A Luxurious Retreat on an Island at Atmosphere Kanifushi, Maldives

Atmosphere Kanifushi can be reached via seaplane, an unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking views of the island. The open cockpit lets you see pilots sporting casuals sans footwear flying the aircraft as if it were a toy plane. A traditional welcome with Boduberu drums awaits guests while the resort staff present you with a necklace made of palm leaf while handing you a glass of champagne. Leave the worries of your luggage to the staff, who will ensure your bags safely reach your villa even before you!

To call Atmosphere Kanifushi a paradise would be to understate it. The sea, in myriad hues of blue, was truly breathtaking and I just couldn’t take my eyes off it. The stunning property was a visual feast. The lush green cover creates a sense of serenity. And may I add, you will never run out of places to Instagram!

The private pool inside the villa was merely a few metres away from the turquoise blue ocean. All the water villas have direct access to the crystal clear ocean below, which was a luxury in itself. My water villa boasted an expansive balcony which led to the pool overlooking the ocean. There are two Sun lounges for those who don’t mind the Sun tan. The freestanding bath also lets you soak in the beauty of the blue sea.

Of course, like Varu by Atmosphere, their Kanifushi resort too offers everything at an all-inclusive price. The Kanifushi package includes accommodation, complimentary seaplane transfers, meals, unlimited beverages, and daily mini-fridge restocks. Activities such as sunset fishing trips, excursions to local islands, and unlimited snorkeling trips are also part of the all-inclusive plan. Guests can indulge in sunrise yoga, sound healing sessions, and spa treatment that’s oh-so relaxing.

The Sunscreen and insect repellent lotion placed in the room reflects their attention to detail. The sight of a cluster of over the water villas overlooking the sea takes your breath away. Atmosphere Kanifushi stands out not only for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, but also for its impressive array of activities and dining options.

The resort offers plenty of activities for the guests to take part in. You could learn the palm leaf origami, which is very unique to the place, go snorkeling any number of times you wish as the blue water beckons at all times not to mention some watersports activities

There are several restaurants at the resort for dining to appease diverse palates. From multi-cuisine buffet with live counters to à la carte, Kanifushi Atmosphere has everything covered. The Spice offers global cuisine, Indian food included. Don’t miss the Teppanyaki show at The Pier six—close to the water villas. You could even learn to make sushi from the chef, a class to be remembered. My favourite, however, is Just Veg. The menu has been carefully curated by Italian Michelin-star Chef Fabrizio in collaboration with the culinary team at Atmosphere by Kanifushi. The gourmet food is not only innovative, but also flavoursome.

This place redefines vegetarian dining with some exemplary food choices in the menu, which even meat eaters would love. The turquoise blue waters, sight of turtles and fishes, sound of the waves makes for a perfect setting for a relaxed meal amid breathtaking views from the dining area.

Ceylon bliss is one another must visit resataurant inside AKM, not just for the authentic Sri Lankan food experience, but also for its rustic ambience.

Atmosphere Kanifushi is a natural island, so expect breathtaking views all around. You could explore the place by either using a bicycle given to all guests or use the shuttle services or hail a buggy.

The best part about Atmosphere Kanifushi is that you have enough privacy. The island is huge with a 2-km stretch of blue waters. And for those wanting total privacy, there are Residences which can house an entire family, that comes full with butler service and private buggy at their disposal. The Residence boasts woody interiors with modern amenities with even a room for the staff of the guests. An Olympic size private pool and direct access to the ocean, give guests ample room for privacy. Truly a home away from home, yeah?

For those who opt for pool villas, there is no dearth of luxury either! Coffee machine, a fully stocked bar replenished twice, fresh fruits and dry snacks are a given in any Atmosphere property. The glass floor panels inside the washrooms offer scenic views of the lagoon, not to mention watching the sunset painting the skies in shades of orange and pink from the comfort of your room. House slippers, a bag to carry your beach attire, beach footwear—all make you realize the effort made by the resort to leave no stone unturned to elevate guest experience.

A visit to the property is not complete without a relaxing massage at the Akira Spa by Mandara. Feeling relaxed is one thing, getting into a state of trance is another. The spa experience at Atmosphere Kanifushi is pure bliss. As the expert hands of the masseuse work their magic on your body, you are soon transported into another world, while the view of the ocean soothes your eyes and the sound of the waves calm your mind. Before you realize, you are in a deep state of slumber. At the end of the session, as the therapist gives a gentle nudge to awaken you, you can feel that the tightness and the muscle knots in your body have all disappeared. What a feeling that is!

When you rush to Maldives after looking at the pictures, you only discover that what you saw was just a fraction of what really lies there. For once, reality gets better than your imagination. And the kind of hospitality, luxury offered here at Atmosphere Kanifushi is much more than one would expect. This is true rejuvenation. As you pack your bags to head back to the airport, you wish your stay had lasted a little longer but tell yourself, you can always come back to this paradise.