Diving & Relaxation at COMO Maalifushi

Upon arrival you will be greeted with a fresh OJ by the resort's friendly staff and shown to your home for the next week.

Once you've settled in to your room, enjoy a delicious woodfired pizza at beachfront restaurant, Thila, before taking the afternoon to relax on the white sand beach and scheduling your diving for the coming days at the island's dive centre.

In the evening, head to Tai restaurant to slurp on cocktails as the sun goes down before dining on delicious Japanese cuisine before heading back to your villa to stargaze from your private deck.

Head out in the boat the explore one of the many channels in the reef such as Olhugiri Kandu (Kandu means Channel in the local Dhivehi language). These dives tend to be more challenging with some strong currents but they are the best spots to find pelagic marine life such as sharks and rays. Keep your eyes peeled as you may even spot a hammerhead shark.

After a surface interval back on the island, head back under the waves to explore closer to shore, looking out for all manner of macro life in the Caribbean Garden where you will find lots of nudibranchs, shrimps, frog fish and more nestled among the corals.

In the afternoon borrow kayaks or stand up paddle boards, take another dive or simply relax on the beach. In the evening enjoy a special 'Taste of the Indian Ocean' night where you will have a chance to sample the delicious local cuisine accompanied by some traditional Maldivian Boduberu dancing and drumming.

At Maalifushi's outside reef there is a lovely swim through filled with soft corals and schools of jacks swimming past the entrance. Look out for friendly turtles, reef sharks and even a manta ray if you are lucky. Between dives keep your eyes peeled on the horizon for passing dolphins leaping out of the water.

In the afternoon go for another dive or try your hand at fishing for trevally or red snapper which can be caught with a light tackle.

Before the sun starts to set, board your private traditional dhoni and sail out to see to watch the sun setting with some champagne and nibbles.

After breakfast head out for a mid-morning dive at Guraidhoo Corner. Here you will drift along with the current, followed by a group of friendly batfish, looking at the large schools of fish and friendly turtles.

After lunch you can take a guided visit to a local island to get an insight into the local culture in the Maldives. Refuel on traditional snacks in a local café and channel your inner Beckham with an impromptu game of football amongst the coconut trees with some of the local children.

Before dinner, head out for a special UV night snorkelling trip; using special torches and lenses for your mask you will get to see the amazing fluorescent colours emitted by the corals and other marine creatures at night.

Fact: COMO Maalifushi has one of the best whale shark experiences out there. You will be given a mobile phone at the beginning of your stay and you will be given a call if local fishermen spot whale sharks feeding, which happens most often at night. You'll then be whisked out on a boat to watch from the surface or snorkel with these huge sharks while they are feeding - and with a maximum of six people in the water at a time, this is undoubtably an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In the afternoon head out on a dolphin cruise to spot wild dolphins as the migrate in large pods through the atoll. Sometimes they will surf the waves at the bow of the boat and show off their acrobatics by spinning through the air. Spinner, bottlenose, common, striped and Risso's dolphins are all commonly seen in the Maldives so you are in for a real treat. While looking out for dolphins you can sit back and relax with some champagne and canapés as the sun sets over the ocean.

In the evening head to the Thila Bar for a presentation from the island's resident marine biologist to learn about the local environment, ecosystems and marine life found in the Maldives. They will also explain the coral propagation project being undertaken at the resort to help new coral to grow, thereby helping the reefs grow and become more resilient to climate change.

This afternoon, if you are feeling energetic, take a surfing class. Led by expert surf instructors, you will learn how to paddle, catch a wave and hopefully stand up on the board. If you are a more advanced surfer you can head to one of the world-class surf breaks in the atoll to brush up on your technique.

This evening, celebrate an amazing trip in the Maldives with a romantic dinner on the beach. A dining table will be set up on a secluded part of the beach and you will be served a three-course meal with champagne by your own private butler.