Iain McCormack, General Manager, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, discusses USPs of his property and why it stands apart.
What’s the USP of the property?
Located in the Shaviyani Atoll in the North Maldives, a 55-minute scenic seaplane ride from the capital Male, the 40-acre idyllic island of the Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi glistens like a pearl in the turquoise waters of the lagoon surrounding it. The island, which gets its name from the local expression for “secret water island”, is ringed by a powdery white sand, palm-fringed beach, with panoramic vistas of the tranquil blues of the Indian Ocean and a never-ending horizon.
House reef and lagoon
The island, encircled by the largest lagoon in the Maldives, is bounded by an 9-km stretch of reef that offers one of most pristine diving locations in the region. There are over 250 species of fish which call the house reef home including manta rays, eagle rays, stingrays, black-tip reef sharks, and turtles. There are several manta ray cleaning stations and feeding points along the house reef for guests to observe them without going far from the island.
Luxurious multiple bedroom villas
The 120 all-villa resort offers a choice of two-, three-, five- or seven-bedroom well-appointed villas suitable for couples, families or groups. Beach Villas nestled in the mangroves; Water Villas perched above the tranquil lagoon; and next level glamping for families in the Tented Jungle Villas. All the villas feature luxury amenities and en-suite and al fresco private bathrooms with separate shower, twin vanities, a Nespresso coffee machine, wine fridge, either Bose or Bang & Olufsen music systems, California king-size beds, separate living spaces and a dining room table. ‘Personal Villa Host’ is available 24 hours a day offering dedicated and attentive service to take care of all guest needs.
Luxury Tented Villas
With the trend for experiential travel continuing to make tracks, luxury travellers – or ‘Luxplorers’ – are adapting a ‘carpe diem’ mindset, pursuing adventures that allow them to traverse the world in style. The resort offers just that – adventure, style and authentic experiences. A unique alternative to overwater accommodation, five Jungle Tented Villas lie hidden in the heart of Fairmont Maldives’ inland jungle. Unleashing the explorer in every traveller, the Tented Villas provide safari-style alfresco living the luxurious way, with outdoor rain shower and roll-top tub, rustic interiors and leafy seclusion.
The Coralarium Underwater Art Gallery
The lagoon is home to the world’s first semi-submerged art space created by renowned sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. Envisioned as an environmentally friendly portal to allow guests to experience, appreciate and engage with art and nature, the Coralarium is the foundation for an artificial reef, which will enhance the underwater ecosystem and provide a sanctuary for life beneath the waves.
200-metre pool
The resort’s main pool is 200-metre long and divided into four parts. It bisects the island running from the Willow Stream Spa in the east to the beachfront bar, Onu Onu in the west, so guests can either enjoy a sunrise or the sunset.
Willow Stream Spa (Short break and refreshments at Spa)
The Willow Stream Spa draws its energy from the its natural surrounding reflecting a connection to nature’s essential elements – earth, air, fire, and water, with willow wood – making up the fifth. The treatment menu offers a selection of carefully curated treatments that redefine the spa experience. Two key product lines are used: Subtle Energies offers ancient traditional Ayurveda experiences, while Kerstin Florian combines their four cornerstones of health to offer a rejuvenating sensory journey.
Family Time
In addition to Thai boxing classes, yoga and tennis to keep sport and fitness fans active, the resort also has a Kid’s Club and Toddler’s play garden, while Majaa, a dedicated Teen Town, offers a wealth of engaging experiences and activities for young adults. At the Arts Studio both parents and children can participate in painting, clay arts, handicrafts etc for quality family time. Traditional Maldivian crafts such as lacquer work and cloth weaving are also offered here.
Privacy
At the resort we value and recognise the importance our guest’s privacy. All our villas are spread out over the 1.5-km long and 600-km wide island offering guests maximum privacy. All the villas are well sheltered and come with private pools.
How many Indian clients do you get each year?
This is our first year of operations and we have already seen traction from the Indian market. In 2019, India will be amongst our top 10 source markets for the resort.
What are your marketing strategies to promote the property in the Indian market?
India is a key market for us. With many airlines starting direct services from major cities in India, will definitely propel demand. We follow a mix of traditional and modern marketing strategies to attract tourism from India. We engage with luxury and lifestyle magazines, trade publications and a cross section of the media to ensure visibility, build awareness as a new property and target the right audiences. Moreover, we organise familiarisation tours for destination specialists and travel partners, equipping them with the experience of what Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi offers. Word of mouth and third part validation is one of the best forms of flattery and marketing – we have hosted celebrities like Neha Dhupia, Sonakshi Sinha amongst others. Partnering with airline companies helps the hotel attract more tourists. At Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi we also are attuned to our guests needs and serve vegetarian and Jain cuisine which is in an important factor while targeting Indian travellers.
