Consistently Awarded, Beyond Compare: The House Reef at Machchafushi Island Resort and Spa, The Centara Collection
Recently recognised among the Best House Reefs in the Maldives by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, the house reef at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa, The Centara Collection (formerly known as Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa), offers an extraordinary experience for divers and snorkelers alike. The South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is renowned for its exceptional diving sites, snorkelling, and marine adventures, and the resort's house reef only enhances this natural beauty with its rich marine biodiversity, thriving coral gardens, and easy access from the shore.
The Machchafushi house reef is approximately five times larger than the island itself, encircling a breathtaking lagoon. Most of the coral reef lies on a gentle slope, descending to depths of 15 – 20m, where it then flattens out into a sandy seabed. At around 30m from the top of the reef, guests can explore a remarkable shipwreck. This sunken treasure is home to a variety of marine species, including glassfish, stonefish and nurse sharks.
Among the largest coral species found on any house reef, the Machchafushi house reef is home to rare varieties such as Acropora granulosa and Acropora latistella, found exclusively on the wreck. The surrounding coral gardens showcase vibrant Blue Coral and Staghorn Coral, creating a stunning display of marine biodiversity.
Marine life thrives around the house reef, with seven resident Nurse sharks, including three adults, one sub-adult, and three juveniles. White Tip Reef sharks, the most curious of the reef's sharks, are often seen coming close to snorkelers and divers. Other notable species include Black Tip sharks, Lemon sharks, Leopard sharks, Guitar sharks, and various rays. The Black Blotched Stingrays, known for their friendly nature despite their large size, are a common sight, especially around feeding areas and the reef's shallow waters. The barbless male rays are particularly known for their gentle interactions with guests.
Sustainability is at the heart of Machchafushi Island Resort's philosophy. Coral protection, reef conservation, and restoration projects are continuously rolled out, ensuring that the house reef remains a thriving ecosystem for future generations. Guests are regularly educated about the reef's delicate ecosystem, its abundant marine life, and the resort's ongoing efforts to promote sustainable practices.
Sharing his views, Cluster General Manager of Machchafushi Island Resort and Spa, Francesco Pompilio said, 'This honour reflects not only the natural beauty of our house reef, but also the unwavering commitment of our team to its protection and preservation. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we remain dedicated to safeguarding this vibrant marine sanctuary for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued trust and patronage.'
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Machchafushi Island Resort's house reef, where exceptional diving, vibrant coral gardens, and abundant marine life meet, all set against the backdrop of the Maldives' unparalleled natural beauty.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Zawya
Gulf Bank offers safe deposit box service at airport, offering exclusive convenience for travelers
As part of its ongoing commitment to providing integrated banking solutions that enhance customer experience and align with their modern lifestyles, Gulf Bank has announced the launch of its Safe Deposit Box service at its branch located in the Arrivals Hall – Terminal 1 of Kuwait International Airport. This makes Gulf Bank the only bank offering such a service within the airport. The new service provides travelers with a secure and convenient solution to store their personal or valuable belongings while abroad. It is particularly suited for individuals seeking reliable, short-term storage options during their time away from the country. Tailored for flexibility and ease of access, the service allows customers to rent safe deposit boxes on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on the length and purpose of their travel. Available in both small and medium sizes, the boxes are secured with advanced safety features — including a dual-key system that requires both the customer and a bank representative to be present for access, ensuring enhanced privacy and maximum protection. This initiative reflects Gulf Bank's vision of delivering a seamless and smart banking experience that meets customer needs even in busy locations such as airports. The Safe Deposit Box service allows travelers to embark on their journeys with peace of mind, without the burden of carrying jewelry, official documents, or other valuable items, all while ensuring their belongings remain secure until their return. The service is available seven days a week, with the added convenience of advance booking through WhatsApp – reflecting Gulf Bank's focus on delivering a smooth and advanced digital experience tailored to the expectations of today's generation of customers. In addition to the Safe Deposit Box service, Gulf Bank's airport branch offers a full range of banking services including account openings, loan applications, cash deposits and withdrawals, currency exchange, and instant issuance of debit cards. This makes the branch a comprehensive banking destination for both arriving and departing travelers. This service reflects Gulf Bank's strategic emphasis on innovation, customer-first solutions, and a strong presence in vital locations. It further solidifies the Bank's standing as a leading financial institution in Kuwait, committed to surpassing customer expectations and building long-term loyalty.
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Arabian Business
Sharjah Airport expects 800,000 passengers in summer travel rush
Sharjah Airport is set to welcome more than 800,000 passengers from July 1 to 15, 2025, as it expects a significant increase in travel volume during the peak summer season. The airport has announced a comprehensive plan to provide a seamless travel experience for all passengers. Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) has outlined a series of operational measures in coordination with strategic partners to ensure the highest levels of efficiency and comfort. Sharjah Airport Summer 2025 Efforts are being intensified around the clock by working teams and customer service staff to provide necessary support, respond to passenger inquiries, and guide them in using the airport's smart services and innovative technologies with ease. This ensures a smooth and integrated travel experience. In this context, the authority continues to enhance all logistical and health aspects, while updating security procedures to keep pace with the rapid developments in the aviation sector. Sharjah Airport urges passengers to arrive at the airport three hours before their flight to avoid any potential delays in completing travel procedures. Passengers are also advised to communicate with their airlines in advance to verify flight times and any updates. The SAA reaffirms its commitment to providing the highest levels of service during peak periods, adhering to the highest safety standards, further reinforcing Sharjah Airport's position as a preferred travel hub and a key player in regional and international travel.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Travelling from Sharjah this summer? Airport reveals busiest days
Sharjah Airport announced on Saturday a significant increase in travel volume to and from the emirate during the peak summer season, with over 800,000 passengers expected to travel from July 1 to 15, 2025. It said a comprehensive plan has been prepared to provide a seamless travel experience for all passengers during the first two weeks of July. Earlier, Dubai Airports, Emirates and Etihad Airways issued advisories, asking passengers to come early and opt for online check-in due to peak summer travel. A large number of UAE residents travel during summer to their home countries and cooler climes. UAE residents have started resuming travel plans after a ceasefire to the Iran-Israel war was announced following recent geopolitical tensions in the region, including an Iranian strike on a US base in Qatar. Most UAE airlines fully resumed their scheduled operations a few hours after the Iranian attack. In its latest update on June 25, Sharjah-based Air Arabia said as regional airspace continues to open, it is gradually resuming operations on previously suspended flights. 'Sharjah Airport urges passengers to arrive at the airport three hours before their flight to avoid any potential delays in completing travel procedures. Passengers are also advised to communicate with their airlines in advance to verify flight times and any updates,' it said on Saturday. Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) assured that it has intensified efforts around the clock with teams and customer service staff working to provide necessary support, respond to passenger inquiries, and guide them in using the airport's smart services and innovative technologies with ease.
