I had the chance to experience different islands in the Maldives and I can safely say PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi is a level above the rest. Don’t get me wrong, there are some phenomenal properties in the Maldives, but PER AQUUM has found its niche and they’ve nailed it.
The property targets wealthy, design and fashion conscious couples, between the ages of 30-50, and I feel they push for an adult-only crowd. During my stay, one thing that stood out is how perfect everything felt. Not in a robotic, emotionless way, but the smallest of details were well-thought out.
If you’re visiting with your partner, and all you seek is calm, a splash of luxury and beautiful surroundings, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi is a slice of paradise.
During my stay, I occupied the sunset deluxe ocean pool villa, which in most hotels would probably fit the junior suite level. Yet, it felt like a grand suite, the space was abundant (160 sqm) and finished to the highest level. The sliding doors open onto a three-tier deck, featuring a freshwater infinity pool, dining area, daybed, sunbathing terrace and direct lagoon access.
Upon arrival to the property I was handed a mobile phone so I had 24-hour access to my butler. While some other five-star hotels also offer this service, the difference with PER AQUUM is that your butler never changes. He is seemingly never off duty too, which meant this was the most effective butler service I have ever experienced.
Salt, the property’s fine-dining restaurant is a must, particularly the signature seafood grill platter. If travelling as a couple or a small group, book the private dining experience at Cardamon, with amazing Sri Lankan food cooked in front of you and two chefs at your disposal. Top tip: Ask the chef if you can help him to knead and bake your own naan bread.
I highly recommend the couples’ 90-minute massage in the underwater treatment rooms. Surrounding yourself with windows while looking out to blue waters, coral and beautiful coloured fish takes your massage experience to another level of peace and serenity. Jet ski to the sand banks, a beautiful place to relax for a few hours, while soaking up the sun and snagging that Instagram-worthy shot. Make sure to meet with the island’s marine biologist, too, who will take you on a guided snorkelling tour along to and some amazing and truly unique fish. There are even friendly sharks that live around the island!
I will always remember an interview with the President of Boscolo Hotels, who said breakfast needs to be phenomenal as it is usually the last thing a client will experience before they leave the property, so it has to be memorable. Eighty per cent of the time I find I am disappointed by a buffet breakfast, but not here. The quality and variety is impressive, and more importantly they focus on healthy, macrobiotic produce — perfectly in tune with the target audience’s needs.