Fairmont Maldives opens Resort with Underwater Museum by Jason deCaires Taylor

Located on the Shaviyani Atoll in North Maldives, which boasts one of the country’s largest resort lagoons, the stunning new property offers 120 luxury villas, each with a private pool. Sirru Fen Fushi, which means 'secret water island' in the local Dhivehi language, is set on an exceptionally exceptionally vegetated island surrounded by powder white sand beaches, peppered with thatched-roofed villas overlooking an endless turquoise sea. The all-villa resort is ideal for couples or families, and features 200 meters of infinity pools as well as luxury safari-style tented villas nestled in the island’s lush interior jungle.

Homage to the abundant sea life and pristine coral house reef surrounding this world-class resort, Maldives’ first coral regeneration project in the form of an Underwater Art Installation is created by celebrated underwater naturalist and artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Guests can explore the permanent exhibition in guided tours by the resident marine biologists and explore Taylor's newest underwater museum. Tours are arranged several times a day, the marine life specialists give a lovely briefing before each tour explaining about species, the art and inspiration behind the Coralarium.

Among several hybrid sculptures are also some hyper realistic fully submerged works. Over time these will be fully covered in organic mass such as corals, sponges and algae, creating a living and breathing artificial reef over time.

The Coralarium is the first museum of its kind, half below the surface and half above sea level it is a direct metaphor for rising sea levels and hopes raise awareness for climate change. The stainless steel cube consists of 12 polished panels with cut out holes that act like a "fishing net" for coral polyps to attach themselves to. The Coralarium is a direct extension of the 200 metre long pool into the sea and guides snorkellers from the terrestrial shore towards the underwater realm.

Coralarium by Jason deCaires Taylor in Fairmont Maldives

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is the sole hotel on the pristine atoll, and its previously untouched location has allowed marine life to flourish, with manta rays, turtles, large pods of bottlenose dolphins and spinner dolphins regular visitors in the crystal-clear waters of the 600- hectare lagoon. The nine kilometer-long house reef, directly accessible from the beach, is home to vibrant corals and a thriving ecosystem teeming with life. A manta ray cleaning station at the house reef offers a rare close and intimate glimpse of one of the world’s most majestic marine creatures, many of which drop by in a beautiful display of aquatic symbiosis with smaller sea life. Diving with these gentle giants is an incredible feeling and should definitely not be missed. The resident diving school even offers courses for beginners without experience.

The 120 villas are categorized based on the island’s stunning topography, and include Beach Villas, Water Villas, and Tented Jungle Villas. Copper bathroom fittings and carved wood detailing on furniture lend the villas a bohemian rustic chic vibe. Specially adapted to the Maldives, the unique tented jungle villas offer privacy and a romantic castaway vibe; other guests can also experience the verdant island interiors with Glamping BBQs or jungle cinema.

A strong connection to nature guides guests throughout their stay, even at the resort’s contemporary dining outlets. These include an international all-day dining spot called Raha Market; an over-water Japanese restaurant, sushi bar and sea lounge named Kata, where Chef Dharmen brings creative flair to add modern and Maldivian twists to Japanese dishes; and the over-water fine dining destination, Azure, where fresh seafood and fish-market displays of daily local catches are complemented by fantastic wines and Champagnes. Adjacent to the main all-day dining restaurant, the intimate Raha Market Bar is a relaxed space for aperitifs or digestifs to round off a meal at the water’s edge. At the all-bamboo Onu Onu, loungers and fire pits add to the laid-back poolside atmosphere, while sunsets are best enjoyed with a sundowner at the Kata Roof Top Bar and lounge which overlooks the entire western side of the island.

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi brings the essence of its secret water island location to life with experiences that bring guests closer to nature. A sunset dolphin tour offers guests the chance to watch dolphins playing in the light of the setting sun.

As a special summer offer, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is offering special rates starting at USD 770++ per villa per night on a bed-and-breakfast basis for bookings until 30 September 2019.

For reservations and general information, please visit www.fairmont-maldives.  For more information about the works of underwater artist Jason deCaires Taylor please visit www.underwatermuseum-maldives.com or follow him on instagram @jasondecairestaylor

©Fairmont Maldives / Jason deCaires Taylor  © Video & Images Travel & Treasures