After staying in over 20 properties across the Maldives, we can confidently say Huvafen Fushi is one of our favourite resorts. When it comes to luxury escapes in the Maldives, Huvafen Fushi truly stands out as a gem, weaving together unparalleled beauty, innovation, and indulgence.

Huvafen Fushi is owned by a local Maldivian businessman who is one of the pioneers of the Maldives tourism industry. He was the founder of the first resort in the Maldives, and when he opened Huvafen Fushi in 2004, the resort was the first luxury hotel in the country. Despite the property being 20 years old, the hotel has undergone complete renovations and looks brand new. 

Even though we’ve visited the Maldives seven times, we were organizing a trip with my (Claudia’s) parents and wanted to explore a new and unique resort. To guarantee a seamless luxury experience tailored to our tastes in this beautiful paradise, we turned to Joy Maldives. As experts in Maldives travel, Joy Maldives creates customized itineraries featuring exclusive accommodations, personalized activities, and insider advice for the best local experiences.

Here’s why this extraordinary resort has earned its place on our list of favourites:

HOW DO YOU GET TO HUVAFEN FUSHI?

Upon your arrival at Male International Airport and after you’ve passed through customs, a Huvafen Fushi staff member will welcome you with a sign displaying your name. You'll then be taken just 20 meters to the boat dock, where you board a luxurious speedboat for a 45 minute scenic journey as you make your way to paradise.

HOW ARE THE ROOMS AT HUVAFEN FUSHI?

Huvafen Fushi has many different room categories, spanning from beachfront to overwater villas. The beachfront rooms all have private pools, while some of overwaters have pools, depending which type you book. 

We had the opportunity to stay at the two-bedroom villa, which I’d argue is one of the most unique villas in the world. This expansive villa seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living, creating an environment that feels both intimate and expansive. 

One of the standout features is the private indoor and outdoor pool, which can be separated by a glass partition that can be raised. Imagine starting your day with a dip in the infinity-edge outdoor pool, overlooking the turquoise waters of the lagoon, and ending it with a soothing swim in the indoor pool, surrounded by the serene, air-conditioned comfort of your villa. If you’re wondering why this is such a cool feature- well if it ever rains, you can still experience the pool. This seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces is not just about luxury; it’s about enhancing your connection with the stunning natural surroundings.

This villa was renovated in the beginning of 2024, so everything was ultra modern and luxe. The amenities in the room were Diptyque, which I looooved. The villa came with your very own butler that was available only to the occupants of the room- meaning our butler was at our beck and call 24/7. 

We also found that the reef right outside our villa was one of the best we’ve ever experienced. Nothing was better than waking up in the morning and starting your day off with a quick, pre-breakfast snorkel. 

HOW IS THE FOOD AT HUVAFEN FUSHI? 

Huvafen Fushi Maldives offers four remarkable restaurants that cater to every palate, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean. 

We started off our mornings at Celsius, a toes-in-the-sand concept, with a breakfast buffet spread in addition to a-la-carte optionsThe shakshuka here was amazing! They also serve dinner here, with an international menu. Kaan got the local Job fish and hummus platter 3 nights in a row! 

Raw is Huvafen Fushi’s signature lunch restaurant located in an overwater pavilion. It specialized in serving innovative raw and organic cuisine with sensational flavours. Not a single thing on the menu is cooked! We had such a fantastic and unique dining experience that we are still dreaming about it to this day- be sure to try the dehydrated pizza, mixed ceviche and the Japanese Soba Salad. 

For a more relaxed lunch vibe, we would also head to the Beach Bar. They had a pizza oven on site and had incredible calzones and pizzas. 

The signature overwater dinner restaurant is Salt, which blends elegant Japanese dining with distinct Latin influences (Nikkei cuisine is our favourite!!). The Chilean Sea Bass was the highlight but everything else, including the sushi, was phenomenal! 

Additionally, private dining experiences are available, whether on the beach under the stars or in your luxurious overwater villa, ensuring a truly intimate and unforgettable meal. We were lucky to experience a private dinner setup by their stunning infinity pool. The set menu was incredible, and we couldn’t get enough of the ambiance of sitting poolside under the stars!  

UNIQUE + INSTAGRAMMABLE EXPERIENCES AT HUVAFEN FUSHI

One of the things we adored about Huvafen Fushi was all of the unique experiences to do. 

THE WORLD’S ONLY UNDERWATER SPA

In a destination known for its breathtaking spas, Huvafen Fushi’s offering is truly unique. The resort boasts the world’s only underwater spa, where treatments are carried out beneath the ocean’s surface. After heading out to the overwater spa villas, we were taken down the stairs to 7 meters underwater. Entering the underwater spa room was honestly one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had! 

The resort planted coral around the glass, which led to a multitude of fish, manta rays and sharks. We were able to experience the Underwater Dream treatment. This was unlike other treatments, as instead of laying face down, we sat in super comfortable spa chairs that were reclined, but still allowed you to watch the vibrant marine life.  The gentle movement of the water and the serene blue of the sea create a sense of tranquility that truly enhances the therapeutic treatments. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience spa indulgence in such an extraordinary setting.

MALDIVES FIRST UNDERGROUND WINE CELLAR

Huvafen Fushi also boasts the Maldives' first underground wine cellar. If you’re a wine enthusiast, you will find yourself in paradise at Huvafen Fushi, where the underground wine cellar is truly incredible. After heading down a flight of stairs 8 meters below ground, this hidden gem is not just a typical wine storage cellar, but an immersive experience. They offer wine tastings down there, as well as dining. We did a wine and cheese tasting down there,  and it was truly one of the coolest experiences we’ve had in the Maldives.   

AQUATIC AND FITNESS ACTIVITIES

If you’re one that is looking to stay active, Huvafen Fushi has plenty of options to choose from. The resort’s gym is located overwater, giving you the best views of the ocean while working out on top-tier equipment. There is an onsite Marine Biologist, who offers guided snorkeling tours of the house reef, as well as provides educational seminars on what guests have seen.

We were also able to experience a Turtle Safari, where we were taken to  a nearby reef 30 minutes away to snorkel and swim with turtles (at a safe distance, of course!).

We never found ourselves ‘bored’ at Huvafen Fushi, as there was so much to do!

WHY YOU NEED TO STAY AT HUVAFEN FUSHI

Having stayed at numerous luxury resorts in the Maldives, Huvafen Fushi definitely left a lasting impression. Its combination of unique features—the underground wine cellar, the underwater spa, the luxurious villa with private pools, and the exceptional dining options—creates an incredible experience that is hard to match. This resort doesn’t just offer a place to stay; it provides an unforgettable journey into paradise, blending innovative luxury with the natural beauty of the Maldives.

For anyone seeking a truly exceptional escape in the Maldives, Huvafen Fushi is a destination that promises to exceed expectations. Whether you’re lounging in your private villa, going on a turtle safari, exploring the depths of the wine cellar, or indulging in a spa treatment underwater, every moment at this resort is designed to create memories that will last a lifetime.

If you want your entire trip meticulously planned from start to finish, be sure to contact Joy Maldives. We experienced no stress or worries, as they handled all our restaurant and spa reservations. With Joy Maldives as your travel advisor, you can unwind and savor the beauty of the islands, confident that every detail is expertly taken care of.