HIRSCH BEDNER ASSOCIATES (HBA) DESIGNS FAIRMONT MALDIVES CRAFTED WITH NATURAL ELEMENTS AND FOUND OBJECTS

SINGAPORE (November 1, 2018) – Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) – the world’s leading hospitality interior design firm – has completed the design of Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi, which translates to Secret Water Island. The 120-villa luxury resort is located on a 160,000 sqm (16 hectares) island and features one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives.  The resort includes a 200-meter swimming pool that traverses the length of the island, a semi-submerged underwater art installation created by underwater naturalist and artist Jason deCaires Taylor, and an intricate open air bamboo bar created by Balinese artisans who did not use any man-made materials in the structure.

 Sirru Fen Fushi embodies a tropical eclectic style where HBA derived inspiration from both tropical modernism and a barefoot luxury aesthetic for a chic, yet rustic, result. Local crafts are combined with an artistic twist to create an eclectic mix and unique experience for guests.  Furniture and finishes are inspired by found objects and natural systems discovered on the island itself.  “We walked around the shore and found a clump of fishing net, beautifully washed up on the beach,” said Robbyn Carter, an associate at HBA. “We also found local woven baskets and wood carvings made from the islanders.  This was a rich source of local inspiration that translated into many decorative elements throughout the island such as woven accent details and carved furniture,” she continued.

 From the moment the guest steps onto the arrival platform, they see natural elements with a contemporary approach. The water and beach villas have a natural palette of hand troweled plaster walls, bleached teak, natural fabrics and a turquoise pop of color inspired by the Indian Ocean.  A decorative woven headboard inspired by local craft drapes down from the ceiling and is a beautiful backdrop for the carved wood furniture inspired by the islands driftwood.  A hammock resembling the Joli, a Maldivian chair, swings with the ocean breeze.  A giant copper bathtub glows in the light and copper accents adorn the room like jewelry. 

The tropical eclectic style continues throughout the public areas. The resort center houses an interesting mix of local objects that tell the island’s stories.  It is a gallery of local craft and art.  A featured olfactory cabinet displays both indigenous herbs and historically traded spices so the guests can start their journey with beautiful island scents such as cardamom and cinnamon.  These spices will continue in the guests room amenities.

The arts and craft center is a place where the guests can engage in these local crafts displayed in the resort center. Classes such as painting, pottery, and jewelry making are taught by an artist in residence.

We further see the tropical eclectic style in the retail center, where artful ropes are woven into beautiful compositions and carved wood details showcase the local fashion.

The main restaurant is a haven for food lovers and bon vivants alike. Nautical accents of rope and vintage glass balls from fisherman’s nets adorn the space. There is an open kitchen displaying wine and delicacies, daily sweets, coffee roasters, and the catch of the day.  This is a changing scene from day to night where guests can have breakfast on the beach or dine under the stars.  A net with soft pin lights inspired by phosphorescence is draped between the palm trees.  Love bird seats face the ocean for a spectacular sunset. Guests can also craft their experience with the “The Moving Kitchen” whether it’s a picnic for two or a moonlight BBQ on the beach.

The seafood restaurant features the catch of the day and an impressive South American style Asado grill takes center stage. The ceiling details are inspired by a fisherman’s net and dramatically drape downward.  Cozy sofas face the Indian Ocean where guests can enjoy the view and the sea life swimming below.

The sunset restaurant features a modern take of Robatayaki Japanese cuisine.  Details include a fabric ceiling inspired by Japanese fabric panels found in the entrance of most restaurants that blow in the wind.  A feature mosaic wall is inspired by Yakuza tattoos and gives a contemporary touch to this rustic world. Guests can lounge and stargaze on the rooftop with a cocktail in hand and listen to the beats spun by the resident DJ.

The pool bar features a beautifully woven structure where guests can take an afternoon siesta on their choice of ocean side or poolside daybeds. Fires light up at night, evoking primal instincts. The gym has three main features, a Thai boxing ring, indoor air conditioned gym, and an outdoor jungle gym.

The kids club is an artful space to activate the child’s imagination.  Woven nets, a feature slide, and colorful wood panels on the walls confirm this is a child’s wondrous world. The spa is inspired by the four elements: water, air, earth and fire.  Each element is present in the treatment rooms with a bathtub sitting over a tranquil reflection pool, an ambient flame over the water, lush garden vegetation and optional open air massage.