Huvafen Fushi

Listed in Conde Nast Traveller's 2007 Gold List for Best Service, trendsetting Huvafen Fushi continues to grab headlines for its innovative style and unparalleled luxury. Located in the North Malé Atoll, this is the flagship property in the Maldives for cutting-edge brand 'Per Aquum' – who have also recently opened new luxury retreats in Sri Lanka and Dubai.

Renowned for being chic, hip and happening, Huvafen Fushi ('Dream Island' – Huvafen means 'Dream' in Dhiveli, the Maldivian language) is set within its own aqua lagoon and is accessible via a breathtaking 30 minute speedboat ride from Male'. The colours and textures drawn from the sand and sea have been the inspiration for its 43 ‘naturally modern’ bungalows where contemporary design fuses with traditional Maldivian charm. Each bungalow is fitted with every imaginable luxury –and a freshwater pool, open-air waterfall shower and ‘chill-out’ deck complete this glorious scene.

Fronting the pristine lagoon, the Beach Bungalows have direct access to the soft white sand whilst the Deluxe Beach Bungalows, which also face the lagoon, enjoy the added advantage of a more extensive outdoor area and a larger pool. For decadence personified, the two-bedroom Beach Pavilion boasts floor-to-ceiling glass, designer fittings, two bathrooms and a fibre-optic lit infinity pool which flows from inside the pavilion out – not to mention the personal ‘Thakuru’ (butler) who is on call 24 hours.

The overwater Lagoon or Ocean Bungalows, with their split-level layout, offer direct access to the crystal clear waters from their private deck. With glorious views of the sunrise, the Lagoon Bungalows feature an alluring sala which floats over the water, whereas the Ocean Bungalows look out across the miles of vast Indian Ocean towards the setting sun. For the ultimate in seclusion, the two sensational Ocean Pavilions, which drift 300 metres out over the ocean, are seriously hard to beat! Features include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an infinity pool – and even an infinity edge Kohler bath which fills the ceiling! Naturally, a dedicated Thakuru is on call 24 hours.

Huvafen's eclectic, healthy cuisine is served in a variety of enticing settings from beachside to water. Private romantic dining for two beneath stars on a rock island is even an option!

Huvafen Fushi is also home to the world's first underwater spa treatment rooms – and it goes without saying that the emphasis here is on relaxation and self-indulgence. Huvafen's luxury Spa showcases Per Aquum's new spa brand, Lime, which specifically looks beyond the traditional spa mould, and exclusively tailors treatments and therapies to individual needs. When you're not being pampered, there are a number of activities to help keep you busy including a variety of non-motorised watersports, an infinity-edge swimming pool, a yoga pavilion, over-water gymnasium, a dive centre, sunset cruises and fishing.

PRICES Prices per person for 7 nights in a Beach Bungalow with plunge pool range from £1563 in low season (£213 per person per night) to £1913 in high season (£263 per person per night) including breakfast and the return boat transfer. A minimum 7 night stay applies over the Christmas and New Year period. Flights from the UK from £493 (including £140 tax) with Qatar Air