As local Maldives experts, we like to experience the various luxury resorts here. That way, we can provide proper recommendations when getting to understand our client’s budget and accommodations requirements. Select team members have the privilege of visiting COMO Maalifushi on a familiarization (FAM) trip, hosted by the resort. This is a chance for travel industry experts to experience the property firsthand. COMO is an award winning family owned Singaporean brand with properties in Australia, Indonesia, Italy, Turks and Caicos, Thailand, and more. The philosophy of the brand is based on 3 main factors – design, nutrition-rich cuisine, holistic wellness. Particularly in the Maldives, there are two 5-star luxury Maldives Resorts: COMO Cocoa Island, and COMO Maalifushi.

This month, we were able to visit COMO Maalifushi. It is the only operational resort in the pristine Thaa Atoll, and is reachable by a 60-minute scenic seaplane flight from Velana International Airport (MLE). This resort is complete paradise and we wanted to share our experience!

Eat

Because COMO Maalifushi is set on a private island with no easy access to grabbing food out in town, it’s important to have good quality dining. Here at the resort there are two restaurants and bars on the island. We loved how the dining experience is always a la carte (not buffet). All of our meals were freshly prepared for us. The main dining restaurant ‘Madi’ means ‘manta ray’ in the local Dhivehi language. This restaurant features menus inspired by the region’s local seafood and produce.

The other restaurant, ‘Tai,’ serves fresh Japanese cuisine. With incredible sushi rolls, tempura, and more. Note that they are only open for dinner. We recommend grabbing a pre or post dinner drink right there and enjoy the beautiful Maldivian sunset. There is an open area right after the entrance allowing you to watch the friendly nurse sharks without even getting wet!



Play

During the day, for those looking to get wet, there are plenty of opportunities here at COMO Maalifushi. Onsite you’ll find a dive center. There are 33 dive spots within the atoll that you can explore. If you’ve never dived before, now is the time to learn! Enroll in a PADI program, available at this luxury Maldives resort. From April to October there are surfing opportunities on secluded breaks of three different atolls – The ‘Surf Machines’ at Laamu, ‘Farms’ at Thaa and the ‘Kasabu’ at Dhaalu.

This is a family-friendly resort. Therefore, there are several kids facilities on the island. ‘Play by Como’ is an enrichment program that invites children 4-12 to participate in different activities. For the staff who brought children, they enjoyed a pizza making master class (a surcharge of 15 USD + taxes per child). Additionally, there were complimentary activities such as island spotting, treasure hunts, kids yoga, traditional Maldivian games, coconut painting, and more. Babysitting services are also available at an extra charge. For those looking to keep their daily health regiment, you can enjoy there is an onsite pool and fitness center. The fitness center is surrounded by glass, so you have an incredible view of nature.

Sleep

While we know you don’t go on vacation just to sleep, we understand it’s equally important to have nice accommodations to be your home away from home. What we loved most about the villas is the simple elegant design and the large amount of space. Our team stayed in the Water Pool Villa, measuring 1,292 sq ft in size! In addition to the incredible master bedroom with poster king-size bed, there is a separate living room with another TV and a dining area. Perfect for having a separate sleeping space for your children! Our team members loved having the extra privacy.

The bathroom was also spacious with a sunken big square bathtub AND a shower, plus two sinks. You’ll find COMO Shambhala (onsite spa) products. Not your typical run-of-the-mill hygiene products.



Relax

No luxury Maldives resort would be complete without an onsite spa service. After so much time traveling (especially for our U.S. clients!), you’ll definitely want to relax at the spa. Their onsite spa Como Shambhala is available to all guests over 16 years old. Check out the full treatment menu here. Options range from couples massage to reflexology, to a hot river stone massage. The spa also offers nail care and waxing.

Enjoy yoga offerings as part of the COMO Shambhala’s wellness program. They have a visiting expert practitioner Koya Webb, who will be on the island from July 30th to August 28th. There are two yoga pavilions – one is open air and the other is air conditioned. Group yoga classes are conducted on a daily basis in the air conditioned facility. This daily service is complimentary for all guests so take full advantage! You don’t have to be an experienced yogi to enjoy.

Elevate

Visiting a luxury Maldives resort is enough in itself. However, you may be celebrating a special occasion like a honeymoon or milestone birthday. Elevate your stay if that’s the case. Take it to the next level. We recommend:

  • Booking a private dinner – Dine under a canopy of stars by candlelight. Your personal butler will serve you a three-course meal from either a custom menu or the à la carte options at Madi, along with chilled Champagne.
  • Exploring the uninhabited island Lavadhoo – this island is located right in front of the resort. You can take a kayak there and swim around. Or book a castaway private picnic. This family or romantic castaway picnic option includes transportation, picnic lunch, bottle of bubbles, beers, non-alcoholic beverages, and a dedicated butler. Choose to upgrade by sleeping in a luxury tented bed beneath the stars on this private island, Lavadhoo. Start the night with evening sunset cruise, where leaping dolphins are often sighted. Afterwards, enjoy a private BBQ, with an assortment of salads, grilled meat, fresh fish, sweet treats and champagne.
  • Eating a floating breakfast – wake up to this unique dining experience. You’ll find a beautifully curated breakfast selection floating on a tray in your private pool (based on room category)
  • Watching a movie under the stars – snuggle up to your loved ones as you watch a movie under the stars.

It’s these experiences that really set this luxury Maldives resort apart. Our team would love to help you craft the perfect Maldives vacation with any added amenities and experiences to make this trip one to remember.


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