Heven On Earth -Huvafen Fushi in Maldives

If celebrity patrons are an indicator of a hotel’s popularity, the Maldives super-lux Huvafen Fushi is about as hot as it gets. George Clooney popped in for lunch last month, Kate Moss partied in her Ocean Villa, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes booked in a massage during their honeymoon, Alexander McQueen had left when I arrived and when I left the island, Stefano Gabbana of Dolce & Gabbana and John Galliano were set to arrive (separately).



Trendsetting Huvafen Fushi has been raising the benchmark since its first inception two years ago. Opening its doors to feature the world’s first underwater spa, Huvafen Fushi has since earned its spot on the coveted Condé Nast Traveller Magazines’ UK and US Hot List.


The day at Huvafen Fushi starts off with a buffet breakfast in Celcius, luxe-but-laid-back dining on a white sand floored deck branching out over the lagoon. Next it’s off snorkeling where you’ll see the most amazing colored coral and sea life including sting rays. It takes approximately 3 hours before you realize you have a tan, the sun is extremely bright and even with 30+ sunblock, you tan quite fast and you notice tan lines by the time you’ve finished breakfast.


Famously, the highest point in the Maldives is only four meters above sea level, so perhaps its not surprising that the Huvafen spa is underwater – something totally exclusive to this resort. It’s like entering a glamorous fishbowl where you are the main attraction to the fish. It’s the perfect environment for a massage. I chose the Maldivian monsoon ritual massage and it defies description. All I can say is that I don’t think I will ever be able to top the experience. Incredible is an understatement.

Three restaurants, a lively bar, a seriously cool well-stocked underground wine cellar, an over-water yoga pavilion and the world's first underwater massage treatment rooms complete the picture.COSTBungalows from US$880This year, Huvafen Fushi is proud to announce three new initiatives. An übercool 70ft luxury yacht, an exclusive compilation with one of the world’s most famous DJ and Producer, Ravin from Buddha Bar, Paris as well as an uplift to the world’s first underwater spa.