The Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa, The Centara Collection, has been distinguished with a prestigious accolade from Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, recognizing its extraordinary house reef as one of the Maldives’ most exceptional marine sanctuaries. Located in the renowned South Ari Atoll, the resort offers an unparalleled underwater experience that seamlessly blends natural beauty with world-class marine biodiversity.
Spanning an impressive area approximately five times larger than the island itself, the Machchafushi house reef encircles a breathtaking lagoon with a remarkable topographical diversity. The reef’s gentle slope descends to depths of 15-20 meters before transitioning into a flat sandy seabed. A highlight for underwater enthusiasts is the sunken shipwreck located around 30 meters from the reef’s summit, which serves as a vibrant habitat for diverse marine species including glassfish, stonefish, and nurse sharks.
Marine biodiversity reaches extraordinary levels at this location, with rare coral species like Acropora granulosa and Acropora latistella found exclusively on the wreck. The surrounding coral gardens showcase stunning Blue Coral and Staghorn Coral, creating a living tapestry of marine ecology that captivates divers and snorkelers alike.
The marine ecosystem is particularly rich in shark populations, featuring seven resident nurse sharks comprising three adults, one sub-adult, and three juveniles. White Tip Reef sharks are known for their curious nature, often approaching snorkelers and divers. Other notable shark species include Black Tip, Lemon, Leopard, and Guitar sharks. Large Black Blotched Stingrays, recognized for their gentle demeanor, frequently inhabit the reef’s shallow waters, offering guests remarkable close-encounter opportunities.
Sustainability remains at the core of Machchafushi Island Resort’s environmental philosophy. Continuous coral protection, reef conservation, and restoration initiatives ensure the preservation of this delicate ecosystem. The resort actively educates guests about marine conservation, fostering a deeper understanding of the reef’s intricate ecological balance.
Francesco Pompilio, Cluster General Manager, emphasized the resort’s commitment: “This recognition reflects not just our reef’s natural splendor, but our unwavering dedication to its protection. Sustainability guides every aspect of our operations, and we remain committed to preserving this marine sanctuary for future generations.”
Travelers seeking an unparalleled marine adventure can now explore one of the Maldives’ most celebrated house reefs, where vibrant coral gardens, diverse marine life, and sustainable tourism converge to create an truly unforgettable experience.
