AccorHotels brings the first Fairmont luxury property to one of the Maldives’ largest resort lagoons with the opening of Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi.

The Shaviyani Atoll in North Maldives is celebrated for its pristine beauty and now there’s another good reason to visit the island with the opening of Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi. The new resort is the only property on the atoll, which explains the meaning behind its name. Sirru Fen Fushi means ‘secret water island’ in the local Dhivehi language.

The Fairmont Maldives offers 112 luxury villas, 200 metres of infinity pools, safari-style tented villas, and the Maldives’ first coral regeneration project in the form of an art installation by underwater naturalist and artist Jason deCaires Taylor.

“We are delighted to offer them the full Maldivian immersion”

Patrick Basset, the chief operating officer at AccorHotels, Upper Southeast and Northeast Asia, said: “We are thrilled to introduce the first Fairmont and our third development in the Maldives since our entry into this region in 2017.

“Fairmont guests feel like they are in the heart of the destination; and at our first Fairmont property in the Maldives, we are delighted to offer them the full Maldivian immersion with locally inspired design and indigenous cultural experiences, enhanced by Fairmont’s welcoming service and the destination’s fabled natural beauty.”

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is situated in a previously untouched location and this has allowed marine life to flourish in the crystal-clear waters of the 600-hectare lagoon. For guests craving an immersive experience, a manta ray cleaning station can be found at the 5.6-mile house reef, which offers them a close and extended glimpse of one of the world’s most majestic marine creatures.

There are three kinds of villas in the resort: Beach Villas, Water Villas, and Tented Jungle Villas. All of which are designed with copper bathroom fittings and carved wood detailing on furniture to capture a bohemian rustic chic vibe. In addition, the 2,000 sqm wellness area has been adapted to Maldivian island chic in its concepts with the use of endemic herbs and Indian Ocean-inspired treatments.

Even its contemporary dining outlets connect its guests with the natural beauty of the resort. These include an all-day dining spot called the Raha Market; an over-water Japanese restaurant, sushi bar and sea lounge celled Kata; and an over-water fine dining restaurant called Azure, where fresh seafood and daily local catches are served with wine and champagne.

There’s also the Raha Market Bar, a relaxed space for aperitifs or digestifs to round off a meal at the water’s edge; the all-bamboo Onu Onu, where loungers and fire pits add to the laid-back poolside atmosphere; and the Kata Roof Top Bar which overlooks the entire western side of the island.

“Long-term reef protection and sustainable tourism”

According to Denis Dupart, general manager of Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, the new luxury resort is committed to improving the well-being of local communities and ecosystems where they operate. He said: “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.”