Sirru Fen Fushi — Private Lagoon Resort
A lagoon so large the resort was built around it rather than beside it.
Sirru Fen Fushi lies in Shaviyani Atoll in the northern Maldives, reached by domestic flight and speedboat. The island encloses a lagoon of exceptional size — the property's name means secret water island — and the plan puts accommodation around and over that lagoon rather than along an outer beach. The atoll is quiet; there are few other resorts within sight.
Around 120 villas make up the property, with a long overwater jetty, a beach that runs for kilometres and an underwater sculpture gallery, the Coralarium, created by Jason deCaires Taylor as a submerged and semi-submerged structure that doubles as an artificial reef. The resort runs marine work around it.
The lagoon is the plan. Villas face inward to protected water rather than outward to open sea, which changes swimming, light and the whole feel of the island.
An artwork that functions as a reef. The Coralarium was built to be colonised, and its value is measured in coral growth as much as in photographs.
Who it is not for
Sirru Fen Fushi is wrong for guests who want a small property — 120 villas is a substantial resort with long distances to walk or cycle. It is wrong for travellers seeking an easy transfer, since the northern atolls take a domestic flight plus a boat. And it is wrong for those wanting an established property with a long track record. Those wanting small and northern should look at Soneva Secret.
Sources
- Open sources — around 120 villas, Shaviyani Atoll, Coralarium by Jason deCaires Taylor
- Villa count, current operator and Coralarium condition unverified. Confirm before publication.
Booking
Private Island Resorts arranges each stay on request, quoting the rates available for the island and dates. No benefit should be assumed unless it is confirmed in writing for the individual reservation.
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