Huvafen Fushi House Reef

Despite the coral bleaching that has affected many areas of the Maldives, the reef still has coral gardens and brain corals in good condition. The island has two contrasting sides: on one, a large blue lagoon; on the other, only coral reefs, with walls along the east side and open channels leading to the outer walls.

The island has what was advertised as the world's first underwater spa: two treatment rooms under the sea, with glass walls facing the marine life of the lagoon. From these rooms, guests see angel fish among the corals and baby sharks drifting past. At night, during the 'night aquarium' program, the house reef's nurse shark can be seen from the spa window. On the night snorkel on the reef you can see corals feeding, glowing plankton, lobsters, octopus and lionfish.

Huvafen means 'dream' in the local dialect, Dhivehi. In the region, manta rays tend to appear near Huvafen Fushi between January and April, when the resort offers snorkeling with mantas.