Molinere Bay Coral Garden Vicissitudes – one of the past works by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor.
“The Maldives is a dynamic market but the best will always do well – and I’m not talking about those with the best rooms, but more so, the ability to provide the best emotional guest experiences,” said Denis Dupart, general manager, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi.
Maldives will play host to a flurry of new resorts and hotels throughout 2018 and early 2019, including Lux North Male Atoll, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives and Waldorf Astoria Maldives. As competition heats up, being able to deliver a unique experience is more crucial than ever.
“The Maldives is a dynamic market but the best will always do well – and I’m not talking about those with the best rooms, but more so, the ability to provide the best emotional guest experiences,” said Denis Dupart, general manager, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi.
Located on the Shaviyani Atoll in North Maldives, which features one of the country’s largest resort lagoons, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi (it means “secret water island’ in the local Dhivehi language), which soft opened in February, is AccorHotel’s first Fairmont in the region.
With a strong focus on sustainable tourism, the resort is likely to connect with travellers with high environmental awareness and a penchant for off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Spotlight on sustainability
For a start, the resort is home to Maldives’ first coral regeneration project, which takes the form of a semi-submerged tidal gallery. This will be ready by end of June when the resort becomes fully operational.
Created by celebrated underwater naturalist and sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, The Sculpture Coralarium exhibits sculptures that are part-human, part-plant and part-coral, depicting the symbolic dependence of humans on the natural world.
Guests can visit the coralarium during small-group guided tours led by the resort’s two resident marine biologists, and participate in coral restoration efforts.
They can also choose to give back to nature by planting coconut trees on the island and taking part in turtle release programmes.
“Our resort and the destination itself are inextricably linked. As the location for the Maldives’ first Underwater Art installation we hope to raise awareness that encourages long-term reef protection and sustainable tourism,” remarked Dupart.
At the moment, the property is also installing a desalination plant to desalinate seawater into drinking water. It will also be doing away with plastic straws in favour of bamboo ones, and cultivating some of its own herbs and vegetables and sourcing near the island to reduce its carbon footprint.
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi also aims to sets itself apart on the accommodation front. Besides the typical over-water and beachfront villas, it features safari-style tented villas that offer complete seclusion, despite its (private) outdoor bathrooms, and a glamping BBQ and bonfire experience.
Other features that will likely draw in the crowd include the 200m-long infinity pool – the longest in Maldives – family-friendly amenities such as Kid’s Club, and teen club Majaa where young adults can hang out over a game of foosball or pick up the art of drone piloting; and the 2,000-sqm Willow Stream Spa with Indian Ocean-inspired treatments and a dedicated Olympic-sized jacuzzi pool.
F&B outlets include all-day-dining spot Raha Market; Kata, an over-water Japanese restaurant, sushi bar and sea lounge; and Azure, which features a rotation of fresh local daily catches.
Special opening rates start at USD770++ per villa per night on a bed-and-breakfast basis for bookings until September 30, 2019.