Huvafen Fushi, a standard-setting island resort in Maldives, is back in the exclusive portfolio of premier local resort developer Universal Resorts.

Mark Hehir, who serves as the CEO of Universal’s sister company The Small Maldives Island Co., said in a blogpost that a new management team has been appointed to run the resort. Led by new General Manager Jean-Christophe Nager, formerly the General Manager of Phuket Pavilions and Soneva Gilli, the team retains current Resort Manager Ahmed Jihad and has new, yet familiar executives such as Maldives’ veteran F&B specialist Sunny Chuang as Director of F&B.

“It’s with this passion and love we take the reins of such a special island, respecting the past, and being bold in the future — a dream, an apparition. Huvafen Fushi exists beyond the bounds of reality. Its name is a myth, whispered among a fashionable elite who are seduced by Huvafen’s sultry, distinctive vibe,” the post read.

“Be reassured that the seductive allure of Huvafen Fushi will remain to forge a presence that is bold, sexy and sophisticated — a fashionable global icon that carries perennial stature.”

Mark also noted that a Reservations Office has been established in the resort with a dedicated team to assist guests with all matters relating to enquiries and bookings. All existing contracts, including rates and conditions, and bank details remain the same, he added.

Opened in 2005, Huvafen Fushi ideally mixes Maldivian style with hip and chic features; thatched villas on the outside and on the inside, unique amenities, sophisticated design, contemporary furniture, high-tech equipment, and last but not least cool events which all contribute to make Huvafen Fushi a truly dreamy island.

Encircled by one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, this private island paradise is home to the world’s first and only underwater spa, and with only 44 rooms it is the ultimate in luxurious privacy and intimacy.

Huvafen Fushi marked the launch of Per AQUUM Resorts, Spas and Residences, a division created by Universal to manage a portfolio of strikingly innovative luxury resorts. As Huvafen Fushi becomes a Universal-exclusive property, Per AQUUM has now become a joint venture between Universal and Thailand-based Minor Hotels and will continue to run the Niyama Maldives resort.

Universal Resorts is Universal Enterprises’ flagship company and leading resort developer in the Maldives. The company owns and operates the largest resort collection in the country, including iconic properties such as Kurumba Maldives, Velassaru Maldives, Kuramathi Maldives, Baros Maldives, Kandolhu Maldives, Dhigali Maldives, Maafushivaru and Milaidhoo Island Maldives.