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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Can there be a reader who hasn’t heard of the infamous chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay? Well, how many of you knew that he can now add hotelier to his cv?
Overlooking Regents Park (at the northern end, in Camden), Ramsay Holdings riginally bought the previously derelict pub for another eaterie, but decided that the building could be turned into something more. The York and Albany London (not to be confused with the New York hotel) has only just opened (21st September 2008) after an estimated £4million spend, but will it be a success?
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Many people are aware of The Venetian hotel in Las Vegas, but did you know there is now one in Macau, South China? With China’s huge population, their national interest in gambling, belief in luck and the fact that Macau is the only place in China where gambling is legal it was a pretty obvious place for Las Vegas Sands to locate the largest casino in the world. It opened in August 2007 (on a Chinese ‘auspicious’ date), and the developers state that the building is the second largest building in the world; others say it’s the third largest. But whatever – you get the idea….its big! A helpful comparison might be that you should be able to fit 90 747 jets inside.
Like its sister hotel in Vegas – no expense has been spared in the $2.4 billion project. Walls and ceilings are adorned with golf leaf, fresco’s and murals, floors are marble, there are countless statues and the ceiling above the shopping mall and canals is painted with a realistic sky effect that even darkens towards the evening. You can catch a Cirque du Soleil show while there or a concert or two.
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Unless you have been a hermit for the past week it probably hasn’t escaped your notice that Atlantis (the hotel on the Palm in Dubai) opened last week on the 24th September. Newspapers, magazines and supplements have been awash with articles and reviews about the themed spa resort hotel.
Aimed strongly at the family market the hotel does stretch its theme’ing’ to the limit, even suggesting that it is an educational experience for children regarding the (fictional) Atlantis.
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