The Maldives is one of those once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list destinations – a faraway land you think you’ll only see on Instagram and only dare to dream about visiting. But if there’s one time in your life to break the bank and think big it’s for your honeymoon: the start to your married life. And you know what they say; start as you mean to go.
Despite its far-flung location – more than 5,000 miles from the UK – this little slice of paradise dotted in the vast Indian Ocean can be a very realistic holiday spot. During high season (December-March), direct flights are available from London and during low season, when we timed our visit, a quick stopover and connecting flight in the Middle East will see you on your way.
Huvafen Fushi
The best thing about this collection of 1,200 islands – despite the crystal clear aquamarine waters and bright, white sands – is that there’s something for everyone here. If you really want to push the boat out then Huvafen Fushi is the honeymoon destination for you.
If you’re looking to indulge then the luxurious five-star Huvafen Fushi is the perfect pick. This is the epitome of luxury, where you’re left wanting for nothing – and receiving more than you ever thought possible. Huvafen Fushi – or ‘dream island’ – is a floating paradise in the North Male Atoll, just a quick speedboat ride across the water from the capital city of Male. The resort is a honeymooner’s paradise with every ocean villa and beach bungalow designed with fairy-taleromance in mind. In fact, the whole island is devised with intimacy and extravaganceat its heart.
Every villa here is special. From the sprawling beach bungalows with open-air bathroom, secret garden and choice of two (yes, two!) plunge pools; to the magical ocean villas with breath-taking views over the azure waters. Every option will leave you lost for words and wishing for more time on this dreamy island.
We spent our first two nights in a beautiful deluxe beach bungalow. Waking to our first morning in paradise, with a quick flick of a switch, the blinds lifted to reveal the sun-drenched beach and lush, green palm trees rustling in the breeze. We truly had woken in a dream. You could spend a secluded break in your lover’s arms soaking up all of the luxury of this resort without leaving the walled, tropical garden at all. With plunge pool, floating day bed, open-air bath and outdoor shower, the garden is magical by day and night, when the twinkling garden and pool lights glow under the starlight.
For our final night, we were ushered off to a stunning ocean villa. This is definitely the place for honeymooning couples to embrace the quintessential Maldives experience. The villas stretch out into the water on a long, wooden jetty, each bungalow turning out from the reef to offer guests privacy and intimacy. Each home has a fully-stocked bar and comfy living room – with a glass floor offering a peek into the waters below – and large bedroom with vast, snug bed. Windows from the lavish bathroom offer far-reaching views across the tranquil water so you can enjoy the sights whether you’re standing in the shower, soaking in the huge Jacuzzi bath (big enough for two!) or sitting on the loo! Double doors open onto the sheltered tiered deck which drifts into the plunge pool.
But it’s the sea that right on your doorstep – literally – is the real reason to stay on the water. In just a few steps you can be swimming with the sealife below. Either venture out into the reef by yourselves to swim through shoals of rainbow-coloured fish or sign up for a guided snorkelling tour to find the island’s biggest underwater visitors; nurse sharks and black tip sharks.
You know you’re relaxed when the toughest decisions you face are which pool to swim in and where to venture for dinner. There are several options on the island – for both. You can easily swim in the privacy of your own pool or take a dip in the seabut the island’s prettiest point is the stunning infinity pool which blends seamlessly into the blue sky horizon. Surrounding the pool is the island’s main eateries. Celsius serves breakfast and dinner while next door the open-air beachside bistro Forno offers fresh, stone-baked pizzas throughout the day and romantic dinners under the stars by night. Umbar boasts a packed menu of cocktails and tipples while, 8m below, Vivum is home to 6,000 bottles of wine and plays host to wine-tasting evenings and private dinners.
Across the other side of the island, Salt, an over-water Japanese with a Latin influence restaurant serves up delicious sushi and fresh fish. For a romantic evening, why not head out for a sunset cruise around the island on your very own dhoni – a traditional Maldivian boat – complete with canapés, drinks and dinner for two? If being at sea is something that takes your fancy then you could even spend the night on the pretty boat. On Sunday nights the bar comes to life as Sky Rock, a live five-piece band from Male, visit for a night of live music. Dance bare-footed in the sand, sip cocktails by the pool or walk hand in hand along the beach – whatever your idea of a perfect evening is, you can have it here.
One of the biggest attractions to holidaymakers is the Maldives’ amazing underwater offerings. The Maldives boasts 48 protected marine areas and has over 400 dive sites. The reason? It is home to 1,090 fish species, 40 types of shark, eight species of turtle and the world’s largest population of manta rays (over 10,000!) At Huvafen Fushi, the reefs are teaming with life and you can get up-close and personal with the sealife. Every evening pink whiprays visit the resorts Stingray Beach most evenings.
The island’s other talking point is Huvafen Spa, an exquisite collection of over-water treatment rooms with Raw Café above – offering fresh juices and delicious smoothies. But the real magic here lies under the surface at the world’s only underwater spa. Sinking down beneath the waves to the two private treatment rooms and chill-out area is like stepping into a different world. The blue glow is a constant reminder of the water world outside the glass and watching the colourful fish dance around the coral is dreamlike.
The Huvafen service is exemplary and staff are warm, welcoming and incredibly hospitable. As soon as you arrive you needn’t lift a finger, with 24-hour butlers at your every beck and call. Employees zip around the island on golf buggies, every one greeting you with a smile, while nothing is too much to ask. It’s the perfect place to put your feet up and take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern day life. After the stresses of planning a wedding you could have no more of a valid excuse to elope to a desert island like Huvafen Fushi. And, if you can afford it, it’s a trip which will leave you with memories for a lifetime and the perfect beginning to a fairy-tale ending.
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