COMO Maalifushi – Maldives
For a luxury castaway holiday, a week spent at COMO Maalifushi, takes some beating. From the moment you step onto the sea plane, flying low over islands and atolls and azure waters as far as the eye can see, you experience some of the very best the Indian Ocean offers. Low-key and understated, the resort is sophisticatedly stylish. The island is surrounded by coral, teeming with aquatic life, mature rainforest at its heart, and fringed with dazzling powdery white sand.
The house reef is reached by a long jetty, and the waters around the island are some of the best in the ocean for diving with whale sharks. Wonderfully attentive and friendly staff look after your every need, so you just need to concentrate on some serious tropical relaxation. This is pure laid back, barefoot luxury.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its beautiful house reef, stylish beach & overwater suites.Style:
Tropical minimalism.Location:
In the remote Thaa Atoll in the south of the Maldives archipelago.Rooms:
65 beach suites & stunning overwater villas.Swimming:
A free-form pool, private plunge pools & the Indian Ocean.Children:
The place to make family memories. There is a complementary Kids club available.Accessibility:
The resort is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.Open From:
All year round.rooms
Discrete beach chic best describes the accommodation at COMO Maalifushi. Thatched roofs with high vaulted ceilings; zen-like interiors with clean lines and simple furnishings in off-white and neutral colours, with wide French doors bringing the outside in. Choose between secluded beach suites and villas with a pool or over water villas with steps into the Indian Ocean, with fabulous options for both couples and families. All the suites and villas have the services of a shared butler.
food
With the focus very much on local produce, the cuisine is mouthwatering. There’s all day dining at Madi, the beachside restaurant. With different themes throughout the week, from the flavours of the ocean to Thai or Indonesian and a seafood barbecue each Friday night, where you’ll eat under the stars. The wonderfully family friendly Thila, has a laid back atmosphere, serving food from the Madi kitchens. Mocktails and cocktails are served at the open air bar, and it’s a great stop off from the pool or the beach. The over water Tai showcases delicious Japanese food and is the perfect place for a sundowner.
activities
The Thaa Atoll and surrounding reefs offer some of the ocean’s finest dive spots. COMO Maalifushi has its own PADI centre, teaching beginners through to those needing refresher courses. The resort’s resident marine biologist can accompany you on a dive, explaining the surrounding flora and fauna. If you prefer to snorkel, the house reef has a wonderful array of marine life. Guests can head out into the ocean to game fish, on the resort’s speed boat, or for a more luxurious option, on their sixty eight ft yacht.
Why not try the traditional Maldivian reef bottom fishing, with your catch cooked for you by one of the resort chefs? The wonders of the ocean can be experienced on a night snorkel with whale sharks, or a boat ride to an outer reef in search of turtles. The waters are also the perfect place to spot pods of dolphins. Beyond the reef, you’ll find excellent surf opportunities and the surf team will take you to the finest breaks. They’re also on hand for any tuition you may need. There’s also wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking and hobie cat sailing. And then end the day with a sunset dhoni cruise. The serene and very calm Shambala Spa specialises in holistic wellness treatments, using ancient practices – you’ll definitely need to book a massage in one of the open air, over water treatment rooms. And each morning, there are complimentary yoga classes – a mindful way to start the day.
family
The resort is very family friendly – and those who stay here love the sense of freedom. There’s a complimentary kid’s club for children aged four to twelve (any child younger needs to be accompanied by an adult). Open daily from nine am to six pm, there’s a schedule of activities from nature explorations to pirate ship building, from crab racing to treasure hunts. The restaurants all have children’s menus and babysitting is available. The family castaway picnic will be the highlight of your stay.
sustainability
COMO Maalifushi recognises itself as a custodian of the ocean surrounding it. From sourcing local produce to partnering with charities and educational institutions and training and developing local staff to achieve a lasting and positive impact on the community. Guests are encouraged to sponsor and install coral frames, tracking their progress long after their stay.
Location
That Atoll, Maldives
In the remote Thaa Atoll in the south of the Maldives archipelago – an hour’s seaplane flight from Malé.
