Nirvana Under Water
I am one of the few people in the world who doesn't always say yes to a massage. While I have had plenty of sensational massages, every once in a while, a session leaves me sore for days even though the massage itself may have been par satisfaction. However, club the words, "underwater" and "spa" together, and you have my heart and wallet!
Few things are more indulgent than a spa treatment and, few destinations are more luxurious than the Maldives. It remains one of my favorite destinations; how many places in the world can you wake up to the sound of the waves, indulge in a massage and some crab, and spot a pod of frolicking dolphins, all in the same day? The Maldives is consistently ranked as one of the top destinations of choice for those looking to really splurge on life's pleasures, while surrounded by turquoise water and white sand.
The mastermind behind the stunning Huvafen Fushi hotel and underwater spa is the Per Aquum group, and they sure know how to make a statement! You may have already guessed it- Yes, they are also the brains behind the world's first Underwater Night Club in Niyama!
I have to admit that my decision to stay at Huvafen Fushi was greatly influenced by the fact that they had a one-of-a-kind spa experience, underwater! Almost immediately after checking in, I booked a spa session. I was taken to Lime on a golf cart after a quick tour of the property courtesy my personal butler. I was already on cloud nine!
On entering Lime, I was offered an eponymous welcome beverage while I filled out the form listing my treatment preferences. I am very particular about what I look for in a massage and really appreciated that my therapist was very good about following through. For instance, I love a firm touch on my neck and shoulders but don't like having my feet massaged, as I am very, very ticklish. I changed into my robe in a very chic, ski-lodge-esque changing area, before descending into the actual treatment room. It was absolutely surreal to be walking down the staircase but I was completely unprepared for the beauty that awaited me. While you can hear the ocean in the upper part of the spa, on walking down to Lime, you are cocooned in the tranquil silence of the ocean, befitting a spa setting!
I was absolutely gobsmacked on entering the room treatment room! Within seconds I spotted several different brightly colored tropical fish from the large window panels. I felt like I was deep-sea diving without the discomfort of the gear or getting my hair wet! I spent a few minutes stunned in silence and then realized that my bewilderment was eating into my massage time! I was only worried that I would miss out on the incredible views since I would spend the entire hour with my face buried in the massage table.
However, the spa has been taking into account all the painstaking details one would expect when paying top dollar for this unique experience. The massage tables are lined with water mattresses and a mirror is strategically placed above the massage table, so that you don't miss a thing. I was torn between closing my eyes and really soaking in the treatment and the hope that a sea turtle would wave, "Hello!", through the glass. Sadly, no sea turtle stopped by but I had the incredible pleasure of having the tension lifted out of my body while I being witness to the miracles of the marine kingdom in high definition. This gives me bragging rights, yes?
My treatment was fantastic. My therapist used exactly the kind of pressure I wanted and checked on me from time-to-time without being intrusive. The massage table was spectacularly comfortable and has me contemplating purchasing a water mattress. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and so did my 60-minute treatment. However, it was perfectly concluded with a head-tingling massage and some delicious hot ginger tea.
Even though this experience comes at a hefty price tag, approximately $100 above a standard spa treatment, I think it is absolutely worth it for those who think that there is nothing more mesmerizing than the underwater world. I highly recommend Lime to anyone traveling to the Maldives!
