Sirru Fen Fushi: an idyllic Maldives hideaway for eco-conscious travellers
The Maldives has always been the ultimate luxury destination for dedicated sun seekers who want to be treated like royalty. But with the archipelago's very existence under threat from climate change, it is now redefining itself as a pioneer in sustainable travel. Sirru Fen Fushi, a remote island in the Shaviyani Atoll of the Indian Ocean, is leading the way for eco-conscious travellers.
With its buttery soft sand, candy coloured sunsets and glittering turquoise sea, Sirru Fen Fushi is the picture-perfect idyll that comes to mind when you imagine the Maldives. But its commitment to sustainability is what sets it apart from the pack. The resort has a sustainability lab that is a hive of eco activity. It participates in regular beach clean-ups and converts the plastic it finds in the lab into colourful items like bracelets, sports paddles and even bins.
Guests can buy these as souvenirs or take part in daily workshops to create a turtle keychain, make a bracelet out of ghost nets (discarded fishing nets that are banned in the Maldives because they're dangerous to marine life) or fashion a plastic sheet that they can take home to craft their own items. Around the island, you'll see chairs and tables made from this colourful recycled plastic with its bright splash of Jackson Pollock-esque patterns.
The resort also houses the world's first underwater museum, the Coralarium, designed by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor as part of the resort's major coral regeneration project. The 20ft metal cube juts out of the calm lagoon, a habitat for the abundant sea life that floats around it. Guests can take part in coral planting, swimming out with a fragment of coral to add to a frame that is part of the Coralarium – it's a lovely way to leave your own little mark while helping to conserve ocean life.
There's a bohemian spirit to the decor of the resort's beach and over the water villas, which combine wooden furnishings decorated with geometric patterns with rose-gold mirrors and playful elements like a giant light fitting made of rope shaped like a bulb. I stayed in a beach villa that had dizzyingly high ceilings and a massive outdoor space featuring a pool, sunbeds and a double sunbed meaning you never had to leave your space.
Personalised bikes are assigned to each guest so you can zip through the island in no time. The Onu Onu bar is the buzzy hub with a steady flow of dance music throughout the day and beach beds. The resort also features the longest infinity pool in the Maldives, measuring 200m, although it's split into sections. At the end the Coralarium stands in the distance, lit up like the island's own sparkly Eiffel Tower, bathed in different colours during the evening.
The resort takes an international approach to its cuisine with Raha Market at the heart of its culinary operation. The restaurant serves a hearty, ever rotating spread for breakfast, lunch and dinner with the option to order à la carte. For breakfast, I wolfed down plump dumplings, porridge with fuchsia pink dragon fruit slices and almond-milk yoghurt with chia seeds and mango. I enjoyed prawns with glass noodles in a zingy dressing and a fresh watermelon juice for lunch at Spice Box, its Asian food stall right on the beach.
There are other dining options if Raha Market doesn't take your fancy. At Azure, which offers Mediterranean dishes with a focus on seafood and meat, I feasted on gambas al ajillo, juicy prawns swimming in a tangy garlic sauce, and a lobster chargrilled to springy perfection with fries and salad. While at the Japanese restaurant Kata, I devoured tender octopus with garlic fried rice and the fluffiest cheesecake with berry compote and vanilla ice cream. Both Azure and Kata have beautiful outdoor seating areas perched right on top of the sea, colourful fish wiggling below.
The resort's remote location means there is very little light pollution making it a great spot for stargazing at night. After the sun sets, stars scatter the inky night sky, a cascade of twinkling jewels. Sirru Fen Fushi offers regular stargazing sessions so you can learn the name of the shimmering constellation winking above you. They take place at the top of Kata restaurant with wicker beds in place so you can lie back as an astronomer points out the planets Mars, Venus and Jupiter as well as constellations like Orion and newly formed stars.
You get the chance to see these up close too through a powerful telescope and I gasped as I was shown the moon; it was so clear I could see every dusty crater. The Maldives has a way of humbling you with its incredible surrounding nature and the stargazing session had a similar effect. It's a fascinating way to spend an evening that makes you think about your place in the universe.
But if all that sounds a touch too strenuous, Arufen Spa has one of the largest jacuzzis in the Maldives and there's an array of wonderful massages on offer to soothe the weariest of jetlagged bodies. There are excursions available too if you can face tearing yourself away from the island; I went on a dolphin cruise on a dhoni, a traditional boat crafted from coconut wood, where I was reduced to a squealing kid as several dolphins swam alongside us, bobbing and weaving as they danced among the waves like impish synchronised swimmers.
Sirru Fen Fushi is the perfect escape for eco-conscious travellers who want to take an active part in giving back to the nature that surrounds them. The Maldives takes green tourism seriously and the resort offers sun, sea and sustainability. What else do you need for a relaxing holiday?
Ann Lee was a guest at Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort. Room rates start from £965 (exclusive of service and VAT) in a Beach Sunrise Villa on half board.
Virgin Atlantic flies direct between London Heathrow and Malé, the capital of the Maldives, with return fares from £757.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
I paid less than $200 for a one-star hotel in a top beach destination — here's what I got for my money
How much comfort are you willing to forgo for a cheap vacation? A British tourist spent less than $200 for one night at a one-star hotel in Miami, Florida — and he took viewers along to see what he got for the very low price. Simon Wilson, who regularly shares his travel adventures on social media, posted an Instagram Reel with over 2 million views documenting his stay at the unidentified establishment in the high-end area of South Beach, where rooms regularly rent for upwards of $500 per night. 3 South Beach is notoriously expensive and one of the priciest areas in Miami. miami2you – Wilson walked into the establishment without a reservation and asked the receptionist for a room with one bed. He revealed that he had looked at reviews online, finding that they were all negative. When he asked why the hotel had such poor reviews, the worker replied only with a sly shrug. The cost of the room with one bed for one night was $149 plus tax, which came out to $184.86. On top of that, the hotel charged a $50 deposit that would be refundable at checkout. In total, Wilson had to dish out $234.86 upon arrival at the one-star hotel. The budget lodgings were revealed to have 80 rooms — and only nine of them were occupied the night Wilson showed up. When Wilson asked the receptionist about amenities, he discovered that there were none — no swimming pool, sauna, breakfast or coffee. All he was getting was the room. 'I have no idea what to expect here,' he said as he opened the door to his room on the first floor. 3 Wilson asked the receptionist, a Brazilian man named Celso, about the amenities at the hotel. @simonjwils/Instagram 'This isn't too bad,' he said. He showed viewers around the room, which included a 'lovely' and small dining table with one chair, bedside cabinets and a remote for the TV on the wall. Moving on to the bathroom, he said the shower/bath looked 'fairly clean' and pointed out that there was a decent amount of soap provided. 'The main thing and the most important thing though is the bed,' he said. 'What's this gonna look like?' After inspecting the pillows and sheets, he deemed it suitable for sleeping. 'I think we might have just had a bargain in South Beach, Miami,' Wilson declared. But people in the comments begged to differ. 'Our man was getting rinsed,' one wrote with a laughing emoji. 'Even half that price would be a rip-off,' someone else said. 'That is a hell of an expensive room considering it is very basic and not even a breakfast or a cup of coffee with it !!!!,' a commenter said. 3 'This isn't too bad,' he said as he entered the room. @simonjwils/Instagram However, many people in the comments also reasoned that the hotel seemed pricey because of its location in South Beach. 'Y'all complaining about the price, but it's expensive in Miami. If you're in South Beach, that's about what it's going to cost,' someone said. 'The price is very normal at last minute in Miami, Florida.. You can't find cheaper than that, either one star or 3 stars,' another wrote. South Beach is notoriously expensive and one of the priciest areas in Miami. According to Radical Storage, premium oceanfront hotels could cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000+ per night during high season. However, booking earlier can result in better prices for visitors. Hotel star rankings are widely used to determine a hotel's quality. In the U.S., a one-star hotel typically means there are only basic room options available with basic accommodations and minimal amenities. These hotels are more about functionality and affordability.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Why the British and Irish Lions' uncertain future could be bad news for Australia
A British and Irish Lions tour is sold, principally, on history and mystery. Anachronistic in its very concept, the actions and anecdotes of trips of yesteryear are woven into the rich red fabric adorning the current crop, links with the century and a half of touring parties evident at every moment before, during and after each squad's assembly. The cultural capital of the Lions is vast and trades, primarily, on that which has gone before – each trip bringing with it a chance to stir the nostalgic senses with a retrospective look. The mystery is inherent: how will a squad drawn at short notice handle the pressure of coming together to take on a big southern hemisphere beast? Yet even the great bastions of heritage and history must eventually become forward-looking. A corporate and commercial behemoth in a sport lacking in that sort of commodity, this may be a time of great change for the British and Irish Lions as bigwigs look ahead to a future that feels more uncertain than usual. Which is not to suggest that the Lions are in any kind of jeopardy. The strength of the brand ensures that the concept is surely safeguarded for the foreseeable future. But for the first time in recent memory, it feels like the concept itself could be tweaked. Already, of course, there is a women's tour on the way, the exact details still be confirmed for the 2027 trip to New Zealand but the planning well underway, even if there are plenty within the game who question whether the sport is ready for such a venture. That will precede a men's trip to take on the All Blacks two years later. The British and Irish Lions are one of rugby's biggest brands (Getty Images) But speculation otherwise abounds, and there is no guarantee that the traditional quadrennial cycles remain intact. While the Lions' touring history stretches back to 188, the actual lineage of the now familiar format is not that long – it was only in 1989 that the tourists first travelled solely to Australia, and only in 1997 that the South Africa/Australia/New Zealand rotation was fully established after the fall of the apartheid regime. The idea of taking a tour to France, which would represent a radical rethink, will not go away. Discussions have begun over possible pre-tour meetings in 2027 and 2029, while former Lions scrum half Matt Dawson recently told The Times that it would be 'insane' not to organise a full trip and itinerary. Such an idea would be glorious fun, with the fire and fervour of the French fans sure to cancel out the sea of red, and the depth of the sport in the country sure to provide compelling contests throughout the tour. A Lions tour would probably land well in a nation where club rugby is often king. It is a personal view, however, that a trip to less far-flung shore would have a rather different and likely inferior feel, though providing greater accessibility to a wider spectrum of supporters would be welcome. Equally, those that criticise the Lions as being Anglocentric or imperialistic would relish a broadening of the boarders; the performance and passion shown by Argentina in their two pre-tour encounters in the last two decades show that a return for the Pumas to the touring schedule more regularly would be embraced. Equally, the development of Pacific Island nations, Japan and others could be aided – it feels a misstep that Fiji, particularly, were not an opponent on this trip. An already congested calendar has limited room for expansion, though, which means that one of the traditional touring locations would surely have to be squeezed. For various reasons, it feels unlikely that New Zealand or South Africa would be under threat; Australia, by contrast, feel almost interminably imperilled in the modern landscape, and this has not necessarily been a buoyant start. The failure to release Wallabies to already under-powered Super Rugby Pacific sides has led to tour games generally won with a degree of comfort by the Lions, even amid plenty of errors. Australia may need a strong series to prove they remain worthy opponents of the Lions (AP) This should be a time of prosperity and promise for the Wallabies as they gear up for a home World Cup in two years' time, and yet the alarm bells still ring. Financial pressures on the unions have eased slightly – aided by this Lions trip – but it is not long since the Melbourne Rebels were lost as an entity, while rugby union is ever more marginalised by the popularity of the NRL and AFL. The truth is that the opening skirmishes of this Lions tour barely made a dent in the sporting psyche; that will change once the Tests are underway a bit, but union generally has to be content to play second or third fiddle. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii swapped rugby league for union - but most go the other way in Australia (Getty) Within that comes a talent drain – the (expensive) luring of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is a mere breath into a prevailing wind that blows young talent to league from union. Amidst that, there are nonetheless intriguing reports of NRL superstar Kalyn Ponga hiring an agent in union to keep his options open – though it would be an All Blacks call that the son of Kiwi parents would covet. Next summer will see South Africa and New Zealand tussle in a traditional tour of their own kind, expected to be sold on the strength of their rivalry as the Rugby Championship is ripped up in the name of bringing together two of the sport's fiercest foes in an encounter of greater meaning. What this means for Australia and Argentina is still somewhat unclear, but with the death of the traditional summer tour for the European nations with the advent of the Nations Cup in 2026, the established rugby calendar will certainly start to look rather different. It all makes this a rather opportune moment for the Wallabies to prove a few doubters wrong. By ranking and recent record, they are the poorest of the Lions' opponents of the modern era but never doubt the capacity of an Australian sporting side to rise to the occasion.

Time Business News
21 hours ago
- Time Business News
12 days Kerala heritage tour
Kerala, famously known as 'God's Own Country', is a land where heritage and nature blend seamlessly. With its backwaters, ancient temples, colonial architecture, and hill stations, a 12 Days Kerala Heritage Tour offers an enriching travel experience for history buffs, culture seekers, and nature lovers alike. This tour is designed to take you on a journey through Kerala's rich past, traditional arts, Ayurvedic wellness, and pristine natural beauty—making it perfect for family vacations, senior travelers, and curious explorers. The 12 Days Kerala Heritage Tour is not just about sightseeing. It's about connecting with Kerala's centuries-old traditions, vibrant art forms, and serene lifestyle. Highlights include: Ancient temples and royal palaces Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial history Ayurvedic treatments and cultural performances Houseboat stay on the backwaters Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and heritage villages Start your heritage journey in Kochi, a historic port city that was once a major hub for spice trade. Explore: Fort Kochi & Chinese Fishing Nets Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) Paradesi Synagogue St. Francis Church Kathakali performance in the evening Overnight Stay: Kochi Drive to Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala. Visit: Vadakkunnathan Temple (UNESCO tentative list) Kerala Kalamandalam (renowned art and culture academy) Thrissur Zoo and Art Museum Overnight Stay: Thrissur Visit the famous Guruvayur Temple, one of India's oldest Krishna temples, then continue to Kozhikode, a coastal city steeped in history. Attractions: Kappad Beach (where Vasco da Gama landed) Pazhassi Raja Museum Sweet Meat Street (SM Street) Overnight Stay: Kozhikode Drive to Wayanad, a tranquil region known for its tribal heritage, caves, and spice plantations. Sightseeing: Edakkal Caves (prehistoric carvings) Wayanad Heritage Museum Pookode Lake Overnight Stay: Wayanad Explore tribal villages, ancient Jain temples, and lush plantations. Enjoy optional activities like: Bamboo rafting Visit to Kuruva Island Trek to Chembra Peak Overnight Stay: Wayanad Travel to Palakkad, known for its traditional Kerala architecture and temples. Highlights: Palakkad Fort (built by Hyder Ali) Kalpathy Heritage Village Malampuzha Dam and Gardens Overnight Stay: Palakkad Drive to Alleppey, the gateway to Kerala's backwaters. En route, enjoy a traditional lunch and observe coir-making villages. Evening: Board a houseboat and cruise the tranquil backwaters. Overnight Stay: Houseboat After disembarking, travel to Kumarakom, a peaceful village on Vembanad Lake. Activities: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Explore heritage homestays Traditional toddy tasting Overnight Stay: Kumarakom Drive to Thekkady, home of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and rich spice heritage. Experiences: Spice plantation tour Visit to a tribal heritage museum Optional boat ride on Periyar Lake Overnight Stay: Thekkady Travel to Munnar, Kerala's most scenic hill station once favored by the British. Attractions: Tea Museum Kolukkumalai Tea Estate (world's highest tea plantation) Visit to British-era bungalows Overnight Stay: Munnar Soak in Munnar's colonial charm and natural beauty. Optional activities: Visit Lockhart Gap Viewpoint Nature walk in tea gardens Attend a heritage walk about plantation history Overnight Stay: Munnar Drive back to Kochi for departure. You may stop at traditional villages or local markets en route for final souvenirs. Combination of historical sites , spiritual centers , and natural wonders , , and Accommodation in heritage hotels , traditional houseboats , and plantation resorts , , and Insightful interactions with local communities and artisans A deep dive into Kerala's cultural roots and eco-friendly lifestyle October to March: Ideal for pleasant weather and clear skies Ideal for pleasant weather and clear skies April to May: Warmer but still enjoyable in the hill stations Warmer but still enjoyable in the hill stations June to September: Monsoon season – lush greenery, fewer crowds, great for Ayurveda Light, breathable clothing Modest attire for temple visits Walking shoes Rain gear (monsoon season) Sunblock and insect repellent Reusable water bottle The 12 Days Kerala Heritage Tour is not just a trip, but a transformative journey through South India's most culturally rich and naturally blessed state. It's a chance to discover the real Kerala — its warm people, vibrant traditions, and timeless stories passed down through generations. Whether you're tracing temple carvings, sipping tea in colonial-era estates, or watching the sun dip below the backwaters, this Kerala tour will leave you with memories that last a lifetime. TIME BUSINESS NEWS