Comprising 1,192 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has been a staple laptop screensaver since the dawn of default settings. Like you, I have images of the Maldives pinned to my dream vacay vision board. And like you, I, too, release a deep sigh of wanderlust whenever I watch a villa tour on my nightly Instagram scroll. So imagine the excitement I felt when I was invited to stay for four days and three nights at Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi, located on the Shaviyani Atoll in North Maldives. I overpacked my bag with my best resort wear and a surplus of bikinis, and to paradise I went.
Arriving at the resort was itself an adventure. I had never flown in a seaplane before this trip and as someone with a history of slight aerophobia, I braced myself for a white‑knuckled flight—a 55‑minute journey from the main island of Male. Upon boarding the 12‑seater plane, we were greeted with friendly nods from pilots dressed in uniform: buttoned‑up shirts, Bermuda shorts and flip‑flops. Perhaps it was the casual footwear that calmed my nerves, but once we took flight and my gaze locked on the marbling blue swirls of lagoons, islands and atolls below, my worries lifted, for without a doubt, this was one of the most memorable views out of a plane window I’ve witnessed.
When it comes to holidays, there’s a spectrum of personalities. On one end are the loungers, the ones who simply want to melt into the peaceful art of not lifting a finger, and on the other, those who cannot stay still. I lean towards the latter and so I admit I had a pinch of scepticism, wondering, what is there to do on a secluded island?
Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av Tatler Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra November 2023-utgaven av Tatler Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Mathew Leong
As the Norway-based Singaporean chef celebrates a milestone year both personally and professionally, he opens up about the toughest moments of his career and why failing is not an option
Asian Inspirations
Chef Ace Tan on his second restaurant, Asu-his love letter to regional Asian cuisine
State of the Arts
Arts nominated member of parliament Usha Chandradas discusses growing the creative economy by focusing on both supply and demand
Through a Curator's Lens
Circe Henestrosa, a fashion curator and the head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, merges her personal connection with artist Frida Kahlo with her extensive curatorial experience to explore intersecting themes of identity, disability and cultural heritage
Second Nature
Poet and educator Yong Shu Hoong brings fresh perspectives to the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, from interdisciplinary perspectives to multilingual programmes
Wine Down
Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino. From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles
A Legacy in Silhouettes
Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the designer shoe brand Manolo Blahnik and the niece of its legendary founder, shares her insights on preserving the house's heritage and introduces the new Manolo's Silhouettes campaign
To Have and to Hold
With its sumptuous textures, Loro Piana's elegant autumn/winter 2024 collection is a chic celebration of craft, quality and the universal appeal of tactility
Scent of Strength
Hermès unveils its first chypre perfume, Barénia―a captivating fragrance crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel that embodies bold femininity and celebrates the brand's rich heritage
Nocturnal Revival
Nighttime skincare rituals will get a boost of supercharged restoration with La Mer's new Rejuvenating Night Cream