Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa - Deluxe All Inclusive
Best Experience for: All-Inclusive, Couples, Beaches, Diving
Updated March 2024
Faarufushi Maldives is the brand new resort by leading local resort operator Universal Resorts. Designed for the discerning travellers the 5-star resort is located in a pristine part of Raa Atoll, Faarufushi Maldives is a scenic 50 minute seaplane ride away from Velana International Airport.
The Faarufushi opened it's door on March 2019 with 10 Beach Bungalows, 37 Beach Retreats with Pool and 39 sleek Ocean Retreat with Pool stilted over the azure lagoon of Faarufushi. The three Ocean Suite with Pool & the Island Residence with Pool offers guests the ultimate sanctuary with an expansive infinity pool overlooking at its very own stretch of the Indian Ocean.
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 pretence. Everything that you would expect from a luxury Maldivian holiday – turquoise lagoon, white sand beaches, discreet service and the sleek overwater villas - is here; and more.
![Faarufushi Maldives](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/faarufushi-island-aerial-2024.avif)
The Island
Faarufushi is an island owned and developed by Faarufushi Investment Pvt Ltd and managed by Universal Resorts Management Pvt Ltd. Universal Resorts is a pioneering establishment that has led the development of the travel and tourism industry in the Maldives for over 46 years, playing a key part in the transformation of the country from an island nation to one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. The group now operates one of the largest resort collections in the country, including iconic properties such as Kurumba Maldives, Velassaru Maldives, Kuramathi Maldives, Baros Maldives, Kandolhu Maldives, Dhigali Maldives, Maafushivaru, and Milaidhoo Island Maldives.
From the point you land in Male, the resort's representatives are already there waiting for you, assisting with luggage and taking you to your domestic flight that’ll help you reach the island. The gentlemen which operate the speed boat (10min to reach island) are extremely sweet and helpful. Upon arrival on the island you'll be welcomed by the friendly faces of management and escorted to the reception in a buggy to get a breakdown of the resort set up, what to expect and a Refreshing welcome drink!
This island is so remote and secluded that you'll rarely spot more than two, maybe three groups of people at morning breakfast. You will absolutely love the seclusion, privacy, and the feeling of having the entire island to yourselves. There is a genuine feeling of peace and tranquility on the entire resort. It’s really difficult to describe. You can walk around the island in about 15 minutes. At night, the entire ambience of the ocean and the restaurants literally steps away from the ocean, pool, and villas are truly magical and something only to be experienced and realized first-hand.
Whether you’re staying beach-side or over the lagoon, your personal piece of Faarufushi Maldives is light and contemporary. Natural timber and floor-to-ceiling windows create a restful space that feels open, yet private. Besides the beauty of the nature, the architecture of the villas, the restaurants and of the Spa are really impressive and it looks like Maldivian style meets minimalism. When you’ve settled in, search out the delights dotted around Faarufushi. Dip into the infinity pool, find your way to Nika Spa – its couple’s treatment cabins are tucked away among the treetops – then wander out to Eclipse, to dine on modern European cuisine with an Asian Twist.
When you’re ready to take the action up a notch, make for Athiri. This fitness, food and marine centre is the place to set off on an extensive range of watersports options, including guided snorkelling adventures at the resorts vibrant coral reef. Or, just beyond the lagoon you’ll find Lonu PADI dive centre, ready to unveil a whole new underwater world. At Faarafushi Maldives, there’s always more to discover beneath the surface.
But by far the best part of your stay is the service. The team of Faarufushi is the most important value of this new resort. Everyone is putting is heart to fulfill all guests wishes, every time with a big smile. Everyone working there genuinely wants you to enjoy yourself and they will go above and beyond for you.
Location
Getting to the Raa Atoll is a breeze. The resort is just a scenic 50 minutes journey by seaplane, or take a 40 minutes connecting flight from Malé to Ifuru Airport. From there, it only takes 10 minutes to reach Faarufushi. The resort's team have set up arrival and departure lounges to make things more comfortable. And as always, the staff are there at every step. Taking such good care of you that you’ll hardly even notice they’re there.
Bungalows and Retreats
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.
Both beach and over-water villas are special in their own ways and it’s hard to say which one is better. It’s highly recommended to do both. Both room types are open-air with twin windows that open 130 degrees so you can play tropical island music from your phone on the provided Bose Bluetooth system. It’s loud enough to hear outside but not to the adjacent villas.
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. Also, shower pressure in both inside and outside showers is strong and hot.
Beach Retreats and Bungalows feature the front-row access to Faarufushi’s white-sand beach. Wide-angle views stretching to the horizon. Vaulted ceilings, minimalist décor and floor-to-ceiling windows keep that view front-and-centre every morning. Final flourish: a private plunge pool between your front door and the sea. 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
![Faarufushi Maldives: beach accommodation 2024](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/faarufushi-beach-pool-villa-2024.avif)
Ocean Suites with pool are set at the far tip of the jetty and with direct lagoon access; there are only a few of these overwater refuges. Expansive wood floors; adjoining deck with a private infinity pool. Wide views over turquoise seas. DOWNLOAD RESORT MAP
![Faarufushi Maldives: beach accommodation 2024](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/faarufushi-sunset-water-pool-villa-2024.avif)
ISLAND RESIDENCE WITH POOL built on a prime location on the island’s northwest shore. Right where the greenery meets the sand. A singular residence with direct beach access, vaulted timber ceilings, and expansive windows. Fronted by private infinity pool with a sleek edge that vanishes into the horizon.
Restaurants and Bars
When hunger strikes, there is a plethora of choice for any palate at Faarufushi. Indulgent dining choices will be offered in a modern environment with a full view of the horizon whilst focusing on the highest quality of ingredients in three restaurants and two bars. All restaurants are very good, all of them, breakfast menu is served in your table with everything you can imagine to have in the morning, fresh juices, warm bakery basket, croissants, bread, fruit platter, eggs in all ways, even the Swiss Bircher Müsli is excellent. Amazing service!
At the reef’s edge is Boli, with seating open to the sky, offering a guaranteed sunset view throughout the year, complemented with the finest wines, carefully crafted cocktails and music.
Athiri: For a more unusual experience, head to Athiri, Faarufushi’s casual beachside gathering place. Athiri’s centre piece is the collection of dining options serving tapas, teppanyaki & more, under one roof. Here you will find the island’s water sports centre, marine/eco centre 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.
Iru is the all-day dining restaurant located next to Sangu Bar, overlooking the infinity pool of the resort, presenting unlimited views of the sea. 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.
The crescent shaped overwater signature restaurant, Eclipse offers an immersive gourmet experience and a non-obstructed panoramic view. Facing Faarufushi’s languid lagoon, Eclipse serves modern European dishes with an Asian twist. Try the artichoke soup or the special fresh lobster pasta, amazingly cooked by Chef Dharmapriya, who knows exactly what he does in the kitchen, after many many years of experience. Every dish is full of taste and freshness. Focusing on fine ingredients and even finer dining, thу restaurant is the place to unwind after a strenuous day on the beach.
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.
![Faarufushi Maldives](pictures/overwater-restaurant.jpg)
Activities and Pampering
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.
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 Nika 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.
![Faarufushi Maldives](pictures/faarufushi-spa.jpg)
Reviews
'First time in Maldives and the experience could not have been better! Faarufushi is a discovery! beautiful island ideal for relaxing and relaxing...first class accommodation, cuisine to the very best possible standards. Difficult to highlight any detail as everything was great. '
'Faarufushi is a really elegant and luxurious resort with so much calmness, accommodating villas with a very modern design and with all the commodities, excellent restaurants with high cuisine, crystal-clear sea and a truly incredible spa. I can’t wait to be back in this Maldivian paradise!'
![Faarufushi Maldives](pictures/faarufushi-bliss.jpg)
Pros: What Guests Love
- Excellent welcoming
- The beauty of the island
- No mosquitoes
- WiFi is perfect
- The staff is incredibly friendly, caring and helpful
- The rooms are very spacious and the beds are beyond comfortable
- The selection of food is impressive. Food is fresh and top quality
- Exclusive spa at the heart of the island
- Complimentary yoga sessions on the beach
- The gym with amazing views and very well equipment
- Dive and watersports centres
- snorkelling is amazing
- An extensive cocktail and alcohol menu
![Faarufushi Maldives](pictures/faarufushi-beach-villas.jpg)
Things to Know before You Go
- Seaplane transfer takes 50 minutes from Male International Airport. The return rates are: Adult: USD 652, round trip, inclusive of all taxes; Domestic Flight transfer takes 40 minutes from Male International Airport followed by a 10-minute speedboat transfer from Ifuru Airport to the resort. Adult: USD 405, round trip, inclusive of all taxes.
- Check-in from 14:00; Check-out Until 12:00 hours;
- Children of any age are welcome, but there is not Kids club on the island
- Don’t miss an evening cocktail in Boli and be ready to put some extra weight in spite of the healthy life style with non stop snorkelling.
- A recommendation: go for the all inclusive option. Worth it!
- Faarufushi offers many vegan options daily
- Each meal comes with a selection of freshly made breads, some very unique flavours e.g. chicken bread, chocolate bread, lemon bread, etc.
- Boli bar is sunset point with wide variety of drinks
- Make sure to book a Restore massage with Budu or Pam, both are very experiences therapist and very profesional.
- there is a free buggy service to get you around the island
- Sometimes seaplane transfer is not a direct flight with stopping at other resorts before arriving on the island
- Access to water sports and snorkelling on surrounding reefs for a fee.
- Universal Resorts is the pioneering establishment that has lead the development of tourism industry of Maldives for over 46 years. The company has been acting as the pivotal pillars that has revolutionized the travel and tourism industry of Maldives.
Photos
![what is better: beach or overwater](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/beach-or-water-villa-to-stay-maldives.avif)
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