Fushifaru Maldives has welcomed the first group of guests.

Owned and operated by Fushifaru Investments, part of Muni Enterprises which has an existing portfolio of luxury safari boats and residences as well as a travel agency, the brand new resort of Fushifaru opened its shores to guests on Monday.

Located on the far north east border of the northern Lhaviyani atoll and accessible by a 35-minute seaplane flight from the Maldives main Velana International Airport, the exquisite island of Fushifaru is home to an extraordinary landscape above and below the waterline. With ‘Fushi’ meaning ‘island’ and ‘Faru’ meaning ‘reef’ in local Dhivehi language, Fushifaru is an ideal reflection of its name.

The island is uniquely positioned between two channels connecting the atoll’s inner lagoon to the vast Indian Ocean. The bigger of the two channels, Fushifaru Kandu is a national Marine Protected Area teeming with marine life. Fushifaru Kandu is home to three iconic dive sites including the renowned Fushifaru Thila, one of the Maldives most popular dive spots and a marine cleaning station where sums of cleaner fish attract the likes of manta rays, turtles and many more.

Only a few metres away is the island’s very own sandbank, perfect for desert island getaways and all day lounging.

Accommodation

Forty-nine beach and overwater villas exude luxurious coziness with carefully selected amenities. Various categories of villas face the Maakandu (open ocean), Etherevari (lagoon) or Kandu-Olhi (channel) reflecting designs inspired by their locations on the island.

Guests can choose from 18 beach villas with private plunge pool, 26 beach villas and five water villas, all with stunning outdoor bathrooms, large outdoor decking, 43” IPTV, Egyptian-cotton linen and 24-hour personalised ‘Resident’ service, the island’s very own butler service concept.

Restaurants and Bars

Fushifaru has three food and beverage outlets that will take guests on a gastronomic journey starting at Korakali for an international breakfast, lunch and dinner, while Raakani Grill showcases signature Asian recipes with a focus on the finest local seafood. Fanihandhi Bar is perfect for catching some sun with a cocktail in hand or unwinding to a famous Maldivian sunset.

Guests can also choose from a variety of dining experiences such as a private sandbank picnic, dinner on the deck of your own villa or even aboard the resort’s private yacht. Your ‘Resident’ will stop at nothing to curate a truly memorable experience.

Heylhi Spa

Heylhi Spa has five treatment rooms or sanctuaries that embody the spirit of rejuvenation; a concept inspired by the Cleaner Wrasse fish found commonly throughout the island’s reef. Designed with lush, green surroundings, the spa echoes its name Heylhi, which in Dhivehi refers to jungle-like vegetation found at the shoreline. Each treatment room resembles traditional Maldivian cottages, complete with outdoor garden bathrooms.

Through the island’s partnership with renowned UK well-being experts Aromatherapy Associates, combined with an indigenous product range from local artisans, Heylhi Spa is the beating heart of Fushifaru. 

Activities

From a state-of-the-art gym and multi-sports court, to paddle boarding, snorkelling, diving and semi-submarine expeditions, activities are endless at Fushifaru. For an insight into coral rehabilitation and marine education, a resident marine biologist is on hand to share lessons on conservation and conduct guided snorkelling tours around the island and nearby reefs.

Island Excursions

For a glimpse into island living and local culture, Fushifaru is only a 20-minute speedboat ride away from the atoll’s capital island Naifaru. For the last five years, Naifaru has been home to the atoll’s turtle conservation programme, championing numerous social and sustainability volunteer activities.

An 18-minute speedboat ride takes you to Felivaru where one of the Maldives largest fish canning factories is located.

The island of Hinnavaru is also just a 15-minute speedboat ride away, offering an immersive experience of local island life.

As Fushifaru begins welcoming guests, the resort has announced an introductory offer as well.

Under the offer, bookings made from now until the end of November for stays between November 1 to January 31, 2018 are eligible for discounts of up to 50 percent. The offer applies to all villa categories, but comes with a minimum stay requirement of three nights.