Amidst endless blue ocean as far as the eye can see, suddenly an island appears which looks as though someone has scooped a dollop of ice cream and carefully placed it on the ocean, as it melts it leaves a beautiful trail of aqua. A ribbon of villas fans out over the lagoon and as the seaplane gets closer, the verdant jungle interior becomes visible.
There are over 1,200 islands like this in the Maldives, but two are very special. These are Constance Moofushi and Constance Halaveli – just two resorts in the Indian Ocean and the chain’s only properties in the Maldives.
Constance Moofushi
Step out of the water villa into the shallow lagoon and be encircled by tropical marine life. Graceful turtles and curious clown fish circle around snorkelers exploring the spectacular coral reef. Divers can go off into the deep blue, just off the house reef, to spot whale sharks, while manta rays and sting rays glide graciously above them.
Pairs of inquisitive baby black tip sharks drift off the reef to bask in the gentle currents playing courtship games, just like the honeymooners who frequent this beautiful barefoot chic resort in South Ari Atoll. The way to reach it is about 35 minutes by seaplane transfer from Malé and land in the lagoon where the metal birds rest until the next guests are ready to go home.
Constance Moofushi resort is fringed by long white sandy beaches which allow for relaxation. Those who prefer a more active holiday can visit the water sports centre, to the left of the water villas, or by turning right by the Totem bar. From here hire a kayak to explore the perimeter of this water world oasis. Exploring by kayak gives a different perspective to the resort as you meander around the stilts that prop up the water villas and pitch up a few metres from the seaplane which transported you here.
What is more, fish and aquatic animals glide underneath the kayaks, so those lucky enough can even see a dolphin or two. All water sports are complimentary at Constance resorts including nearby Constance Halaveli. Constance Moofushi was opened in 2010 adding to the chains’ footprint in the Indian Ocean.
Staying at Constance Moofushi
Viewed from above, Constance Moofushi is an emerald pearl set in the shimmering azure waters typical of this archipelago. Soft white sand beaches, sapphire seas and towering coconut trees further enhance this paradise island resort located in the South Ari Atoll. A ribbon of villas stretches out to sea on stilted jetties, with 56 water bungalows (66m2) and 30 senior water properties (94m2). Furthermore, there are 24 beach dwellings (57m2) back on the island.
As guests settles into their luxury haven perched over a turquoise lagoon, they feel instantly at home in the villas, recently refurbished by Studio MHNA. Rooms have been inspired by the vivid colour palette of the surrounding lagoon. For instance, the water villas are splashed in turquoise tones harmonised with fawn and ivory and alternating stripes, fish patterns and cut coral designs to exude an atmosphere of calm, daydreaming and gentle cruising. In the beach villas there is a nod to the exuberant natural foliage with a palette of greens and vivid flower patterns that awaken the entire decoration.
A new collection of contemporary furniture inspired by travel pieces from around the world, decorates the different spaces of the hotel and brings modern freshness. Lamps made of rope, a large shell chandelier, back-lit columns made of bottles, vibrant sofas, whitewashed bricks and neon lights are just a few of the additions. There is even an old Citroen food truck set in the sand by the new Grill Lounge, adding extra character and providing a real focal point while guests chill under bamboo pergolas playing games, reading or simply relaxing with a drink.
With its brand-new atmosphere, exceptional service and deserted white beaches, Constance Moofushi is the destination of choice for travellers in search of tranquillity. Hugely popular with scuba diving enthusiasts who appreciate its teeming coral reefs, its manta ray colonies and the special sunset boat trips. Furthermore, this little piece of the Indian Ocean provides the idyllic island retreat as ‘No shoes, no news’ is the motto here, allowing guests to truly escape from everyday life.
Culinary scene
The menu on the resort is all-inclusive with grand gastronomic dining options across two restaurants and a couple of tropical bars. The main restaurant, Manta, has recently been revamped using local materials with recycled shells and corks. A key feature of this restaurant is its sandy floors. Food display stations see Seychellois chef Daniel Agathine, and his team from around the world offer live cooking spectacles and present a dazzling array of delicious dishes. Sommeliers provide the best wine lists from its impressive wine cellar to make this a true epicurean escape.
Totem bar, bordering the beach, is the perfect spot to enjoy a freshly blended juice or mocktail. The new menu focuses on healthy and fresh ingredients from the Indian Ocean islands – fresh tuna from the Maldives, sugar cane from Mauritius, turmeric from the Seychelles and vanilla pods from Madagascar.
The Totem Wagyu beef burger is perfect for hungry bellies while the new fish burger with dark sesame bun is a must try. For dinner, perhaps you will choose the tuna, freshly caught and cooked to perfection by Alizée restaurant’s crew, who deliver a tempting à la carte menu each night. With wave-side tables beside the shoreline, enjoy an exquisite barefoot dinner under the stars. The flavour of the resort is haute cuisine and regularly welcomes renowned chefs to share their passion, ideas and culinary traditions.
Spa and fitness
U Spa by Constance Moofushi showcases blissful views across the Indian Ocean while enjoying a sensual massage or treatment to re-hydrate, detox, deep cleanse or soothe any tension. U Spa uses natural ingredients in the spa treatments. Keep fit and healthy while on holiday by booking a yoga class or visit the fitness room with cardio equipment, free weights and strength machines.
All inclusive
The resort has also won several awards for World’s Best Wine Lists as well as from the Wine Spectator in recognition of its cellar, outstanding wine lists and the expertise of its sommeliers. Constance Moofushi offers all-inclusive stays that include your villa, the delightful menus, access to 125 wines from the cellar, unlimited cocktails and snacks and even a meditation session on the beach.
Offering a one-of-a-kind outdoor authentic hedonist experience, one can connect with nature all while enjoying excellent food and top wines. Here, guests spot manta rays and dolphins, dine with feet in cool lagoon waters and night-troll for fish with locals. Activities include marine biology talks, beach volleyball, cookery classes, wine tasting and water sports and treatments at the Constance Spa.
Constance Halaveli
Gliding on the North Ari Atoll like a curved Dhoni boat, Constance Halaveli Maldives is a private island with stilted jetties threading through turquoise seas, luscious jungle foliage and pure white sands. The resort features villas with private plunge pools, 57 suspended over the water (100m2), 28 on sandy shores including eight duplex (410m2) ones and a 700m2 presidential villa.
Guests can enjoy spectacular floating breakfasts or eat at sunrise on a traditional Dhoni boat, besides four restaurants, two bars and one of Maldives’ leading wine cellars. This PADI five-star (IDC) centre is near Maldives’ top dive sites and other leisure includes tennis, fishing trips, a Constance kids club, a Constance Spa and two boutiques. This Leading Hotel of the World is 25 minutes by sea plane from Malé International Airport.
Every need catered for
Guests can choose which essential oils, soap and room fragrances they would like in their villas, even decide the colour scheme for the cushions and bed runner. There is a pillow menu containing aroma pillows, as well as NASA designed memory foam options or a 100 per cent buckwheat pillow. Finally select the Halaveli playlist for the perfect ambience. These hideaways in paradise offer an unmatched degree of privacy in luxurious villas suspended above sapphire seas, you can lie back on your private sun terrace or dip in your own plunge pool and forget about the world. A stay at either of these resorts is sure to reset your circadian rhythm.
Culinary
Jahaz is the resort’s main restaurant offering a refined indoor dining area outdoor option where patrons can feast with the sand between their toes overlooking the pool or the ocean. Open for breakfast, lunch and a la carte dinner there are cuisines of all types.
In the evenings there is live music and barbecues. Jahaz Bar seats 75, enabling guests to sip cocktails while listening to live music. Jing is situated close to the Halaveli jetty and proffers Asian and European food. The lapping of the sea against the beach sets the ambience for a romantic candlelit dinner. Jing bar serves the best cocktails available in the world and Meeru offers a wide selection of seafood in an open air setting which can be enjoyed barefoot on the beach.
Wine lover’s paradise
With over 1,780 different wines on offer from over 325 winemakers around the world, oenophiles are spoilt for choice. As well as private visits to the extensive wine cellars, there is the option to have a private wine class or a blind wine tasting and even the chance to kayak out to a sandbank for a wine soiree or standing knee deep in the crystal blue ocean watching the sunset while tasting wines from around the world. Guests can also choose special wine pairing dinners.
Spa and fitness
Once on the island guests can meet with Halaveli’s nutritional expert, yoga guru, fitness instructor and spa therapist to commence a transformative holistic journey. Guided mediation; yoga sessions on the soft sand; gym, tennis and aqua exercise is teamed with menus designed to target any specific health issues. Then there are spa sessions to melt away muscle tension and enliven the senses.
A night under the stars
Spend a night beneath a blanket of stars on your very own desert island off the shores of Halaveli. A ten-minute speedboat ride will take you to a deserted stretch of sand to experience nature at her purest. A sandbank butler will be on hand to provide the ultimate Robinson Crusoe adventure from providing the rods to catch reef fish for supper to stoking the bonfire for a barbeque dinner and preparing a delicious picnic lunch the following day.
In a nutshell
Constance Resorts and Hotels in the Maldives, described as paradise on earth, offer a unique opportunity to get away from the maddening crowd on your own desert island cocooned in luxury. Wish for peace of mind, space and happiness and it will all come true at Constance.
Factbox
Address: Halaveli, North Ari atoll, Moofushi, South Ari Atoll.
Website: constancehotels.com
Instagram: instagram.com/constancehotels
