PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Under the sea
Overwater villas have long been a signature attraction of the Maldives, but the Fairmont is looking to lure in new guests with promises of exciting underwater adventures, too
The ocean is having its moment, finally. We’ve woken up to the need to protect and preserve its wildlife, its unique ecosystems, and everyone is getting on board. In the Shaviyani Atoll in the North
Maldives, the Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is an all-villa luxury escape. It has the quintessential overwater bungalows that have long drawn people to these parts, but the resort is also bringing something new to these waters. British environmental artist Jason
deCaires Taylor has designed an underwater museum for the hotel. This semi-submerged tidal gallery, officially called the Coralarium, is the first of its kind in the Maldives. Sculptures will sit both on the seabed and above the water allowing
those swimming, snorkelling or simply viewing from the beach to experience the artworks, which are based on the endemic species of the island and its surrounding reefs. The whole project aims to highlight how the marine life is rapidly changing and the urgent need to start protecting it. As part of a larger coral regeneration
project, the walls of the cube-shaped gallery are designed to allow coral to settle naturally on them, providing a habitat and a haven for marine life in the lagoon. Guests will also be able to explore the
house reef, which is part of the largest developed coral lagoon in the Maldives. Visit manta ray cleaning stations and watch theses gentle giants glide through the protected tropical coral reefs.
Access to the Coralarium is available
through guided tours in small groups, led by
the resort ’s resident marine biologist
several times a day.
fairmont-maldives.com
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