Referred to by locals as “Our Secret Water Island”, this 1.5km long and 600m wide, lush private island lies within a huge 600-hectare, glistening lagoon. It is an entirely natural island, with palm fringed creamy white beaches, in a remote hideaway position providing never ending, untouched turquoise water horizon views. The central infinity is the longest swimming pool in the Maldives. It spans the central width of the island and leads out to the “Coralarium” – a semi submerged art installation created by British artist, Jason Declaires Taylor, which showcases a collection of sculptures and other cultural art pieces and acts as a man-made reef supporting the local ecosystem.

An all-villa luxury resort, Sirru Fen Fushi offers a choice of one to three-bedroom beach or overwater villas suitable for couples, families, or groups. Each of the island’s 120 chic villas feature private pool, a secluded terrace or garden, furnished Sala for intimate dining and relaxation and 24- hour services of your personal Villa Host. Villas have vaulted ceilings above expansive beds, coral-shaped rugs, macrame finishes and ornately carved furniture. There is a seamless blend of understated Maldivian rustic chic and contemporary style of champagne woods, coral-inspired rugs, bamboo glass chandeliers and indulgent amenities. The resort décor is consistent throughout; muted champagne materials echo the surrounding natural beaches that encircle the island, while buildings are unobtrusive, harmonising beautifully with their island location.

Choose from hideaway Beach Villas set beneath the palm trees. Both sunrise and sunset options make the most of the sunshine with light, airy interiors and an outdoor bathtub made from a single piece of stone. Wooden villa doors are intricately carved, and the garden area gives direct access to the beach and the ocean. Stunning Over Water Villas are arranged in a leaf shape at one end of the island, perched over the turquoise waters of the magnificent lagoon. They have vast copper tubs inside spacious bathrooms, with dou ble vanities, suspended rope and glass bauble chandeliers, hanging decking chairs and uninterrupted ocean views.

The Safari Tent Villas provides the opportunity to experience an African style safari style living with complete seclusion at the heart of resort’s inland jungle and comes complete with its own outdoor cinema experience. Set on its own private pocket of beach, offering the archipelago’s most luxurious stargazing glamping experience, is the Safari Beach Villa - designed to provide a safari-style stay whilst enjoying the Maldivian environment. Swathes of white fabric cover the natural wooden frames which can be rolled up completely to offer unparalleled views of the turquoise ocean. This secluded Beach Tent is dressed with patterned throws, cushions, pieces of striking Maldivian artwork and rattan rugs, with a centrepiece chandelier lighting up the luxurious lounge. There’s a master suite with en-suite bathroom, spacious living area, alfresco decking area with loungers, outdoor roll-top tub, rain shower, and a Sala for communal dining that overlooks the private pool. Guests of the villa can call on the island mixologist to prepare cocktails, host a BBQ on the sand prepared by the chef or relax with a spa treatment or yoga session on the deck.

From seasonally inspired restaurant menus to destination dining experiences that will satisfy any craving, the Sirru fen Fushi’ chefs are ready to prepare you a culinary delight. Ocean Front Raha Market sits on the beach and offers laidback dining for all the day’s meals. With a combination of buffet and made-to-order live chef cooking stations and a variety of themed evenings including Arabian and Mediterranean offering a menu of delights and crowd-pleasers like grilled fish, Indian and Maldivian cuisine, every kind of breakfast eggs, wood-fired pizza and delicate desserts. Onu Onu is the resort’s laid-back, Balinese style bar overlooking the beach and the lagoon. A wonderful location to enjoy a golden sunset hour sundowner with your toes in the sand. Then there’s Kata which specialises in Japanese and grill, whilst Azure is dedicated to seafood and the fresh catch of the day, with locations at each end of the island make the most of incredible views and a side of stargazing!

The Arufen Spa invites you to enter its atmosphere of tranquillity and wellness. With both indoor and outdoor facilities surrounded by calm blue waters and a lush garden. Each guest is invited on a sensory journey. Treatment menus are created using ancient traditional Ayurveda experiences, authentically connected to the island’s local culture while drawing energy from the natural Maldivian surroundings. The centre also features a state of the art, high quality and well-equipped suite of fitness facilities; along with a boutique beauty corner, 50-metre outdoor adult only serenity swimming pool and relaxation area.

If you are wanting to stay active it couldn’t be easier. There’s plenty to fill your itinerary. Book yourself in for an authentic Maldivian cooking class, call into the designated art studio for painting classes or visit a nearby Maldivian community or sail to an uninhabited island for a castaway picnic. There’s tennis, beach volleyball, yoga and a fully equipped fitness centre. Discover a range of water-based activities; including kayaking, catamaran sailing, jet ski hire and water skiing. Scuba dive or snorkel on the 9km house reef, meet manta rays, black-tip sharks and hawksbill turtles or embark on a sunset dolphin cruise. Guided daily tours to the Coralarium, conducted by the hotel’s passionate team of marine biologists can be arranged as well as unique night snorkelling opportunities to explore the submerged art space.

For the younger guests there’s a play garden and shallow pools. The indoor play area lies just across from an airy art studio, where children can paint and craft. The Kids and Teens Clubs provide a weekly programme of fun and enriching activities and the “Teen Hub” is a great area for the older kids to hang out, with pool tables and video games.

The island also has its own “Sustainability Lab” which is housed in former shipping containers. The resort is working with the Maldivian government to sweep the waters of litter (think bottle tops and tangled fishing nets), turning trash into souvenir treasure. Guests can join in making their own eco-masterpieces or simply help the project by buying a souvenir made from the recycled plastic. Best of all, the Lab also transforms plastic waste into classroom equipment to give back to local schools and promotes the necessity of recycling and ocean conservation.

Sirru Fen Fushi and its laid-back tropical charm offers the ultimate Maldivian experience, perfect for the romantic getaway to a family vacation. There is enough to amuse for a longer stay, small enough to feel suitably intimate and offers attention to detail without pretension.

Location: Situated on Sirru Fen Fushi, in the Shaviyani Atoll. A beautiful 55-minute journey via seaplane from Male.