5 spots for undersea luxury

Huvafen Fushi is one of the most glamorous resorts in the Maldives, but it's still casual. Wearing shoes is thoroughly discouraged; even the reception area floor is covered in sand.

There are 43 bungalows and the room design is sleek and pared down, but guest rooms have all the latest gadgets (like Bose sound systems, iPod docking stations and in-room espresso machines).

Sea lovers should book one of the over-water bungalows, but if you want to be totally enveloped by the ocean, Huvafen Fushi's Lime Spa has two underwater treatment rooms which were unveiled in 2004. The hotel owners wanted take the spa experience to a whole new level (literally), with rooms that reflect the spa's philosophy, that 'water is the equilibrium and elixir of life.'

The spa complex is housed in a series of bungalows, and the underwater rooms are reached via a staircase and a walk down a corridor. The spa recently underwent a makeover. New features include pebble marble floor tiles, and a new relaxation room, where guests can chill out on an oversized day bed and watch the clown fish, stingrays and nurse sharks swim by.

Treatments offered include lemon myrtle desert salt exfoliations; mud wraps; massages and facials. Book at least one day in advance, but don't worry if you can't get a reservation. Huvafen Fushi's other spa-treatment rooms have glass-bottomed floors so you can still gaze off into the deep blue sea while getting a massage.

Rates start at $800 per night

Huvafen Fushi, North Male' Atoll
PO Box 2017 Republic of Maldives
Phone 960 6644 222

www.huvafenfushi.com