Home / Resorts / South Ari Atoll / Machchafushi Island Resort and Spa, The Centara Collection
Machchafushi Island Resort and Spa, The Centara Collection
South Ari Atoll Centara Hotels & Resorts

Machchafushi Island Resort and Spa, The Centara Collection

Nestled in the stunning South Ari Atoll, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives is an ultimate escape that blends authentic Maldivian charm with warm Thai hospitality. A part of The Centara Collection, this exclusive island retreat offers an unparalleled experience for travelers seeking a harmonious mix of serenity, comfort, and adventure amidst the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The resort features 112 elegantly designed villas, thoughtfully crafted to reflect the natural beauty of the surroundings. Guests can choose from beachfront villas or overwater accommodations, each offering breathtaking ocean views. The interiors seamlessly combine island-inspired aesthetics with modern amenities, ensuring a stay that is both stylish and supremely relaxing. Culinary experiences at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa are diverse and designed to suit every palate. Guests can indulge in authentic Thai cuisine at Suan Bua, enjoy Italian dishes with a view at Mare Azzurro, or explore international flavors at The Reef. For lighter fare and refreshing drinks, the Aqua Bar and Coral Bar & Lounge offer relaxed and inviting settings perfect for unwinding by the water. The resort is a haven for both relaxation and activity. Guests can take advantage of a wide range of water sports, including snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, canoeing, and fishing. The on-site diving center opens up access to some of the Maldives’ most renowned dive sites, including a nearby ancient shipwreck. For those seeking wellness, the resort offers a well-equipped fitness center and a rejuvenating spa with a variety of treatments designed to relax and restore. Leisure facilities such as a game room with billiards, darts, and table tennis, as well as engaging evening entertainment, round out the experience.

Atoll
South Ari Atoll
Nearest Airport
Velana International Airport
Distance
25-minute Seaplane transfer
Transfer
Seaplane · 25 minutes
Rooms
7 room types

Facilities

Kids ClubYoga PavilionWatersports CentreMedical CentreGymSpaSwimming PoolDiving CentreBoutique Shop

Gallery

interior
wellness
activities
activities
activities
activities
exterior
dining
dining
exterior
exterior
interior
exterior
exterior
exterior
exterior
exterior

Villas

Room types and villa categories at Machchafushi Island Resort and Spa, The Centara Collection.

Total Living Space - 87m2

Duplex Beach Villa

  • 2AD + 2CH or 3AD + 1CH or 3AD
  • King Bed
  • Beach View
Total Living Space - 93m2

Family Overwater Villa with Kids Bedroom

  • 2AD + 3CH or 3AD + 2CH or 3AD
  • King Bed and Bunk Bed
  • Ocean View
Total Living Space - 106m2

Reethi Muraka Overwater Villa

  • 2AD + 2CH or 3AD + 1CH or 3AD
  • King Bed
  • Ocean View
Total Living Space - 86m2

Sunrise Overwater Villa

  • 2AD + 2CH or 3AD + 1CH or 3AD
  • King Bed
  • Ocean View
Total Living Space - 86m2

Sunset Overwater Villa

  • 2AD + 2CH or 3AD + 1CH or 3AD
  • King Bed
  • Ocean View
Total Living Space - 114m2 · Private Pool

Club Sunset Overwater Pool Villa

  • 2AD + 2CH or 3AD + 1CH or 3AD
  • King Bed
  • Ocean View
Total Living Space - 159m2 · Private Pool

Club Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villa

  • 2AD + 3CH or 3AD + 2CH or 4AD + 1CH or 5AD
  • King Bed + Twin Bed
  • Beach View

Experiences

3 Experiences

The Famous Kudhi Maa Shipwreck

The Famous Kudhi Maa Shipwreck

The house reef at Machchafushi is one of the island’s most remarkable features, spanning over five times the land area of the resort. Beginning in a shallow lagoon and descending to depths of 60 metres, it offers a diverse and dynamic underwater landscape that delights snorkellers and divers alike. A standout highlight is the sunken Japanese cargo ship, resting at lengths of 52 metres, widths of 8 metres, and depths of 12–30 metres. Sunk in 1999, the wreck has transformed into a vibrant coral habitat, teeming with marine life including glassfish, trevally, snapper, white-tip reef sharks, and nurse sharks. Keen eyes may also spot the resident stonefish and frogfish, masters of camouflage within this thriving ecosystem. Nearby, Anemone Alley showcases large coral formations and an abundance of sea life, flourishing where ocean currents converge beneath the seasonal seaplane platform. This area, like the wreck, provides an ever-changing hub of biodiversity, making the house reef not just a highlight of Machchafushi but a world-class underwater playground for both novice snorkellers and experienced divers.

The Sacred Thread Ceremony at The Banyan Tree at SPA Cenvaree

The Sacred Thread Ceremony at The Banyan Tree at SPA Cenvaree

The Banyan Tree, or Ummeedhu Tree in Dhivehi, meaning ‘Wish Fulfillment’, holds a sacred place in the hearts of South Asian culture, extending even to the Maldives. At over 200 years old, its roots reach deep into the earth, while its branches stretch toward the sky, embodying strength, resilience, and a quiet, enduring spirit. At our resort, this living legend invites you to pause, reflect, and become part of its timeless story.

Beneath the Waves: The Machchafushi Dive

Beneath the Waves: The Machchafushi Dive

Step onto Machchafushi Island and enter a world where turquoise waters, vibrant coral gardens, and extraordinary marine life create a diver’s paradise. Situated in the heart of South Ari Atoll, one of the Maldives’ most celebrated dive destinations, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa offers unparalleled underwater adventures for both snorkellers and certified divers. South Ari Atoll (Alifu Dhaalu Atoll) is famed for its year-round whale sharks, manta rays, and schools of tropical fish that shimmer like living rainbows. Over 50 dive sites lie just a short boat ride away, each offering unique encounters and endless photo opportunities. Popular Dive Sites: - Kudarah Thila: A UNESCO-protected maze of overhangs and swim-throughs alive with fusiliers and snappers. - Broken Rock: A stunning canyon split by vibrant corals and macro life, perfect for underwater photography. - Dhigurah Beyru & Maamigili Corner: Famous for whale shark and manta encounters, with occasional dolphins joining the dive. - Machchafushi Wreck (Kudhimaa Wreck): A 52-meter sunken cargo ship now thriving with lionfish, batfish, and groupers. Highlights Include: - Whale Sharks: Calm, curious, and awe-inspiring, with prime spots near Maamigili Marine Protected Area. - Turtles: Hawksbill and green turtles glide gracefully through the reefs. - Sharks: Nurse sharks, grey reef sharks, and white-tip reef sharks frequent the waters. - Biodiversity: Over 1,000 species of reef fish, coral gardens, and dramatic underwater landscapes. - From close encounters with gentle giants to exploring colourful reefs and shipwrecks, every dive at Machchafushi is an unforgettable journey into the Maldives’ spectacular underwater world.

Dining

6 Bars & Restaurants

Suan Bua
ThaiLunchDinner

Suan Bua

Savour the tang, fire and spices of Thai cuisine in our welcoming dining room or an alfresco setting. Overlooking a calming lotus pond, Suan Bua serves a lush array of home-style specialities from four different regions of Thailand.

The Reef
InternationalBreakfastDinnerLunch

The Reef

Overlooking the shimmering pool and powdery sands of the Maldives, The Reef offers an indulgent all-day dining experience. Savour a variety of world cuisines served buffet-style, from local Maldivian specialties to international favourites. Enjoy the excitement of live cooking stations and the theatre of teppanyaki.

Mare Azzurro
ItalianLunchDinner

Mare Azzurro

Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine with dreamy views of the sparkling lagoon. At Mare Azzurro, we feature classic dishes that you love as well as unique Italian creations made with the catch of the day. From full-flavoured pasta to oven-baked pizza, our selection of Italian favourites is all curated with the freshest ingredients.

Aqua Bar
BarLight Bites

Aqua Bar

Positioned over the azure waters of the lagoon, Aqua Bar offers an array of classic cocktails and light fare. This bright, elegant venue showcases sweeping ocean views, the perfect setting for a chilled tipple as you watch the sunset.

Coral Bar and Lounge
BarLight Bites

Coral Bar and Lounge

Unwind at any time of the day at Coral Bar & Lounge, an island-style, two-story venue with a relaxed sand-floor setting. Pool tables, board games, and a world of flavours come together to create a laid-back, inviting atmosphere. Treat yourself to a leisurely afternoon tea or a drink of your choice.

The Club
Western

The Club

An exclusive lounge experience offering Western cuisine.

Wellness

SPA Cenvaree

Relax, restore and reconnect at SPA Cenvaree. Set on a secluded island in the Maldives, our oceanfront sanctuary offers an extensive selection of wholesome spa treatments, thoughtfully designed to enhance your wellbeing and form part of the resort’s ultimate all inclusive experience.

Wellness at Machchafushi Island Resort and Spa, The Centara Collection