Featured
Restaurant hopping, treasure hunt at ‘Secret Water Island’ in Maldives
A 55-minute scenic seaplane ride later my colleagues from the Maldivian travel community and I were welcomed like celebrities to the “Secret Water Island”, officially known as the Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi!
One of the latest additions to AccorHotel Group’s increasing portfolio of resorts in Maldives and the first under the French multinational hotel group’s Fairmont Hotels & Resorts brand, this luxury resort is located in Shaviyani atoll – one of the least explored atolls in Maldives. Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is the only resort in the northern atoll, and most of the atoll’s wonders and underwater beauty are yet to be explored.
On arrival, I checked into my private villa. I stayed at a Beach Front Villa, which is nestled amongst lush tropical vegetation and coconut palms. The large courtyard around the villa provides complete privacy with no disturbance from other guests. The villa comes with its own swimming pool. The first thought that came to my mind when I saw the pool was if I should be spending more time in the pool, on the beach or in the lagoon. The 495sqm villa (plus 25sqm pool area) offers all the comforts you need, including a Nespresso machine, wine fridge and home theatre system. Villa Hosts are available round the clock.
Our programme was organised in an adventurous way, and soon enough I was whisked away to a cocktail party organised at the island’s main pool side. Starting from one side of the island to the other, this is the longest pool in the Maldives – meaning guests can enjoy sunrise as well sunset in one pool!
I met the General Manager Ian McCormack and had a good conversation about life on an island far away from the rest and taking the challenges that he faced in a positive manner.
Our next stop was Kata, a Japanese restaurant built over the lagoon overlooking the water villas. It is a wonderful place to enjoy the sunset whilst enjoying Japanese-inspired tapas, cocktails and sakes.
After the sunset cocktail, we moved to a Tented Jungle Villa – a first and the only villas of the sort in the Maldives – for our next round of cocktails and canapes. These villas are well positioned inside the lush tropical jungle. Villas include a master bedroom and an extra bedroom for family or friends. The 525sqm villa — and its separate 95sqm pool deck — offers all the comfort and facilities you will find in any other villa on the island including a jungle swimming pool. This is the perfect place for nature lovers!
After enjoying cocktails, tapas and canapés at three different locations, it was time for dinner at Azure restaurant. Azure is an elegant yet casual seafood restaurant built over the lagoon. It serves freshly caught seafood and meat paired with exquisite wines from around the world – all the while enjoying breath-taking vistas of the ocean.
Later, we moved to Onu Onu Bar to enjoy dessert. Onu means bamboo in Maldivian language, and this bar is themed true to its name with bamboo by Balinese artisans. The exotic location coupled with refreshing cocktails and drinks make it the perfect spot for after dinner social hours. Live music combined with theatrical fire displays create a fascinating ambience and perfect memories. Twinkling candles, a laidback soundtrack and comfortable sandy beach seating make it the ideal place to wind down after a busy day of exploring.
The following day, at breakfast, we were informed of a treasure hunt. Everyone who participated was divided into four groups. Our first clue was to go to the Yoga Pavilion and on arrival the resident yogi gave us a brief yoga session before giving the next clue to the tennis court.
At the tennis court, the resort’s resident tennis pro gave us some tennis lessons before pointing out to the art studio as the next clue. At the art studio, we created an art piece on canvas by painting with our hands. As the next clue, we were told to explore the Willow Stream Spa. It offers a wellness experience that rivals others, offering carefully curated treatments that embody the island life – a serene retreat for the mind, body and soul.
As the final destination, we visited the Villa 710, a three-bedroom overwater villa on the sunset side of the island. Sporting rustic chic décor and the latest technology, this villa has a spacious terrace and a large private pool. Meanwhile, the 525sqm Three-Bedroom Pool Villas feature a master bedroom with a separate pool area, which measures 73sqm, and separate entrance.
Our team won the treasure hunt as the others were disqualified on the grounds that they took the buggy ride against the instructions.
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is your personal hideaway. It is that magical place where time stops and worries are brushed aside. From a secluded romantic getaway to an unforgettable family holiday, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi provides the perfect setting for a magical experience.
Featured
Condé Nast Traveller applauds Maldives as a lovers’ paradise
The Maldives has long been synonymous with romance, and now it takes centre stage in Condé Nast Traveller’s curated list of the ‘Most Romantic Places in the World’. The magazine highlights the archipelago’s unparalleled ability to create dreamlike escapes for couples, setting a gold standard for intimate getaways.
From the moment you set foot in the Maldives, the enchantment begins. Confetti-like tropical fish flit through crystal-clear lagoons, while overwater villas offer vistas of mantas gliding gracefully beneath. Add in the luxury of floating breakfasts served in your private pool and intimate dinners on pristine beaches, and you have the perfect recipe for romance.
Condé Nast Traveller notes that while the Maldives caters to families too, its essence of romance is unrivalled. The country’s private island resorts, nestled amid lush jungles and encircled by house reefs, redefine luxury. With world-class spas, fine dining, and starlit experiences, the Maldives effortlessly marries natural beauty with bespoke hospitality.
The Maldives is home to some of the world’s most celebrated resorts, and Condé Nast highlights a few that stand out:
- Vakkaru Maldives: A lush retreat where couples can enjoy a private dinner and movie at the island’s jungle cinema under the stars.
- Six Senses Laamu: The brand’s latest addition to the Maldives offers an exceptional spa experience, complete with a couples’ suite for ultimate relaxation.
- Gili Lankanfushi Maldives: This eco-luxury resort epitomises romantic aesthetics with its overwater villas set against one of the country’s most mesmerszing lagoons.
For hoteliers and hospitality professionals in the Maldives, this recognition underscores the archipelago’s enduring allure as a romantic haven. It’s a reminder of the importance of maintaining world-class service, crafting unique guest experiences, and preserving the pristine beauty that defines the Maldives.
The Condé Nast Traveller mention is more than just an accolade; it’s an opportunity for local hoteliers to further cement the Maldives’ position as the ultimate destination for couples seeking an off-grid escape steeped in romance.
As the Maldives continues to set benchmarks in hospitality, there’s no doubt that its reputation as a lovers’ paradise will only grow stronger. For the industry, this is a call to celebrate the archipelago’s unique offerings and ensure that each guest leaves with memories as enduring as the turquoise waters that surround them.
Celebration
Ring in 2025 with spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La
As the countdown to 2025 approaches, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La invites guests to celebrate the New Year with a festive feast and a toast to new beginnings. This unforgettable evening promises an array of culinary delights, live music, and exciting giveaways.
On 31st December 2024, guests can indulge in an exquisite buffet at Azur Restaurant, featuring a wide variety of flavours, including a selection of tapas, live grills, and decadent desserts. The festive ambiance will be enhanced by live music, setting the perfect tone to welcome the New Year. In addition to the celebration, JEN Maldives will offer exclusive giveaways, providing guests with the opportunity to win amazing prizes.
“We are delighted to end the year on a high note by expressing our gratitude to our valued guests,” said Manisha Chhetri, F&B Manager at JEN Maldives Malé. “This New Year’s Eve, we aim to create an evening filled with joy, delicious food, and exciting surprises as we welcome 2025 together.”
Guests attending the New Year’s Eve gala dinner will have the chance to win one of the following prizes:
- A 3-day, 2-night stay in a deluxe room at Shangri-La Singapore, including daily breakfast for 2 adults
- An exclusive Pool Brunch experience for 2 people at JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La
- A 1-hour Balinese massage for 1 person at Aristo Spa
The winners will be selected and announced on the same night, following the countdown celebration at Azur Restaurant. JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La invites guests to join this unforgettable evening, with gala dinner tickets available for purchase directly at the hotel.
Featured
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands unveils sustainable holiday centrepiece
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, has introduced the Maldives’ most sustainable Christmas tree for 2024, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious holiday celebrations. The tree, crafted entirely from natural materials such as dry rattans and bamboo, ensures that every component will be repurposed after the festive season, leaving no waste behind.
Anthony Gill, General Manager of Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, emphasised the resort’s commitment to sustainability, stating that the Christmas tree exemplifies how luxury and environmental consciousness can coexist. He highlighted the use of thoughtful design and natural materials to create a visually striking centrepiece with a lasting positive impact.
The tree’s minimalist design reflects the resort’s dedication to balance and harmony with nature, showcasing the potential of renewable materials while embodying the festive spirit. Following the holiday season, the materials will be repurposed into practical or decorative items, aligning with the resort’s circular economy initiatives.
Guests are encouraged to view this remarkable centrepiece and engage in a festive experience that mirrors the resort’s core values of sustainability and thoughtful design.
This initiative complements Patina Maldives’ broader sustainability efforts, including renewable energy adoption, zero-waste kitchens, and marine conservation programs. By integrating these principles into holiday traditions, the resort reinforces its belief that luxury hospitality and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand.
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