Perfectly tiny, perfectly formed. At just 350 metres long, this petite private island in the South Ari Atoll could be walked in minutes. And yet, it delivers one of the most rich, romantic, and rewarding resort experiences anywhere in the Indian Ocean.
With contemporary villas, gorgeous lagoon views, powder-white sand, and flower-fringed paths perfumed with frangipani, Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru offers a seamless fusion of barefoot luxury, high-end dining, and authentic Maldivian warmth. It’s small — yes — but it punches far above its size and price. For those who value luxury, a warm atmosphere, aesthetics, and soul over celebrity glitz, this resort may just be paradise perfected.
Arrival & First Impressions
A scenic 25-minute seaplane journey from Malé sets the tone, with turquoise atolls shimmering below. On arrival, a cheerful welcome awaits on the wooden jetty, followed by a seamless check-in that whisks guests from the water to their villa in minutes.
From the moment you touch the soft, flour-fine sand, Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru’s scale starts to charm. Meandering sandy paths are lined with blossoming tropical plants, coconut palms, and high roofed attractive villas. There are no vehicles (bar the odd golf buggy). No noise. Just the gentle soundtrack of the sea and rustling trees.
The Villas
The Sunset Overwater Villas with Pool are the jewel in the crown — modern, spacious sanctuaries perched over the lagoon, with west-facing views and full privacy. Inside, interiors are sleek and contemporary with white and soft wood tones, vaulted ceilings, and panoramic glass doors.
Each open plan villa offers a large bedroom, lounge space, king-size bed, and luxe touches like a coffee machine and wine fridge. It’s a practical configuration as you can slide the interior doors shut if you wish – handy if someone’s indulging in an ocean view bath time soak whilst someone else wants to watch a movie in bed in peace.
Step outside and a wide deck awaits, furnished with sunbeds, table and chairs, sofa, and your own large private infinity pool overlooking the ocean. A much appreciated practical touch was the large roof covering half the deck, providing welcome shade and also protection from the rain.
If you love storm watching as I do, you can revel at the stunning pyrotechnic drama in the sky yet keep perfectly dry. Steps from the deck to the sea below mean you can descend directly into the lagoon, ideal for early morning swims or sunset floating. These villas feature indoor bathrooms, elegantly designed with a large free-standing bathtub and dual vanities — stylish and comfortable, with everything you’d expect from a high-end retreat.
For a more grounded island experience, the Beach Pool Villas are also impressive. Nestled among flower-rich foliage just steps from the beach, these villas have charming semi-open-air bathrooms, allowing you to shower or bathe beneath the stars surrounded by tropical plants. Each villa has its own courtyard garden, a generous indoor space with lounge area, and a spacious private pool. Perfect for couples or honeymooners who want both privacy and the tactile feel of island living.
Dining & Drinks
For a small island, Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru delivers in a big way when it comes to culinary variety.
Cuisine Gallery is the resort’s main restaurant, open for breakfast and dinner. It offers a mix of buffet and live-cooking stations, serving international favourites with local and seasonal flair. You’ll find fresh tropical fruits, Maldivian curries, Mediterranean classics, and themed nights that rotate throughout the week.
Moodhu Grill, set near the beach, offers elegant à la carte dinners with a focus on premium meats and fresh seafood. With private booths over the ocean the perfect setting for a romantic evening.
For something more interactive, over water restaurant Koto delivers flair and fire. Chefs prepare Japanese fusion dishes right before you on a hot plate — seared wagyu, grilled lobster, garlic fried rice — served with theatrical flair and a side of fun.
Edgewater Bar is the island’s daytime social hub. Located next to the main pool, it’s perfect for smoothies, cocktails, and all-day lounging with sea views – and you can enjoy a laid back lunch here too.
The hidden gem is Kofee ‘n Chill — a chic café serving barista coffee, frappes, light bites, pastries, and sweets. It’s a go-to for guests craving a quiet moment or a cool place to read, browse, or recharge.
And for something truly magical, Destination Dining offers private dinners set up on the beach, on a sandbank, or in the privacy of your villa — with bespoke menus and candlelight guiding the way.
Not of course forgetting Art-I-san, which is set at the highest point on the island, overlooking the pools and moonlit ocean. Another romantic setting where you can experience another of the resort’s excellent dining venues.
I was genuinely really impressed by the quality and variety of the dining and drinks in all venues.
The Experience
Life at Maafushivaru flows to the rhythm of nature. Early risers may begin with yoga at sunrise or a solo swim in the lagoon. Others take breakfast on their terrace followed by snorkelling on the house reef, which is home to a vibrant community of fish, reef sharks, and corals just a few fin-kicks from the shore.
The island’s marine biologist offers reef talks and guided snorkelling trips, and the resort arranges excursions to swim with manta rays and turtles.
Back on land, the Navasana Spa offers a wide menu of massages, facials, and body rituals in tranquil treatment rooms surrounded by greenery. The staff are gracious and well-trained, with treatments drawing from Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian traditions. The spa area is gorgeous with an infinity pool over the ocean. There’s also a fully equipped fitness centre with wonderful ocean views, a boutique, library, and a photography studio for guests wanting to capture their stay professionally.
Final Thoughts
Maafushivaru stands out not because it tries to be the flashiest resort, but because it is thoughtfully designed, beautifully managed, and genuinely warm. The staff are a huge part of its charm — friendly, attentive, and engaging without ever being intrusive. From bartenders who remember your order to housekeepers who add personal touches, the service feels heartfelt. Unlike larger resorts, nothing here is overly commercial or cookie-cutter. There’s a something very special. Unlike many smaller islands, Maafushivaru offers space, privacy, and a surprising number of culinary and activity choices. And its all inclusive plan is extensive and provides a welcome worry free experience, what ever your drink and dining tastes.
Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru is the kind of resort that wins your heart quietly. It doesn’t shout about luxury. It simply lives it — with soft sands, glowing sunsets, gentle hospitality, and the scent of frangipani flowers in the air.
Whether you’re floating in your villa’s pool at golden hour, sipping a cappuccino at Kofee ‘n Chill, or dining on grilled lobster under the stars, Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru delivers the best of the Maldives — in its own thoughtful, soulful way. It may be a small island, but it offers an experience that feels infinitely large.
It’s absolutely one of my favourites (and I’ve stayed at a LOT of top Maldives resorts). I’d honestly come back in a heartbeat. (with the family next time!).
For more information and to book:
https://www.outrigger.com/maldives/maldives-maafushivaru-resort
By Lisa Curtiss
