Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives

This was our second visit, and somehow it managed to be even more magical than the first. From the moment we arrived, we felt like we were coming home—thanks to the incredible staff who truly make this place unforgettable. Shafiq at the bar deserves a special mention—his cocktails were exceptional and always made with flair and a genuine smile. He remembered our favourites and made each evening feel like a special occasion. At the Reef Restaurant, Vivek looked after us like family. His attention to detail, warmth, and professionalism elevated every meal. Our room was spotless every single day thanks to Habib, whose care and pride in his work shone through. We always returned to a perfectly cleaned, calm space. For our children, the true stars were Yumi and Nabba at the Kids Club. Their kindness, patience, and creativity gave us peace of mind and gave our children an experience to remember. There were so many other little touches—from the live singer who added a beautiful atmosphere in the evenings, to the other staff who always made time to interact with the children and create joyful moments. This place isn’t just a resort—it’s an experience built around people who genuinely care. We’ve already started talking about visit number three. Thank you all for another unforgettable stay. Read less

We traveled as a group of seven – six adults and one child (with no extra charge for the child). We stayed for 4 days and 3 nights in three overwater villas (rooms 50, 51, and 52). 🏝 Accommodation The villas were extremely comfortable, with perfectly cool air-conditioning and soft, cozy beds – 10 out of 10 for the sleep quality, in-room amenities, and complimentary minibar. The biggest highlight was that we could jump straight into the sea and snorkel right from our villa deck. The coral reefs and marine life were incredibly rich – as abundant as the Surin Islands in Southern Thailand – but here they were right at our doorstep. It was an experience we will never forget! 🛫 High Safety Standards We felt very safe throughout our trip. The seaplane we took on both the arrival and departure was very new, with four highly experienced crew members on board who were welcoming and professional. As for the accommodation itself, the villas were sturdy, well-built, and maintained with high safety standards, giving us complete peace of mind during our stay. 🏝️ Beautiful Natural Island The island itself is not too small and not too large, but it’s filled with interesting spots and countless beautiful photo opportunities. Guests can easily walk around the entire island by themselves, and there are around four to five restaurants and bars available throughout. What makes it even more special is that this is not a man-made island created by filling sand, but a naturally formed island, which is why the coral reefs here are so healthy and abundant. 🍽️ Food & Dining We can’t talk about this trip without mentioning the food, because it was truly one of the highlights. There was such a wide variety of dining options available. One of the most impressive experiences was the teppanyaki show at night, which was both entertaining and delicious. The Thai restaurant, Suan Bua, also had its own unique character and served authentic, flavorful dishes. If you choose the all-inclusive package, you can literally eat and drink all day until you’re completely full – trust me on this! 💆‍♀️ Spa The spa was another highlight of our stay. The therapists were highly skilled, using various techniques and tools to relieve muscle tension. The atmosphere was warm, relaxing, and filled with a natural herbal aroma. As you step inside, you’re greeted by a stunning large banyan tree with its graceful branches creating a serene environment. Each guest is treated in a private treatment room, ensuring maximum privacy and complete relaxation. Truly an experience that left us feeling totally refreshed. 🚤 Don’t Miss the Submarine Package! Make sure to choose the submarine tour package — it’s truly an experience that exceeds all expectations. Missing out on this would definitely be a regret! We had the chance to go on the hotel’s small submarine tour, which was an exciting and unique experience. Everyone sat together in a small cabin under the boat, and the staff took us on a ride around the island. Through the clear glass windows, we saw beautiful coral reefs, turtles, and even many reef sharks. It goes without saying that the kids were absolutely thrilled! ✈️ Other Memorable Experiences There were so many other experiences we enjoyed that words alone can’t fully capture – from taking the seaplane with its breathtaking views, snorkeling to find manta rays and whale sharks, to spending relaxing afternoons playing ping pong and snooker at the hotel. 🦞 Lobster Dinner at The Club We had dinner at The Club, enjoying their luxurious 5-course lobster dinner. The presentation was spectacular, the courses were refined and delicious, and the atmosphere was incredibly romantic. What made it even more special was the staff member who took care of us throughout the dinner, acting almost like our personal DJ by playing our favorite songs during the meal. It truly made the evening an unforgettable memory. ✅ Overall This was a truly unforgettable and worthwhile trip. The stunning sea view just steps away, comfortable villas, amazing food, luxurious spa, exciting activities, and warm service made this holiday perfect in every way. 🙏 Thank you to Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa for making our stay so special. We can’t wait to come back again. Read less

Horrifying Privacy Breach – Completely Ruined Our Honeymoon I came here to Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Centara with my wife to celebrate our honeymoon — and just 30 minutes after checking in, our privacy was shattered in the most disgusting way possible. My wife was in the shower, I was changing clothes in the room — and despite the door being locked and the chain secured from the inside, a housekeeping staff member unlocked and entered our room. He walked straight into the bathroom without warning, while my wife was showering. Yes, read that again. He walked in — while my wife was in the shower. When I called reception in shock, they casually told me this was their “turndown service” time. Apparently, staff will knock a few times and then just walk in if no one responds. How is this even acceptable in any hotel, let alone one that calls itself a 4- or 5-star resort? No one told us this during check-in. No one pointed out where the Do Not Disturb tag is. And even if it were turn-down time, how can any staff override a locked door and chain? To make it worse: • The welcome note had my wife’s name wrong — so much for guest care. • No honeymoon setup, no decor, no attention to detail. • And now, we’re staying here scared and violated, in a place where we don’t even feel safe in our own room. This is the worst hotel experience of my life. If you value your safety, your privacy, your dignity, DO NOT STAY HERE. I would never recommend this place to anyone — especially couples or women. Shame on the management for this level of negligence. Read less

Where to start? Since 2013, I’ve been coming back to this beautiful island again and again – and you may wonder why. Technically, it’s similar to many other Maldives resorts: turquoise water, white sand, coral reefs... but something truly sets it apart – the people working here. Nalin and Yuva from management have always been incredibly helpful and patient (I haven't met the new GM yet, but I’m sure he’ll fit right in). Chef Senthil delights us with fantastic food – although we do miss “the other Senthil”, who used to take care of guest relations and the restaurants. Huthu makes every evening special – whether it's karaoke or a private beach cinema. The Italian restaurant has improved a lot recently – was it Giuseppe? Great work! It’s always a pleasure to see Irfan, the kind lady from the Thai restaurant, our yoga master, Pat from reception, and Richard in the Club. And of course, Alex and the friendly Chinese dive instructor (sorry, I forgot the name!) – always great underwater experiences. Let’s not forget the amazing ladies from the SPA – wonderful massages – and the friendly team at the Reef Bar and elsewhere. Hopefully, I haven’t forgotten too many names – each and every one contributes to making this place so special. Being on this island is always a pleasure. And yes – the house reef is spectacular: we’ve often seen turtles, eagle rays, even an octopus – and night dives to the wreck are simply unforgettable. Friends of ours, with whom we often travel, have also been here 12 times – that says it all, doesn’t it? We're already looking forward to our next stay – in 2026, we’ll be a group of 6–10 people. Can’t wait to be back! Read less

Just returned from the most amazing ten nights of my life. This is the third time to the Maldives and we think we’ve finally found the most perfect hotel. We stayed in number 86, 87 and 88 the sunset water villas and wow! Words can’t describe how beautiful the view and room was, the only negative I could say was no air conditioning in the bathroom, but you can forget that little detail when you have the most stunning view from every angle. Our housekeeper came and went and I never got to meet them but they kept the room spotless visiting a few times every day. The snorkelling was the main reason we were attracted to this hotel and it certainly didn’t disappoint, we saw everything from eagle rays, so many sharks, the most beautiful fish and turtles, if snorkelling is your thing then visit this island. The water sports team were so helpful and friendly they kitted us out on the first day with all our snorkelling equipment which we kept for our stay. We did the whale shark trip but unfortunately no whale, but we saw dolphins which was lovely, I think a faster boat would of been appreciated as it was a long boat ride there and back and as it was slightly choppy so a few of us felt very sea sick. We had one afternoon of wet weather due to a at storm so we made a trip to the spa and had a fantastic massage. A big thank you to all the staff including the management team that kept checking in to see if there was anything they could do to make our stay better. I didn’t get the chance to make a note of everyone’s name so sorry but all of-the staff were always smiling and looked happy to be there which was nice. The buffet staff that worked endlessly to look after us, always with such enthusiasm, Desmond, Sherry, May, June, Kal and Riyadh. Shafio, Rosina and Rox at the Coral Bar. Anil and the team at the Aqua bar who made the most amazing cocktails (a bit too good). All the staff at the Thai who served us the most fantastic authentic Thai dishes every time we visited. The staff at the Italian, especially Sunny who was so attentive, and yet again the food there was incredible, and the setting for both dinner and lunch was out of this world. We played volley ball a few times and did the most incredible sunset and sunrise yoga which Rishi (I think that’s correct) he is a great instructor , we were so very pleased we got up early for the sunrise yoga it is a memory we will never forget. The hotel felt very calming and was never over crowded, the blue sea and the entire resort was immaculate from the grounds to the buildings. We highly recommend Machchafusi and will be back next year. Thank you all x Read less