Out of This World
I’m not normally one for writing reviews about travel, in fact, I think this might be my second in 4 decades! However, I’ve just spent two days At Huvafen Fushi and I feel as if I’ve been to Heaven on Earth!
However, sometimes you experience something that really shouldn’t go by without due praise, and so I invite you into my very special experience.
Attention To Detail At Huvafen Fushi
This week I had the true priviledge of staying at Huvafen Fushi, located in North Male Atoll, Maldives. In Dhivehi (Maldivian Language) Huvafen Fushi means ‘Island of Dreams’ and now I know why. Calling out to solo female travellers, couples and families alike – this destination has something to offer for all.
Actually, I’ve stayed at a few resorts in the Maldives, and this time I am overwhelmed by feelings of warm fuzziness and sheer delight.
On the morning of my scheduled arrival at the island, I received a call on my mobile from Jay, the Resort Manager to introduce himself, confirm my pick up time and to let me know that island time was 1 hour ahead of Male time. A welcome reassurance as I was travelling by myself.
Service Beyond Exellence
As it turned out, due to choppy seas, the boat needed extra time to make my pick up and to my astonishment the team at Huvafen managed a seamless communication service with my existing hotel to keep me informed and synchronize transfers. And as my car pulled up to the jetty, I received another call from Jay to ensure I could identify the boat and to let me know I would be greeted by my Butler ( or Thakuru) Hussain Rasheed.
“Do I need a butler?” was my instant reaction, a instinctual response from the depths of British breeding where we’re trained that life shouldn’t be easy and we tidy up before the cleaning lady comes once per week!
Reassurance Is Powerful
In fact, the moment I saw Hussain’s warm smile and welcoming face I realised that having a Butler was going to be a bit like having a big brother on the island to make sure I feel safe, happy and I’m encouraged to try new things and get the best out of my stay.
This is one of the beautiful things about Maldivian culture that transfers seamlessly to the hospitality industry here.
Heaven On Earth
Heaven On EarthWhen I arrivedl at Huvafen Fushi, after a 45 min boat ride (30 mins in good weather) I was met by Jay and his Assistant Manager with more warm smiles. Jay knew that I had come for some relaxation and informed me he had booked me a spa treatment and highlighted a couple of other things which he thought might be aligned with my objectives. Hussain then whisked me off in buggy to give me a quick tour of the island and deliver me to my water villa.
Beautiful Rooms
I was blown away by the beauty of this amazing room. Hussain’s explanation of everything to do inside this tranquil paradise, and all the remote controls, was a little bit lost on me as I was so distracted by the look and feel of what would be my home for the next two days. To give you a little insight, the enormous four poster bed looks out over an upper and lower sundeck, the private plunge pool, and straight onto the sea. The abundant living space is framed by large windows, a giant TV, a huge mini bar area soft furnishings and a glass pane in the floor so you can lie down and watch the fish. You then have a large wardrobe and dressing area providing the walkway to a bathroom with a toilet, rain shower, two sinks and the highlight for me, a jacuzzi bath large enough for a baby elephant. You can guess what I did that afternoon!
Unexpected Personalisation
The Dream Team has thought of everything. From a handwritten welcome card from the General Manager; the beach bag and slippers if you don’t want to get your own things sandy; to luxurious L’Occitane products; satellite TV and an iPod stocked with music you can listen to in every room; complimentary apples, Nespresso coffee and herbal teas to be found in the best stocked minibar I have ever seen, anywhere in the world. There’s even a negative ion air purifier with zen chimes and music to help you into a deep sleep just in case the hypnotic sound of the waves is not enough. And for anything else, you have 3 ways to contact your Thakuru (even a dedicated mobile phone).
Two Days At Huvafen Fushi And A Bucket List Experience
Two Days At Huvafen Fushi And A Bucket List ExperienceI experienced an afternoon of pure decadence in my room, and then I had what can only be described as a bucket list experience – feeding the somewhat domesticated Stingrays at 6.30pm. Words cannot explain how joyful I felt interacting with these incredibly gentle and beautiful creatures. I couldn’t keep the giant grin off my face as I fed them left over tuna from the kitchens and watched them suck the pieces off the sand. You feel welcomed into their world as they nudge your feet and ankles with a gentle instruction of “one more piece please”. Needless to say, even though I had wandered there without telling Hussain, he found me and was waiting with his camera to take photos of this memorable moment for me.
I’m so happy Stingrays are protected in Maldives and not on the menu! Whatever you do, ensure you are there every day at 6.30pm for this truly magical experience.
Underwater Zen
Underwater ZenHussain then accompanied me to Lime Spa for yet another ‘out of this world’ experience. A warm and chilled greeting by the Spa Team Inua & Thanu who were ready and waiting. After a quick shower, and change I was taken down a long wooden set of stairs to their underwater spa room, sitting 7m below sea level. And wow! Down there, in my submarine of zen I enjoyed a 60 min full body massage, watching the fish swim by in the mirror under the massage bed. It’s fair to say, I may have gone to sleep and I was gently brought back into the room to sit quietly on the relaxation beds to be further mesmerized by the fish as I sipped warm water and munched on some fresh fruit. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! This is not my picture as I forgot to take my camera.
In my trance-like state the rest of the evening felt like a bit of a dream. Luckily I had my big brother at every turn to get me to and from dinner, walk me directly to the Celsius restaurant (where I was carefully looked after by the enthusiastic restaurant team) and wait to ensure I was safely in the room on my return. After no more than 2 minutes I was tucked up on my 20 inch mattress enjoying a restful sleep.
Taste Sensations
Breakfast at Celsius holds many hidden treasures for a splurge (Eggs with Hollandaise Sauce accompanied by Champagne) if that’s your thing, and for me it was an abundance of fresh fruit, fresh juices, goat’s cheese, some tasty chia seeds and a velvety cafe latte. Yum! I was served mainly by Anu (a bubbly Indian lady who’s fun to chat with) and the rest of the smiley team with genuine enthusiasm.
However, the real highlight of my second day was to come in the evening when I felt so happy that I had been persuaded to enjoy the Sakura Degustation in Huvafen’s over water seafood restaurant “Salt”.
It goes without saying that the decor is stunning, with cosy tables framing the open and spotlessly clean kitchen area; housing several chefs in pristine white coats, seamlessly preparing various courses and wafting the most enticing smells in my direction. Even before the restaurant filled up, the team managed create a vibrant atmosphere with a feel good buzz.
An enormous thank to the personalised service that I received from Mr Jaleel Abdulla, the Restaurant Manager, who seemed to be there at every step of this incredible 6-course meal (pre-cursored with edamame and a secret sauce), and led his team to make my experience truly memorable.
Food To Make Memories Special
Now, the important stuff. The nosh! In the Maldives, it’s difficult to make sushi even better, because if the fish is fresh and it’s cut well, it’s going to be good. At Salt, they take it a step further by delivering it to you in a perfectly sculpted ice bowl. Beautiful!
And then IT arrived. The Creamy Rock Shrimp Tempura served with dynamite sauce. Without a doubt the best shrimp dish I have ever tasted in my life! I was so consumed by the taste sensation going on in my mouth I was taken aback when one of the chefs rapidly headed in my direction saying “I heard a WOW”. Did I say that aloud? Apparently so! “Would you like another serving?” Yes, yes, yes,yeeeeeees, it was out of my mouth before my control could catch it … and I enjoyed every moment of the second one! Greedy me! I didn’t care.
And from then on the food continued to delight and surprise me in ways I had not experienced for years. My second moment of deep and profound joy during my visit to this dreamy island and I had to resist the urge to hug and congratulate every staff member on my way out. Did they put something in the water? I don’t think so, I saw every other guest departing with the same kick in their step and jubilant smiles of awe and happiness.
I’m not a regular any more in restaurants of this high standard and the last time I had this feeling during a meal was at Sketch in Mayfair, London. All I can say is “Sketch – eat your heart out!”
So many things to enjoy here and to pin-point the difference that makes the difference: the staff manage to deliver a service that is professional, informal and GENUINE. So, it feels like you’re staying with old friends where you don’t have to make an effort – you can just enjoy spending time. And yes – I did eat all the chocolate covered strawberries and departure sweets!
A million thanks to Hussain and the “Dream Team” for my very special experience. 🙂
Why don’t you try two days at a few days at Huvafen Fushi, or even a few days to enjoy the ‘Heaven on Earth’ experience!
I Run Events In The Maldives
I run events in the Maldives and I’ll be running at least one there in 2021. Keep your eye on my Events Schedule to find out when!
