With unrivalled white-sand beaches and an amazing underwater world, even the most discerning travellers agree that the Maldives is crème de la crème when it comes to beach holidays. And the folks at COMO are enticing us with yet another prime property in the Maldives – Maalifushi by COMO.
The first luxury resort to open in the pristine Thaa Atoll (comprising 66 islands southwest of the archipelago), seclusion is key for this 65-room resort, which occupies an 8-hectare private island more than 100km away from the bustling Malé. With no island larger than 1 square kilometre, the ring-shaped atoll offers an expansive perspective of the wilderness that other hotels and resorts in the Maldives would struggle to provide.
With the interiors of the overwater villas and garden suites designed by the illustrious Koichiro Ikebuchi, expect loads of natural lighting with floor to ceiling windows and the use of thatched Kajan roofing (we love this touch of cultural authenticity).
Besides the lush tropical vegetation and exotic birdlife, nature lovers will fall in love with the marine world – diving, snorkeling, sailing and dolphin cruises are just part of the services provided by Maalifushi. The resort is also a great base for surfing aficionados to explore the variety of breaks in the area. If you’re just starting out, there’s surfing tuition available as well.
And you definitely can’t stay at a COMO property without hitting their signature spa, the COMO Shambhala Retreat, at least once! With eight overwater treatment rooms, a fitness studio, and yoga pavilion, feel totally renewed with their signature massages and bodywork treatments that utilize emotionally re-balancing holistic techniques.
Pssst, want the best of both worlds? The folks at COMO are offering special weeklong packages when you combine your stay with Cocoa Island by COMO (in the South Malé atoll)!
Get there: after touching down at Malé International Airport, it’s a 35-minute plane ride to Thimarafushi Airport and a speedboat transfer (25 minutes) to Maalifushi.
All Images: Maalifushi by COMO