Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Star rating

The hotel

This modern All-Inclusive resort offers guests a truly luxurious standard of accommodation and top of the range amenities. Water sports enthusiasts will be in their element with a great selection of pursuits on offer, including superb scuba diving amongst colourful reefs and a dedicated shipwreck. There’s also a gorgeous swimming pool to laze by and the Spa Cenvaree with no end of treatments to leave you feeling in the pink of health. Whilst the adults are at play, children can enjoy a range of supervised activities at the kids club, including arts, crafts and beach games. When it comes to dining, you’re spoilt for choice with three restaurants serving sumptuous world cuisine. For a melting pot of Asian and Western dishes, head to Reef Restaurant with its interactive buffets, stunning salads, fiery woks, tandoori oven and teppanyaki grill. SUAN BUA is where you can sample the most delicious Thai food in a suitably tranquil setting, overlooking a lotus pond. For Italian delights, Azzuri Mare is perfect, set beside the ocean, there are seafood platters to feast on, char-grilled entrees and sinful desserts. Coral Bar is one of the most impressive in the Maldives – more than just a bar it’s an entertainment centre with a lively sports bar.

Amenities

  • Kayaking
  • Scuba Diving
  • Windsurfing
  • Kids Club
  • Teen Club
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

In South Ari Atoll, amidst world-class coral and diving spots. Transfer time from Malé International Airport: 25 minutes by seaplane (remember to pack light for the seaplane transfer as luggage allowance is 20kg plus 5kg hand luggage, per person).

Hotel information

112 beachfront and overwater villas, all with air-conditioning, private furnished balcony or terrace, living room, flat-screen TV, complimentary WiFi, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-bar, safe, bathrobes, slippers, bathroom amenities, and hairdryer. Duplex Beach Villas open directly onto the beach, featuring an oversized bathroom with outdoor shower, living room, and king-bed on the upper floor, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Board basis options

Bed & Breakfast includes: daily breakfast at Reef.

Half Board Plus Dine Around: daily breakfast with bubbles at Reef. Dinner options: Reef - international buffet, Suan Bua - a 3-course set menu, Azzuri Mare - a 3-course set menu. Includes 2 drinks per person, one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic. House beverages served during dinner only.

Full Board Plus Dine Around: daily breakfast with bubbles at Reef. Lunch options: Reef - international buffet, Suan Bua - a 3-course set menu. Dinner options: Reef - international buffet, Suan Bua - a 3-course set menu, Azzuri Mare - a 3-course set menu. Includes 2 drinks per person during lunch and dinner, one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic. House beverages served during each meal time only.

Grand All Inclusive Dine Around: includes breakfast with bubbles at Reef. Lunch options at: Reef - international buffet, Suan Bua - a 3-course set menu, Azzuri Mare - a 3-course set menu. Dinner options at: Reef - international buffet, Suan Bua - a 3-course set menu, Azzuri Mare - a 3-course set menu. Afternoon tea with a selection of pastries, sandwiches, and cakes available at Coral Bar. The resort operates two bars. Premium beverages are available from the GAl beverage menu, served daily from 11:00am-11:00pm. Includes wines (red, white, sparkling, and rosé) served by the glass only. Other beverages includes beers, spirits, cocktails, mocktails, soft drinks, tea/coffee and juices (canned or bottled). Premium beverages served during the meals in dining outlets (lunch and dinner)- includes wines (red, white, sparkling, and rosé) served by the glass only. Other beverages include beers, spirits, cocktails, mocktails, soft drinks, tea/coffee and juices (canned or bottled). Mini-bar replenished once a day with a selection of snacks, soft drinks and mixers, mineral water, chocolates and beer. Food selection and house beverages from the in-villa menu from 11:00pm-6:00am. Spa credit of USD 50 per adult, per stay.

Excursions:

- Minimum 7 nights receive 1-time sunset cruise (sharing)

- Minimum 10 nights and above receive 1-time sunset cruise (sharing) and 1-time whale shark snorkelling excursion (sharing)

- 10% discount on water sports and other excursion activities.

Room upgrades

Reethi Muraka Overwater Villas feature a spacious terrace with direct lagoon access, bathroom with separate shower and jacuzzi tub, and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Sunrise Overwater Villas offer 86-sqm living space, a private sundeck direct access to the lagoon, bathroom with separate shower and jacuzzi tub, and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Sunset Overwaters Villas offer 86-sqm living space, a private sundeck direct access to the lagoon, bathroom with separate shower and jacuzzi tub, and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Club Sunset Overwater Pool Villas enjoy a spacious sundeck, 12-sqm infinity pool, and a bedroom with 1 king-size bed overlooking the ocean, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Family Overwater Villas feature a sundeck with direct lagoon access, bathroom with separate shower and jacuzzi tub, PlayStation games console, 1 king-size bed, and bunk beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Club Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villas feature duplex accommodation so it's an ideal choice for families or groups travelling together. The spacious villas offer a deck with sun loungers and a plunge pool, bathroom with separate shower and jacuzzi tub, and 1 king-size bed plus a twin bed, sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 kids.

Guests staying in the Club Sunset Overwater Pool Villa and Club Two Bedroom Beach pool Villa enjoy exclusive access The Club lounge. Benefits of the lounge include:

- Breakfast

- Afternoon tea

- Apéritif with canapés

- Premium spirits and refreshments served throughout the day.

Reef (all day international buffet restaurant featuring live cooking stations). Suan Bua (traditional Thai cuisine, open for lunch and dinner). Azzuri Mare (Italian cuisine, open for lunch and dinner). Coral Bar & Lounge (casual beachfront lounge open for snacks and refreshments throughout the day). Aqua Bar (overwater bar serving light fare). 

Infinity swimming pool with children's pool. SPA Cenvaree*. Fitness centre. Multi-purpose sports court which includes tennis, volleyball and badminton. PADI Diving centre*. Water sports* including windsurfing, kayaking, boating and fishing (complimentary use of non-motorised water sports). Camp Safari (4-9 years). E-Zone (10-17 years). Pool table. Football table. Board games. 

Complimentary WiFi access. Babysitting service*. Laundry service*. Concierge. 

5 nights for stays 25 Dec–31 Dec.

No checkouts permitted on 30 or 31 Dec.

* Denotes local charge.

Please note: to ensure our customer's safety, we are unable to offer over water accommodation to children under the age of 12.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (3660)
  • Very good (505)
  • Average (123)
  • Poor (47)
  • Terrible (59)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Suan Bua Thai restraung review.

May 18, 2025 Yuqing C

I took my first dinner at Suan Bua. This is an amazing Thai restraunt. I'm not a frequent of Thai cuizine so I just ordered the dishes randomly. But every dishes suprised me. All I can recommend is DELICIOUS. I recommend non-frequenters of Thai cuizine to try here when you travel to Machchafushi.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Paradise on Machchafushi

May 18, 2025 Matt G

Everything do far has been incredible - villa, snorkeling, food all amazing. Staff are also fantastic - Meri and Mini are really looking after us and making sure we have everything we need. If anyone is thinking of heading to the Maldives we can highly recommend it!!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Disappointing Experience – Not a 5-Star Resort

May 16, 2025 katy7300

We stayed in a duplex beach villa. While the villa was spacious, it felt dated. A persistent bad smell was coming from the shower drain. We reported it several times — it was temporarily resolved twice, but the smell returned the next day. On our third attempt, we were told there was no smell at all. It seemed easier for staff to deny the issue… Read more
We stayed in a duplex beach villa. While the villa was spacious, it felt dated. A persistent bad smell was coming from the shower drain. We reported it several times — it was temporarily resolved twice, but the smell returned the next day. On our third attempt, we were told there was no smell at all. It seemed easier for staff to deny the issue than fix it properly. The in-room TV and phone were not working. Despite multiple requests, nothing was done. While the TV wasn’t essential, the phone was our only way to contact reception, as the app chat was ignored. Without a functioning phone, we had to walk to reception for even basic needs, often without resolution. We were on the Grand All-Inclusive package. The food was mediocre. The selection at Reef restaurant was limited, and both the food and service at Mare Azurro were underwhelming. The only restaurant that met expectations was Suan Bua. Breakfast at the Club was better, but the service there made me feel unwelcome — after a few visits, I chose not to return. Bar drinks were diluted and often took a very long time to arrive. Snorkeling was a highlight, especially near the diving center. However, the resort enforces unusually strict beach rules. At 6:00 PM, security would blow whistles and ask everyone to leave the water, which felt more like a school trip than a luxury stay. Guests are also required to wear orange life vests while swimming. I understand these rules may stem from a past tragedy involving a staff member, but I personally wouldn’t have chosen this resort had I known how tightly regulated it was. The spa was average. I had hoped for a great Thai massage experience, but it was nothing special. We were traveling with a toddler and looked forward to using the kids club. While the club had some toys and an outdoor area, the staff’s attitude was concerning. One staff member was overly strict with the children — thankfully, our child didn’t yet understand English. During a craft activity, every child was given paper and scissors except ours. When I asked to join in, the staff member said we had to wait until the others were finished because she was too busy. We left and didn’t return. We’ve experienced much more welcoming kids clubs at other Maldivian resorts. We also booked a submarine tour at the resort. Having done a similar excursion elsewhere, we expected a similar setup. However, this one had no air conditioning — something we were not informed of. It was stiflingly hot, with no water provided, and we had our toddler with us. We asked to return early. I requested not to be charged, but management only offered a 10% discount. When I expressed dissatisfaction, the receptionist (Nata) told me to leave a review if I wasn’t happy — so here it is. Service across the resort was inconsistent. Some staff were lovely and helpful, but others were indifferent. Another downside was the guest atmosphere. Many guests — particularly large groups from Russia — were loud and often disrespectful of others’ space. In summary, this resort is not worth your time or money. We expected a 5-star experience and left deeply disappointed. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Staff, Stunning Place, Great Stay:)

May 16, 2025 Coastal07859102108

We had the pleasure of returning to Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives (formerly Centara Grand Maldives) for our second visit. We first came here for our honeymoon five years ago, and it left such a lasting impression that we knew we had to come back. This trip was just as special, though the weather this time was a bit windy with some… Read more
We had the pleasure of returning to Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives (formerly Centara Grand Maldives) for our second visit. We first came here for our honeymoon five years ago, and it left such a lasting impression that we knew we had to come back. This trip was just as special, though the weather this time was a bit windy with some occasional light rain. It wasn’t too much, but it did make the sea a bit rough with stronger waves than usual. Still, the atmosphere remained just as peaceful and beautiful as we remembered, and we had an amazing stay overall. From the moment we arrived, the service, atmosphere, and beautiful surroundings made this trip even more special. We were reminded of why we fell in love with this resort in the first place. I want to give a special mention to the incredible staff who made our stay unforgettable: The woman who greeted us at Velana Airport (Desk A14) – With 15 years of experience here, she was incredibly helpful and kind. We regret not catching her name, but her warm welcome set a wonderful tone for our stay. Aman – He took great care of us upon arrival, giving us thorough information about our stay and helping us set up the Centara app, which was crucial for booking activities and dining. His thoughtfulness truly enhanced our experience. Teppanyaki Chef – Our Teppanyaki dinner turned into one of the most fun and memorable nights of our trip. We didn't have high expectations, but the chef’s entertaining skills and delicious food made it unforgettable. It was our first Teppanyaki experience, and he made it amazing! Water Sports Staff – Although we didn’t get his name, he was incredibly kind and took the time to teach us how to let the cutest bird climb onto our hands, creating one of the most memorable moments of our trip. He also took a ton of photos of us during the sunset cruise excursion, capturing some beautiful memories. p'Meaw – She took excellent care of us during our meals at Suan Bua (Thai restaurant), ensuring we had a wonderful dining experience every time. Nasru (Villa 74 Room Attendant) – Our room was always spotless, and we were so touched by the thoughtful touches Nasru added. From the bed art when we arrived to the beautiful sand art on the floor the night before we left, these small gestures made our stay even more special. K. Pat – She sent us off with a lovely chat, making our departure just as warm as our arrival. Additionally, the resort manager gave us a warm welcome. We had great experiences overall at the Reef Breakfast Buffet, Mare Azzurro, and Suan Bua Restaurant. Also, the bartender at Aqua Bar (tall young guy) recommended a Campari Spritz instead of the strong drink I was about to order, and I’m glad he did! It was a refreshing change, and I appreciated the suggestion. We didn’t use the Cenvaree Spa as planned, since I had blisters from wearing shoes and had to cancel my foot massage session. Despite not using the spa, the staff was very understanding and helpful with the booking process. All in all, the service at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives is second to none. The kindness, attention to detail, and efforts of the staff to make our stay special are what make this place so remarkable. We would absolutely recommend this resort to anyone looking for a perfect getaway. We can’t wait to return again in the future! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating All I can say is Wow!

May 13, 2025 Peter S

What an amazing island. 5 star it is. Dolphin safari was just awesome. For 30 minutes there were between 80- 100 dolphins putting on a show just for us! We went deep sea fishing which was also fantastic. To name a few people who made our stay so wonderful:- Amanulla, Rusti Meri and everyone else. Meri put on a special Maldivian dinner for 11 of us… Read more
What an amazing island. 5 star it is. Dolphin safari was just awesome. For 30 minutes there were between 80- 100 dolphins putting on a show just for us! We went deep sea fishing which was also fantastic. To name a few people who made our stay so wonderful:- Amanulla, Rusti Meri and everyone else. Meri put on a special Maldivian dinner for 11 of us in The Club. It was the best meal we had. Thank you Centara Grand Resort for making us so welcome. Read less