The new five-star Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Resort will open on 21st July 2008. Part of Sun Hotels & Resorts, Iru Fushi is located in Noonu Atoll which, as a new atoll for tourism development, is virtually unspoilt, promising virgin landscapes and unexplored waters for guests to enjoy.

The perfect getaway for a honeymoon, family holiday or a scuba-diving experience of a lifetime, the resort is sprawled over 52 acres of stunning powdery white sand beach and abundant tropical vegetation and is accessed by a 45-minute seaplane from Malé airport. It offers 180 rooms, two large swimming pools, a selection of restaurants and bars, wine cellar, cigar lounge, PADI Gold Palm dive centre, spa and gym as well as a dedicated kids' club for the younger members.

The accommodation ranges from Beach Villas with outdoor bathrooms, sala and a circular Jacuzzi with ipod connection to luxurious Water Suites with their own private pool and separate living room. All rooms have been designed by locally famed architect Mohamed Shafeeq to complement nature, yet incorporate contemporary luxury with a rustic ambiance. They all are equipped with a comfortable divan which can double as a third bed – perfect for accompanying children.

With the emphasis on locally caught fish and seafood, the five restaurants offer an eclectic mix of fine dining from around the world with Asian, Indian, Moroccan, African and European influences.

Flavours & Spices promises simple, succulent Asian cuisine in a dramatic setting. Also incorporating the cigar lounge and wine cellar, it offers a tailor-made dining experience perfect for connoisseurs of fine wines or those wishing to celebrate a special occasion. Guests have a choice of over 1,250 bottles of selected fine wines from the resort’s cellar and can then ask the chefs to customise a menu that will ideally complement the wine from the particular region. Bespoke French, Spanish and Italian dishes can then be enjoyed in the intimate setting of the beautiful wine cellar.

For a more relaxed affair, the Islander Grill offers alfresco dining island-style in individual pavilions on the beach with themed entertainment for guests to enjoy. Alternatively, Café Trio serves authentic Maldivian-style high tea every afternoon as well as a choice of Maldivian, Indian and Italian dishes in a picturesque setting over the lagoon.

For something totally different, guests can opt for “SeaSha” dining, a destination experience to remember with individual Arabic tents on the beach overlooking the lagoon. Couples can enjoy sumptuous cuisine with Middle Eastern influence before relaxing on the Moroccan-style furnishings and enjoying a selection of shisha with the rhythmic sounds of the waves in the background.

Refreshing drinks are available at the Water’s Edge, the main watering hole and activity hub, and the two beach and pool bars will provide guests with the perfect place for cocktails whilst relaxing in the sunshine or enjoying the sunset and evening’s entertainment.

While the focus of the resort is on taking it easy, there will be plenty to do for the whole family, with two large swimming pools, floodlit tennis courts, badminton, volleyball, gym, a selection of watersports and a kids' club with child minders for younger guests where children can learn to build a traditional Maldivian Dhoni boat or simply play in the miniature village. Off island excursions will also be available.

The resort houses a PADI Gold Palm Sun International Diving School with an extensive range of PADI courses for beginners through to the more experienced. Boasting a house reef that is rife with both coral and brightly coloured neon fish, the uncharted waters will be a real treat for diving enthusiasts seeking new experiences to discover.

There will also be an extensive Sun Spa, which will take a holistic approach to health and wellness derived from time tested procedures using the Five Elements and traditional Ayurveda. The main complex will house hydrotherapy pools, steam, sauna, Jacuzzi and dedicated relaxation areas, with 15 spa pavilions tucked individually within the glorious vegetation ensuring maximum privacy and seclusion.

With a special introductory opening rate, seven nights at Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Resort starts from US$ 1,055 per person, on a half board basis. The price includes accommodation in a Beach Villa and a scenic 45 minute seaplane transfer. International flights are not included. For further information or reservations contact www.irufushi.com / 00960 3333 714.