Maldives: Huvafen Fushi, absolutely!
Thinking of the Maldives, the land of a thousand atolls, is to invoke a postcard-like dream, a scene from the dawn of time, clear lagoons, and tropical sunshine. This mantra of chic vacations refers to eighty-seven island resorts that tell the story of a getaway with fifty shades of blue and as many loving gazes. The perfect address? Huvafen Fushi.
We have all, at some point, imagined this natural land, far, very far, from urgencies, trends, and armor. A confetti set apart from the world, a hideout for Robinson, a secret to whisper in the ear of an insider. In short, an island where life would flow gently under the sun, between the caress of a warm breeze and the gentle lapping of a wave leaving its lace of foam on the fine sand. Should we pick up a seashell? No. In the Maldives, we touch nothing, we admire, and we only bring back memories. Often, they are made of gold and light.
The charm of not counting
Demonstration at Huvafen Fushi. The miniature atoll (5 hectares, 350 meters long) floats 30 minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport. This cluster of coconut trees, pandanus, and frangipani trees houses a first-class 5-star hotel. Naturally, it is part of the Small Leading Hotels of the World, a reference for those who combine luxury with intimacy, having the charm of not counting when it comes to happiness.
The pause of the blessed
Twenty-eight overwater villas and eighteen others set along the beach (opt for the latter!) offer the pause of the blessed. Both types span over 120 square meters. Suffice it to say that from the XXL bedroom to the terrace wide open to the ocean, not to mention the private pool, the stylish living room, and the bathroom where mermaids vanish for hours, no star is missing from the establishment’s repertoire.
Underwater spa
If one considers a paradigm beyond the beach-nap-shared-pool trilogy (immense, blending seamlessly with the sky), an avalanche of possible pleasures awaits: spa treatments, yoga sessions, fishing, snorkeling, cooking classes, sunset cruises… Yes, but. Here, the ordinary, as practiced elsewhere, dazzles with its execution.
No one is surprised, as the ever-present Noël Cameron, a forty-something Australian and the director of Huvafen Fushi, an incomparable guardian of meticulous service and ultimate luxury, keeps a watchful eye.
He has, for instance, installed the spa several meters underwater. A brilliant idea. A beautiful glass wall lines each of its treatment rooms. Coral heads and sea anemones attract countless small fish, silver darts as well as peaceful old-timers in convict stripes, tiny fluorescent creatures, and prowlers of the deep. With such a spectacle, the massage only heightens the sense of wonder.
Dom Pérignon and Ruinart
The same man suggested excavating the island to a depth of eight meters to install the wine cellar. Constant freshness guaranteed. You might think it was a marketing ploy. That is until you stare wide-eyed at the labels of the 5,000 bottles (640 references) carefully lined up on the shelves.
Dom Pérignon and Ruinart, of course, but also Premier Crus from Chablis, Sauternes, Petrus, Haut-Brion, Romanée-Conti, Côte-Rôtie, and even Château Miraval rosé from Brad and Angelina… Whether the bill includes a beverage line ranging from 50 to 50,000 euros doesn’t deter any of the guests, who particularly enjoy privatizing this treasure trove of a cellar to dine tête-à-tête, savoring each sip of the precious nectar.
Turtles, small sharks, triggerfish…
All that remains is to pay homage to the Maldivian legend, the one told by the archipelago’s underwater world. At Huvafen Fushi, one can, of course, simply splash around in front of their villa. That said, it’s highly recommended to keep the mask and snorkel (provided by the resort) handy for a guided excursion with an expert. Offshore, they know exactly where to find turtles, small (harmless) sharks, triggerfish, parrotfish, and surgeonfish, offering an ever-changing show.
Dinner with feet in the sand
Back on land for the cocktail that naturally accompanies the twilight. It paints the sky with gold and magic, to be enhanced by the resort’s four restaurants. One can even reserve a table in the underwater spa, in the heart of the cellar, or on the beach to dine with feet in the sand, under the glow of torches. Magical. The chef showcases incredible talent with fish, prepared raw in the Japanese style, cooked, grilled, or simmered in the Western tradition. The night promises to be gentle. The stars are already in attendance.
Good to know. A passport valid for six months after arrival is required, but no visa is needed. However, a health form must be filled out 96 hours before departure (https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/etdh).
When it is noon in France, it is 4 PM in the Maldives (winter) and 3 PM in summer.
At hotels, payments can be made in euros or dollars. It is quite expensive to travel between atolls, which is why stays typically take place at the same location for a week. Additionally, local authorities do not encourage foreigners to visit Malé, the overcrowded capital island (263,000 residents out of the country’s 521,000).
It is forbidden to arrive in the Maldives with alcohol (which will be confiscated at the airport), but consumption is allowed in hotels. Fishing and coral collection are also prohibited. Note the excellent internet coverage in the country. At Huvafen Fushi, WiFi is free.
Staying. Kuoni offers packages including round-trip flights from Paris and stays at Huvafen Fushi. A week (five nights on-site) starts from 5,761 euros per person in half-board. Transfers between the Maldives airport island and the resort atoll, by boat or seaplane, are included.
Phone: 01 55 87 80 54 and www.kuoni.fr
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