News
Beneath and beyond the reef, Machchafushi Island tells a story of nature
Hidden within the South Ari Atoll lies a remarkable ecosystem where life moves in quiet harmony. At Machchafushi Island Resort and Spa by the Centara Collection, the island is more than a destination, it is a living universe shaped by ocean currents, coral gardens, tropical birds, and the rhythms of the reef. From the vibrant world beneath the lagoon to the gentle rustle of palms overhead, every corner of the island supports a delicate network of life. Together, these elements form the Machchafushi Universe, a place where nature thrives, evolves, and invites discovery. Guests become observers of a living story, written in coral formations, passing reef fish, turtles gliding gracefully through the water, nesting seabirds, and the ever-changing colours of the Indian Ocean.
Just steps from the shoreline lies a thriving underwater world. The award-winning house reef surrounding Machchafushi Island shelters a diverse community of marine life, from delicate coral formations to schools of reef fish moving like living currents through the lagoon. Hard and soft corals form intricate underwater gardens, creating habitats for countless species. Among them, Blue-tip Acropora with its cream, brown or greenish branches tipped in blue or purple and Maze Coral with its meandering valleys and thick ridges form the foundation of the reef. Sea fans sway gently in the currents, offering shelter to small fish, crustaceans and seahorses. Parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, reef sharks, stingrays, manta rays, whale sharks and turtles glide through this kaleidoscopic marine tapestry.
The house reef is also home to the Kudhi Maa Shipwreck, a sunken Japanese cargo ship now alive with lionfish, batfish, glassfish and groupers, creating a spectacular underwater theatre for snorkellers and divers alike. Each dive or snorkelling experience reveals another chapter of this underwater universe, defined by colour, movement and remarkable biodiversity.
At the heart of the Machchafushi Universe are the corals themselves, living architects that build the foundation of the reef. Branching corals form underwater forests while massive boulders rise slowly over decades, sheltering fish, protecting the shoreline and sustaining the delicate balance of ocean life. Through reef awareness initiatives and careful stewardship, the resort actively supports the preservation of these vital ecosystems.
Above the shoreline, another world unfolds. Towering coconut palms, tropical shrubs, and coastal vegetation create a lush canopy that shelters a variety of birdlife. Early mornings often begin with the song of birds moving through the trees, while gentle sea breezes carry the rhythm of island life through the foliage. Machchafushi Island Resort and Spa by the Centara Collection is home to a fascinating array of feathered visitors. Grey Herons (Maakana) stand patiently along the water’s edge, hunting fish or crabs, while White-breasted Waterhens (Kanbili) move energetically through bushes and shallow waters. Asian Koels (Koholu) call from the treetops, and graceful Black-naped Terns (Dhivehi Raajeh) and Roseate Terns (Raajeh Dhivehi) glide elegantly over the lagoon. Colourful parrots, including Blue-and-Gold Macaws (Ossie) and Ringneck Parrots (Sunday), bring energy and charm to the island’s surroundings, adding vibrancy and life to the immersive experience of the Machchafushi Universe.
The Banyan Tree, or Ummeedhu Tree meaning Wish Fulfillment in Dhivehi, holds a sacred place at Machchafushi Island. Over two centuries old, its roots reach deep into the earth while its branches stretch skyward, embodying strength, resilience and enduring spirit. Guests may participate in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, tying golden leaves to the tree to set intentions, a quiet moment to reflect, reconnect with nature and leave a piece of their story within the island’s living legend.
Every experience at Machchafushi Island is crafted to awaken the senses. Guests can swim alongside gentle whale sharks, explore the house reef just steps from their villas, glide over coral gardens, or dive into the waters of the Kudhi Maa Wreck. Kayaking and paddleboarding offer a closer connection to the lagoon, while night snorkelling reveals glowing plankton and the secret world of nocturnal marine life.
“At Machchafushi Island, every ripple of the lagoon, every whisper of palms and every vibrant flicker of coral tells a story waiting to be discovered,” says Francesco Pompilio, Cluster General Manager of Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. “The Machchafushi Universe is more than an island, it is a living tapestry of nature, culture and wonder. From swimming alongside gentle whale sharks and gliding past kaleidoscopic coral gardens to pausing beneath the ancient Banyan Tree and listening to the island’s songbirds at dawn, each moment is crafted to spark connection. Here, we are redefining the Maldivian experience, offering guests not just a stay, but a journey into a universe where nature leads, and every encounter becomes a memory etched in the heart of Machchafushi Island.”
Every coral colony, reef fish, turtle and seabird forms part of the intricate web that makes Machchafushi Island so special. Through responsible marine practices, reef awareness programmes and conservation initiatives, the resort remains committed to protecting this living environment for generations to come. The Machchafushi Universe is not only something to admire, it is something to understand, respect and preserve, a living paradise where every moment tells a story, and every visit becomes part of its enduring legacy.
Dhigurah in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll has been ranked among the world’s 10 most valuable holiday beaches, with its stretch of sand assigned an estimated value of MVR 2.9 billion (€162.7 million) in a study by luxury villa holiday specialist CV Villas.
The island placed eighth in the global ranking, ahead of Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The study calculated the hypothetical cost of owning some of the world’s best-known beaches by valuing the sand as coastal land. The figures do not represent sale prices or suggest that the beaches are available for private purchase.
Dhigurah was the only Maldivian beach included in the global top 15. Known for its long sandbank and proximity to whale shark habitats in South Ari Atoll, the inhabited island has become a destination for guesthouse tourism, diving and marine excursions.
Florida’s Siesta Beach topped the global ranking with an estimated value of €1.08 billion, followed by Pampelonne Beach in France at €843 million and Praia da Falésia in Portugal at €573.2 million.
Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos Islands was ranked fourth at €376.4 million, while Bondi Beach in Sydney completed the top five with an estimated value of €365 million.
Hannah Marshall, luxury travel destination expert and marketing manager at CV Villas, said the research highlighted the role of location in determining coastal land values.
“Everyone has a beach that means something to them, so there’s something fun about seeing what those stretches of sand might be ‘worth’ if you valued them like the land behind them,” Marshall said.
“What comes through is how much location drives the figure: a beach in St-Tropez or on Siesta Key carries a value that a quieter shore — even just as beautiful — simply won’t.”
While Siesta Beach had the highest total estimated value, The Baths on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands recorded the highest value per square metre, at €8,846. Princess Diana Beach in Barbuda was the most affordable beach assessed, at approximately €199 per square metre.
Amilla Maldives is hosting holistic wellness practitioner Nongluck Chuaychuang, known as Nikki, for a month-long residency at the resort’s Javvu Spa.
Running from 2 to 30 August 2026, the residency offers guests a collection of treatments focused on physical relaxation, energy alignment and mental wellbeing.
A Reiki Master and sound healing specialist, Nikki has practised at luxury wellness destinations around the world. During her residency at Amilla, she is offering treatments tailored to guests’ individual needs, with sessions designed to release physical tension, support energy flow and encourage relaxation.
“True healing begins when we give ourselves the space to slow down, listen within, and return to our natural rhythm,” Nikki said.
The programme includes The Nikki Essence, her signature holistic massage, as well as Reiki Energy Healing, which focuses on subtle body alignment.
Guests can also take part in sound bath journeys using Tibetan and crystal bowls, or book intuitive bodywork sessions designed to provide restorative release.
The residency forms part of Javvu Spa’s wellness programme, which incorporates treatments and practices intended to support physical and emotional balance.
Sessions are available at Javvu Spa throughout the residency, with advance reservations recommended.
This September, Milaidhoo Maldives invites guests to press pause and reconnect with what matters most. From 18th to 20th September, the boutique island retreat in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, will mark World Wellness Weekend with a thoughtfully curated programme of experiences celebrating movement, mindfulness and the simple joy of being immersed in nature.
At Milaidhoo, wellbeing isn’t centred on strict routines or quick fixes. It comes naturally through the island’s slower pace, the restorative power of the ocean, time spent outdoors and fresh, nourishing cuisine inspired by the Maldives. On the small island, guests are gently encouraged to switch off, breathe deeply and savour each moment.
This philosophy is reflected at Serenity Spa, where a dedicated team of therapists and wellness practitioners share a deeply personal approach to wellbeing. Every treatment is thoughtfully tailored, blending time-honoured healing traditions with genuine care to help guests relax and restore themselves.
To celebrate World Wellness Weekend, Milaidhoo has created a three-day programme of complimentary and signature experiences, from sunrise yoga and aqua meditation to aerial wellness sessions and a workshop on mental wellbeing led by visiting practitioner Dr Lim Xiang Jun, who combines traditional healing wisdom with modern medical knowledge. Guests and the Milaidhoo Family members will also come together for Moving Together, a relaxed community jog along the Water Villa Jetty, celebrating the wellbeing that comes from sharing experiences with others.
Programme of activities as follows for the World Wellness Weekend:
Friday, 18th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Morning Yoga
Yoga Pavilion
Begin the day with a gentle yoga practice surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the ocean.
11.00 – Mental Wellbeing and Stress Management Workshop
Yoga Pavilion | Complimentary | 45 minutes
Led by Dr Lim Xiang Jun, visiting practitioner at Milaidhoo. A Modern Traditional Doctor, Dr. Lim combines traditional healing practices with modern medical knowledge, sharing practical approaches to managing stress and supporting mental wellbeing.
19.00 – Moonlit Sound Journey
Yoga Pavilion | $35++ per person (minimum of 4 guests)
A calming evening experience using sound and vibration to encourage deep relaxation beneath the Maldivian night sky.
Saturday, 19th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Aqua Workout
Compass Pool
A refreshing water-based workout to energise the body and mind.
11.00 – Group Aerial Yoga Flow
$35++ per person (minimum 4 guests)
A guided aerial yoga session combining movement, balance and mindful breathing.
16:30 – Moving Together
Water Villa Jetty | Complimentary
A one-hour relaxed jog along the Water Villa jetty, open to all guests and Milaidhoo Family members, celebrating movement and connection.
Sunday, 20th September 2026
08.00 – Complimentary Morning Yoga
Yoga Pavilion
11.00 – Aqua Sonic Meditation
Compass Pool | Complimentary
A unique meditation experience combining the calming environment of water with soothing sounds.
15.00 – Aerial Thai Wellness
Yoga Pavilion | $35++ per person (minimum of 4 guests)
A gentle wellness session inspired by Thai therapeutic movement techniques.
At Milaidhoo, wellbeing is not something to be added to island life, it is naturally part of it.
This World Wellness Weekend, guests are invited to take time for themselves, discover new ways to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of being fully present.
-
News1 week agoManhattan Grand Hotel aims to transform Maldives’ MICE industry
-
Awards1 week ago.Here Baa Atoll receives Forbes VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality recognition
-
News1 week agoBaros Maldives invites guests to slow down with ‘Baros Pause’ weekly wellness programme
-
Drink1 week agoSO/ Maldives introduces premium Dilmah Tea experience
-
Drink1 week agoKuda Villingili secures third consecutive Wine Spectator honour
-
News1 week agoCora Cora Maldives earns Green Globe Gold certification
-
Action1 week agoFushifaru Maldives offers access to Lhaviyani’s manta ray hotspot
-
News6 days agoSheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa reimagines island experience with resort-wide makeover