Why Take a Seaplane to COMO Maalifushi?

COMO Maalifushi feels a world apart, yet getting there is remarkably easy. From international arrivals at Malé’s Velana International Airport, it’s a two-minute walk to your waiting seaplane. Then comes the unforgettable hour-long flight south across the Indian Ocean, skimming over tiny sandbanks, shallow turquoise lagoons and inky-blue channels before you arrive in the remote Thaa Atoll, some 120 miles from Malé and far from other aircraft, sea traffic, or neighbouring resorts. With seaplane transfers now included in COMO Maalifushi’s summer rate, this far-flung paradise has never felt more appealing.

Romance begins with the journey

There’s something cinematic about arriving by seaplane: the whir of the propellers, the runway practically on water, and the sensation of flying low enough to trace the shifting colours of the reef below. From the air, the extraordinary topography of the Maldives reveals itself in vast atolls formed over millions of years around ancient volcanic calderas, rings of coral reef encircling luminous lagoons. Shallow inner reefs glow electric blue and jade green, giving way to sudden drops of deep indigo ocean. For children, the journey feels adventurous; for couples, it’s undeniably romantic.

Space is the ultimate luxury

At eight hectares, COMO Maalifushi is unusually large by Maldives standards, giving the resort an open, uncrowded feel that’s increasingly rare. The overwater villas are thoughtfully positioned for complete privacy; you can spend entire afternoons on your deck, or dipping in and out of your private pool, without seeing another guest. For an even greater sense of escape, guests can enjoy a barbecue or sleepover on nearby Lavadhoo Island, a deserted sandbank.

An abundance of marine life

The Maldives’ southern atolls are known for richer, less disturbed marine ecosystems than their northern counterparts. June is peak surfing season — with COMO Maalifushi offering world-class breaks for beginners and experts alike — but it's also one of the best months for manta ray sightings and Iconic Experiences such as whale shark encounters. A successful coral propagation programme led by the resident marine biologist means the corals around the island are some of the healthiest in the region.

A taste of traditional island culture

In the waters around COMO Maalifushi, local fishermen still work using time-honoured methods passed down through generations, with fishing remaining an important part of daily life and culture. You’ll experience the benefit directly on your plate, with exceptionally fresh seafood served daily, from just-caught tuna to grilled reef fish served beside the water. For the sport of catch-and-release fishing, the shallow, glassy flats around COMO Maalifushi deliver Triggerfish and Giant Trevally, while big game fishing for Wahoo and Sailfish lies just beyond the reef.

To make a reservation at COMO Maalifushi, please contact our concierge team.