FAARUFUSHI, MALDIVES
As we fly over the Indian Ocean in our private seaplane, the sun sparkles on the crystal blue water and every so often a tiny island surrounded by a white circle of sand comes into view. ‘I wonder which one is ours?’ my husband shouts excitedly over the engine noise as we peer out of the tiny plane window trying to identify Faarufushi, the resort where we will be spending our two-week honeymoon.
This is the most glamorous start to a holiday you are ever likely to have, and the Bond movie-like experience just keeps on giving as the plane lands, skimming along the water to deposit us, luggage and all, on to a floating platform in the middle of the ocean. All the grogginess of a 10-hour night flight is blasted away in the bright sunshine of a Maldivian January and, by the time our speedboat (yes, there’s a speedboat, too) finally scoots up to the polished decked entrance of our hotel, we are giddy with excitement and sea air.
With no other resorts around it, Faarufushi is far by name and far by nature, floating in the Raa Atoll about a 90-minute transfer from Malé International Airport. So, you really do feel like you are getting away from it all. One of the newest resorts in the Maldives (it opened in spring 2019), it offers stripped-back luxury at its finest. The 80 rooms, ranging from beautiful beach bungalows to overwater villas, are scattered discreetly around the tiny island. All have polished teak floors, huge double beds, sitting rooms and stylish outdoor bathrooms (we had two showers and a bath in ours); most also have private plunge pools. Our bungalow is just steps from the powder-soft sand and has uninterrupted views of the ocean from its floor-to-ceiling windows. At night, we lie on our deck and stare up at the midnight blue sky studded with layer upon layer of twinkly stars, just one of the many joys of being so far away from civilisation. Small enough to feel like you’re on your own private island (we only really see other guests in the evenings), but with three fabulous restaurants offering everything from Maldivian barbecues at the buffet-style Iru, to sushi, pizza and burgers in the cool beach brasserie Athiri, or delicious fusion fine dining at our favourite, Eclipse, you could easily spend a month here and not feel ready to leave at the end. The jewel at the heart of the island is the spa. Massage rooms sit high in the treetops and there are plunge pools, steam and sauna rooms and big squishy daybeds, where you’re encouraged to just loll (needless to say, we don’t need to be asked twice).
One of the biggest attractions and a rarity in the Maldives is the resort’s infinity pool, so if your room is without its own plunge pool, you don’t miss out. Guests can spend the day lounging poolside being served snacks and drinks by the friendly and extremely attentive staff, finishing a long lazy day with cocktails as the sunset turns the sky a deep blush pink.
If you want the Robinson Crusoe experience but with a large dose of style and luxury, then this is the resort for you. OONAGH BRENNAN
‘YOU COULD EASILY SPEND A MONTH HERE AND NOT FEEL LIKE YOU’RE READY TO LEAVE AT THE END’