Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has introduced the campaign called "Experience the Grandest of Feelings," and as aspect of the project roll-out, all Fairmont Hotels global staff are motivated to engage in the Create the Grandest of Feelings! Competition. All members of the team were encouraged to submit their involvement, which exemplified how they had produced the best experience for their colleagues and/or guests. Hundreds of submissions were received, and Ibrahim Shifaan of Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi was awarded the competition's Guest-Facing Grand Winner for his limelight with Gerry Garnida from Fairmont Jakart.



Shifaan was born and reared on a neighboring island to the Fairmont Maldives, where he spent his youth exploring the local marine environment through snorkeling, free diving, and fishing. (His father, three brothers, and uncle are all fisherman.) His love of the sea earned him the moniker "Moodhu Meeha," which translates to "Ocean Man" in the native Dhivehi language, and a five-year stint with the Maldives National Defense Force's Marine Corps. He began his employment at Fairmont Maldives as a member of the security staff, but his passion for marine life led him to work with the resort's marine biology department. His dedication led to a permanent position as the resort's marine scientist, With his enthusiasm for the ocean and conservation, he encourages guests and Heartists in his position.



The General Manager of of Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi Andrew Steele, noted that Shifaan is the essence of his name. Andrew Steele further added “He is the epitome of his name to be so completely in tune with the environment, with the ocean and everything that lives within it. To have the opportunity to free dive with him, spend time in the water with him and see his interaction with the ecosystem and all of the species that live in it is truly remarkable to see this local island lad become a special forces specialist with the understanding that his future lay only high within the scope of security. To then have the opportunity through our environmental and sustainability programs to live and share all his knowledge and passion is incredibly enriching. On top of all of this he is such a humble, kind and a true representation of that Maldivian island personality that makes the Maldives so special. His role is to share his passion knowledge and experience not only with our guests but also with our local school outreach programs. It is his role as a Maldivian to be the inspiration for the next generation to understand that there is an employment opportunity in environmental conservation as well as sustainability. He is our ambassador for the future of the Maldives.”



Shifaan will integrate the resort's Turtles Rangers Program, as well as other marine teaching programs and seminars, into the local island communities as Fairmont Maldives expands its marine conservation projects to nearby islands. Shifaan has also begun the idea of shooting each guided snorkeling expedition with tourists and Heartists (workers) so that they have lasting recollections of their magnificent experiences.



Sirru Fen Fushi is more than simply a personal getaway. It is located on the Shaviyani Atoll, which contains one of the country's largest resort lagoons, Fairmont Maldives. The "hidden water island," as the locals call it, shines like a gem. Postcard-perfect white sand beaches bordered by swaying palms, lapped by the turquoise waters of the 600-hectare lagoon that gives way to the calm blues of the Indian Ocean and an endless horizon.