Universal’s newest resort Faarufushi Maldives opens, celebrates minimalist luxury. Take a look at this brand new jewel!
The island of Faarufushi in Raa atoll. PHOTO/ UNIVERSAL
Faarufushi Maldives, the brand new resort by leading local resort operator Universal Resorts, has opened.
The first guests were welcomed on March 7 with traditional boduberu: native folk dance and music.
This 80-villa holiday destination, located in the northern Raa atoll alongside one of the finest coral reefs in the island nation, has been designed for the discerning traveller.
In an archipelago of 1,200 islands and more than 100 registered resorts, Faarufushi stands out for its distinct, minimalist architecture, authentic cultural experiences, genuinely indulgent flourishes and meticulously refined service that defies pretence. Everything that you would expect from a luxury Maldivian holiday is here; and more.
Beachside and overwater villas with a view
The villas are indulgently understated: Sleek, modern, deliciously relaxing. Perched either on the white-sand beach or hanging over the water, they are carefully curated havens.
Beach Retreat with Pool. PHOTO/ FAARUFUSHI
Ocean Retreat with Pool. PHOTO/ FAARUFUSHI
Thoughtful luxuries abound; from espresso machines to wine chillers to generous wardrobes. Seventy of the villas have their own private plunge pool overlooking the ocean.
Drink in the view whilst sipping on a cocktail on your own private deck, adorned with sun loungers and day beds. The beach bungalows even have a private outdoor rainforest-inspired shower and bath tub.
Exotic dining and drinks galore
When hunger strikes, there is a plethora of choice for any palate at Faarufushi:
Iru: Iru offers alfresco dining under wide Maldivian skies: A boundless buffet for breakfast, indulgent a la carte options and unadulterated ocean views from sunset to sunrise.
All-day dining restaurant, Iru. PHOTO/ FAARUFUSHI
Sangu: Pre-dinner drinks are almost compulsory at Sangu, the bar next door, where chill-out tunes and endless sea views will have you melting into your holiday in no time.
Eclipse: Facing Faarufushi’s languid lagoon, Eclipse serves modern European dishes with an Asian twist. Focusing on fine ingredients and even finer dining, this overwater restaurant is the place to unwind after a strenuous day on the beach.
Overwater signature restaurant, Eclipse. PHOTO/ FAARUFUSHI
Boli: Situated at the furthest tip of Eclipse, Boli welcomes free spirits with discerning cocktails and hand-picked wines that taste like summer.
Overwater bar, Boli. PHOTO/ FAARUFUSHI
Athiri: For a more unusual experience, head to Athiri, Faarufushi’s casual beachside gathering place. Here you will find the island’s water sports centre, marine/eco centre as well as a gym overlooking the beach and the ocean. Serving Spanish and Mediterranean favourites, this is the place to give your taste buds a workout whilst you contemplate the sporting facilities.
Casual beachside gathering place, Athiri. PHOTO/ FAARUFUSHI
Nika Spa: world-class relaxation
The island’s spa experiences have been crafted to ease you into your holiday. Relaxing and invigorating, transcendent and grounding, the treatments on offer are truly world-class.
The Nika Spa’s contemporary architecture stands out for the way it blends into the natural surroundings. Facilities include massage huts, a steam room, relaxation areas, a yoga pavilion and manicure and pedicure stations. Come here to escape your mind and give your body the break it deserves.
Nika Spa. PHOTO/ FAARUFUSHI
A treatment room at Nika Spa. PHOTO/ FAARUFUSHI
Adventure awaits
Faarufushi’s fully-equipped water sports centre at Athiri is the place to go when you need a break from relaxation. Paddleboard around the island, go snorkelling, spend the day island hopping, learn to surf, have a private picnic on a deserted island, go wake boarding, water skiing or deep sea fishing. You can literally sail into the sunset at Faarufushi — although you will want to return.
Paddleboarding in the Maldives - PHOTO/Hurawalhi
For the even more adventurous, there is a world class PADI dive centre. The resident marine biologist can talk you through the incredible sea life that calls the Raa atoll home. Discover turtles, spotted eagle rays, napoleon, sharks and schools of colourful tropical fish.
Diving in Maldives - PHOTO/Caradonna Adventures
Faarufushi aims to be utterly indulgent yet quietly restrained. The resort is just a scenic 50-minute journey by seaplane, or take a 40-minute connecting flight from Velana International Airport to Ifuru Airport. From there, it only takes 10 minutes by a speedboat to reach Faarufushi.
Maldives Seaplane - PHOTO/Married with Wanderlust
So... Ready to go?
Source: Maldives.net.mv
Shut up and take my money!
One of the most beautiful place in world! Never been, but definitely on my bucket list!!
This is gorgeous!