As we approached our resort in the Maldives by speedboat, our guide asked us to look ahead. “That’s Huvafen Fushi,” he said. And there it was, a picture-perfect view of an island with tropical greenery, white sand and clear waters.
The staff lined up to welcome us with refreshments as we edged closer, with each guest to be assigned their own butler. The butlers at Huvafen Fushi are truly world class. I was looked after so well by Nelly, who made my stay in the Maldives stress-free.
In fact, all the staff at Huvafen Fushi ensure you’re taken care of from the moment you step off your flight at Malé International Airport. Here, you are met by a rep who ushers you to a waiting lounge before taking you for a 30-minute ride to the resort.
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I was taken aback by the beauty and luxury of my lagoon bungalow, which came with a number of notable features, all playing on the natural surroundings. In the living area, for example, the glass floor under the coffee table allows you to see the water below.
In the evening, it can be lit so as to enjoy watching the fish. The living area also has a large window, so you can enjoy the view of the Indian Ocean, while watching TV or relaxing with a coffee.
Alternatively, that view can be seen from the bathroom, which is stocked with Diptyque bathroom amenities, while soaking in the free-standing tub.
And it gets better. The bungalow has a small dining area, sun loungers, and a plunge pool outside, from which to watch the sunset each evening. The fiery orange sun will mesmerise you as it paints the sky with beautiful gold and orange tones, while also making the glass-like sea shimmer. It really is quite magical.
There are steps to take you down into the lagoon should you want to take a dip. You won’t want to leave the bungalow, but there are things not to miss.
You will emerge from float therapy feeling reborn
(Image credit: Huvafen Fushi)
The most obvious thing to do here is to relax on the beautiful white sand and enjoy the water. And you must, because it really is paradise. And since the island is large and uncrowded, you will have plenty of space to yourself.
I really enjoyed the odd afternoon spent on a hammock, listening to the sound of the sea and enjoying the calm. There are few places in the world where you can do that undisturbed.
You can go into the sea at pretty much any part of the resort, but there is an infinity pool as well if you prefer. The resort also has a library, a gym, spa, plus the opportunity to do watersports.
A choice of wonderful restaurants
Salt serves a fusion of Japanese and Latin-influenced dishes
(Image credit: Huvafen Fushi)
And when it comes to good food, Huvafen Fushi won’t let you down. Head to Salt, one of the best restaurants in the Maldives, where you can indulge in a fusion of Japanese and Latin-influenced dishes. The restaurant is poised over the sea, so be sure to look out for the friendly sharks swimming in the dark.
The Raw restaurant serves 100% raw organic food, but if you prefer comfort food, at Fogliani’s you can enjoy fresh pizza from the wood-fired oven, burgers, pasta or salads.
Have breakfast at Celsius and look out for your daily smoothie shot, full of goodness to kick-start the day.
And for something truly special, head eight metres underground to experience fine wine, cheese and gourmet dining at Vinum, the Maldives’ first underground wine cellar.
You can also arrange private dining besides the infinity pool, or even have a chef cook for you at the Cardamom – a secluded dining experience – with its outdoor tandoor oven.
The water around Huvafen Fushi is great for snorkelling
(Image credit: Huvafen Fushi)
Snorkelling at night
You can snorkel around the island where you will see plenty of coral reefs. Fancy giving something back? You can arrange to go out with a marine biologist to plant and name your own coral reef. If you want to see turtles, take a snorkelling excursion out to sea to spot them in their habitat.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, there is an opportunity to do some night snorkelling, where you swim with a diver to enjoy the coral reef after dark. It was an experience I will never forget.
However, no luxury getaway is complete without a little pampering and at Huvafen Fushi, you can have a treatment in the world’s first underground spa. Steps take you down below the water line to where you can admire the marine life while enjoying your relaxing treatment.
But do also try the Luno Veyo, a saltwater pool, which has a Dead Sea effect. You can use it by yourself or book a session at the start of the day with a therapist who will swirl you around as you float and you will emerge feeling completely reborn. But I expected nothing less from Huvafen Fushi. You will leave feeling renewed and fully reset.
Kalpana was a guest of Huvafen Fushi. Rates start from £1,555 a night in a Lagoon Bungalow with a pool, based on two people sharing, including breakfast.
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Her work includes writing for a number of media outlets, from national papers, magazines to books.
She has written for national papers and well-known women’s lifestyle and luxury titles. She was finance editor for Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima.
She started her career at the Financial Times group, covering pensions and investments.
As a money expert, Kalpana is a regular guest on TV and radio – appearances include BBC One’s Morning Live, ITV’s Eat Well, Save Well, Sky News and more. She was also the resident money expert for the BBC Money 101 podcast .
Kalpana writes a monthly money column for Ideal Home and a weekly one for Woman magazine, alongside a monthly 'Ask Kalpana' column for Woman magazine.
Kalpana also often speaks at events. She is passionate about helping people be better with their money; her particular passion is to educate more people about getting started with investing the right way and promoting financial education.
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