Just returned from a 16 day trip to the Maldives. After much deliberation with our VERY patient travel agent we chose Fairmont Siri fen Fushi. Not sure allowed to plug travel agents … but they are Maldive specialists and were excellent!
Have to admit we were a little apprehensive… Fairmont may be a respectable 5 star, but could they capture that Maldives magic being such a large group?
Well, we needn’t have worried! The answer is a resounding YES! The island is gorgeous and importantly ‘natural’ (I say that as some of the more fancy islands are man made!) And it’s all run superbly by GM Marshall and resort manager Narelle.
One evening, whilst complimenting the delightful head pastry chef Moss on his historic crème brûlée and bread & butter pudding, the subject turned to cheese cake (as can sometimes be the case!).
The next night he appeared at our table beaming … with a whole cheesecake insisting we take it back to our room to enjoy the following day too!
Chefs Rahul & Arup both deserve a special mention. Rahul planned a variety of savoury dishes according to our preference discussing each morning what we might like - a laksa maybe? a fish curry? And each morning Arup would make us fresh indian breads to have with his dhals, Maldivian curry, dosa, and other such delights, “ I soaked the lentils overnight and added green chillis as I know sir prefers that way” all made with love, passion and delivered to with a smile.
The genuine pleasure of the staff to satisfy our tiniest whim was evident throughout. On our last night, Ari, the talented head chef at the Japanese restaurant (magnificent setting - and those sunsets) prepared us the finest sashimi platter ever!
On bbq nights the tall chef (sorry didn’t catch name) looked after us beautifully, serving the freshest tuna or reef fish cooked to perfection.
Thanks also to Salah & all the other waiters, too many to mention, just wanting us to have the best time.
I doubt our accommodation could be bettered anywhere, our deluxe sunset villa was perfect & I’m sure the water villas are equally divine …
Each guest is assigned a butler, ours Jinah, ensured everything ran smoothly, nothing too much trouble - a charming man.
One day we enquired about a trip to a local island. Not something the hotel has on their schedule, and we understand not that easy to arrange. The Director of F&B, Rashvan, took this in hand and arranged a day we shall never forget, and to top it all with the compliments of Fairmont!
Speedboat to the island, a receiving line of children and local families, a sumptuous lunch prepared by the local islanders, the best tuna curry I’ve ever eaten, a snorkel trip with a fisherman in his gorgeous blue boat, an island tour where we saw ancient traditions such as rope making, knife sharpening, boat building to name a few. How lucky we were! A perfect day.
One night, having mentioned to the GM my disappointment that the Spurs Arsenal game would not be available - Rashvan says football arranged sir. Knowing the resort didn’t have Premier league football, I raised an eyebrow … silly me. If the GM & Rashvan said it will happen, it will happen! I wonder if they arranged the Arsenal victory too!!
Fairmont, in line with Maldivian policy, have conservation high on their priorities. Sam the resident marine biologist, was one of the first members of staff on the island, planning & implementing coral & sea life conservation & restoration. He gives a fascinating insight to his work which is prestigious & award nominating.
And I cannot sign off without mentioning the sea-turtle centre and the delightful Neus. If there’s anything about sea turtles she doesn't know, then it’s not worth knowing!
One morning having just finished ‘sunrise yoga’ (complimentary and stunning- thankyou Martin and Sindu) I wandered along the beach only to discover a giant sea-turtle flapping about in the sand. We called reception thinking it was distressed and within a few minutes Neus arrived sooo excited. The turtle was nesting & had laid its eggs. We watched fascinated as it covered its nest & then waddled off back to the ocean. We learnt that survival rate is less than 1% of the hatchlings so Neus, backed by the team, are doing all they can to protect these gorgeous creatures.
Also just to mention Sindhu’s ayurvedic treatments in the spa, massages and facial were all wonderful cleansing, relaxing and memorable.
I could go on but have said enough. From start to finish the resort could not do enough for us … I’m not sure we’ve ever stayed anywhere where the staff were so considerate & kind, redefining the term ‘service with a smile!’ When we said our goodbyes today, it was as if we were saying farewell to friends…
