An exotic escape at Como Maalifushi Maldives

After a very busy July, we decided to travel to the Maldives, a must-go destination for a summer break

My husband and I have fallen in love with these paradise islands we visited for the first time in 2007.

So, for this 3rd visit to the Maldives, we decided to introduce our eldest daughter to this paradise and chose two new Atolls, unknown to us, and stayed in two different hotels.

This article is about the first part of our stay in the wonderful Como Maalifushi hotel.

A 60 minute-flight away from Malé Airport, it is the only boutique hotel in the Thaa Atoll, well known for its wonderful seabed.

The Como Maalifushi Maldives

Straight away on arrival we feel far from it all. My photos have captured the mood of this place, surrounded by lush nature, turquoise waters and fine white sand. It is the perfect place to recharge your batteries and feed your inspiration

Every morning and evening I enjoyed long walks on the sand or sometimes inland, finding myself face to face with a very beautiful ‘protected’ Banyan tree and making the most of the breath-taking views from every corner of the Island.

Interior Design Highlights

The Como Maalifushi Maalifushi was the obvious choice because I loved its design and I will describe some of my favourite aspects

The interior design by the brilliant Japanese Koichiro Ikebuchi, is a real success!

Every space has been designed as an ode to nature, while respecting the local culture.

Chic Accommodations

The Como Maalifushi hotel has 33 villas on water and 32 villas on the beach surrounded by vegetation, all of them built with New Zealand pine with thatched roofs.

We stayed in a very beautiful beach villa, private and yet only a few steps from the lagoon.

The decoration, natural colours and mainly wood, was clean, contemporary and warm. The big windows opened on a lovely terrace in teak decking with a private pool, an outside shower as well as a nice relaxing area overlooking the pool. This decor mixing sea, sand and sky was simply magical

The entrance lobby of the hotel has particularly caught my eye. Totally open plan, with a gigantic wooden and thatched roof, it has a light well and a sculptural column erected in the centre. It welcomes us majestically on arrival and gives the Como Maalifushi its undeniable distinctive cachet.

The “Cuisine”

As I love all culinary experiences, I tried the different restaurants in the Como Maalifushi.

Therefore, as a family, we often had lunch in the Madi, synonym of manta ray in the local dialect, ideally situated facing the lagoon and well known for its local and fresh produce. If you are a fan of fish and sea food, you will be served the catch of the day.

For those who would like a Japanese culinary experience, I recommend the Tai restaurant (‘Tai’ is Japanese for red snapper, a mythical fish in the Japanese gastronomy), well known for being one of the best Japanese dining in the Maldives.

The Thila restaurant situated in the centre of the island, offered a varied menu for a more relaxed dining. Just a note on the decoration of its bar which is a masterpiece! Like a throne in the centre, it has a large suspension in raffia above, making it a real signature piece.

The room service was an equally good experience. We made the most of this as a family, having delicious meals in the intimacy of our own villa

The Como Maalifushi Amenities

The activities proposed by the Como Maalifushi Maalifushi are many and varied. You can access all nautical sports, surfing, scuba-diving and snorkelling in order to discover the incredible sea life around the island. In addition to this you can go on a catamaran or on a traditional Dhoni. There is also a children’s play area, where my 9 years old girl had an excellent time

Opulent Spa

If you are, like me, after a pure relaxing time, the Como Shambhala is the ideal place.

You can find a sauna and a yoga pavilion with an incredible view over the Indian Ocean and the perfect place to admire the sunrise, as well as a fitness centre.

The 8 treatment cabins are in fact beautiful pavilions on the water with wide bay windows overlooking the lagoon.

I made the most of my treatments, as many are proposed, all carried out by magic and professional hands, while the sound of the gentle breeze and the nearby waves made these, moments of pure relaxation and happiness.

Unforgettable Stay…

Every moment at the Como Maalifushi was special. I want to highlight the excellent service from the whole team, whether in the lobby, in the different restaurants, by the main pool, in the kids club or in the activities centre and Spa.

This hotel is meant for those who want to totally switch-off in an area of exceptional natural beauty with an atmosphere that is both chic and relaxed.