If you think celebrity levels of privacy, mouthwatering seafood and boundless views of the ocean constitute heaven on earth, you’re right. An hour-long seaplane ride from Malé International Airport brings you to Fairmont Maldives on the island of Sirru Fen Fushi, located within the Shaviyani Atoll. The resort is the perfect escape, and it promises enough gastronomy, underwater adventures and wellness treatments for you to fill your time.
Beach Sunset Villa
Home Base
Your first evening calls for some serious relaxation. Unwind in the oversized copper bathtub of your Grand Water Sunset Villa as you take in the golden sunset through the open windows. Or stop by Onu Onu, the resort’s poolside bar, designed entirely from bamboo, for a selection of exotic cocktails. Cap off the night with a dip in your personal infinity pool under the starry sky.
Grand Water Sunset Villa
The deck of the Grand Water Sunset Villa
Food Trail
Enjoy a grand breakfast buffet the morning after, at Raha, served with a side of spectacular sea views. For lunch, relish the ocean’s best offerings at Azure as you gorge on delectable lobster tossed in a bisque-like sauce. If you, like us, have a thing for pan-Asian food, we highly recommend Kata’s selection of mouthwatering Japanese-style tapas and Robata-yaki grill. What’s more, Kata is a prime vantage point to observe sea life—manta rays and reef sharks dart by in the water below this restaurant on stilts
from time to time.
Sushi at Kata
Adventure Island
The Sunset Dolphin Tour, where dozens of dolphins leap around you under the darkening sky, is unmissable. Then there’s also the resort’s nine-kilometre-long coral cluster. So make it a point to get into the water for an exhilarating rendezvous with sea turtles and reef sharks.
Beach Sunrise Villa
Rest Assured
After a day of activity, it’s time to pamper yourself at the state-of-the-art Willow Stream Spa, that is nestled between tropical gardens on one side and the ocean on the other. The massages are customised to your body’s needs, and start with soothing strokes and graduate to deep pressure point kneading, doing wonders for tight and tense muscles. Finally, don’t leave without experiencing the guided meditation and yoga sessions that take place in the spa gardens amidst fragrant Maldivian herbs.
