VISITING THE MALDIVES
Huvafen Fushi Hotel
The Maldives has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. As a summer baby, hot weather, sea and sunshine really soothe this cancerians soul. 🦀
Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Huvafen Fushi Hotel (hosted stay), and I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere more special.
From the location (which is only 30mins from the airport by speedboar), to the food and the excellent service, there isn’t one fault I could give this place - other than it’s not as close as I would like to get back to quicker.
We stayed in one of the Ocean bungalow which had it’s own deck and pool. Not to mention steps down in to the lagoon. The room was huge and had everything you could need including Diptyque amenities. (so fancy) The best thing about booking the ocean bungalow is you avail of the evening sunset which is magical.
The food was incredible, with a couple of restaurant options but unlimited variations on all the menu, we tried Salt and Celius for dinner and Raw and Fogliani’s for lunch. There’s nothing the staff won’t do if you have any queries on the menu.
One of my favourite things from the trip was the underwater spa. I would go as far as to say the best massage I’ve had in my life but set underwater and being able to watch the fish go by was truly something else.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO THE MADLIVES
Location, we flew Dublin to Doha and then on to Male but you can get direct from London. To be honest it was nice to have a break and stretch your legs. Once you get there you’ll then have a plane / seaplane or boat to your hotel. I really appreciated the fact we only had a quick speedboat to Huvafen Fushi Hotel after the long journey. Be sure to check the hotel transport as this can be quite expensive and seaplans won’t fly at night.
How long to stay? I would say give yourself and minimum of 5/6 nights. We got there by 9am sand left 5pm so we had those as full days which was perfect. Travelling through the night means you can attempt some sleep.
Weather. They say the best time to visit the Maldives is December to April…We had one crazy storm in the early hours of the morning but by the time we had breakfast the sun was back out. It stayed around 30 degrees morning through to night. Sunset it super early, around 5.30pm.
The local currency is Maldivian Rufiyaa, but USD is also widely accepted and what we spent at the hotel.
Make sure you fill in an imuga travel declaration before you go (can find it online)
Don’t forget. You’re are not allowed to bring alcohol, including duty free in to the country.
WHAT TO PACK
You really don’t need a huge amount, the hotel was super laid back, anything goes. Most importantly, the less shoes the better, I mainly lived in one pair of flip flops and lots of linen.
I wish I had packed something in my hand luggage or changed when we got to the airport… I travelled in a tracksuit and was roasting on route to the hotel. 🙈
Drones weren’t allowed (not sure if they are in quite a few) but if you love photograhy like myself I wish I had an underwater camera or case for my phone.
Something from any eventuality. Thankfully we didn’t need anything but worth remembering there’s no where to pop to a chemist or shop so worth having bits just incase. However Huvafen Fushi hotel did have an on site doctor.