COMO Maalifushi: Is This The Maldives At Its Most Unspoilt?

Of the 1,192 islands that make up the Maldives, around 160 have resorts on them, of which an increasing number are reclaimed or artificial, planted with vegetation that can feel soulless. So it was refreshing to arrive at COMO Maalifushi, where the palms are dense in a way that only time produces and the gardens, immaculately manicured, are undoubtedly the finest I’ve encountered at any resort in the Maldives.

The island itself strikes the right balance: large enough to never feel hemmed in, but small enough that a short bicycle ride along sandy lanes gets you wherever you need to go. Sixty-five villas and suites are the work of Japanese interior architect Koichiro Ikebuchi, built from yellow balau timber with traditional Kajan thatched roofs that give the resort an authentically Maldivian character. The overwater villas and suites extend from the west side of the island on wooden walkways above the lagoon, while the beach villas are tucked in the tropical gardens. Following COMO’s signature aesthetic, the interiors are clean, pared-back and considered, though the rooms could benefit from a technology refresh.

For maximum privacy, the Water Villa right at the end of the circular jetty has no neighbours and uninterrupted views across the lagoon in every direction. But I am more tempted by the Water Suites where an open-plan layout keeps the bedroom and living space connected in a more immersive setting. For larger groups or families, there are a range of two-bedroom villas as well as the COMO Residence, which sleeps up to 12 guests and comes complete with a media room, a full kitchen and butler service.

Located in the remote Thaa Atoll, about 100 miles south of Malé, COMO Maalifushi is the only resort among more than 60 islands, and the sense of isolation here is real. At night, virtually no light pollution means the stargazing is extraordinary, while during the day, the surrounding waters are alive with sealife, like reef sharks and octopus, visible most notably from the overwater villas, where the abundant coral is the most I’ve seen at any resort in the Maldives.

Recently introduced is Simply COMO, an all-inclusive package that goes beyond the usual food and beverage offerings. Here, a 60-minute COMO Shambhala massage, a load of laundry and a selection of excursions from catamaran sailing to sunset dolphin cruises are all included. The latter is a particular treat, involving canapes and drinks while dolphins frolic alongside your boat as the sun dips below the horizon. Food-wise, the package covers breakfast and three-course lunches and dinners alongside an impressive drinks list across all three dining venues. Plus, unlike most resorts, where one menu is typically overcomplicated with codes according to your package, Simply COMO has its own dedicated menu, which makes the whole experience considerably more relaxed.

The three restaurants all offer distinct experiences. Tai, the Japanese restaurant, is a favourite for its epic sunset viewing platform and great dirty vodka martinis. Dinner follows seamlessly with a broad menu of favourites from fresh sushi and sashimi to agedashi tofu and the standout miso-marinated toothfish. Don’t miss the lobster and champagne night at Madi, which sits next to the main pool. For lunch, nothing says ‘holiday’ more than eating a burger with the sand between your toes at Thila, a laidback restaurant – also a great spot for a nightcap.

While the island itself is restorative enough, COMO Shambhala takes things a step further. Eight overwater treatment rooms look out across the lagoon and offer the full range of signature massages, facials and body therapies, alongside daily yoga and meditation classes in an open-air pavilion. The retreat also regularly hosts visiting practitioners – a physiotherapist was in residence during my stay – which adds a layer of genuine therapeutic depth to what might otherwise be a standard resort spa.

With so many resorts opening in the Maldives at a constant pace, it’s easy for one to blur into the next. COMO Maalifushi stands out for its isolated castaway feel, its distinct Maldivian character, natural vegetation and abundant sea life. Pair this with the addition of Simply COMO and the considerable journey here is more than worth it. 

C&TH Key Notes

—Don’t miss: The sunset dolphin cruise

—Room to book: Water Villa 320 for its privacy and seclusion

—You should know: If you drink alcohol, Simply COMO’s beverage inclusion is great value given alcohol prices in the Maldives

—Best bit of the room: The deck with its private pool and uninterrupted views of the lagoon in all directions

THE LAST WORD

COMO Maalifushi is the Maldives at its most unspoilt. A natural island, extraordinary marine life and a new all-inclusive package that makes one of the region’s most remote resorts genuinely accessible.

BOOK IT

COMO Maalifushi starts from £888 per night for Simply COMO All Inclusive (based on two sharing). comohotels.com