Huvafen Fushi Maldives In-Depth Review by Dreaming of Maldives
After two unforgettable stays at Huvafen Fushi, we’re sharing our most candid, comprehensive huvafen fushi review.
Discover everything you need to know—every moment, photo* and video were captured by us during our visits to this barefoot-chic island.
*unless otherwise noted
From a decadent overwater suite stay to an underwater massage, raw organic feasts on the deck and lazy afternoons in the salt pool, this is our genuine Huvafen Fushi review.
Every insight and every detail in this guide comes from our first-hand experience of the resort.
Huvafen Fushi is a small luxury island in North Malé Atoll, just 30 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport.
A true pioneer in the Maldives, the resort was the first to introduce an underwater spa, a private plunge pool in every villa, and a dedicated Thakuru butler for every guest, raising the bar for luxury island living. Intimate, sensual, and design-led, Huvafen blends contemporary aesthetics with the raw beauty of Maldivian nature. Today, it continues to evolve with immersive spa journeys, elemental cuisine, and curated experiences for both couples and families.
Its name comes from the Dhivehi language: “Huvafen” for Dream, and “Fushi” for Island.
And yes : Huvafen Fushi is a true Dream Island, in every sense.
Category
5★ Luxury
Villas
46
Atoll
North Male
Island Size
Width – 120m
Length – 325m
Transfer
30 mns
by speedboat
Airport
24 km / 15 mi
Diving
Very Good
Snorkeling
Very Good
Lagoon
Very Good
Huvafen’s iconic underwater spa lets you drift into a dreamscape of coral and light while receiving a massage, seven metres below the sea.
Maldivian luxury at its best. Elegant and refined, the overwater villas offer uninterrupted lagoon views, glass-bottom plunge pools, and dreamy decks for sunset lounging or starlit dining in total privacy.
Traditional Maldivian dhonis, reimagined for indulgent escapes. Expect a king bed, butler, fine dining, and slow travel magic.
Huvafen balances style and soul. From its curated interiors to lounge music cocktail bars, it’s perfect for those seeking the real Maldives barefoot luxury with edge.
Every space is intentional. Cosy interiors blend local soul and technology with sensual design.
Huvafen Fushi Maldives at a Glance
Huvafen Fushi is a small luxury island located in North Malé Atoll, just 30 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport. Intimate, design-forward and deeply connected to Maldivian aesthetics, the island offers a stylish and sensual escape. Each villa features a private pool—one of the resort’s hallmarks—and the service is seamless thanks to discreet butlers known as Thakurus. Originally adults-only, Huvafen Fushi now welcomes families too, offering water adventures, kids’ menus and playful spaces, while still catering to couples with private dinners, Champagne sunsets and dreamy spa rituals. Its name comes from the Dhivehi language: “Huvafen” means Dream, and “Fushi” means Island.
And yes, Huvafen Fushi is a true Dream Island, in every sense.
Huvafen Fushi isn’t just another luxury island : it’s a dreamy Maldivian escape.
The resort has set the tone for redefining barefoot living in the Maldives : from the world’s first underwater spa to private pools in every villa, a personal Thakuru butler, and the Maldives’ first underground wine cellar, Huvafen has always pushed boundaries while staying rooted in tradition.
What makes it truly special is the seamless blend of contemporary design and Maldivian heritage, naturally elegant, never forced. Every space is tactile, refined, and open to the sea and sky. Every detail reflects quiet confidence and cultural depth.
This is the Madives luxury at its purest : natural, immersive, personal, and deeply sensual.
The island itself is a bliss when it comes to nature : small and narrow, it has – according to my criteria on natural assets, the dreamy combination : a beautiful blue lagoon perfect for water sports on one side, and on the other, rich reefs and coral walls, ideal for snorkeling.
Huvafen fushi is the definiton of Maldivian luxury at its purest : authentic, preserved, immersive and deeply sensual.
Huvafen Fushi strikes a rare balance between traditional Maldivian style and modern, high-end sophistication. From the outside, villas showcase classic thatched roofs and natural textures; inside, the mood shifts to sleek design lines, contemporary furniture, and cutting-edge technology. This seamless blend gives the resort its distinct personality : chic, and deeply rooted in place.
Accommodation is impressively diverse : from elegant beach bungalows nestled in lush tropical vegetation to dreamy overwater villas with panoramic views of the reef or lagoon. The two Ocean Pavilions set a benchmark for overwater luxury. Every villa and suite features a private plunge pool, ocean views, and a curated mix of thoughtful amenities.
Dining at Huvafen Fushi is among the finest in the Maldives, with standout experiences that go far beyond the expected. Two exceptional overwater restaurants lead the way: RAW, a 100% raw and organic concept offering healthy spa cuisine prepared live by the chef; and Salt, an elegant fusion of Asian and European flavors served with panoramic views over the lagoon.
For wine lovers, Vinum, the Maldives’ first underground wine cellar, is a destination in itself. Tucked beneath the sand and lit by art installations, it houses an extraordinary collection of vintages, including some of Asia’s finest cuvées and Champagnes—served in a setting that feels both secret and spectacular.
Huvafen Fushi offers a perfectly curated range of activities for every type of ocean lover : from windsurfing and kayaking on a blue lagoon to snorkeling on its vibrant house reef, at just meters from the shore. Some of the region’s best dive sites are also just a short boat ride away, offering thrilling channels, coral walls, and encounters with reef sharks, rays, and more.
Iconic, famous and truly innovative in many ways Huvafen Fushi hosts the World’s first Underwater Spa, standing at 8 meters under the lagoon in the middle of a coral garden and surrounded by thousands of colourful fishes swimming around its 180 degree panoramic windows.
Snorkeling is just the beginning at Huvafen Fushi. The house reef lies only a few meters from the island’s shores and even from some villas. No, the magic doesn’t stop there, and some moments go far beyond words : massages beneath the sea, surrounded by hundreds of fish, fine wine served beneath the sand, organic cuisine above the lagoon at sunset, windsurfing on a perfect blue lagoon…
These are just a few of our most unforgettable memories. Just a taste of what Huvafen has to offer.
Have a massage Underwater
Words aren’t enough to capture this moment. Imagine lying in a treatment room submerged beneath the sea, surrounded by coral gardens and legion of fish. The therapists are among the most skilled we’ve ever encountered : intuitive, precise, and warm. A perfect dream. We’ve filmed it for you — don’t miss our video of Huvafen Fushi underwater spa for a glimpse into this unreal experience.
Have a drink at the Underground Wine Cellar
Meet your sommelier 15 metres beneath the sand in Vinum, the Maldives’ first underground wine cellar. Surrounded by golden light, you’re instantly transported into another world. Rows of fine vintages, intimate lighting, and suspended art create the perfect setting for a private tasting or Champagne toast.
Dine at Raw Restaurant
Perched over the lagoon on the sunset side of the island, RAW is Huvafen’s iconic spa restaurant. Everything is organic, plant-forward, and artfully prepared before your eyes. Just one tip : the space is intimate and in high demand, so book early.
Float in the Lonu Veyo Salt Pool
Lonu Veyo is Huvafen’s open-air saltwater pool. Naturally rich in minerals, the water holds you effortlessly as you float under the sky. It’s incredibly calming and the view is amazing.
Snorkeling on Huvafen House reefs
Huvafen Fushi Maldives offers some of the best house reef snorkeling in the Maldives. The island is surrounded by coral gardens, reef walls, and channels just steps from the beach — and from the decks of some water villas. You can explore the reefs for hours, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler
In association with our trusted partner
and personal Maldives travel advisor
At Huvafen Fushi, you can live one of the Maldives’ dreamiest experiences: a private luxury cruise aboard a traditional Maldivian dhoni. Timeless on the outside, sleek and modern within, this legendary vessel has been transformed into an intimate floating haven for two.
Designed for indulgent escapes, the dhoni is fitted with everything you’d expect from a high-end villa: a king-sized bed with Frette linens, Bose surround sound, iPod and DVD player, LCD screen, a fully-equipped kitchen with a Smeg fridge, and a spacious Philippe Starck-designed bathroom and living area.
A dedicated crew and private butler are on board to attend to every detail — from breakfast at sunrise to Champagne under the stars.
A rare and beautiful experience to live when you’re in the Maldives.
Read more about Maldivian Dhonis.
Huvafen Fushi In details.
everything you need to know
Let me guide you through everything that makes Huvafen Fushi one of the Maldives’ most iconic and sensorial escapes. We’ve stayed here more than once, and every word, every insight, and every image in this guide comes from our own experience — from villa life and underwater spa rituals to organic dining over the lagoon, snorkeling from your doorstep, private dhoni cruises, and diving some of North Male Atoll’s best reefs.
Huvafen Fushi Maldives features luxury bungalows and designed in a true Maldivian spirit
At Huvafen Fushi, every villa — beachside or overwater — is designed for privacy, comfort, and style. Thatched roofs and natural textures blend beautifully with sleek interiors, designer lines, and cutting-edge technology. Every villa features a private plunge pool, ocean views, and thoughtful touches like excellent sound systems, mood lighting, and curated books.
You’ll find a wide choice of luxury hideaways :
For couples, beachfront bungalows nestled in lush tropical vegetation and dreamy overwater villas on both the lagoon and reef sides.
For families or groups, spacious beach houses and overwater pavilions feature two or three bedrooms, each designed for comfort, privacy, and style.
Deluxe Beach Bungalows with Pool. 196 m²
Spacious and completely secluded, the Deluxe Beach Bungalows with Pool offer a private garden, a shaded outdoor lounge, and two plunge pools, one tucked into a lush courtyard, the other overlooking the ocean.
photo © Huvafen Fushi
Two Bedroom Beach House with Pool. 800 m²
The Two Bedroom Beach House with Pool is expansive beachfront residence is perfect for a family or a small group. it features two bedrooms, an infinity pool, an elevated master suite, and multiple indoor-outdoor spaces for lounging or dining in total privacy.
photo © Huvafen Fushi
Three Bedroom Beach Pavilion with Pool. 800 m²
A dream villa for a big family or a group : Huvafen’s largest beach villa, the Three Bedroom Beach Pavilion with Pool. This luxurious beach mansion includes a private beach, bold design accents, a full-size pool, and a large outdoor living area surrounded by tropical greenery.
Lagoon Bungalow with Pool. 130 m²
The Lagoon Bungalows With Pool are Huvafen Fushi’s the first overwater category. Set above the calm side of the lagoon, they feature a private deck, and an outdoor plunge pool plus direct lagoon access from your own wooden steps.
photo © Huvafen Fushi
Ocean Bungalow with Pool. 160 m²
Our favourite “standard” Water bungalows at Huvafen Fushi. Settled on the reef side of the island, they’re the perfect spot to snorkel directly from your villa and have unobstructed views at the Sunset. Almost identical to the lagoon Bungalows, they also provide a separate Living-Room with glass bottom floor, a sofa and open views to the sea.
Two Bedroom Ocean Pavilion with Pool. 300 m²
A showstopper. Located 200 metres beyond the main jetty, these iconic pavilions offer unmatched privacy, vast indoor-outdoor living spaces, a 24h Dream Maker butler, and infinity pool views from sunrise to sunset.
On the lagoon’s side, the Two Bedroom Lagoon Pavilion with Pool, offers identical amenities and size, but with access to the lagoon, which means less corals.
photo © Huvafen Fushi
Signature Amenities in Every Villa – Click to see more
Plunge-Pool | Butler Service | Fully air-conditioned | Ceiling fans | En-suite Bathroom | Internet access by LAN line | IDD telephone | 1 iPod Dock and 1 fully loaded iPod | GSM mobile services | Complimentary in-Villa bottled drinking water | TV with DVD | Surround sound system music player | Music CD collection | Satellite | Coffee/espresso makers | Mini bar | Personal safes | Hairdryers | Golfing umbrellas | Torches | Mosquito repellents | Bath-robes | Slippers | Complimentary toiletries and more…
Huvafen Fushi child Policy
Today, Huvafen Fushi Maldives welcomes guests of all ages. Children can enjoy a supervised kids’ corner near the main pool, with a dedicated area for those under 10, as well as a hangout zone for teenagers. Extra beds and cribs are available depending on the type of villa.
Huvafen Fushi has 4 restaurants, 1 bar, 2 private dining options and a fantastic underground Wine Cellar. Gastronomy ranges from the simplest salad, snacks and pizzas, to fine organic and fusion Cuisine, primed for its originality and quality.
Whether you crave raw healthy food, excellent Italian dishes or a bottle of vintage Champagne in an underground cellar, every dish and every location has been designed to surprise and delight.
Flavors and Champagne above the sea and below the sand.
Celsius – The overwater Main Restaurant
Celsius, the resort main restaurant is located over the lagoon, and proposes a simple yet delicious menu. The choice goes from simple salads to snacks with everything in-between. Asiatic food and some Maldivian dishes are also at the menu.
Fogliani – Wood-Fired Italian restaurant & pizzeria in the Sand
Forno is Huvafen Fushi’s most casual restaurant. The pizzeria trattoria is settled on the beach, beneath the palm trees, and serves delicious Italian antipasti, pizzas from the oven and various international dishes. Forno is ideal for families and if you like to eat barefoot with your toes in the sand !
Salt – Fusion Dining Overwater
Salt is the resort’s signature restaurant, perched above the lagoon with panoramic views. Dinner here is a celebration of Asian and European flavours, blended in unexpected and elegant ways. The setting is intimate and peaceful, perfect for a sunset dinner.
Raw – Organic Spa Cuisine
Raw is on the right side of the photo – Salt is on the left.
Raw is Huvafen’s overwater wellness restaurant, and a rare gem in the Maldives. Located on the same jetty as Salt, it serves 100% raw, organic, and plant-focused dishes, prepared in front of you by the chef. The menu is light yet satisfying, ideal after a spa session or before a snorkel. It’s small, intimate, and in high demand, so advance booking is recommended.
UMBar – Poolside Lounge & Cocktails
Stylish and casual, UMBar and its infinity pool is the place for fresh juices, signature cocktails, and light bites throughout the day. Perfect for a sundowner before dinner or a lazy drink between swims.
Vinum – The Underground Wine Cellar
Located 7 metres ( 23 ft ) below the surface, Vinum is the Maldives’ very first underground wine cellar,and still one of the most atmospheric. This golden-lit chamber houses a world-class collection of vintages and Champagnes. Fine dining and private wine tastings can be arranged with the resident sommelier.
Huvafen Fushi Dining Options
Huvafen also offers private dining anywhere you like : on the beach, on a sandbak, in your villa, on a dhoni, or even beneath the sea. From candlelit sandbank dinners to Champagne breakfasts in your pool, the island’s team will craft an experience that matches your mood and dreams.
The spa set apart from the island and is divided in two areas located under and over the lagoon.
Huvafen Fushi made history by opening the world’s first underwater spa, and to this day, it remains one of the Maldives’ most magical wellness experiences.
Above the water, eight stunning overwater spa pavilions welcome guests with glass-bottom floors, wide-open lagoon views, and a tranquil design that sets the mood from the moment you arrive. Whether over the ocean or below it, Lime Spa invites you to surrender to stillness.
Huvafen Fushi Underwater Spa
The underwater Spa is a surreal and magical place to be pampered and have a massage. Two underwater rooms are located in the middle of a gigantic aquarium filled with endless fish species, corals and etheral light.
Massages here don’t just soothe, they ripple through your senses, blending ancient Eastern traditions and modern Western techniques inspired by the Beata Aleksandrowicz method.
The spa’s underwater couple’s treatment rooms offer panoramic reef views and a serene design inspired by the sea’s colors and textures.
Wellness Rituals for the Body and Mind
Lime Spa offers a comprehensive menu of treatments : deep tissue, exuviance facials, body wraps, and more. Try the ’Underwater Dream’ or ’Underwater Rendezvous’, signature therapies designed to channel balance and serenity in a truly unique setting
For The Body
Massages | Scrubs | Wraps | Hot Stones | Facials | Nutritional advices | Reflexology | Iridology
For The Mind
Yoga | Meditation | Reiki | Shirodhara | Ayurveda
Lagoon Freedom, Reef Life & Curated Ocean Escapes
With the perfect Duo lagoon / house reef, Huvafen Fushi is ideal for water sports and snorkeling. The resort features a wide array of leisure activities and curated experiences designed for every pace and preference. From classic group excursions to tailor-made private adventures, you can explore the atoll your way, sailing into the sunset, spotting dolphins, or discovering coral gardens with a marine biologist.
Snorkel straight from the beach or from your villa deck, ride the lagoon by kayak or windsurf, or dive into deeper waters just minutes away. Every detail is taken care of, whether you’re looking for calm or adrenaline.
Free Sports & Activities
- Windsurf
- Catamaran
- Glass Kayak, Peekaboo Kayak & Ocean Kayak
- Paddle-board
- Fully equipped gym
- Book, Music and Dvd Library
Paying Sports & Activities
- Private boat rental
- Water Skiing + Mono Skiing
- Knee Boarding + Wake Boarding
- Fun Tubes & Sea Bob
- Windsurfing
- Parasailing
- Big game fishing
…and more
Island Excursions
You can explore Huvafen Fushi surroundings in a range of excursions proposed in groups or privately.
Group Excursion
- Sunset Dolphin Watching
- Guided Snorkeling exploration
…and more
Private Excursions
- Private Fishing
- Sunset Dolphin Watching
- Dhoni Sunset Sailing
- Big Game Fishing
- Sandbank Experience
And anything you wish in between…
Huvafen Fushi offers direct access to one of the most vibrant house reefs in North Malé Atoll. Just steps from the beach — or your villa deck — you’ll find coral gardens, reef sharks, rays, and hundreds of fish. The reef is easy to access, calm, and perfect for beginners and advanced snorkelers alike.
Located close to several of the atoll’s best dive sites, Huvafen is ideal for divers seeking both excitement and variety. Channels, drop-offs, and reef walls are just minutes away by boat, with sightings of sharks, turtles, and pelagics common. The resort’s PADI dive center offers everything from beginner courses to private expeditions.
Snorkeling at Huvafen Fushi – Easy Access & Endless Discovery
Snorkeling at Huvafen Fushi is a true highlight for ocean lovers of all levels. The island is surrounded by a beautiful and accessible house reef that begins just a few meters from the shore and the decks of the water villas located on the ocean’s side.
A protective wall around the reef creates a safe zone for beginners, where even within close reach, abundant marine life can be observed.
The Island’s House reef
Sheltered channels and calm waters make it ideal for beginners, while more experienced snorkelers can explore further along the reef walls, discovering vibrant corals, reef sharks, rays, and a stunning array of tropical fish. With hours of underwater exploration possible right from the beach, Huvafen offers a perfect blend of ease and adventure.
where to snorkel around Huvafen Fushi ?
You can reach the first coral formations just 25 metres from the island’s shores. If you’re staying in an overwater villa or one of the ocean-facing pavilions, you’ll be right above the reef — ready to snorkel directly from your private deck. A little further out, the island’s 600-metre-long house reef awaits, gently sloping into deeper waters and offering hours of exploration.
Map of The Snorkeling Spots around the resort
Take a look at Huvafen Fushi snorkeling map below for a better understanding of the island’s surrounding reef and the best areas to explore.
click to enlarge
Pay attention : Before exploring the lagoon, I advise you to visit first the Dive Center to meet the resident biologist who is in complete charge of the island’s underwater world and has many interesting information and tips to give you before you go.
Don’t miss a snorkeling guided tour too ! You would miss so much.
Want to know more ?
Explore my complete Snorkeling and Diving Guide at Huvafen Fushi including the house reef, snorkeling program, the Dive Center, diving spots, lessons, and more…
To help you explore Huvafen Fushi at a glance, here is the resort map highlighting its beach and overwater villas, spa and wellness areas, restaurants, bars, ocean-facing pavilions, and the island’s main snorkeling zones — including both lagoon and reef sides.
You’ll also find the Sunrise and Sunset orientations to help you choose the perfect villa for your stay.
Discover more of Huvafen Fushi through our curated photo gallery. From sunsets and private beach cabanas to sandbank moments, yoga sessions by the sea, and details that define true barefoot luxury — this is the island as we experienced it. Every image captures a dreamy perspective of one of the Maldives’ most sensual resorts.
all photos © Dreaming of Maldives
Let us take you to Huvafen Fushi through our lens. This video shows you the villas, the lagoon, the underwater spa, and all the dreamy moments that make this island so unique. This is the video we created to capture not just the beauty, but the feeling of being there. The one that shows it all.
From any perspective, Huvafen Fushi doesn’t just carry a great name : it lives up to it. Whether you want your escape to feel tropical, romantic, playful, or edgy, the island effortlessly adapts to your mood, your pace, and your highest expectations.
This is where true Maldivian luxury began, original, sensory, simple, yet deeply refined. Everything here is curated with soul : the underwater spa, the dreamlike villas, the wine cellar buried beneath the sand.
And let’s not forget, a resort this beautiful, on such a naturally stunning island, so close to Male… is rare today.
- Huvafen Fushi Maldives will close for renovation until September 2023
- Dreaming of a Bathroom With Ocean View at Huvafen Fushi Maldives
- 5 TOP Activities and Things To Do at Huvafen Fushi Maldives
- Huvafen Fushi Maldives Aerial Photos. Gallery
Maldives Travel Highlights Video – Hidden Gems in 4 Minutes | Part 3
This is the final chapter of our Maldives video trilogy, a visual celebration of the…
Best of Maldives in Video – 5 Minutes of Island Dreams | Part 2
Experience the best of Maldives in Video. In just 5 minutes, discover dreamy islands, top…
Diving & Snorkeling at Huvafen Fushi Maldives – Essential Guide
This guide dives into everything you need to know about snorkeling at Huvafen Fushi Maldives…
Follow us on Facebook, Youtube and Instagram
for more Maldives Dreams & Stories
[ Official ]
Traveler's Choice
15th Edition
