Maafushivaru Maldives

Name: Maafushivaru Maldives
Rating: 4.5

Reopening in February after a luxury refurbishment, the new-look Maafushivaru will be an architectural gem with a small island charm.

Just 350m in length, Maafushivaru is small and romantic, with two wide beaches and a glorious lagoon. There’s a house reef for snorkelling and if you board one of the dive centre’s boat trips there’s a great chance of spotting turtles, manta rays and whale sharks nearby. An infinity pool is perfectly placed on the beachfront, next to the bar with comfy chic sofas for lounging. The main buffet restaurant is the Cuisine Gallery, which offers Mediterranean cuisine infused with local flavours. The island is also adding new dining options for 2020: Moodhu Grill will serve up meat and seafood on the beach, Oishii will offer an overwater teppanyaki experience, and the Water Bar’s poolside Tapas menu will offer lighter lunchtime bites.

Maafushivaru’s secret delight is its beautiful uninhabited sister island, Lonubo. For an authentic Crusoe-esque experience, take a short boat ride across to this tiny desert island for romantic picnics, candlelit dining or even an overnight stay in the Lonubo Beach Villa with outdoor hot tub. We recommend pre-booking a Lonubo dinner or private island stay – only one couple can visit at a time and it’s deservedly popular.

The villas are stylish with Maldivian touches. Refurbished Beach Villas are just steps from the beach with a semi open-air bathroom. Light and airy Water Villas sit on stilts over the lagoon, with floor-to-ceiling windows and direct access to the water. Beautiful new Beach Pool Villas and Water Pool Villas will have their own plunge pool on the private deck.

Kuoni Insider

This authentic Maldivian island is one of the most beautiful I’ve visited. Its soft, gleaming beaches filter into the resort with sandy paths winding throughout, and individual thatched-roof rooms add to the island’s charm. As well as fantastic diving, there’s an uninhabited island nearby that you can visit for a secluded adventure. I went to the overwater spa for a treatment – it was so relaxing! I just loved this island and can't wait to go back."

Linda Pedler, Kuoni's Contracting Manager

TripAdvisor rating

Based on 870 reviews

Key information

In the South Ari Atoll

Airport transfer time: Approx. 25 minutes by seaplane from Malé airport

Rooms: 81

Kuoni extras -

† Kuoni is proud to be the only UK tour operator to offer Maafushivaru. See booking conditions for further details. You’ll receive complimentary access to a private seaplane lounge on arrival in Malé

Good to know

Minimum stay: 5 nights 28 Dec-02 Jan. Maafushivaru is closed for refurbishment until Feb 2020.

Accommodation information

81 beach, water and pool villas

Activities

• Cast away onto the uninhabited island of Lonubo* • Book one of the fantastic snorkelling excursions* • Take the island tour • Sip sparkling wine on a sunset cruise*.

Dining

Buffet restaurant, 3 à la carte restaurants, bar

What's included

Half Board • Buffet breakfast and dinner at the Cuisine Gallery.

Meal upgrade options (per person per night)

Half Board Plus • Buffet breakfast and dinner at the Cuisine Gallery • Selected drinks including branded spirits, cocktails, house wine by the glass, draught beer, soft drinks and mineral water • Snorkelling equipment and non-motorised watersports
Dine-Around All Inclusive • Buffet breakfast at the Cuisine Gallery • Lunch and dinner at a choice of restaurants • Selected drinks including branded spirits, cocktails, house wine by the glass, draught beer, soft drinks and mineral water • Snorkelling equipment and non-motorised watersports.