native species of the island and surrounding
reefs: banyan trees, screw pines, strangler ivy,
mushroom and staghorn corals. The six figures
atop the cube appear oblivious to the crisis
looming underneath.
The sculptures, made with special concrete,
are meant to evolve into artificial reefs for
the marine life around. With algae already
covering most of the fully submerged ones and
small schools of fish flitting between them, the
transformation has begun. I knew it was working
right at the entrance, as I swam above a spotted
eagle ray gliding just off the seabed in the potted
coral garden. It was the most exciting underwater
sighting of my trip (and I include the marine life I
saw around a shallow reef on a scuba dive).
On my last day, after I had indulged in some
colour therapy (read coconut painting) at the
Art Studio and a rejuvenating Neroli Massage
at the Willow Stream Spa, I embarked on
the long journey back to Delhi. The seaplane
battled tumultuous waves of dusk, and a pop-up
notification cautioned me against ‘Unhealthy
air quality’ at my destination. This led to an
epiphany, which I can now credit to flight
nerves: perhaps, the submerged children in
the Coralarium aren’t looking at their adult
counterparts, but the ones on top, the ones with
blinders on, the ones complicit in the imminent
calamity facing their only cube, which floats,
albeit barely, in a vast sea of uncertainty.THE DETAILS
GETTING THERE
Air India operates daily non-stop
flights from New Delhi to Velana
International Airport in Malé. From
here, you can take an hour-long
seaplane transfer to the resort.
Or, fly to Hanimadhoo Airport, from
where an hour-long speedboat ride
takes you to Sirru Fen Fushi.STAY
Fairmont Maldives is a 120-villa
luxury property. The beach villas
feature indoor and outdoor bathing
areas, relaxation salas, and beach
access. They come with one, two,
three, five, or seven bedrooms.
(From `45,500 plus taxes per night.)
The water villas are perched on the
lagoon and feature plunge pools,
copper tubs, and endless ocean views.
(From `59,500.) There is also the
option of tented villas on the island
for those wanting a taste of both,
the beach and the tropical jungle.
fairmont.comClockwise from top: The Grand Water
Villa offers endless ocean views; painted
coconuts at the Art Studio; a pair of
saddled pufferfish; canvas paintings
by Fairmont’s in-house artist, Nazim.FIRST LOOK
FROM TOP: COURTESY OF FAIRMONT MALDIVES; SUMEET KESWANI (3)travelandleisureindia.in