MALDIVES


HUVAFEN FUSHI - (REVIEW)


If celebrity customers are an indicator of a hotel's popularity, the Maldives super-lux Huvafen Fushi is almost as hot as it gets. George Clooney went for lunch last month, Kate Moss at her party Ocean Villa, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes booked a massage during their honeymoon, Alexander McQueen had left when I arrived and when I left the island, Stefano Gabbana of Dolce & Gabbana and John Galliano were set to arrive (separately).

Trendsetting Huvafen Fushi has been raising the benchmark since its first inception two years ago. Opening its doors to feature the world's first underwater spa, Huvafen Fushi has since earned its spot on the coveted Conde Nast Traveller MagazinesUK and US Hot List.

This discreetly luxurious, contemporary retreat is located on its own lagoon on a tiny island in North Male Atoll. I arrived late into the night direct from Singapore, the flight doesn't get in until 10pm (note: book Emirates instead to arrive during the day).


When I was escorted into my over-water bungalow, I felt like I'd walked into an Apple store/Armani showroom, with a bed in the middle surrounded by all my favorite gadgets. Surround sound Bose indoor/outdoor music system, Plasma TV screens, Bang & Olufsen phones, iPod Nano with an incredible selection of music that had already been installed, a separate massive bath which overlooks the ocean, my own private plunge pool, oversized king size bed, Frette linen, designer furniture (including pieces by Frank Gehry) electronic curtains, waterfall shower, the list goes on and on.



Waking up in the Maldives is something everyone should experience before they die. The view from the bed in my room overlooked the plunge pool which overlooks the Ocean. It’s an incredible sight, serious postcard material.

The day at Huvafen Fushi starts off with a buffet breakfast in Celcius, luxe-but-laid-back dining on a white sand floored deck branching out over the lagoon. Next it's off snorkeling where you'll see the most amazing colored coral and sea life including sting rays. It takes approximately 3 hours before you realize you have a tan, the sun is extremely bright and even with 30+ sunblock, you tan quite fast and you notice tan lines by the time you've finished breakfast.



My day was busy, yet I did nothing. I snorkeled, I tanned, I read, I snorkeled again, I read more, I walked over to the over-water gym, and walked back out (are you kidding, who can face the gym on holidays) and before I knew it, the sun was already setting.  So I headed to Umbar to order a cocktail and sit back in the seriously comfy lounge chairs and watch the sunset while the chill band played, very Cafe Del Mar. The music, the sunset, the people, the atmosphere  - it's an amazing vibe. Dinner at Salt restaurant (barefoot) is a highlight. The food was fine dining at its best, as good as anything you'll find in the world's best restaurants.

Famously, the highest point in the Maldives is only four meters above sea level, so perhaps its not surprising that the Huvafen spa is underwater, something totally exclusive to this resort.  It's like entering a glamorous fishbowl where you are the main attraction to the fish. It's the perfect environment for a massage. I chose the Maldivian monsoon ritual massage and it defies description. All I can say is that I don't think I will ever be able to top the experience. Incredible is an understatement.



BEST TIME TO GO
NOW UNTIL MAY

COOL FACTOR
The friendly, laid-back staff: guests in pavilion accommodation get a 24-hour butler service, while the rest of the resort gets a FISH (Fast Island Service Host), which amounts to the same thing. The underwater spa is a must.

FACILITES
Three restaurants, a lively bar, a seriously cool well-stocked underground wine cellar, an over-water yoga pavilion and the world's first underwater massage treatment rooms complete the picture.

COST
Bungalows from US$880

This year, Huvafen Fushi is proud to announce three new initiatives. An übercool 70ft luxury yacht, an exclusive compilation with one of the world's most famous DJ and Producer, Ravin from Buddha Bar, Paris as well as an uplift to the world's first underwater spa.



When Huvafen Fushi first opened two years ago, Per Aquum Resorts, Spas & Residences, CEO, Tom McLoughlin, commented, "This is just the beginning. We will continue to refine the original Huvafen Fushi concept, while constantly pushing the boundaries in delivering the ultimate guest experience."

Huvafen Fushi has certainly made this statement its driving force with more amazing concepts on the way.


Wedding Dresses


In love, engaged and soon it will get married? Appropriate time to find a wedding dress, which naturally is not so simple. I'll try to make you a little bit easier.

I've looked at various designers' collections and selected the most beautiful clothes

Elie Saab

Elie Saab Herbst/Winter 2012

Elie Saab Frühjahr 2013
Vera Wang setz diesmal auf rot, Farbe der Liebe und Leidenschaft.

Vera Wang Frühjahr 2013
Marchesa

Marchesa Frühjahr 2013

Marchesa Herbst/ Winter 2012
Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta Frühjahr 2013
Chanel

Chanel Frühjahr 2013
Christos

Christos Frühjahr 2013
Maggie Sottero

Maggie Sottero Frühjahr 2013
Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Frühjahr 2013
Mark Zunino for Kleinfeld

Mark Zunino for Kleinfeld Frühjahr 2013
Reem Acra

Reem Acra Frühjahr 2013
Is your dream dress like?

New photos, a ‘Top Gun’ reunion : Disney’s ‘Planes’

Not exactly a sequel, and not an entirely new franchise either, Disney’s “Planes” is hoping to capitalize on the success of the first two “Cars” films that combined earned more than $1 billion worldwide.
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Disney's Planes Character Photo #13

“Planes” takes viewers back to a world where cars, planes and even forklifts have feelings, facial expressions and the ability to talk. The film will look very familiar to anyone who has seen either “Cars” or “Cars 2,” but it is produced by DisneyToon Studios, and not Pixar, which produced the first two “Cars” movies.
The star of “Planes” is Dusty (Dane Cook), a crop duster who dreams of  joining the air racing circuit, even if he is afraid of heights.
He’s joined by a cast of characters that include a grounded old Navy Corsair who coaches him to greatness, a genial fuel truck, and an array of  international air racers who are regulars on the circuit.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, John Cleese, Teri Hatcher, Cedric the Entertainer and Dane Cook will all voice characters. The film also features a “Top Gun” reunion of sorts, with Val Kilmer and Anthony Edwards voicing a pair of fighter jets.
“Planes” opens in theaters on Aug. 9. Check out the trailer and tell us what you think about “Planes” in the comments.