On a trip to the Maldives, Travel+Leisure India & South Asia ditches the sprawling islands and checks into the remote and intimate OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort.
Playful, intimate, and remote— OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is all of these and more. Located on an island that is just a little over 350 metres in length, the resort and its surroundings look like they popped out of the set of The White Lotus, sans the gruesome murder.
After a 25-minute ride on a seaplane that makes a pitstop on the way, a speedboat picks you up from a floating pontoon jetty for the final stretch to this remote island. And unlike many other luxury resorts on the archipelago, OUTRIGGER doesn’t overwhelm you with meandering paths that make you go in circles. That is not to say that it isn’t sheltered by thick vegetation and girded by white beaches.
Arriving at OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort
The first order of business on landing on this piece of heaven is to head to Edgewater for a drink by the pool. Overlooking the lagoon, this bar also serves lunchtime classics including salads, wraps, sandwiches, catch of the day, noodle or rice bowls—all of which are perfect accompaniments to the cocktails. I recommend gin infused with Earl Gray tea and lemongrass to beat the midday sun
As I loll back in the handwoven rope couch after a perfect sandwich, I see Chris Long, executive chef of OUTRIGGER approaching. An Englishman who has spent many years in Vietnam, Long is as much of a free spirit as he is a cook. We get talking about the many joys and challenges of living on a remote island. “The biggest challenge is ensuring quality of food that arrives twice a week from overseas,” he admits. “Having a good relationship with food suppliers is key,” says Long, and I don’t doubt him a bit. The variety of cuisines and dishes served at the six eateries in OUTRIGGER is a testament to Long’s commitment.
Islandic Delights
OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort has 81 villas—beach and overwater. My stay is in a one-bedroom sunset overwater villa that opens to a private pool. After lunch and a nap, I walk barefoot along the sandy pathways lit up by garden lamps that cast moving shadows of the foliage.
Moodhu Grill is buzzing with guests when I arrive. It is one of the signature dining experiences on the island—there are five overwater private dining platforms along with indoor tables—serving grills of various kinds. The chef-recommended Whole Roast Portobello Mushroom with garlic butter, spinach, blue cheese, and herb crust is creamy and soulful, but the highlight of the meal turns out to be the dessert—Giant Iced Profiterole. The choux dessert has ginger craquelin filled with coconut ice cream, on a bed of warm dulce de leche sauce, and toasted coconut, all of which hit the spot.
Next morning, I head to Coral, the water sports centre, for guided house reef snorkelling. The inhouse cockatoos greet me; they fly from shoulder to shoulder, delighting staff and guests alike. In a while, I put on my snorkel, mask, and flippers, and swim to the house reef with my guide for an hour of underwater therapy. He is patient with my nescience, and as I get used to the silence, he points towards surgeonfish, Moorish idols, and more scuttling below us. My peripheral vision catches sight of a moored boat that tips me off on how far into the ocean we’ve ventured. To quell any potential panic, I keep my head under water. Soon, it is time to turn around and swim back to the shore (float, in my case). The strong waves, however, push us back to the ocean. Clinging to my guide’s arm, I kick my feet and heave my body. And after what seems like ages and a good cardio workout, we reach the shore, relieved at the agility the land offers.
The ordeal calls for some pampering. So, at Navasana, the spa at OUTRIGGER, I surrender to a Relaxing Full Body Massage, and a steam and shower. After a hearty lunch, I head back to the villa, encountering multiple herons and blacktip reef sharks on the way. I watch golden hour give way to sunset. A dhoni glides in front of the setting sun, while a school of fish leaps out of the water creating a Maldivian spectacle. And just then, it rains, as if the island is applauding itself for the very brilliant show.
Related: The Ultimate Guide To Maldives Resorts For Every Kind Of Luxury Traveller
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
— How to reach OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort?
Located in the South Ari Atoll, OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is a 25-minute seaplane journey from Male.
— What is the room rate at OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort?
Doubles start from INR 48,438.
— Does Maafushivaru have a house reef?
The island has a house reef with many tropical fish.
Written By
Adila Matra
Deputy EditorAdila Matra is a Delhi-based writer who likes to hop on board a bus and head to the Himalayas when she hears the call of the mountains. An ardent lover of hummus, Adila makes it a point to sample strange local dishes wherever she goes. When she is not travelling, she can be found lazing around, watching cool sci-fi shows or reading historical fiction.
