in the superb views before splashing down in front of the gorgeous palm fringed beach.

Although large by Maldivian standards, Kuredu is still little more than a palm-covered sandbank with a (large) number of beach bungalows and villas nestled discreetly in amongst the palms. On the other side of the island some newer water villas stand spectacularly above the lagoon on stilts. One or two larger buildings, all very natural looking with thatched roofs, turn out to be the hotel reception and various bars and restaurants.

In fact Kuredu in some ways is almost like having 4 “resorts” on 1 island – there are different sections named the Bonthi, Koamas, “O resort” and Sangu resorts. Rather like another large Maldivian resort, Meeru, guests in each section have their own restaurant where they eat most of their meals. Many guests chose to go All Inclusive to escape any unexpected shocks when it comes to check-out time – which given the notoriously high alcohol prices in the Maldives is a very real danger. In the latter 3 sections, you have the option of booking at any of the other main restaurants – the guests though at the cheapest section, Bonthi, can only eat there. Then there are 4 a la carte restaurants, ranging from Italian (Fianco’s) to Asian (The Far East)

The north side of the island is much quieter and would probably be more suitable for those travelling to The Maldives who wish to get away from it all and are looking for a romantic break (especially in the Sangu water villas and “O” resort villas where no kids under 12 are allowed) But be aware that the beach is not as extensive and it is generally more rocky/corally if you wish to enjoy the sea. But if you’re a family, are inclined to be active (swimming in the pool, snorkelling, walking, table tennis, beach games) and looking to socialise (by the pool, at the pool bar) then the south of the island is probably for you. By the way, the island is pretty unique for having a 6 hole golf course, driving range and putting area.

There is top-class snorkelling right off the beach – turtles, stingrays and reef shark are regularly seen within 30-40 metres of the waterline – and the house reef is 150 metres offshore where you will see anything you want to see! The whole island is covered in immaculate talcum-soft white sand - not just the beaches but all of the various paths and walkways, even the hotel reception and restaurant areas (with the exception of the O restaurant/bar) and no one is expected to wear shoes - cool linen clothing and bare feet are the order of the day!

A massive sand bank extends a few hundred metres west of the island – if the tide is low this sand bank is a great place to catch the spectacular golden sunsets. It's also an amazing place to visit at night and perhaps, if you’re lucky, experience the extraordinarily lovely phenomenon of ocean phosphorescence.