Review of Huvafen Fushi, by Jeroen Bergmans

When Huvafen Fushi first opened in 2004, it set new standards for luxury hotels in the Maldives and caused a flurry of excitement in the elevated circles of the international, party-loving jet-set. Daring to ignore the ubiquitous 'no shoes, no news' ethnicy look and feel that was endemic in this archipelago in the Indian Ocean, Huvafen Fushi was a new kind of luxury resort. It perfected the art of friendly but efficient service, made the most of its heavenly setting and added sleek, contemporary design into the mix.

Despite its endless plaudits, awards and accolades, this luxury resort's visionary General Manager Mark Hehir is constantly re-inventing the Huvafen Fushi experience. Along with the usual well-heeled honeymooners who flock to the Maldives, he has also kept the world's celebrities, super-models and squillionaires returning to this little corner of paradise year after year.

The facilities

Whilst it may be tempting to simply hole up in your suite, Huvafen Fushi offers myriad ways to enjoy the sun, the water and the wildlife.

There's the dive centre for the sporty which offers snorkeling, scuba diving, excursions to watch whale sharks and manta rays and dolphin cruises with the luxury hotel's resident marine biologist. Jet-skiing, banana boats, catamarans and windsurfing will keep those with sea-legs happy. Yoga is laid on for the spiritual and there's beach volleyball for Baywatch wannabes. The Lair library-lounge keeps everyone connected with its daily newspapers and free internet access and the luxury hotel's boutique stocks designer beachwear and an exclusive range of Orlebar Brown swimwear.

Sociable guests can be found in a designer Dedon lounger soaking up the sun by the luxury hotel's impressive infinity pool. And after dinner you'll find them dancing on tables as Umbar dispenses cocktails and Huvafen Fushi's signature soundtrack, mixed especially by DJ Ravin of Buddha Bar-fame, kicks in.

Like all luxury hotels in the Maldives, Huvafen Fushi offers world-class, gourmet cuisine in its restaurants. But unlike its rivals, it has five restaurants plus Vinum, a subterranean wine cellar which is one of the best in Asia. Celsius serves simple curries, salads and special dishes for the children. Raw's spa cuisine is aimed at the super-healthy and Salt's stacked-up steaks and exquisite sauces are for the dedicated gourmand. Fogliani's makes fresh, wood-fired pizzas and Cardamom Lounge is a pop-up, candle-lit affair with dishes baked in a tandoori oven.

Huvafen Fushi's destination dining options take romance to a whole new level. A table for two with a private chef and waiter can arranged on a deserted island, remote beach, or on the luxury hotel's 60ft yacht. And if you can't stand fuss and formality, you can design your own pick-and-mix gourmet picnic.

With so much fabulous food on offer, how do the luxury hotel's resident super-models and heiresses maintain their flawless complexions and million-dollar figures? The answer lies at Lime Spa, a groovy, white-leather relaxation lair piled high with suede-fringed cushions and plumed Fendi pillows encircled by billows of gossamer chiffon. The two under-water treatment suites offer facials and extra-long massages using hand-carved indigenous wood tools and virgin coconut oil. And whilst being kneaded, pummeled and preened, you can watch the tropical fish dart around the reef from angled mirrors.

The suites

Huvafen Fushi has only 43 suites all of which face the luxury hotel's own private lagoon. Each one has its own plunge pool which is a clever (and very private) extension to the decadent, alfresco bathroom with its enormous tub and waterfall shower. Bose surround-sound systems and huge 7ft x 7ft beds come as standard, but extra space, privacy and service elevate the three pavilions to a whole new level of luxury. Personal butlers are on call round the clock, The Beach Pavilion has a private beach and the Ocean Pavilion offers ultimate seclusion as it's separated from the rest of the luxury resort by a long jetty.