In your own words, what is the overall Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi experience? What makes a guest return to the resort?
Fairmont Maldives is an exceptional, unforgettable place where occasions are celebrated, stories are written, and moments are turned into memories. Our resort is home to the longest infinity pool in the Maldives that leads our guests to the Coralarium, the Maldives' first and only coral regeneration project in the form of an underwater art installation by Jason deCaires Taylor. Another remarkable reason why our guests returning for their holidays – is our people! Everything that we do is done from the bottom of our hearts and so per say, we call each other Heartists of the hospitality. Our resort is located on the Shaviyani Atoll, which boasts one of the country's largest resort lagoons and amazes our guests with its’ reach underwater fauna. Most of our guests fall in love with dive sites around the island, warm and friendly teams and of course with the magic of the Maldives.
What are some of the new things you’re introducing at the resort, whether they’re new experiences, new features, upcoming events?
With a worldwide portfolio of more than 75 hotels, Fairmont also takes great pride in its deep community roots and leadership in sustainability. Earlier this year, we have introduced a Sustainability Lab, the first ever of its’ kind in the archipelago. The islands' newly opened Sustainability Lab is a hub of eco-activity of all the resort's green initiatives. Under the guidance of the Sustainability Lab team, budding eco-warriors can learn how to recycle plastic and create their own unique souvenirs from waste found in the ocean, including luggage tags in the shape of turtles.
Soon, we will introduce two Polestar Electric cars to welcome our guests at the International Airport of the Maldives and deliver them to our own, new domestic lounge.
Our core pillars at Fairmont Maldives are focused on Wellness, Sustainability and Families. Reconnecting families and nature our teams have prepared an eco-inspired set of activities for guests of all ages. While parents enjoy a relaxing spa treatment or beachfront cocktail at Onu Onu Bar, children are invited to try in-house Yoga, specially designed for little guests, or learn painting a coconut at our Art Studio. Our Food and Beverage teams have made a list of “Michelin Star Chefs” from around the Globe to be showcased throughout the year within Azure, Kata and Raha restaurants.
Could you tell us more about the Netflix documentary which I’m sure some of our readers might be interested in?
At Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi it is believed that genuine experiences and foster rich cultural exchange within communities is a privilege and while ensuring long-term sustainability, our global teams pledge to constantly seek to better the ways in which we impact our environment and planet in general. We are here to make a difference and therefor this year, our partners from Netflix and Global Green will be documenting our eco-friendly activities which are carried out on the island as well as on neighbourhoods islands. I would encourage all our guests, partners, followers, and your readers to stay tuned and be ready for the film. It will be coming soon.
What are your personal favourite experiences to do at the resort?
One of my favourite activities would be snorkeling which allows me to encounter fascinating and abundant marine life. Sometimes, I would choose to go on a diving trip around our 9km-long house reef, home to the manta ray, turtle, and sharks.
Could you give us more insight into the sustainability element of the resort and how the initiative is positively impacting the industry?
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts have been dedicated to preserving the places in which we live, work and play. Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi will continue to actively support a sustainable future and a low carbon economy, understanding that ultimately, we are all in this together.
We have just launched our Sustainability Lab - the first of its kind. The latest in a series of pioneering environmental projects for the resort, The Sustainability Lab will turn plastic waste into bespoke souvenirs and unique products. Guests will be educated on sustainable practices and local communities empowered, helping the resort achieve its goal of becoming the first zero-waste generating resort in the Maldives. Our team is dedicated to educating the next generation of eco-conscious travelers.
What does the future look like for the Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi?
Future for our resort and all teams is bright and positive. We have so much to do and to achieve. Having common goal altogether is helping us to drive our passion of thoughtful luxury hospitality that will be remembered long after any visit.