Located in the Shaviyani Atoll, normally a 50-minute seaplane transfer, though our transfer was a little longer than that as we made a couple stops
along the way. “WOW! This resort is remote” was my first reaction. One of the more remote resorts I have been to the Maldives as no other resort,
boat, or plane are to be seen anywhere.
PLAY
After a warm welcome from the staff we were immediately whisked away and driven through the middle of the island, past one of the most striking features
of the resort, the main pool. This is the longest main pool in the Maldives! At 650 feet (200 meters), the pool stretches from one side of the island to
the other. It’s a great place to relax and take that amazing endless blue photo. It is a striking feature.
Tip #1 – Spend an afternoon relaxing by the pool with a few cold beers and one of their beautiful homemade pizzas straight out of the wood fired oven.
Taking time to explore the large island, we were impressed with the space, the variety of room categories and the options for kids, teenagers and adults
alike. For the junior traveler, getting them out of the cool kid’s club might be a problem. It looks like a lot of fun! There is also a specific teenagers
retreat, an air-conditioned games area, and an art studio area.
Directly out from Onu Onu, the beach cocktail bar, is the Underwater Art Installation by Jason Decaires Taylor.
The sculptures in the lagoon offer visitors a unique attraction. It will create the foundation of an artificial reef to enhance and support the underwater
ecosystem. The centerpiece is the Coral Cube, the world’s first semi-submerged art space. Guided tours conducted by the resident marine biologist are also
available.
Tip #2 – Snorkel to see the art work, as it’s well worthwhile.
SLEEP
We were immediately impressed with the well thought out layout and the incredible uninterrupted view from the bed, over the pool, and out to the ocean
of our Water Sunrise Villa. The on-trend bathroom features an amazing copper bathtub.
Tip #3 (for new husbands) – Surprise your wife with a luxury bath setup. Have a quiet word with your butler and they will be able to set it up
for you
During our stay we were also lucky enough to also stay in a Deluxe Sunset Beach Villa. These private beach villas are great for guests looking
for a little extra room. The villa has a large bedroom, a large living space that can be closed off from the main bedroom area, and a huge indoor
and outdoor bathroom and dressing room area. A pool and deck offer a variety of places to relax, either in or out of the sun. The Deluxe Beach
Villas are great for families traveling with small children when a 2-bedroom villa is not necessary.
EAT
healthy gourmet, buffet and live cooking stations.Azure offers an overwater fine dining experience for lovers of seafood. Kata is the signature Japanese restaurant and bar. The outside tables
offer endless views of ocean and the rooftop bar is a great place for a cocktail, whiskey, or sake at sunset.Tip #4 – Be sure to watch some of the food preparation at Kata. Chefs cook on a raised platform whereby they cook kneeling down!
Tip #5 – Ask to have your dessert up on the rooftop bar under the stars – great way to finish off an evening.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Fairmont and recommend it to those travelers looking for a large resort with plenty of room to move.
