When most of us think of the Maldives we conjure up visions of empty white sandy beaches, palm trees and luxury. Well, Havafen Fushi takes such visions to new heights, or should I say new depths with its claims to be the world’s first underwater spa.
The resort has found itself on the Conde Nast Traveler gold list in 2007, and named best beach resort by Harper’s Bazaar in 2008. So, what is all the fuss about?
Underwater spa
Firstly, the setting helps – its set in a lagoon on a pristine island (a 30 minute speed boat ride from the international airport). The ‘Lime Spa’ includes an under-water treatment room – seriously relaxing while you are having treatments, flotation pool, yoga pavilion, and six over-water glass-floored treatment rooms. There are a range of differently styled bungalows and pavilions to choose from – some over-water (with infinity pools and Jacuzzi), some on the beach, but are well equipped with Bose technology, plasma screens, Culti luxuries in the bathroom and a guide to dreams by your bed!
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Fed up with the credit crunch and the cold weather? Looking for an escape to somewhere off-the-beaten track? Perhaps even a romantic break or planning a honeymoon? Amanpulo resort could be the place for you.
Less well known that the Maldives and Mauritius, but with similar credentials this resort is on its own private island in the south-seas has ‘casitas’ and villas with a choice of 3 different casita styles / locations – 29 Beach (private paths to the beach), 5 Hillside (great views) and 4 Treetop (no prizes for guessing!). The 9 villas of varying sizes accommodate larger parties averaging 4 bedrooms per villa.
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This has to be one of the best boutique hotels around, partly because the design director was none other than the renowned milliner Philip Treacy (my all time favorite milliner). His aim was to make it feel like a film set – looking at the photo’s I’d say he’s achieved it. In 2006 the spa received an award for ‘The Best Spa, Health and Leisure Interiors’.
The hotel’s web site claims that their pink salon is destined to become their signature room. It is certainly distinctive with its black and white vortex carpet, but a little busy for me. For me I prefer the Grand Salon – a calm oasis in oyster and silver with stunning mirrors and a light installation by Tom Dixon. The blue lounge is a more masculine public room adorned with gilded mirrors and sumptuous furniture. Shells, glass tables and ammonites seem to be a pervading theme and all add to the tranquil atmosphere.
The Grand Salon
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This eco hotel (formally called ‘Fur ‘n’ Feathers Treehouses’ has won many awards. Not surprising when you understand the hotel has a passion for the environment and wildlife. Small is amazingly beautiful, and luxurious, in this instance. So what does The Canopy offer its visitors?
Accommodation is provided in the following:
• 5 two bed-roomed luxury timber and glass tree houses are fully self contained, (all totally secluded and private with fully equipped kitchen, spa baths, a balcony with a BBQ and hammock.
• One larger 3 bedroom house (called the Bower House) with spectacular views of the valley and is on top of a ridge in the rainforest.
• A further two bed rooms are located at ground level within the main building (called the Rainforest Unit) and has wheelchair access.
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I stayed at this hotel between Christmas and New Year a few years ago, and the Christmas decorations were still in evidence. Koh Samui Island is not large, and the hotel was barely a 10 minute drive from the airport, but I don’t recall hearing any airplane noise during my stay.
Chaweng Regent Gardens
I was fortunate to stay in one of the royal suites (in bungalow style accommodation right at the beach edge). To get to the room there was a (very pleasant) walk around a large fish pond with water-lilies and lush gardens. I believe that staying in the rooms adjourning the fish pond can be a bit mosquito-ridden so I would avoid staying in those. Our room was beautiful, we had a smallish outside seating area, a lounge area with tv and privacy screens, then into the bedroom (all in beautiful ‘blond’ wood) with another tv, off to the side was a dressing room leading to a black marble bathroom with the obligatory Jacuzzi. All very tastefully done.
Entrance to our Royal Suite
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