Escape the rat race at an island paradise that antes up the cool factor in the luxurious Maldives.
THE LOW DOWN
From the moment you glide into Huvafen Fushi on your luxury leisure craft, seaplane or speedboat, your feet won’t touch the ground. Or rather they will, as you begin to embrace the customary barefoot chic of Maldivian lifestyle. The resort, favoured by reclusive celebs and the fashion-forward glitterati in search of their annual detox fix, is a testament to languid island luxury with a sprinkling of Ibiza cool. Managed by luxury brand Per Aquum, Huvafen Fushi is perfect for guests who want to combine tropical island bliss with a little rock star lifestyle. There’s Vinum, an underground cellar eight metres below the ocean featuring an impressive collection of 6,000 rare vintages, a fibre-optic illuminated swimming pool and all the urban mod cons you can poke a Bang & Olufsen remote control device at. Did someone say party? For more information, visit huvafenfushi.peraquum.com
ROOMS WITH A VIEW
There are several categories of rooms to choose from based on whether you prefer to slumber over-water or on the beach. All face the ocean or the private lagoon and exude laid-back luxury to perfection. The indoor-outdoor features include private pool, comfy king size beds, state-of-the-art technology and some super-swanky aesthetics by the master of mod style, Philippe Starck. Our favourite feature? The glass floor portholes in the water bungalows, which give a shark’s eye view of the ever-changing marine world beneath.
STYLISH EATS
Skinny minis will salivate at the healthy options on offer at the resort’s Eastern-influenced restaurant Raw, while the over-water seafood restaurant Salt offers the very best of destination dining in its traditional Maldivian sea hut. For something more easy-going, guests can opt for all-day dining at Celcius or enjoy a crispy Italian pizza on the sand at Fogliani’s. And no need to break out your Louboutins, ladies – barefoot dining is actively encouraged.
INDULGENT EXTRAS
Here hedonistic bliss comes in the form of 24-hour butler service, restaurants and bars with sugary sand floors, an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the reef and Lime Spa – the world’s first underwater treatment spa. If you fancy something a tad more energetic opt for a luxury Dhoni cruise, night snorkelling or the resort’s coral conservation programme where you get to plant and name your own piece of coral reef. Or join the resident marine biologist to hand feed giant stingrays as they shimmer into the shallow waters of the lagoon at sunset. Then again, if you’re Kate Moss or Sadie Frost (regulars we hear) you could just lounge by the pool in your Camilla kaftan and crocheted bikini.
