Published: 16 April 2014
The Maldives are widely recognised as a highlight of world tourism, but the region has its own highlights, and one of these is undoubtedly the luxury resort of Soneva Fushi.
The Maldives has been a popular holiday destination for several decades now. However, while all holidays to the region are somewhat luxurious, it only gained recognition as a luxury location in the mid-1990s. The opening of Soneva Fushi Resort has been credited as a big factor in establishing the Maldives as a luxury destination, and it has since grown incredibly popular in this regard.
The Soneva Fushi Resort was built using environmentally-friendly methods and sustainable materials. Similar eco principles go into the running and maintenance of the resort. However, the resort manages to keep up its environmental ethos without any compromise on the quality of experience they offer. Visitors to Soneva Fushi are in for a treat on almost every front.
For a start, the resort has an excellent location. It occupies a quiet spot on one of the atolls that is furthest from the busy capital city of Malé. The location offers plenty of the beautiful beaches that made the Maldives so popular, and also gives visitors access to some fantastic opportunities for diving as well as activities such as dolphin safaris and fishing.
The range of accommodation on offer is also exceptional, with a large variety of rooms available to suit everyone's taste. Even the décor varies, with both traditional and contemporary styles on offer. The amenities that come with the rooms are similarly excellent, including minibars, air conditioning and semi-open air bathrooms.
Perhaps one of the resort's most exceptional features is the spa. Operated by the acclaimed Six Senses Spas, it offers a huge selection of treatments that make a perfect complement to the relaxed atmosphere and surroundings of the resort. There is also a choice of rooms in which to receive treatments, including outdoor settings and air-conditioned indoor rooms. Therapists from across Asia along with guest therapists offer expert treatments that include "Watsu" – Shiatsu in a relaxing pool of hot water.
Of course, even in the luxurious settings of the Maldives, most people don't feel like relaxing all the time. The resort also caters well to the moments when you want to be active. A range of activities are on offer, ranging from simple board games to water sports, tennis and cycling.
The last aspect of the resort that truly deserves a mention is the selection of dining facilities. Four main eateries provide a huge range of dishes. Among these are Mediterranean cuisine, a unique and modern fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cooking styles, and healthy eating. There are also a range of bars for times when you just want to enjoy a quiet drink either alone or socially.