Conceptualised by British environmentalist and eco-artist Jason deCaires Taylor, the abstract sculptures are inspired by the natural beauty of the coral reef and have been designed to imitate coral colonies. Ten semi-submerged plinths up to 5 m tall aim to raise awareness of the threatened ecosystem, educate guests about the underwater world and rehabilitate the reef.
Taylor’s works are now an integral part of the local ecosystem, created with non-toxic, marine-grade compounds, free from harmful pollutants. Each tessellated sculpture is constructed from more than 500 ceramic ‘starfish’ that have been designed to attract a variety of fish and crustaceans. The hard shells catch and hold biomass, or ‘fish food’, which encourage coral larvae to attach and thrive. Nooks and dark cubbyholes in the structures provide a hiding place for a variety of fish and shellfish.
 |
| Source: Accor. The Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi Coralarium. |
Guests can explore the sculptures and the aquatic life that dwells amongst them accompanied by a resident marine biologist, or as part of the property’s specially-curated evening snorkelling tours. Strategically placed to lead snorkellers into various ‘zones’ in the Coralarium, the sculptures can be explored from a coral pathway that leads from the 200 m infinity pool at the heart of the island – the longest in the Maldives.
Diving adventures and snorkelling sessions with the marine biologist showcase Fairmont Maldives’ best diving spots, right at the five-mile-long house reef, home to many manta ray cleaning stations. Those inspired by Taylor’s installation can even create their own marine-inspired masterpiece in the on-site art studio, or plant coral which they can revisit in the future.
Situated in the largest resort lagoon in the Maldives, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi plays home to an abundance of marine life, from manta rays and turtles to bottlenose dolphins and over 250 species of tropical fish. The steel Coralarium structure was inundated with hard corals, sponges and schooling fish when it was installed in 2018. Its walls are perforated with a coral pattern to allow beams of light to illuminate the sculptures.
Having opened its doors in May 2018, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is an island paradise dedicated to educating the next generation of ecoconscious travellers. With the coral regeneration project, educational exploration of the coral reef, in-house marine biologists, a water distillery and, in early 2020, the installation of solar panels, the resort strives to protect and restore the wellbeing of local ecosystems.
For close to 30 years, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has been committed to proactively protecting local environments through its Fairmont Sustainability Partnership, now part of Accor’s Planet21 programme. Ongoing global initiatives include reductions in energy and water consumption, waste generation and carbon emissions; sustainable practices related to design; proactive construction and procurement policies; conservation efforts in support of bee species and other wildlife; and community outreach through local groups and partnerships.
