Luxury Spa in the Maldives – Havafen Fushi
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!
As for dining experiences:
– Celcius – outdoor and indoor dining with the menu offering a wide range from sushi, pasta, curries, steaks and fish and chips
– UMbar – sip tropical juices at the water’s edge
– The tandoori oven in the Cardamon Lounge (the newest addition to the spa’s eateries) produces some wonderful tandoori prawns amongst other dishes (with a little help from chef Ravi)
– Raw offering vegetarian options and many healthy fish and meet dishes in the Lime spa
– Chinese cuisine at Salt
– Vinum offering a special chefs dinner in the underground wine cellar
– Casual shore-side dining at Foglianis
– Private In-room or ‘destination’ dining on a deserted beach or yacht
If you want to do more than indulge in treatments, dine and read your book there are plenty of other activities available:
• Daily sting ray feeding at sunset
• Sign up for activities at the water-sports centre (including jet skis, sea-scooters/’sea-bobs’, para sailing, water-skiing, wake-barding, kite-surfing lessons, catamaran trips, kayaking, windsurfing)
• Visit the ‘lair’ which includes a library, art gallery and internet point
• Guided snorkelling with in-house marine biologist
• Go night fishing or sea fishing
• Take an excursion to Male
• Go on a dolphin sun-set cruise (for couples or groups)
• Shop in the spa’s boutique for special compilation cd’s or buy some extra virgin coconut oil
• Take a yoga class at the over-water pavilion
• Join in the beach volley-ball
While you are there look out for Tom Cruise as he has been known to drop in!
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READER COMMENTS:
Wow. I think that I will never, never, never, ever stay there, but I will definitely daydream about it.
Posted by Gillian on Fri 5th June 2009 at 09:46 AM | #