Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives: Barefoot in paradise
The expectations are high: A dream setting with Robinson Crusoe feeling, that's what they say about the Maldives. And yes, even the approach to Huvafen Fushi Resort in the Maldives is spectacular. The view from the cabin window takes your breath away in every respect: it looks like a swarm of jellyfish when one island after the other passes by in the turquoise to deep blue Indian Ocean. There are about 1200, of which about 200 are inhabited and 100 are developed with resorts.
VIP reception at Huvafen Fushi Resort
At Male airport, we are greeted by the resort's reception crew with iced fruit cocktails and refreshing towels in a small lounge and quickly escorted to the resort's own yacht, which takes us on a 30-minute ride to the mini-island, which is just 350 meters long and 100 meters wide. From far away you can already see the overwater and beach villas, which are perfectly integrated into the tropical vegetation of the private island. To the welcome ritual with chilled towels and champagne (resp. fruit juice), a warmly smiling five-member hotel team with our personal butler Shinan is waiting for you at the marina jetty. Probably a blissfully satisfied grin would not leave my face if I would stay longer in this environment. Shinan, a local of the Maldives as he tells us, must have shouted "Here" several times as the good Lord distributed the beauty. Perhaps it is his good upbringing and naturally perfect appearance that makes him in no way vain. On the way to the buggy, which brings us to our water villa, we strip our shoes off our feet as a matter of course and follow Shinan expectantly over a firm, warm sandy path. The sight of our domicile will overwhelm even well-traveled and spoiled globetrotters: The water, ranging from aquamarine to jade green to deep blue, laps gently against the brilliant white sand belt. In front of it the water villas lined up like on a string of pearls. A light breeze and a temperature of 28° – the lightness of being seems natural.
Living more beautifully – doesn't get any better than this!
Our spacious retreat, a water villa of more than 160 square meters, opens on entering a wide view of the Indian Ocean both from the living and sleeping area, as well as from the lush bathroom with whirlpool and freestanding tub. The wooden terrace is divided over several levels and has its own plunge pool, two sunbathing areas with daybeds and, of course, a staircase that allows you to dive directly into the sea.
Dark precious wood floors, an illuminated pagoda ceiling, an extra-wide bed, an attractive bar and a glass floor under the living room table with a view of the underwater world – these are just a few of the accents of this extraordinary ambience. It almost goes without saying that the technical equipment, u.a. with a Bose surround sound system, state of the art. Patiently Shinan explains us all the finesses and likes to repeat himself that he wants to do everything for 24 hours to promote our well-being. The credo for every request is: Yes, please, what is your wish??
Pinch yourself to understand.
After we are alone, we are gripped by an irrepressible desire to dive into the sea and savor the exhilaration of having landed on this dream island. A first encounter with fish in all shapes and colors, which do not feel disturbed by humans at all, leaves you amazed. You swim in and on a wave of relaxation and bliss. You really have to pinch yourself not to take off, because the sunset is a magnificent light and nature spectacle. The sun fireball sinks glowing red on the horizon, is reflected in the sea, and then leaves behind a color spectacle in the sky ranging from pink to violet to deep blue. Shinan served us the perfectly chilled bottle of welcome champagne with fine delicacies.
Culinary delights A la Huvafen Fushi
A sensual experience are also the restaurants of the small island: The "Celsius", in which an opulent breakfast with all imaginable special wishes is served and also in the evening here on the terrace at the sea, the feet in the sand, the menu or A-la-carte dishes can be taken.
At noon and in the evening the "Forno" is tempting, where you also get a pizza served on the beach under palm roofs from the crackling wood oven. Very popular is also the UM Bar for a sundowner. It is an ideal meeting point to exchange ideas with other guests, if this has not already happened during the spectacular early evening feeding of rays. Fine dining is offered by the "Feeling Koi", which like the UM Bar is built on stilts. In a relaxed atmosphere you can enjoy Japanese specialties with Latin American influences. For private parties, a drink or dinner in the subterranean wine cellar "Vinum" is also rented with pleasure. The selection of 6000 top wines is unique in the Maldives.
Wellness under water
Also unique is the world's first and only underwater spa on Huvafen Fushi. Diving with deep relaxation is an experience in the truest sense of the word. Under the water surface, guests can marvel at the species-rich flora and, above all, the tropical shoals of fish during the treatments and at the same time be treated by trained hands.
Diving and snorkeling at the highest level
Huvafen Fushi is a paradise for divers and those who want to become one. There are the underwater world of the house reef as well as several excitingdiving sites to discover in the immediate vicinity. The experienced PADI diving center offers guided snorkeling and diving tours. Marine biologists accompany these excursions and explain the complex ecosystem of the colorful coral reefs and ensure compliance with UNESCO conservation standards.
It is hard to say goodbye after a few days. The yacht that takes us to Male has to wait, because the farewell on the romantic pier by the Guest Service Crew and "our" butler Shinan is accompanied by affectionate rituals. For a long time we see them waving white cloths..
Conclusion: White beaches, crystal clear water and pure luxury every day – all this is not a cliche but reality, which can be experienced on the mini island Huvafen Fushi.
Is there so no even small weaknesses in this paradise? Maybe this one, that the beach surrounding the island is beautiful, but a bit narrow.