For our honeymoon, after multiple reflexions about the resort, we chose Maafushivaru, located in the south of Ari atoll, by floatplane about half an hour from Malé, the capital.

The arrival on the island is just “wow” : a spectacular environment and a peaceful atmosphere. It was just like a movie, or Paradise.
The staff was so nice, always helpful. We chose full pension, not all inclusive (free drinks all day long)

As gifts for the honeymooners staying more than 4 nights : a bottle of champaign, a candlelight dinner on the beach and a 30 min couple massage in the beach view spa (“best massage EVER” said Audrey)

Beach villa

2 types of rooms, they both have their upsides (no downside !)
The beach villa, spacious, with an exterior extra shower, deckchairs, a private small beach.
The water villa, from where we watched usual fishes, but also a ray and a shark. There is also a stair to go directly down to the sea. Tip : the rooms with even numbers are west oriented, so you can watch the sunset.

Water villa

Water villasThe Lonubo desert island, 5 minutes boat ride

Lonubo, deserted island 5 min away by boat

There is a stair that goes down to the water right beside the coral barrier. We often go snorkeling in Reunion, but there, it was day and night ! We even saw a shark passing by just a few meters from us.

Like every hotel in Maldives, you can do some excursions :
Turtles : 10 minutes boat ride until a spot where you can watch turtles
Snorkeling initiation (free) : an instructor shows you the best spots for snorkeling around the hotel.
We didn’t do : whaleshark, manta ray, night fishing, local village tour …

We loved :
-the beautiful and peaceful environment
-the spacious rooms
-the beautiful coral barrier around the hotel
-the nice and helpful staff

We liked less :
-You are on a small island and have to eat-in every day. But it’s like that in all the Maldives
-The price. Let’s realize we cannot afford to go there every year !

Why Maafushivaru ? We wanted a small hotel, be away in a new environment, go snorkeling without taking the boat (15 min is enough to get both of us sea-sick)

Some tips :
– chose the right time to arrive in Malé (no transfer to the other islands after a certain hour). We arrived at night and spent the first night with no other option than a so-called 2 stars hotel for 100 euros.
– choose a hotel according to your interest : relax vs activities, kids or not, small or big resort.

Have a nice trip !