Find beauty and tranquillity at Huvafen Fushi, Maldives

There’s always a great risk in visiting a place that has been highly loved, appreciated, and hyped up by not just regular travelers but also by some of the finest critiques; what if you love it to an extent that you struggle to leave from there? What if you get addicted to the place that you find no alternative other than returning to it again and again? North Male' Atoll’s Huvafen Fushi, Maldives, is one such dessert island escape that’s a risk worth taking, undoubtedly!

Huvafen Fushi is an early Maldivian pioneer that commenced in 2004, and since, their regular upgrades in terms of offerings and maintenance have ensured the property remains a favorite amongst the literati, backed unquestionably by the fact that it houses the world’s first underwater spa. Even the thought of getting there is a fantasy in itself. The island resort is 30-minutes away by a speedboat transfer or on the other hand, the traditional dhoni takes a leisurely 90-minute transfer time.

Sun, sand, and spa

The vacationers who visit this property find no end to appreciate the charm and elegance of Huvafen Fushi, with its vibe of otherworldly serenity and calm. And what most catches the sight of an explorer are the tiny shy hermit crabs that dart across the beach; the sunset every evening, the attractive grey-feathered herons that survey the ocean, the sky colored in pink, and the heaven-like aura that’s parallel to none. There are umpteen reasons to be enticed by this island idyll – the unmatched spa, where the professional therapists can loosen even the tightest of muscles; the coral parks, where reefs of vibrantly colored fish twirl in synchronized harmony; and the delectable cuisine, mostly including seafood and incorporating locally grown ingredients. But other than this, if you ask what makes Huvafen Fushi a relaxing haven, the list of reasons may go endless. To those who value privacy and often fear feeling claustrophobic to spend a week or two on a small island, Huvafen offers an immense sense of space – from the wide and tall rooms to the spacious restrooms, from the infinite views of the see-through sea to the sight of the sky and stars, where constellations shine brightly. When here, on the island, you can spend most of your days snorkeling in the coral reef or simply relaxing in the cradle of a turquoise swimming pool. What’s even better is that Huvafen never feels crowded or chaotic, mostly because it has limited rooms – just 44 – as compared to other resorts in the Maldives. All the enormously comfortable villas offer a sense of discrete luxury – not the kind of property that features gold taps in washrooms, rather it facilitates outdoor showers – and the same great choice is evident throughout the island, from the restaurants to the lime spa and the congenial bar.

A foodie's paradise

The gastro-minded are well catered to at Huvafen Fushi. If you happen to stop by for breakfast, Celsius – a luxe but laid-back restaurant on white sand floored deck – offers a buffet breakfast. Wild rice pots, acai bowls, muesli shooters, chia seed pots, and healthy smoothies are labeled and presented at this restaurant so you know instantly what’s nut-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. What is certain to grab your attention is the bread and pastry baskets that are filled with all things delicious – from sourdough to chocolate, date and pecan breads to French patisseries. To experience a casual Italian vibe, Forno is the right place to be in. Let it be their signature pasta dishes or wood-fired pizzas, marinated prawn salad platters, or Caesar salad. Salt, on the other hand, is a contemporary Japanese open restaurant sited on the overwater deck and boasting a sunset bar, all giving a view of the chilled-out sharks navigating for food. For post-spa snacks or light lunches, Raw is the perfect eatery to visit. Trust us, it will be hard to resist their miniature dehydrated fish pizzas, seabass ceviche, gazpacho, and avocado carpaccio.

A vacation to cherish

But beyond the food, what’s there to treasure even more at Huvafen Fushi is the sense of being taken to a different world; right from the moment one gets onto the island, stress and anxieties seem to dissipate. And though there’s great Wi-Fi connectivity here, you won’t feel the need to utilize it. Add to it to the signature overwater Huvafen spa experience where all the massage treatments have been designed by the world-renowned massage-guru, Beata Aleksandrowicz. Today or tomorrow, whenever you happen to visit Huvafen Fushi, you’re sure to leave remembering it as an exceptional jewel that needs to be cherished, explored, and praised; after all, a place where the sea and sky unite and dark angels gush beneath the waves deserves to be valued!