Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa

Machchafushi is a lovely resort and I would highly recommend.

1. Gluten Free. For anyone who needs to know -

My daughter is coeliac and they have catered for her with care and kindness. Anything we want from the buffet we think might have been contaminated they bring us from the kitchen directly. Every meal they bring her a dessert that's suitable. And nothing has been too much trouble and we have every confidence they know exactly what they are doing for a coeliac.

2. The room. Is lovely, they keep it clean. Its plenty big enough and the bathroom is like an apartment its so big. Separate free bath and large shower.

Toiletries are fine. 'Conditioning shampoo' is not enough for the crazy damage the sea and sun do to my hair, so i am using my own shampoo and conditioner. The bath foam and body lotion are very nice.

3. The reef.

I once saw a reef in Indonesia that compared to this one... that is to say, the reef here is sublime. It has the most perfect shallow snorkeling for a loooong way all around the island and a picture perfect reef drop into the deep. We see sharks just swimming from our water villa. We have seen nurse sharks, a sting ray, black tipped reef sharks and so many extraordinary fish its like a documentary everytime you put your face in the water. The snorkeling is easy, there's no gap from the villas to the reef, you're just right in there. There's no need for a boat trip to another island for a snorkeling trip... no place near here has as good a reef as this. My 15 year old called it "free TV" which is very high praise indeed.

4. Whale sharks. This is why we came. Bucket list stuff. And we really got lucky. A life affirming and majestic experience none of us will forget. Huge thanks to the incredible guides from Best Dives Maldives, based here at machchafushi, they were on our boat, came with us in the water and they kept us safe (please only go with certified guides. Its actually a dangerous activity and the safety first culture is essential, and sadly not there with some other boats)

In summary i would highly recommend. If you want teeny small boutique resort of the highest luxury, this is not it. If you want kind staff, a lovely resort, and to snorkel at your leisure on the best reef you'll see, this is the resort to come to.

(Also - there are also fruit bats/aka flying foxes here, a cute as a button flightless bird, and some mini iguanas. They don't get as much as attention as , well SHARKS, but we loved all the wildlife. )

Dear Samsul，

Thank you so much for taking such wonderful care of us during our stay.

Your thoughtful service, impeccable room keeping and kind help with all our arrangements made our holiday absolutely perfect. We really appreciate every little detail you did for us.

It was such a pleasure to have you as our butler. We will miss your warm hospitality and we hope to see you again next time we come back.

With many thanks,

King