Constance Moofushi

Rooms

The spacious villas look like traditional Maldivian villas from a distance, with thatched roofs and wooden-slatted walls. Inside you’ll find a laid-back luxury with carefully-crafted bamboo and driftwood furniture and a modern bathroom that wouldn’t look out of place in a design magazine.

There’s a choice of villas on the beach or over water, and all have air-conditioning, Mac Mini, minibar, television and tea and coffee facilities.

Location

Situated on the South Ari Atoll, a short and scenic seaplane transfer from Malé, the resort is in an intimate location on its own small island, with porcelain-white sands, thick palm groves, coral reefs and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Beaches in the Maldives are generally smaller than in other areas of the world, although they make up for this with pristine sands and water so clear you can see the fish below. The soft-sand beach of Constance Moofushi surrounds most of the island, making it one of the larger beaches among the Maldives resorts.

Food and drink

The main restaurant, Manta, offers laid-back, yet elegant, dining, with tables set on the sand. The theme changes daily, from Maldivian specialities to wood-fired pizza, and there’s an extensive wine cellar with a sommelier on hand.

Some tables are set on an overwater deck, which is particularly picturesque at night when the water is lit to show the fish swimming below. During the day, staff will also be happy to serve you by the pool.

Alizee restaurant is a relaxed and casual beach grill, open for dinner. Set on the beach, just a few metres from the ocean, it specialises in fresh fish caught that day, as well as meat dishes, all cooked to order. One dining experience here is included in the Cristal All Inclusive package, and further dinners can be booked at a local cost.

There are also two bars at Moofushi. Manta Bar, a lively and friendly bar, located next to Manta restaurant, has a resident DJ in the evenings, and an open layout to make the most of the ocean views.

Totem Bar is a sand-between-your-toes bar set on the beach, shaded by trees, serving smoothies, juices, cocktails and drinks, as well as lunchtime snacks and afternoon tea.

Please note: Constance Moofushi does not offer room service.

Facilities and activities

There’s a large outdoor pool, as well as snorkelling opportunities on the vibrant house reef, just steps from the beach. Just off the main house reef you’ll find an underwater picture frame to pose behind. Visit the Marine Centre to watch informative presentations or participate in the coral adoption programme.

A wide range of water sports are also available. Non-motorised activities, such as windsurfing, kayaking and pedal boats, are included, as is sailing (although there’s a compulsory orientation cost). Big-game fishing and night fishing can be arranged for an additional charge — the resort operates a responsible catch and release policy.

On land, there’s a fully equipped gym as well as beach volleyball.

Local excursions

The resort will be happy to arrange a dolphin-spotting cruise on a traditional dhoni (Maldivian boat), or a private barbecue on a desert island, as well as trips to local villages.

Diving

Moofushi attracts hundreds of divers each year — its waters are often so thick with fish it feels like a fishbowl. The house reef, situated on the South Ari Atoll, is regarded as one of the best diving spots in the world, and plays home to a rich and diverse marine life.

Migratory ocean species, such as mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and sea eagles, all pass by, along with an array of fish including stingrays, sea cucumbers, lionfish, snappers and eels.

Staff at Moofushi will be happy to talk guests through all diving options, and there are over 32 well-reputed dive sites within 30 minutes of the resort. Visibility is generally very good, and there are sites suitable for both novices and experienced divers.

Spa Facilities

With eight overwater treatment rooms, the luxurious spa is a picturesque spot for a relaxing treatment, with glass panels set in the floor, so you can watch the fish swimming in the ocean as you enjoy your massage.

There’s a wide choice of pampering treatments available as well as a range of yoga activities.