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
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (3755)
  • Very good (508)
  • Average (123)
  • Poor (47)
  • Terrible (60)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Wonderful Stay in the Maldives

Aug 29, 2025 617julg

We had such an amazing time at this resort — everything from the warm welcome to the little details made our stay truly special. A very big compliment to Chef Giuseppe: not only was the food consistently delicious and beautifully presented, but he went above and beyond to make us feel at home. His friendliness and genuine passion for what he does… Read more
We had such an amazing time at this resort — everything from the warm welcome to the little details made our stay truly special. A very big compliment to Chef Giuseppe: not only was the food consistently delicious and beautifully presented, but he went above and beyond to make us feel at home. His friendliness and genuine passion for what he does really came through in every meal — it was a highlight of our trip. We would also like to thank Richard and the F&B Manager for always being so kind, attentive, and professional. They were constantly smiling, checking in to make sure we were comfortable, and creating such a positive atmosphere in the restaurants. It really made a difference and elevated our experience. The combination of stunning surroundings, great food, and truly wonderful people made this stay unforgettable. We left with such good memories and can’t wait to return! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating AMAZING!

Aug 28, 2025 Tony R

This is a fantastic family holiday destination! We had the grand all inclusive package. From the moment we arrived we felt so cared for. All of the staff are amazing, especially Ryiad whose attentive care went above and beyond. When he learnt of my dairy intolerance he made sure I had a ready supply of sorbet at the end of each meal. I felt very… Read more
This is a fantastic family holiday destination! We had the grand all inclusive package. From the moment we arrived we felt so cared for. All of the staff are amazing, especially Ryiad whose attentive care went above and beyond. When he learnt of my dairy intolerance he made sure I had a ready supply of sorbet at the end of each meal. I felt very spoilt!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A true Gem of Maldives. Great Reef & Food

Aug 28, 2025 FOO JIN H

It is truly a magnificent place. If you’re looking for a place to start your Maldives journey, Machchafushi Centara is an excellent choice. As one of the few remaining natural islands (with many new resorts now built on reclaimed land), Machchafushi stands out. It boasts a stunning house reef teeming with marine life nurse sharks, reef sharks,… Read more
It is truly a magnificent place. If you’re looking for a place to start your Maldives journey, Machchafushi Centara is an excellent choice. As one of the few remaining natural islands (with many new resorts now built on reclaimed land), Machchafushi stands out. It boasts a stunning house reef teeming with marine life nurse sharks, reef sharks, and countless vibrant species. The snorkelling experience is absolutely breathtaking. While resort food can often be average, this is not the case here. The executive chefs and resort management place great importance on food quality and design. All three restaurants, the Italian, Thai, and Reef (buffet) maintain very high standards. Centara clearly takes pride in delivering a memorable dining experience, and you’ll likely be surprised by the food quality. The team at Machchafushi was incredibly warm and made our stay truly pleasant, from check-in to our farewell. They even prepared a special surprise for our wedding anniversary which was much appreciated. Based on the effort the owners have invested over the past six months, I believe this resort is on track to become one of the most sought-after in the Maldives. Visit before prices go up! A few notes: - Whale shark and dolphin cruises are amazing but not guaranteed as these animals roam freely (rightly so, under Maldives conservation laws). - The Italian and Thai restaurants require reservations and spots fill up fast during peak seasons. It’s best to book early via the app to avoid disappointment. Overall, a fantastic resort, we look forward to returning or visit other hotels by the Centara Group. Thank you Nalin the resort manager and your great team ! Warm regards, Isaac Foo & Wife Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The most beautiful experience

Aug 28, 2025 Alessandro B

We have been to the maldives a few times but this has been the most beautiful holiday ever. The staff is awesome, all of them, and have really looked after us. The house reef is outstanding, lots and lots of acroporas and other stony corals, turtles, black tip sharks and hundreds of species of fish that you can only generally see in an aquarium.… Read more
We have been to the maldives a few times but this has been the most beautiful holiday ever. The staff is awesome, all of them, and have really looked after us. The house reef is outstanding, lots and lots of acroporas and other stony corals, turtles, black tip sharks and hundreds of species of fish that you can only generally see in an aquarium. Fittey has been awesome and very patient with us and has guided us to visit the best places. Simply awesome Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A true Maldivian paradise

Aug 27, 2025 Dmitry L

We had an amazing stay at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. 🌴✨ It’s a very beautiful, cozy, and well-maintained resort — everything is perfectly clean and organized. A huge thank you to the staff for their warm hospitality, and a special thanks to Neeraj, the bartender at the main pool bar, for his friendliness and excellent service.… Read more
We had an amazing stay at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives. 🌴✨ It’s a very beautiful, cozy, and well-maintained resort — everything is perfectly clean and organized. A huge thank you to the staff for their warm hospitality, and a special thanks to Neeraj, the bartender at the main pool bar, for his friendliness and excellent service. 🍹 The food was delicious with a great variety every day, and the atmosphere was just perfect for relaxing. The coral reef here is truly stunning — you can simply walk down, snorkel by yourself, and enjoy swimming among countless colorful fish. 🐠🐟 This place feels like a paradise on Earth. Highly recommend to anyone looking for unforgettable memories in the Maldives! 🌅 Read less