Tucked away in the South Ari Atoll, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa-now part of The Centara Collection-offers something truly special beneath the surface. Recognised by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025 for having one of the Best House Reefs in the Maldives, this underwater wonder isn’t just a highlight of the resort-it’s the heartbeat of the island.
Just steps from the shore, a whole new world opens up. The reef, which wraps around a turquoise lagoon, is nearly five times larger than the island itself. Its gentle slope makes it accessible to snorkelers and divers of all levels, gradually descending to deeper waters where things get even more interesting.
About 30 metres out, resting quietly on the seabed, is a sunken shipwreck-now transformed into a thriving reef of its own. It’s become a home to everything from glassfish and stonefish to a small community of nurse sharks. Coral species like Acropora granulosa and Acropora latistella-rare finds even in the Maldives-flourish here, particularly around the wreck, while bright patches of Blue Coral and Staghorn Coral create a colourful contrast against the sand.
It’s not just about what you see-it’s how alive it all feels. On any given day, you might swim alongside White Tip Reef sharks, spot Black Tip, Leopard, or even Lemon sharks, and glide past elegant rays in the shallows. The Black Blotched Stingrays, in particular, have become somewhat of a favourite among returning guests, known for their gentle nature and close encounters during feeding times.
But this reef isn’t just being admired-it’s being looked after. Conservation is a central part of life at Machchafushi. The team runs regular coral restoration and reef protection initiatives, while also taking the time to educate guests about the marine ecosystem and what it takes to keep it thriving.
As Francesco Pompilio, Cluster General Manager of the resort, shared, “This honour reflects not only the natural beauty of our house reef, but also the unwavering commitment of our team to its protection and preservation. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.”
Whether you’re exploring the reef for the first time or returning for another dive, Machchafushi offers the kind of underwater experience that lingers-the kind you’ll talk about long after you’ve rinsed off the saltwater and kicked off your fins.
Lets Go Maldives can take you there.
Book your island escape today and discover why this reef is making waves.
