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.