Faarufushi celebrates minimalist luxury
Universal Resorts announces the opening of Faarufushi, a new and unique luxury resort in the Maldives. The first guests were welcomed on March 7 with a traditional boduberu: a native folk dance and music ceremony. This 80-villa holiday destination, located on the Raa Atoll alongside one of the finest coral reefs in this 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 pretense.
Everything that you would expect from a luxury Maldivian holiday is here; and more.
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.
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.
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
Eclipse, facing Faarufushi’s languid lagoon, 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.
BOLI
Boli, at the furthest tip of Eclipse, welcomes free spirits with discerning cocktails and hand-picked wines that taste like summer.
ATHIRI
For a more unusual experience, head to Athiri, Faarufushi’s casual beachside gathering place. Here you will find the island’s water sports center, marine/eco center 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.
NIKA SPA; WORLD-CLASS AT 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 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.
SAILING, DIVING, SNORKELLING; 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.
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.