Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi Coralarium gets new sculptures

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi has unveiled new sculptures within the Coralarium - the Maldives’ first and only coral regeneration project in the form of an underwater art installation. Today, the Coralarium structure and the sculptures within act as an artificial reef, encouraging local marine life to make it a home.

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.

Coral Al Khobar to focus on GCC, Levant and Maghreb dishes for iftar

Located in the heart of the city, the Coral Al Khobar Hotel is an ideal place to share an iftar buffet with family and friends. A further selection of Arabic and Mediterranean specialties will be available for the suhoor buffet, from midnight till 3am.

The buffet will feature a wide variety of cold and hot dishes from the GCC and Levant countries, as well as from the Maghreb. Michel Mandrea, General Manager of Coral Al Khobar Hotel said, “Our culinary team has prepared the menu for ftar and suhoor buffets to suit every taste. These specialties include popular desserts associated with the Ramadan festivities. ”

The hotel will also have live entertainment every evening. Another attraction is a daily raffle for up to 15 gifts. All raffle tickets will also have a chance to win a car in the mega draw to be held at the end of Ramadhan.

The iftar buffet, available from sunset onwards, is priced at SR185 per person. The hotel also has discounts on group bookings. 

Coral Beirut Al Hamra adds two Ambassador Suites to room options

Coral Beirut Al Hamra Hotel has added a new category of suites with extra-large rooftop terraces and outdoor seating lounges. The 87 sq m Ambassador Suites are on the 11th floor and boast fully equipped kitchens, spacious living rooms as well as luxury bathrooms and amenities.

Hartmut Grauel, General Manager of Coral Beirut Al Hamra Hotel, said that the new category of suites has been designed to appeal to discerning travellers. "There has been a sustained demand for a full-size apartment with a kitchen and living room. As the trend is increasing to mix business with pleasure, many business travellers also prefer such facilities to enjoy a relaxing time in a spacious setting," he said.

The  four-star Coral Beirut Al Hamra has 100 rooms including 39 Business Suites, 20 Executive Suites and two 2-bedroom Ambassador Suites. Located 10km from Hariri International Airport, the hotel is convenient for both business and leisure, with facilities including a restaurant with outdoor terrace, 24-hour in-room dining service, business centre, a column-free ballroom and daylight meeting room with an outdoor terrace, gym, free Internet and private parking.