Co-ordinating with the dynamic Steve Ng, Group GM, Madifushi Private Island, Hulhule Island Hotel and Maldives Inflight Catering, and the delightful Sofia, Revenue and Reservation Manager, I planned the trip to the resort that believes in providing guests the opportunity to unwind and reconnect with nature while rejuvenating and relaxing in tranquillity.

While I have been to the Maldives six times, I have been trying to cover at least two resorts on my visits since COVID. This visit was to cover two resorts (COMO Maalifushi and Madifushi Private Island) and an island hotel (Hulhule Island Hotel). This was the first time I was going to fly on a seaplane – surprisingly to both resorts.

As the property can be reached by seaplane, the transfer was arranged by the hotel. The seaplane is totally a different experience and the new sea terminal is quite beautiful. The new seaplane terminal is just a 5 minutes’ drive from the international airport. I was amazed to see the seaplane terminal (was informed it can accommodate more than 50 seaplanes) as seaplane is the preferred mode of transport for several resorts located in outer tolls. The four-story building has spacious lounges, many dedicated to particular luxury resorts, arrival lobbies, and boarding gates. The seaplane takes approximately 40 minutes from the terminal. The window seat helps one in admiring the archipelago from a bird’s eye perspective.

Arriving by the seaplane at the hotel’s private jetty, I was received by the staff. Check-in was smooth, and I was led to my Serene Pool Villa. The room was spacious, with great views. This coastal getaway features a total of 80 beach and overwater villas. The island’s forefront is surrounded by 26 Serene Pool Villas, 3 Two-Bedroom Serene Pool Villas, and 1 Grand Madifushi Serenity Pool Villa. In addition, they have 46 Aqua Pool Villas, 3 Tranquil Aqua Pool Villas, and 1 Grand Madifushi Aqua Pool Villa. The size of the villas ranges from 1,324 square feet / 123 m² to 4,768 square feet / 443 m². All villas and suites are complete with a terrace that leads to a private pool with access to the palm-fringed beach or perched over the Indian Ocean with either a sunset or sunrise view.

The resort is an expansive turquoise lagoon. These intimate sanctuaries are complete with a terrace that leads to a private pool, with access to the palm-fringed shore or perched over the Indian Ocean with either a sunset or sunrise view. The resort’s accommodation types ensure that all travelers find the retreat that’s right for them, from families, romantic getaways for two, to stress-free solo travels. For one night, I moved to the Aqua Pool Villa, a beautiful overwater villa.

Don’t forget to complete immigration through IMUGA, the online platform used for immigration services. All travelers are required to submit the Traveller Declaration within 96 hours of the flight time, during arrival and departure.

Gastronomy

The resort has many delicious dining options, from beachfront bites to exquisite private dining, for an authentic flavor of local and international cuisines. Serving breakfast and dinner with a beachfront view, chefs prepare tasty meals in an open kitchen, providing a choice of Italian, Indian, Mediterranean, and Asian fare.

I relished the daily buffet breakfast at their all-day dining Bluefin restaurant and was able to enjoy several Indian delicacies, as the resort has Indian chefs. There was a free flow of selected beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) from 2 PM to 7 PM at Splash Bar. The trend for floating breakfast at such luxurious resorts is quite popular, and at Madifushi Private Island, one can relish it.

Activities

The resort offers an array of thrilling activities, including exploring the pristine waters around Madifushi Private Island on a high-speed watercraft. One can go snorkeling, visit a sandbank, or embark on a dolphins tour or a marine tour. There are several water sports that are quite popular with guests, such as jet ski tours, wakeboarding, water skiing, or knee boarding. Guests can don a mask and glide into the water with the electric waterjet or fly over the water with state-of-the-art equipment from Zapata and Seadoo.

For naturalists and environment lovers who enjoy underwater wildlife, scuba diving is an option. The resort has a PADI 5-star diving center with highly qualified scuba instructors who offer courses to beginners and divers of all levels. Daytime snorkeling trips provide guests with the chance to explore the reefs around the resort’s crystal blue water.

A sunset cruise on a Maldivian traditional Dhoni allows guests to view the sunset while sipping a glass of wine and watching out for dolphins. Island hopping is another option, where you visit a local island to experience the local way of life.

Madifushi Private Island emphasizes sustainability and environmental practices. “We are committed to sustainability and have implemented numerous eco-friendly practices. In such a short span, we have already received a lot of appreciation and won awards too,” said Omer Songur, GM, Madifushi Private Island.

Mandara Spa

Madifushi Private Island is home to unique spa experiences. Mandara Spa offers guests a total sensory experience with all-natural treatments drawn from the ancient health and beauty traditions of Asia. Facilities include dry and wet saunas, a spa boutique, a relaxation lounge, and treatment rooms with highly trained experts to guide you in your wellness journey.

Madifushi Private Island offers an unparalleled luxurious escape in Meemu Atoll, Maldives. As one of the best hotels in the region, it seamlessly combines opulent accommodations with world-class amenities. Guests can indulge in a rejuvenating spa experience, savor exquisite dining options, and bask in the breathtaking natural beauty of this exclusive island retreat.

Hulhule Island Hotel – Maldives

On my return from Madifushi Private Island, I decided to spend a night at the group’s island hotel – Hulhule. The location is ideal for tourists who have an early next day flight, when your flight arrives after the last resort transfer of the day, or if you just want a stopover on the way home, as it’s less than a kilometer from the terminal.

The hotel is quite impressive and provides amazing views from the rooms overlooking the beach. It has over 130 rooms with a mix of king-size and twin beds and three intimately designed suites (which include a living room). The swimming pool looks pleasingly attractive and is a perfect place to unwind and enjoy refreshing cocktails. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and offers free airport transfers.

For food and beverages, Uduvilaa, located on the fourth floor, is the hotel’s fine dining restaurant with an extensive menu showcasing local flavors blended with Western influences. They offer an Indian thali which is not only delicious but also provides a wholesome meal. They also have a Champs Bar, which was closed during my visit.

On the MICE front, there is the large Ras Maalan Ballroom (which can also be divided into two functional rooms) and a boardroom, Rani Kotari, which can accommodate 10 guests in a pre-set arrangement. Both are located on the ground floor.

On my departure day, I had the pleasure of interacting with Steve Ng and gaining valuable insights from his 30+ years of experience in the hospitality industry.