Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi, meaning “secret water island”, boasts 120 private villas. Stepping off the seaplane, we were greeted warmly by a dance party organised by the staff, filled with chanting and clapping that got even the head chef swaying along. We were then whisked right off the jetty and straight to our private villas for a convenient in-room check-in. 

The hotel’s open-air design immaculately incorporates unobstructed views of the stunning blue horizon, no matter which way you turn. The open decks and bare wooden structures perfectly framed the wondrous views of nature, and the palm trees dotting the sandy beaches.

Guests will have a tough time choosing between the iconic Maldivian overwater villas, beachfront villas, or tented jungle villas. Room sizes range from one-bedroom to a grand seven-bedroom, each equipped with a private pool and 24-hour butler service. The villas are all charmingly well-designed, merging modern luxury with native materials, ensuring that the essence of the resort remains rooted in the island’s getaway charm.

In the overwater villas, high-ceiling rooms and tall windows face outwards towards the sea, lending a sense of solitude and intimacy with the ocean. In the bathroom, along the windows, sits the largest copper bathtub I have ever seen, which could easily fit two people at once. Perfect for those who love a hot soak while taking in the sunset.

Meanwhile the beach villas allow direct access to the white sandy shores right in front, and are guarded by a lush mangrove in the back to maintain privacy. These villas feature a unique indoor/outdoor bathroom layout, a plunge pool and relaxation stations. The tented villas are a new sleeping option that promise to bring a taste of the wilderness to your island experience, and are available either by the beachside or nestled within the mangrove jungle.

Gourmands can look forward to dining at four different restaurant concepts housed within the resorts, offering a variety of delectable cuisines that are sure to satisfy. There’s Azure, a high-end seafood focused eatery with an extensive wine list and Kata—a contemporary Japanese restaurant with a rooftop lounge perfect for sipping on cocktails while admiring the gorgeous sunsets. Drop by Raha Market for some all-day dining service, the restaurant offers a wide spread ranging from Maldivian dishes to Asian cuisine. Finally, head to the resort’s lively poolside bar Onu Onu to unwind while enjoying stunning views of the cerulean lagoon.

The Maldives is revered as one of the world’s top diving destinations, for good reason. Along the east end of the island lies the house reef, rich in marine biodiversity ranging from sharks to manta rays. We had the opportunity to spend a morning diving with the resident dive specialist, where we were blessed with perfect visibility to spot an abundance of fish, vibrant coral, and even a pair of graceful spotted eagle rays gliding.

Hotel guests can also expect to have round-the-clock access to the resort’s fitness centre staffed with personal trainers, with daily sunrise yoga sessions and tennis courts available.

Creatives will delight in the fully stocked art studio that cater to artists of all experience levels, while shopaholics will relish spending time in the hotel’s boutique stores. Meanwhile, those looking to relax can retire to the spa which offers Ayurvedic treatments and experiences. Other amenities include a clinic with an on-call doctor, regular cinema screenings and cooking classes.

With all its natural splendour, stunning interiors, aqua vistas, and countless Instagram-worthy moments, Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi exceeded my expectations every step of the way. If you’re searching for a reason to finally embark on the island getaway you deserve—consider this your sign. 

Earlier this year, Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi launched The Sustainability Lab, the first of its kind in the region. The lab houses specialised equipment dedicated to turning tourism waste like oceanic plastics into bespoke souvenirs for visitors. The goal is to educate patrons of the Maldives on sustainable practices. Situated within the resort is the Coralarium, the world’s first and only coral regeneration project. It’s a semi-submerged structure and art gallery space, that functions as a sanctuary for ocean life to thrive, and provides a meaningful way for guests to engage with art nature like never before.

For more information, visit the official website of Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi.

NOW READ

Le Méridien opens its first resort in Maldives

Why these Singapore-based chefs are bringing unique dining concepts to the Maldives

Cover Story: Katrina Razon on the beauty of nature and her travels in the Maldives