DRMumbai: AccorHotels’ first and only Fairmont Resort in the Maldives launched the world’s first semi-submerged art gallery, The Coralarium, created by renowned underwater naturalist and artist Jason deCaires Taylor.
Situated around the pristine atoll where Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is the sole hotel, the sculpture is a semi-submerged tidal gallery space that exhibits a series of sculptural artworks on the skyline.
With his large following and international influence in media and environmental conservation, Jason deCaires Taylor’s collaboration with Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi creates an ideal global platform to showcase the fragile beauty of the Maldives and our oceans.
“Over the years, I have realised that the really humbling thing about what we do is that once we submerge the sculptures they’re not ours anymore. As soon as we sink them, they belong to the sea and nature takes over,” said Jason deCaires Taylor.
“The Coralarium is a place of preservation, conservation and education. Together with the resort we hope to raise awareness for the protection of Maldivian coral reefs. I want to see a better future for the ocean, for people to see it as a delicate place, worthy of our protection.”
Homage to the abundant sea life and pristine coral house reef surrounding this world-class resort, this is the Maldives’ first and only coral regeneration project in the form of an underwater art installation.
Both AccorHotels and the Fairmont brand have a strong reputation globally for sustainable tourism and are committed to improving the well-being of local communities and ecosystems wherever they operate and addressing the environmental impacts of their operations. Fairmont is renowned for capturing the heart of a destination through community engagement and memorable guest experiences.
“Taylor’s art focuses on the natural beauty of the location, creating an extraordinary linkage between our resort and the destination to encourage sustainable tourism,” said Patrick Basset, Chief Operating officer, AccorHotels, Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the Maldives. “This artwork provides a portal for our guests to engage with the area’s fabled natural wonders while enjoying the renowned Fairmont hospitality.”
Resort guests will be able to enjoy the view of the ocean with the semi-submerged Coralarium placed exactly in line with the horizon. Leading from the 200-meter infinity pool at the heart of the resort, the artist has created the installation as a linear extension of the resort in the form of an underwater pathway for guests to participate in the propagation of corals.
The artwork creates artificial reefs, using non-toxic, pH-neutral marine-grade compounds free from harmful pollutants, which will eventually become an integral part of the local ecosystem. The installation focuses on coral and biomass restoration and aims to be the most high-end coral regeneration project in the Maldives.
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi offers 120 keys. The all-villa resort is ideal for couples or families, and features overwater private pool villas as well as luxury safari-style tented villas nestled in the island’s lush interior jungle.
Guided tours in small groups led by the resort’s resident marine biologists are available several times a day. In the evening, an integrated light system illuminates the museum and attracts marine life while creating an impressive sight from the island shore. For more information, visit www.fairmont-maldives.com
