You spend so long planning a wedding you almost forget there is something at the end of it all. The calls, emails, lists, notes and endless magazines that you start buying as soon as you get engaged and then get strangely addicted to buying even when you no longer need them.
My Wedding Day came round on July 16th 2011 and I've got to say it was what dreams are made of. The main piece of advice I received was 'enjoy it - it goes so fast' and that's exactly what I tried to do. It's not easy though with 49 guests, and I'd added the extra stress of making the whole trip a surprise for friends and family who had no idea where they were going. I wanted to constantly make sure they were ok and happy and the thing is, looking back now it all feels like a dream, and without the pictures I’d doubt it even happened at all.
Everything went as planned and I wouldn’t change a thing – maybe the stress my poor Mum felt as she threw talcum powder all over my feet and shoes at 8am on the morning of the wedding. It was to stop me sweating apparently. Matt cried all day, he will hate me for saying that but there is no way of denying it as we have approximately 66 thousand photographs of him weeping. Our friend and singer Cole Page even dedicated the Michael Buble track ‘Cry Me a River’ to him, changing the lyrics to ‘Matt Cried A River Over Her’.
Weddings are a great opportunity to bring families together that may otherwise be distanced forever and ours was no exception. It’s also a chance for friends to come together and get to know one another and as I sit writing this on my honeymoon I can’t help but check face book. And seeing that friends have become friends with other friends makes me smile. It could also be because I have a glass of champagne in my hand and it’s been there for hours. Not the same drink you’ll understand but rather the glass that is continuously being topped up.
We were VERY lucky to be upgraded to FIRST Class on the brand new Emirates A380 from Manchester to Dubai. This is exciting to most people but for me it was extra special. I’ve always been a bit obsessed with the airport and planes and so to be onboard a plane with a bar, lounge and spa is just something else. I didn’t even need a shower on board but did it anyway just to say I’ve had a shower 30,000 feet in the sky, I’ve joined the mile high shower club!!!! If I’d known a Honeymoon could do this I’d have got married ages ago – and it wouldn’t even matter who to. We did feel a bit like Monica and Chandler snogging at the gate to prove our love – but unlike them we got lucky and Matt didn’t have to steal a piece of fruit.
As I write this I think I may have found heaven. I am lying on a large round wicker bed on a part of my own private deck looking at the sun set over the Indian Ocean. We are staying on a Maldivian Island called Huvafen Fushi – it is paradise. You are greeted at the airport and taken to a speedboat which brings you to the island in less than 30 minutes. You are given a cold towel on arrival and a cocktail to get you used to the utter fussing and luxury you are about to receive.
There are a few different types of accommodation – the beach villa, and the deluxe version, the over water bungalow and the water pavilion. We were taken to our over water bungalow and were blown away the moment the door opened. The piece de resistance was an over water coffee table. You know the ones like in the movies where you can see fish whilst placing your cup of tea on the glass above?
You may actually have heard of Huvafen Fushi (possibly from looking gooey eyed at holiday brochures) but also because a $15,000 stay here was a gift in the goody bag for this year’s Oscars. Celebrities flock here – for example Kate Moss has partied here, George Clooney has rolled around on the sheets and Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes popped in for a massage at the Maldives ONLY underwater spa. Well if it’s good enough for celeb royalty then it’s good enough for me.
The island is located in the North Atoll and they pride themselves on modern, sophistication. All rooms are kitted out with the latest technology and if gadgets are your thing then you will find yourselves in gadget heaven. With a Bose surround sound system in every room, huge plasma TV’s, Bang & Olufsen telephones, and electronic blinds. It’s like stepping into a Grand Design’s exhibition.
But above all of this you will get your own Thakuru. This is not a native furry Maldivian animal but your very own butler. You are initially escorted by your Thakuru to your villa, shown around and given any information necessary. You then have a direct dial number to him 24 hours a day. Our Thakuru was called Ahmed. He becomes a little friend over the course of a stay and it’s comforting to see his smiley face. One word you’ll never hear is ‘no’. Can I have a pizza in my room? Can I take this wine back to my room as I’m so relaxed at 9pm I can’t drink anymore? And can you help, my 99 TV channels won’t come on? The answer 24 hours a day is always…..yes!
Your Thakuru will organize anything you desire for example meal reservations, trips off the island, even a doctor should you require it. If you’re honeymooning as we and most of the island were – you will probably want utter quiet and relaxation and you’ll get that in abundance.
Evenings are relaxed and the food would challenge even Michelin restaurants at home. The food is varied each evening, served in a chic style and so fresh.
If you can break from the utter relaxation to get on board a boat, because when you do – what follows is more relaxation, then I’d absolutely recommend the Dhoni. A Dhoni is a very old traditional Maldivian boat – only in true Huvafen Fushi style it’s had a 60 minute makeover. Red Smeg fridges, a king size bed, mother of pearl bathroom with shower and a deck scattered with huge comfy beanbags shaded by giant sails. We felt like Brad and Ange as we left for our very own deserted island. Ahmed came with us accompanied by 3 others manning the deck, oh and a dolphin we nicknamed Paul who led our boat out to deeper waters as he sparkled in the midday sun.
Once just off the deserted island you jump in the crystal clear waters for an hour’s snorkeling round some of the most beautiful coral reef you’ve ever seen. If you’re as lucky as we were you will get to see a sea turtle munching on coral before appearing to fly away into the deep ocean. As you’re doing this the 3 guys have set up a table, 2 chairs and a giant umbrella on the deserted island – you’re lunch is laid out with wine and with that they’re gone for an hour and a half. Ever fancied feeling like Jack in Lost? Well this is your opportunity. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Tonight is the honeymoon meal served by the beach under candlelight and oil lamps. We have the most exotic fish risotto I’ve ever seen and I’m pretty sure the fish I waved at on the way to breakfast this morning is the one eyeing me up on my plate right now. Tonight I’ll retire tired out (after doing nothing all day) to my room, which has already been turned down, fresh water left and a newsletter with details of events and activities on the island for tomorrow.
I once read that waking up in the Maldives is something everybody should do before they die. I’m glad to say I’ve done that and to hell with it I may even do it again. Huvafen Fushi is the place to be, the owners ‘Per Aquum’ have a plan I heard last night, this is just the start and they want to go even further when it comes to luxury. And after seeing this – I don’t doubt them for a single second!!!
Chelsea x
Chelsea flew with Emirates Return from Manchester to Maldives via Dubai
http://www.emirates.com/
Chelsea stayed at Huvafen Fushi Resort, Maldives
http://www.huvafenfushi.peraquum.com/
The wedding is now 3 weeks on Saturday - and yes I'm getting nervous. More that everything will go ok rather than the actually getting married bit.
There's just 7 weeks to go till the Wedding.
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