Our Review: Amilla Fushi
Our travel advisor Joanne recently returned from Amilla Fushi in the Maldives, here is her account of the trip:
Getting There
Upon arrival at the Male Airport arrivals gate, we were met by the Amilla Fushi ground reps who swiftly labelled our luggage and drove us a few minutes away to the separate seaplane departure terminal. We were escorted upstairs to a traditionally decorated lounge which offered drinks, snacks, air conditioning and wifi. The 30-minute seaplane journey is fun with amazing views but is not for the faint hearted! It is a quick and easy way of reaching the hotel and they land close to the island in high season and by a nearby floating pontoon during low season. The boats that Amilla Fushi use for transfers are modern and clean without any branding, cold towels and water are included.
From a distance, you notice the clean cut, sharp edge look of the modern architecture on Amilla Fushi. As we passed by in the boat the large beach Residences dotted along the coastline reminded me of cool Miami beach houses.
Arrival
Upon arrival at the over water jetty which hosts the sunset bar, Lonu restaurant, rest rooms and waiting lounge where you are met by a Katheeb (butler). A golf buggy is ready to whisk you off to your accommodation to begin check in and offer an unpacking service. You have a choice of either an electronic key card or a rubber wristband for room access. The room itself had champagne and a fruit basket, Aesop full sized toiletries, bathrobe, laundry service, slippers, wifi and life vests. The Katheeb then takes copies of your credit card, passport and e-ticket to print your boarding pass on departure, ask you what size you are for snorkel fins and explain the optional spa services/dining and excursions on offer such as deep sea fishing, visit to the nearby blue hole, island picnics, sandbank dinners and dolphin watching cruises. Before they leave they give their business card with their direct mobile number for any requests or pre-ordering of golf buggy lifts. In the evening a turndown service is provided where you come back to a tidy room fresh towels, dimmed lighting, soft music and surprise sweets or treats each evening.
The rooms are housed in sharp-edged white buildings and are extremely spacious inside. Inside wooden floors, stone baths, rainfall showers, plug sockets that do not need adaptors and clever lighting make it feel very luxurious and modern. The rooms look exactly like the online images but feel larger in real life.
The Food
The half board Bazaar dining outlets are close to the arrival jet and pool area and are close to the sand floor bar where the DJ is in the evenings. Menus with food from around the world are shown on iPad minis. Fish can be grilled or fried and there is a good choice of dining. The cold buffet breakfast selection and cold meat counters are complimented by the hot a la carte menu choices. The bircher muesli, smoothies and eggs benedict were my personal favourites. They also have a good selection of pastries.
The a la carte signature “Lonu by Luke Mangan” restaurant makes you want to dress up a little and try wine pairing with your meal. It is very different to the laid back atmosphere of the other restaurants and has a relaxed feel as it is overwater facing the sunset. The knowledge of the menu, food and its origin was very good, the staff appear well informed. My favourites were the Sashimi of Kingfish with ginger and shallot for the starter along with the Wagyu beef with fragrant pumpkin puree and truffle oil mash for main, finishing with the chocolate fondant for dessert. Food on this island is particularly fresh.
Around the Resort
The Emperor General Store sells the coconut phone chargers, food for picnics, cuisine to stock the residences and a boutique selling items such as bikinis and kaftans. The Wine Shop & Cellar Door offer wine tasting and indoor dining experiences which I highly recommend. My favourite here was the starter of poached Lobster, fondue crab, oven roast tomato caviar and saffron dressing.
The water sports centre is centrally located next to the Residences. It is well staffed and equipped with everything you would expect such as jet skis, parasailing, sea bob, water skiing and fun tube rides. There is also a good range of non-motorised water sports and snorkel equipment to explore the house reef. The waiting area on the sand has bean bags and wifi for waiting guests.
The spa is at the back of the island it has a large glass fronted main reception building with separate space for manicures, the barbers and hairdressing appointments. At the back of the spa building there are 10 wooden treatment rooms located in a garden setting. Inside thy are decorated with grey slate and have a modern feel. Next to this is an outdoor yoga pavilion and a sea facing glass walled fitness room. My favourite Pure Massage was the Jet Lag reviver.
I would recommend this as holiday destination to beach lovers, honeymooners, families, couples and friends. As there are many hotels in the neighbouring Baa Atoll daytrips are easily arranged.
For more information on Amilla Fushi, contact our travel experts on 020 7843 3531 or info@clevelandcollection.co.uk.