FAIRMONT MALDIVES SIRRU FEN FUSHI

It’s not surprising that the first Fairmont property in the Maldives lives up to its name, derived from the local Dhivehi words for “secret water island.” Spread across a 16-hectare isle, the all-villa resort has the distinction of being the only place to stay in the Shaviyani Atoll. Lodgings here include beachfront villas, overwater villas, and safaristyle tented suites in the lush heart of the island; all boast private pools and rusticchic furnishings. Elsewhere on the island, freshly caught seafood is prepared at finedining venue Azure, one of two overwater restaurants, and guests can tuck into a variety of international cuisines at Raha Market. There’s also a 200-meter-long infinity pool, an open-air bamboo bar made by Balinese artisans, and Willow Stream Spa, which offers Indian Ocean–inspired treatments. Snorkeling at the Fairmont’s nine-kilometerlong house reef is also a must, as is seeing the coral regeneration art installation by Jason deCaires Taylor – a first for the Maldives.