Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi: Fairmont opens its first property in the Maldives

Accor continues to expand the footprint of its recently acquired, ultra-luxurious Fairmont brand with the opening of Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi on the Shaviyani Atoll in North Maldives.

One of the country's largest lagoons, the first Fairmont property in the region offers 120 luxury villas, each with a private pool as well as infinity pools and safari-style tented villas on the island proper.

Importantly for the fragile environment, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is home to Maldives' first coral regeneration project. An underwater art installation by artist Jason deCaires Taylor is at its centre and will make for spectacular snorkelling and diving. The atoll and 600-hectare lagoon, previously untouched by resort life, is home to manta rays, turtles, large pods of bottlenose and spinner dolphins. The property has a commitment to sustainable tourism and improving the wellbeing of the local community and ecosystem, including using desalinated water served in reusable bottles.

Villas are decorated in "a bohemian rustic chic vibe" with lots of natural woods, stones and metals and macrame art. That strong connection to nature extends to the resort's dining outlets, including all-day dining spot Raha Market, the over-water Japanese restaurant, Kata, and another over-water restaurant, the fine dining seafood-focused Azure.

Onu Onu bar has loungers and fire pits and the Kata Roof Top Bar and lounge overlooks the entire western side of the island, an ideal spot for sundowners.

The 2000-square-metre Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Maldives continues the nature theme and features an Olympic-sized jacuzzi pool, hand-carved wooden doors and passages designed to draw fresh sea air into the treatment rooms.

Introductory nightly rates start at $US770 a villa including breakfast. Valid till September 30. Bookings until September 30, 2019. See fairmont-maldives