Images from Gulhifushi and Its Natural Ocean Pool

Gulhifushi is practically deserted, but for a pair of adorable staff who keeps giving apples and drinks (for free!) It's a newly developed part of Anantara designed like a "desert island". It has a main cottage which functions as a lobby, bar and restaurant table that occupies a dozen. There are a few more tables outside and a hut with a long table.

One of its features is a Natural Ocean Pool. They've sequestered a piece of the ocean, cordoning it into a cove, one side open to the ocean. Employing coral stones, the floor towards this is a bit rough on barefoot. Around this islet, navigable in 15 minutes or less, are cots and bean bags facing the Laccadive Seas.

To get here, you only have to ask the reception staff at Dhigu for a boat to take you to Gulhifushi ("gulhi" means "paradise", "fushi" means "island"). Just across Gulhifushi is the bigger local island called "Gulhi", the only stopover when traveling from Male to Maafushi.

Gulhi's natural pool is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, although if you've booked for a special dinner under the stars, the staff will stay on, serve your food and wait for you. Restaurant is open from 11 AM to 5 PM.

FOOD SELECTION

Food selection, as per menu, is interesting. There's Asian salad (Vietnamese summer rolls and Thai chili mayonnaise); caprese salad (buffalo mozzarella, roma tomato, basil extra virgin olive oil with extra tandoor salmon); Fatoush salad and tandoor prawns with grilled garlic pita at $30; prime beef burger with pickle and cajun potato wedges at $26; Thai prawn burger with onion bagel, coconut sambal and fries at $26; Paella sushi with focaccia square, greek tzatziki and fries at $26; Maldivian tuna at $26; tofu mushroom spinach with sunflower whaet roll, and cajun potato wedges at $26; chicken breast with nan bread and coconut sambal and fries at $26; lamb shish at $26; sliced tropical fruits at $11; pancake burger with banana toffee pecan nut coulis at $12. Then there's the fresh catch of the day - the snappers (red and white) and the garoupa, or whatever is available.

If you get hungry, you'll have enough items for gastronomic options.

Once you're ready to head back to Anantara's main island of Dhigu, you can just tell your waiter and he'll call the boat for you. Dhigu is just 5-10 minutes away.

This is the Eye in the Sky!

Natural Ocean Pool is open from 10 to 6. No lifeguards on duty.