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Resort Review: Huvafen Fushi Maldives

May 22, 2014 by Jean Holy Smithereens 19 Comments

“A Waking Dream”

This is the tagline to the name Huvafen Fushi. Which I find very, very apt. And just a little teeny bit ironic.

Huvafen Fushi- A Waking Dream
Huvafen Fushi- A Waking Dream

It’s true that every moment we had in Huvafen Fushi was the type that dreams are made of.

But they were the kind of dreams we didn’t want to wake up from.

ARRIVAL

As soon as we stepped foot at Male Airport, a staff from Huvafen Fushi picked us up.

A serious looking gentleman named Shaggy. (I wish I’d taken a photo of him with his nametag just so you know that this goes down on the list of “some things you just don’t make up”.)

Shaggy led us to the food court where it was air conditioned as he advised us that we are still waiting on 3 more couples coming from different international flights.

This was fine by us as it was nice and cool at the food court enclosure. It should be known too, that for an additional fee, there is an option for a private transfer, where you will be immediately transferred to the resort without waiting for other guests.

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Speedboat transfer to Huvafen Fushi

After about 30 minutes, we hopped in Huvafen Fushi’s speedboat.

Speedboat transfer (and 1st welcome drink!) to Huvafen Fushi
Speedboat transfer (and 1st welcome drink!) to Huvafen Fushi

The welcome drink was my favourite among all welcome drinks (because we are not counting the welcome ice cream). It’s a lime, mint and ginger infused cool drink that was so, so refreshing! They actually had a lot more drinks on hand, including iced coffees, which I luckily had a sip of, and it was invigorating and quite addictive. If they asked me to join a club right then and there based on their drinks, I would have happily done so.

The speedboat ride to the resort took about 40 minutes. And after we were given the safety briefing, we were also given a summary of weather at the resort for the next 3 days, and the most important part — we were advised to move our watches and time to an hour forward.

Yes, Huvafen Fushi the resort has it’s own time zone.

This made me raise my eyebrows in the beginning. But we were told that this was to ensure that guests receive an extra hour of daylight everyday. We of course happily went along, adjusted our watches and thought,  “Whatever. Let’s step into dream time!”

Stepping into dream time. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives
Stepping into dream time. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives

We were greeted by management and our respective Thakurus (Villa hosts / butler). The Thakuru assigned to us was Imran (or Imre), a very well-spoken and refined Maldivian gentleman with a pom (english) accent that will have Jeeves make a run for his money.

Rooms weren’t ready yet when we arrived (this was around 11AM)  some guests just explored on their own, while we opted to have our early lunch.

Lunch by Fogliani's Huvafen Fushi
Lunch by Fogliani’s Huvafen Fushi

We had lunch served from Fogliani’s by the pool. Lunch is an outdoor affair at Fogliani’s under the canopy of trees. There was one afternoon when it rained temporarily so all guests transferred to Celsius, the next door breakfast & dining restaurant.

ROOM – LAGOON BUNGALOW WITH POOL

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overwater bungalows , Huvafen Fushi Maldives

There are only 44 bungalows in Huvafen Fushi. (This is a small and exclusive number in the Maldives) Therefore the spacing in between bungalows are really wide and far apart. Definitely no issue of privacy here.

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Overwater Bungalow with Pool. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives
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turn down service: A jar of cookies by the bedside table. The very way to my heart. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives
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Overwater Bungalow with Pool. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives
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Overwater Bungalow with Pool. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives
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Overwater Bungalow with Pool. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives
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REN products – major plus points! Huvafen Fushi Maldives
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Overwater Bungalow with Pool. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives

The not so mini-bar  is also one of the most comprehensive and biggest I’ve seen. An array of coffee and tea with choices so varied that you may find yourself in a decision-making dilemma.

There were also music CDs and adult toys at the minibar for purchase. Definitely one of the most original items I’ve seen in a hotel/resort mini-bar!

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mini-bar. Huvafen Fushi overwater bungalow with pool
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mini-bar. Huvafen Fushi overwater bungalow with pool

Video

Here’s a video tour of the Lagoon Overwater Bungalow:

POOL AREA

I’ve very little doubt that Huvafen Fushi’s infinity pool is one of Maldives’ best. I’ve seen some infinity pools just placed next to the ocean and that’s it. Huvafen Fushi’s is well thought of, with the mosaic blue tiles and shape that does look like it opens up to the sea.

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Infinity Pool, Huvafen Fushi Maldives

51 shades of blue if you ask me. It’s so soothing to relax in the pool after a long day of snorkelling in the ocean. We almost always had the pool to ourselves despite the resort being on full capacity. Quite amazing.

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Infinity Pool. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives
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Infinity Pool. Huvafen Fushi Maldives

And if you can’t find me in the pool area, there’s only one other place I’d be

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“my” spot in Huvafen Fushi Maldives

UNDERWATER SCENE 

We’re so impressed and very very pleased with the waters of Huvafen Fushi. Their house reef is very much alive with marine life, and you need not venture far (or dive) to see turtles and sharks.

Underwater in Huvafen Fushi
Underwater in Huvafen Fushi

Using the very versatile Sony HD AS30V, we were able to take a lot of underwater footage. Here’s a video of the snorkelling in Huvafen Fushi taken by Zombie. Be sure to watch it in HD !

I also tried (and failed) to swim along side a reef shark. It was one of the bigger reef sharks we saw, and was swimming on very shallow waters because the fish (which are her snacks, yes I know it was a she as she was pregnant!) take shelter in the corals.

You really have to switch to HD 720 setting  to see the shark in this video!

FOOD and DINING

For a person who doesn’t normally have breakfast, it was an affair I looked forward to in Huvafen Fushi.

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Breakfast in Huvafen Fushi Maldives. Celsius

The reason why I’m not such a breakfast person is because I don’t really feel like eating first thing in the morning.

But Celsius’ breakfast buffet is such a balanced mix of light and semi-heavy breakfasts in all types (Asian & Western)

What I do love is they also have a juice station for those on a cleansing or detox diet.

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Breakfast in Huvafen Fushi Maldives. Celsius

As for me, I made a beeline for the fruits and home made yoghurt. It was one of the creamiest freshest yoghurt I’ve had. Topped with pomegranate seeds and melon, yum!

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Breakfast in Huvafen Fushi Maldives. Celsius
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Breakfast in Huvafen Fushi Maldives. Celsius

We also had a superb Japanese degustation course for dinner one night.

Salt Japanese Degustation dinner
Salt Japanese Degustation dinner

This dinner deserved an entire article of its own so I Wrote about it here — please click so you can read and see in detail the 9-course Japanese degustation meal we had in Huvafen Fushi.

This degustation course is done once a week on Thursday nights.

UNDERWATER SPA

Huvafen Fushi has opened the Maldives’ first underwater spa.

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Underwater Spa, Huvafen Fushi Maldives

The experience is quite surreal and could very possibly be one of the most indulgent things I’ve done in a while.

CLICK HERE to view my write up about getting a FLUIDITY treatment from Huvafen Fushi’s Underwater Spa.

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Underwater Spa, Huvafen Fushi Maldives

 STING RAY FEEDING

I love all kinds of rays, and I think I may even be a little obsessed about them. My love affair with them started in Bora-Bora when I was happily swimming in the water, and I stopped and stood for a bit to adjust my mask. And then without warning, I felt this sensation of being enveloped in a silky embrace from behind. A giant sting ray had come up and climbed on my back and I swear, used my back to scratch its underbelly. It was a sting-ray shimmy and since then I have fallen in love with them.

Imagine my sheer joy to know that every 6PM, Huvafen Fushi holds a sting ray feed by the beach.

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Sting Ray feeding in Huvafen Fushi Maldives
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Sting Ray feeding in Huvafen Fushi Maldives
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Sting Ray feeding in Huvafen Fushi Maldives

To me, sting , eagle and manta rays will always be the angels of the ocean!

CONCLUSION

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Huvafen Fushi Maldives

Zombie and I are unanimous in saying Huvafen Fushi has topped our list of Maldives resorts. It fits all the bill of what we look for in a resort : amazing rooms, beautiful and accessible marine life, exclusive and indulgent without going over the top.

I did see a few guests with children however I would recommend Huvafen Fushi to couples, honeymooners and adults.

And because I really love Huvafen Fushi and would only want to see it improve, here are my thoughts on what would make a guest experience better at the resort:

1.) An airport lounge would make it perfect. NIYAMA , also a Per Aquum resort, has an excellent airport lounge. Knowing what Huvafen Fushi is like, I can only imagine what a stunning airport lounge it would have in Male.

2.)  While lunch is normally almost skipped by guests when they are on holidays, I think it would be a good idea for guests to have an option to take the al-fresco dining or indoors (maybe even just a small part of nearby Celsius restaurant). 

Huvafen Fushi overall is a resort that fits the Holy Smithereens travel style – it is very luxurious but adventure is always close by. While there are excursions available, we were able to get our adventure fill just within the resort.

Yes, Huvafen Fushi gets our thumbs up,  and we will be glad to return.

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Huvafen Fushi Maldives

—

Now tell me, what is YOUR kind of resort?

—

Huvafen Fushi

North Male Atoll 
PO Box 2017 
Republic of Maldives

—

We were guests of Huvafen Fushi. There is no obligation to write a favourable review, and as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

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Filed Under: Adventure, Hotels, Luxury Travel, Maldives, Resort, Travel Reviews, Travels

About Jean Holy Smithereens

Jean is a lover of luxury travel and adventure, always looking for that "Holy Smithereens"-inducing moment on her travels. Follow the blog and other social media pages of Holy Smithereens to get the ultimate travel ideas for the luxurious adventurer!

Comments

  1. Rosemarie says

    May 26, 2014 at 12:17 am

    Hi Jean, you have a lovely blog! And this post of Maldives just makes me want to visit it even more! But with our big move, we wont be travelling until we are fully settled. Look forward to reading more about your adventures.

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      May 26, 2014 at 3:55 pm

      Hi Rosemarie! Thanks for the visit and the kind words! Don’t worry the move in itself is exciting so the travelling can wait, and I’m pretty sure it won’t be long till you travel again too 🙂

      Reply
  2. Becky Padmore says

    May 26, 2014 at 5:11 pm

    Wow, your photos are incredible! Love them all!

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      May 26, 2014 at 9:39 pm

      Thanks so much Becky, quite ‘easy’ to achieve good photos when the place is incredible! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Irene S. Levine says

    May 30, 2014 at 9:03 pm

    Looks like a beautiful resort and they couldn't have picked a more attractive "model.":-)

    Reply
  4. memographer says

    June 26, 2014 at 6:20 pm

    Incredible story and photo coverage, Jean!! one of the best I’ve seen recently!
    The photo of you “stepping into dream time” got stock in my head… amazingly beautiful capture! could be a perfect advertisement.

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      June 26, 2014 at 9:34 pm

      Wow Alex, coming from you the memographer, that is flattering and an honour 🙂 All my memories in Huvafen Fushi had been like a dream really! – almost unreal!

      Reply
  5. Ally says

    July 1, 2014 at 3:32 am

    Ahh this looks so amazing! I’ll be bookmarking this one as one of the options for my honeymoon although I have a feeling it might be a little out of my budget.

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      July 1, 2014 at 8:09 am

      Hi Ally! Huvafen Fushi is definitely honeymoon material. They have specials from time to time so worth checking out the site. If not there’s hundreds more resorts in the Maldives that cater to all budget range – the joy of a growing tourist destination 🙂

      Reply
  6. Justin says

    September 7, 2014 at 10:20 am

    Just curious is Maldives safe currently being Muslim and all the “stuff” going on not to far from there? Excuses the ignorance I simply don’t know.

    -Justin

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      September 7, 2014 at 12:45 pm

      Hi Justin! Don’t be sorry for the question, it’s very legitimate and one of the most commonly asked. Yes the Maldives is an Islamic country but it is safe. Guests just have to adhere to the customs like the dress code in Male (capital) and local islands – covering knees and shoulders/chest for women. No alcohol either. But in the resorts, you can wear your swimwear and there is alcohol served at the bars. No nudity. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Lucy @ The Wanderlust Scout says

    November 24, 2014 at 10:52 am

    Excuse me as I pick up my jaw from the floor! WOAHHHH mumma! This place looks amazing. Seriously girl – what are you doing to my bank account. I need to add this to my must do before I do list. Ok, decided: have to find me a sugar daddy now ha.

    Ps that underwater sweet.. dreamy!

    Lucy x

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      November 25, 2014 at 7:43 pm

      Hi Lucy, my jaw dropped too when I entered the overwater villa. This was my favourite room in all of the Maldives resorts!
      🙂

      Reply
  8. Francesca One Girl: One World says

    December 13, 2014 at 7:35 pm

    I am speechless… just wow!!!! How did you find the strength to leave? lol!

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      December 14, 2014 at 12:46 am

      How?? With great difficulty!!! haha , seriously 🙂 It just made us vow that we’ll be back one day..sooner rather than later!

      Reply
  9. Escape Hunter says

    July 6, 2015 at 3:01 pm

    Be careful with those sting rays… They can “sting”.

    Reply
  10. Rekha Rajan says

    October 22, 2015 at 2:34 am

    After looking at the photos shared, I immediately messaged my hubby: “How abt Huvafen Fushi Maldives for New year!”

    He hasn’t replied yet…but he has never won an argument either 😉

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      December 2, 2015 at 1:28 am

      Hi Rekha! I hope you get to spend the New Year in Huvafen Fushi! If I were your hubby, that’s an argument I wouldn’t mind losing! It’s paradise! 😉

      Reply
  11. ND says

    August 16, 2018 at 7:49 pm

    Hi Jean, lovely blog! Would you know how much is the cost of underwater spa treatment?

    Reply

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