Maldives has been showcased at TTG Travel Experience, one of the largest tourism fairs for the Italian market.

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) together with 37 officials from 20 companies across the Maldives tourism sector are promoting their products and services at the fair, being held in Rimini, Italy from October 10-12.

At the three-day fair targeting the Italian travel trade, officials are meeting with industry professionals to explore means to further develop and strengthen the presence of Maldives in the Italian market.

Apart from the business meetings, activities are being organised at the stand, which measures 64 square metres, to attract more visitors.

Visitors have the opportunity to experience the Maldives in virtual reality and see the underwater beauty of the country through VR gear. Visitors also can take a selfie at the stand and post on social media with hashtag #visitmaldives and #TTG2018 to win a surprise gift from the Maldives. They can also have a taste of Maldivian flavours at the stand, which is designed to colourfully display the beauty of the Maldives.

Being one of the leading tourism fairs in Italy, TTG Travel Experience is the gateway to the Italian outbound market. This fair provides one of the main B2B tourism marketplaces in Italy to sell tourism products, to network and win new business as well as exchange views and find new ideas.

Although the target is mainly the Italian market, this event also gives the unique opportunity to meet with representatives from various sectors of the tourism industry from all over the world.

With more than 2,550 exhibitors from 150 destinations represented at the fair, more than 72,000 visitors are expected to visit this year. These include 1,500 buyers from 90 countries along with 750 journalists and 300 bloggers.

Italy is one of the major source markets to the Maldives, with 88,848 Italians having visited the Maldives in 2017 — an increase of 24 percent compared to the previous year. According to the latest arrival figures, by the end of August 2018, a total of 69,787 tourists visited the Maldives from Italy, which is a 19.1 percent growth compared to the same period of last year.

Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) has bagged the award for the Leading Airport Hotel in South Asia.

At the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2018 gala held at The Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai on September 15, HIH won two accolades: the Leading Airport Hotel in South Asia and the Maldives.

HIH, the only hotel located on the airport island of Hulhule, provides free two-way shuttles to Velana International Airport, just five minutes’ drive away. With 136 guest rooms in various categories, HIH boasts a private beach, an outdoor pool and a golf putting green.

The hotel has six food and beverage options. Offering an international menu, Uduvilaa features glass walls overlooking the sea, while the 24-hour Faru Coffee House specialises in European, Japanese and Italian dishes.

Guests can enjoy a game of tennis or beach volleyball, or exercise in the fitness centre. Massages and body treatments are offered at the spa, which also features a sauna.

Launched in 2016 by Maldives based event management company Highrise, SATA has been endorsed by regional tourism authorities and organisations, including the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Colombo Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), Confederation of Associated Tour Operators (India), Association of Travel Agents (ATA) Maldives, Association of Travel and Tour Operators India (ATTOI), Association of Professionals in Tourism (APT, India), Kerala Hotel General Managers Club (KHGMC), Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Liveaboard Association of Maldives (LAM).

SATA is the first ever regional travel awards endorsed by multi national associations, providing the tourism sector of the South Asian region with recognition towards their facilities and service excellence. It aims to encourage and raise service standards in the region’s tourism industry.

A record 500 plus nominations from the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal were received for the 36 categories in 10 segments included in this year’s edition of SATA.

This year’s evaluation process was carried out in the most vibrant cities in each country: Maldives capital Male, Sri Lankan capital Colombo, south Indian city of Bangalore, Indian capital New Delhi, Nepalese capital Kathmandu, and the Bhutanese town of Paro. The evaluation was carried out by an all-women jury, which comprised Amal Goonetilleke from Sri Lanka, Rinku Madan from India and Hinna Khalid from Maldives.

Veligandu Island Resort and Spa has introduced a new drone photography package for guests.

With the package, guests can enjoy a scenic trip to the nearby Madivaru Finolhu island for a two-hour photoshoot session. Professional and friendly photographers from the resort’s in-house Raalhu Photo team will capture high quality images and video from the revered DJI Phantom 4 Pro camera drone.

“The Drone Package is the ideal option to capture the best of your holiday, whether you are a photography enthusiast, travel blogger or simply looking to feature high quality captures from your holiday on Instagram,” an announcement by the resort read.

The fun and memorable experience is USD 370 per couple, and includes:

• Two-hour photoshoot session
• One-minute drone video
• 10 drone images
• 20 camera pictures
• Inflatable doughnut
• Speedboat transfer

Kuredu Resort Maldives has partnered with Football Escapes to offer a children’s football coaching course this December.

The five-day coaching course will be available to kids visiting Kuredu from December 23-28 (excluding 25th). The course is open to children of all abilities, aged 5-15.

The course offers five days of coaching with two hours of daily football activity at Kuredu’s FIFA regulated, 11-a-side pitch. Each child that enrols in the course is provided with a full kit, including a shirt, shorts and socks as well as a signed certificate and medal on completion of the week’s course.

“Football Escapes’ players and coaches immerse themselves fully on and off the pitch providing families a unique experience to help make that special holiday even more exceptional. Whether it’s around the pool, by the bar or at breakfast, their team are on hand and always happy to say hello,” an announcement read.

“The courses are led by ex-professional players, supported by a great team of UEFA licensed coaches, all of whom come from renowned English Premier League clubs.”

London-based Football Escapes provide premier football coaching courses in partnership with some of the finest and most exclusive resorts around the world. The company has worked with world-renowned hotel groups such as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, JA Resorts & Hotels, Jumeirah and Kempinski Hotels in leading destinations, including the Maldives, Mauritius, Dubai, Cyprus, Portugal and China.

Located on a 1,800 metre by 325 metre remote island in the northern atoll of Lhaviyani, Kuredu is accessible by a 35-minute scenic seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport. This 4.5-star resort has 383 rooms, including beach and water villas, making it the second largest resort in the Maldives.

The island boasts a dive and snorkel centre, a water sports centre, a spa, golf and tennis courses, a kids’ club, and an extensive choice of restaurants and bars. Kuredu guests can also dine in 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at the neighbouring Hurawalhi Maldives resort.

Soneva Fushi has picked up the Community Engagement Award at PURE 2018.

The winners were announced at the PURE Awards Party hosted at Sofitel Marrakech on September 12.

The Community Engagement category recognises a project or initiative that strategically and sensitively integrates the local community, aligning itself with the values of the inhabitants and protecting the authenticity of their culture, while enriching the experience of the traveller.

Two initiatives won Soneva Fushi the award; the Soneva Ocean Stewards, a programme that teaches Maldivian children to swim and to learn to love and protect the marine environment, and the Soneva Eco Camp, which educates children on the environmental challenges faced by their communities in the hopes of inspiring them to become environmental stewards.

“We are thrilled that Soneva Fushi won the award for Community Engagement, and we couldn’t have done it without our fantastic Community Engagement team, headed by Ahmed Moomin. They have done an incredible job teaching so many local children how to swim, training swimming instructors and raising awareness in local communities on how to safeguard the Maldives’ natural environment,” Sonu Shivdasani, Soneva’s CEO and co-founder, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

Despite living in an island nation just one metre above sea level, a large number of Maldivians are unable to swim, a problem that poses a particular risk to children. According to UNICEF, child drowning is an epidemic that happens less than 500 metres from home. While safety is an important driver for the Soneva Ocean Stewards programme, it is also about introducing children to the marine life in the Indian Ocean, which many of them never get the opportunity to see.

Soneva believes that if children are taught how to swim, then taken snorkelling to see reefs and marine animals, then they will want to protect the ocean. Combined with environmental education, the aim is to inspire children to become the next generation of ocean stewards.

The Soneva Ocean Stewards programme is divided into three focus areas: training swimming instructors, teaching children how to swim and apply these new skills, and educating them on environmental awareness. A train-the-trainer programme was put into practice to ensure there were enough qualified local swimming instructors to have an impact on many local islands.

Children in the programme can choose to take either an intensive two-week programme or weekly swimming classes over a longer period of time. The programme focused on third graders who are at a good age to learn to swim, with water festivals arranged as a means for them to put their skills into practice.

The Soneva Ocean Stewards programme has taught over 300 children how to swim, which was achieved by training 38 swimming instructors who will ensure that the number of children who learn to swim continues to increase. This programme is currently running on three local islands, which should increase by another six over the next 12 months.

Conversely, the Soneva Eco Camp is an initiative that invites local children on a five-day training course at Soneva. During this time, they get to see first-hand how Soneva’s Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth facility recycles 90 percent of its solid waste and turns it into real financial value, and also to learn about the biodiversity on land and in the sea.

In addition to the Soneva Eco Camp, Soneva regularly invites local Maldivian and Thai school groups to take the Soneva Eco Tour, which are day trips to Soneva to see its Waste-to-Wealth practices in an effort to build their interest in environmental protection.

Fifty children have participated in the Soneva Eco Camp so far. A collaboration with UNDP provide theoretical depth to the learnings at the camp, while experts from Soneva provided the children with tangible examples.

Soneva has also hosted over 150 children on the Soneva Eco Tours. The success of the programme can be seen in this statement from one of the participants of the Soneva Eco Camp: “I want to actually make a difference to our society. I want to protect our environment, not using PET bottles. I have been using one single bottle since I came here. I think I will try to stick to that.”

Established in 1995, Soneva Fushi is the original Soneva. The No News, No Shoes blueprint for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways is located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination with 65 spacious beachfront villas, ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms, hidden amongst dense foliage.

The iconic resort has bagged several international awards for eco-friendly tourism and green initiatives, including the 2017 Green Hotelier Award for the Asia Pacific region and the Sustainable Hotel Award by the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) as well as a spot in the Gold List compiled by Condé Nast Traveler China as the Best Hotel in the Maldives and amongst the best resorts in the world in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2017.

Velassaru Maldives has introduced a brand new Infinity pool bar and menu.

The new bar offers fantastic gourmet milkshakes, slushies and soft serve ice-cream. Carefully curated with artisanal premium quality ingredients, its menu draws inspiration from Velassaru’s youthful, exciting and unpretentious identity.

Francois Briel, the F&B Director at Velassaru, shares his top picks from the new menu: Love Ferrero Shake, Golden Goose Berry Shake, and Peanut Butter and Banana Shake.

Owned and operated by leading local hotel group Universal Resorts, Velassaru is located in South Male Atoll and accessible by a short 25-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport.

Velassaru offers luxurious beachfront and overwater accommodation with uninterrupted ocean views. Featuring wooden ceilings and floors for a tropical atmosphere, the contemporary-styled villas and bungalows offer chic serenity.

A wide variety of international specialities are offered at Velassaru’s five restaurants, including fresh contemporary seafood, Japanese, international and grill pan Indian options. The two beach bars serve cocktails and wines.

Guests can enjoy relaxing spa treatments in overwater pavilions, or hop on a Maldivian boat and watch the crew demonstrate traditional fishing methods. Other resort facilities include a fitness centre, tennis court and infinity pool with the view of the beach and the ocean.

GoAir has launched its flight operations to the Maldives, directly connecting Indian cities of New Delhi and Mumbai to Male at an affordable return fare.

The inaugural flight landed at the Maldives main Velana International Airport Sunday afternoon.

“We are excited to see GoAir expanding its presence to Maldives.” This provides Indian and Maldivian passengers with an easy and convenient option to connect between Maldives and Indian two major cities, which will increase the traffic of tourists to both countries,” Ibrahim Faizal, Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said.

GoAir commenced its operations to the Maldives with three non-stop flight services per week between Mumbai – Male – Mumbai and two direct flight services per week between Delhi – Male – Delhi, at starting all-inclusive fares of USD 230 and USD 260, respectively.

“This new route to Maldives continues our purpose of connecting smart travellers to what’s important in their lives. This route will make it easier and faster for Indian travellers to reach the Sunny side of Maldives and Maldivians the possibility to reach Mumbai and Delhi more conveniently,” GoAir Vice President Arujun Dasgupta said.

In November 2005, GoAir launched its operations as a low-fare carrier to commoditise air travel and offer airline seats at a marginal premium to train fares across India. The airline currently operates over 230 daily flights and approximately 1,600 weekly flights across 25 destinations — 23 domestic and two international.

At a special function held at Hotel Jen in Male Sunday evening, award-winning travel company Voyages Maldives was appointed as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for GoAir in Maldives.

Established in 1980, Voyages Maldives has been in the travel and tour business for more than 35 years, and is one of the most trusted one-stop shop for many Maldivian travellers. Voyages Maldives is also the GSA for British Airways, Lufthansa and Alitalia as well as the Passenger Sales Agent (PSA) for Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Bangkok Airways and Maldivian.

Flagship carriers of the Maldives and India currently operate scheduled flights to and from major cities, including Bangalore, Trivandrum and Chennai. Low-cost Indian airline SpiceJet also operates daily direct connections between Kochi and Male as well as Trivandrum and Male.

However, no scheduled direct service exists between Male and Delhi as well as Male and Mumbai.

Introduction of flight operations by another Indian low-cost airline — and to and from two of the major business and tourism hubs in India — is expected to help both the countries, and further boost tourist arrivals to the Maldives from India, which has become a major emerging source market for the Maldives’ tourism industry.

Official figures show that 83,019 tourists arrived in Maldives from its closest neighbour last year, a 24 percent increase from the 66,955 Indian travellers that chose the Maldives in 2017.

That growth is expected to continue this year as well, as the number of Indian tourists that visited the Maldives recorded a 4.4 percent increase in the January-August period of this year to reach 51,075 compared to 48,939 in the same period last year.

Maldives has also become a sought after destination by Bollywood stars.

Famous Bollywood stars who have vacationed in the Maldives include Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, Parineeti Chopra, the Bachchan family, Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi, and Sonakshi Sinha.

Tickets for the new flights can be booked through Voyages Maldives, by phone (+960 301 8877 / +960 301 8866), email (goair@voyagesmaldives.com), or in person. Voyages Maldives’ offices are located on Chaandhanee Magu.

Maldives Association of Human Resource Professionals (MAHRP) has hosted a successful workshop on the topic of Essentials of HR Research and Data in Decision Making.

The workshop, held as part of MAHRP’s commitment to adding value to the HR network and community, was conducted in collaboration with Villa College’s International Research Centre on Saturday. The session was attended by over 60 HR professionals covering all industries.

During the session, officials from MAHRP shared the importance of HR professionals being aware of big data and how it can be useful in finding solutions for various challenges that they encounter on a daily basis in managing human capital. Ideas were shared around how HR data can be used in research as well as how research findings can be used as guidance in dealing with HR challenges.

Keynote speaker Dr Ali Najeeb, who serves as the Vice Rector at Villa College, shared a compelling presentation on establishing data collection methodologies and research findings, and how it can be published to the community and used it as a base to finding solutions for evolving HR matters. This keynote also included several activities and quizzes which allowed participants to work as a team to discuss HR challenges in the community.

“Having a workshop like this is crucial to keep the HR professionals aware about how to make decisions using big data and HR researches. Everyone was able to take some key learnings from these sessions. It was a privilege to host this session at Villa College. We have future research and HR survey projects which we will work closely with MAHRP,” Dr Najeeb was quoted in a statement issued by MAHRP, as saying.

As a follow up to this session, MAHRP and Villa College’s International Research Centre will work together to conduct workshops on research abstract writing and research questionnaire as well as workshops on other topics of interest that will help interested HR professionals to develop and publish their research.

MAHRP’s next event will be held on October 27 at the Maldives National University’s Faculty of Education Auditorium, which is located on Ameenee Magu. Members interested in joining the half-day event can register through MAHRP’s Facebook page.

Inaugurated in February, MAHRP is the first professional association registered in the Maldives, dedicated to human resources and people development.

The association’s mission is to serve the needs of HR professionals by providing the most current and comprehensive resources, and to advance the profession by promoting HR’s essential values, setting professional standards and providing the know-how. It is committed to linking and connecting HR professionals and practitioners locally and oversees through signature events and membership activities.

Westin Hotels & Resorts has announced the brand’s launch in Maldives with the opening of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

Developed by Belluna Co. Ltd of Japan and Asia Capital PLC of Sri Lanka, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort heralds the Westin brand’s wellness positioning in the Maldivian oasis.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Westin brand to the Maldives, strengthening our presence in Asia Pacific,” Mike Fulkerson, Vice President for Brand and Marketing at Marriott International Asia Pacific, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“The opening of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is a significant addition to our portfolio underscoring a transformative and meaningful wellness proposition for travellers, who are increasingly prioritising well-being even while on the road.”

Stunning Location

Nestled on a beautiful coral island in the Baa atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site, guests of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will experience a tranquil escape with uninterrupted ocean and pristine turquoise lagoon views. From the atoll’s most desirable locale, guests are in close proximity to landmarks such as the Hanifaru Bay, which is known for the largest gathering of manta rays globally.

“We look forward to welcoming our guests to discover the charm of the Maldives while at the same time enjoy the unparalleled level of service,” Brendan Corcoran, General Manager at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, said.

“Along with the Westin brand’s focus on wellness, we trust that every guest will feel exceptionally relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated during and after their stays.”

Marine Inspired Décor, Modern Appointed Villas

Led by award-winning Milan-based architects PEIA Associati, the resort’s design takes inspiration from the ocean with a visionary approach towards environmental sustainability. All elements of the resort’s design take inspiration from the environment from the use of natural materials, such as unique shells to the movement and flow of marine life including sea turtles and whale sharks, providing guests with a link to the region’s exceptional enchantment. An aerial view of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort reveals an outline in the shape of a fish — a distinctive reflection of the beauty of surrounding marine life — while the arrival jetty is structured to resemble clamshells and the oceans’ waves.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort features 70 villas and suites, 41 on island and 29 overwater. Each villa is shaped with an eco-friendly double roofing to create the perfect natural ventilation. Outdoor rainforest showers are a distinctive feature. Poised over the sea on stilts and with an area of almost 200 square metres each, the overwater suites are among the largest a resort has to offer in the Baa Atoll region.

Refined Venues, Elevated Experiences

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort presents three unique dining experiences.

The Pearl is the resort’s specialty restaurant and is ideal for indulging in exquisite Japanese cuisine with exceptional ocean views. The restaurant offers a refined Japanese menu with a focus on seafood and fresh local ingredients.

The all-day dining experience at Island Kitchen stays true to the Westin brand’s Eat Well brand pillar through a balanced menu combining Chinese, Indian and Maldivian fare. At Hawker, guests can sample authentic Asian street food with a live kitchen in a casual bustling atmosphere. Adjacent to the Library and overlooking the azure blue Indian Ocean, Sunset Bar is a relaxed lounge serving tapas and imaginative cocktails.

More Ways to Recharge

The idyllic resort also features Westin’s signature branded spa concept, the Heavenly Spa by Westin with the latest in beauty treatments. The design of the spa area exudes an intimate and serene ambience that allows guests to reflect on their destination, including a spacious treatment suite for two with a Jacuzzi and panoramic ocean views.

Guests can stay active with the 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio sprawled across two levels that features weight machines, free weights, and cardio equipment that faces personal flat-screen televisions; and outdoor pool and recreation ground with tennis, volleyball, basketball options.

Designed to cater to the way modern families travel, the Westin Family Kids Club® offers reimagined family experiences that are tied back to the brand’s wellness positioning for young guests between the ages of 4-12 years. Some of the activities includes nature walks, family-style runs and water activities.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is also well-equipped to play host to distinguished ceremonies or vows renewal with its multifunctional event spaces.

Directly from the beach, guests can explore the house reef with colourful corals and be surrounded by thousands of tropical fish. Miriandhoo is a turtle sanctuary, and guests can easily and often see turtles nesting along the white beaches. Reef sharks, lionfish, manta rays and often whale sharks all reside in the Baa atoll. The stunning experience of the underwater world can be explored while snorkelling, diving, fishing and parasailing.

Additional on-site facilities of the resort include a PADI dive centre and a boutique store.

Westin Hotels & Resorts, a leader in wellness and hospitality for more than a decade, lives its philosophy “Empowering a Better You” through the brand’s Six Pillars of Well-Being: Feel Well, Work Well, Move Well, Eat Well, Sleep Well and Play Well. At more than 200 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories, guests can experience offerings that include the iconic Heavenly® Bed, RunWESTIN and Westin Gear Lending with New Balance®, delicious and nutritious SuperFoodsRx and more.

Parent company Marriott runs several resorts in the Maldives, including The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa, W Maldives, and the upcoming JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa.

Araamu Spa Maldives has won the accolade for the Leading Wellness and Spa Brand at South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2018.

At the SATA 2018 gala held at The Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai on September 15, Araamu Spa was presented with two awards: Leading Wellness and Spa Brand in South Asia and the Maldives.

Araamu Spa has defended these titles since the inception of SATA three years ago.

Since 2003, Araamu Spa has been a trendsetter in promoting spa and wellness across the Maldives in light of the vibrant leisure industry’s inclination towards the natural alternative ways of treatments. The brand has introduced new trends, keeping in mind the holistic concept of natural cure and care amongst the health conscious society with international standards and trends.

With a strong position in Ayurvedic as well as Aromatherapy services and products, Araamu Spa’s retreats are found in all the resorts owned and operated by leading local resort operator Villa Hotels and Resorts, including Paradise Island Resort and Spa, Royal Island Resort and Spa, Holiday Island Resort and Spa, Sun Island Resort and Spa, and Fun Island Resort and Spa.

Launched in 2016 by Maldives based event management company Highrise, SATA has been endorsed by regional tourism authorities and organisations, including the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Sri Lanka (FCCISL), Colombo Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), Confederation of Associated Tour Operators (India), Association of Travel Agents (ATA) Maldives, Association of Travel and Tour Operators India (ATTOI), Association of Professionals in Tourism (APT, India), Kerala Hotel General Managers Club (KHGMC), Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Liveaboard Association of Maldives (LAM).

SATA is the first ever regional travel awards endorsed by multi national associations, providing the tourism sector of the South Asian region with recognition towards their facilities and service excellence. It aims to encourage and raise service standards in the region’s tourism industry.

A record 500 plus nominations from the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal were received for the 36 categories in 10 segments included in this year’s edition of SATA.

This year’s evaluation process was carried out in the most vibrant cities in each country: Maldives capital Male, Sri Lankan capital Colombo, south Indian city of Bangalore, Indian capital New Delhi, Nepalese capital Kathmandu, and the Bhutanese town of Paro. The evaluation was carried out by an all-women jury, which comprised Amal Goonetilleke from Sri Lanka, Rinku Madan from India and Hinna Khalid from Maldives.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives continues to be lauded for offering uniquely diverse experiences amidst luxury and style as Condé Nast Traveler recognised it as the No. 7 Top Resort in the Indian Ocean.

Niyama shares this accolade at the 31st annual Readers’ Choice Awards with sister property Naladhu Private Island Maldives, which was named No. 1 Top Resort in the Indian Ocean and No. 3 Top Resort in the World.

The Readers’ Choice Awards epitomises authenticity, personalisation and the unexpected in the travel industry. This year, nearly half a million Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted a recording-breaking number of responses rating their travel experiences across the globe.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives goes beyond being a luxury resort in the Indian Ocean. It offers a distinct twist on the Maldives with two islands – Chill and Play, perfectly blending adventure with serenity in nature’s playground.

“We are thrilled that Condé Nast Traveler readers appreciate all that Niyama Private Islands Maldives has,” General Manager Hafidh Al Busaidy was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“Niyama is dedicated to providing every guest with the full Chill and Play experience we are known for, from partying six metres below the surface at Subsix to catching exhilarating waves at Vodi surf point. This recognition from Condé Nast Traveler as #7 Top Resort in the Indian Ocean encourages us to continue to strive for even greater excellence in providing luxurious distinctive island experiences. I would like to thank the voters for honouring us and my team for their passion, dedication and enthusiasm in delivering unparalleled guest experiences consistently.”

Niyama Private Islands Maldives offers more than a luxury retreat in the Maldives. Going beyond conventional concepts of lavish accommodation, sumptuous cuisines, and lavish services, Niyama presents every visitor with myriad opportunities to create their own exceptional island experience.

With twin islands Play and Chill, Niyama offers you the true luxury of choice, with everything expected from an island resort and so much more.

Chill is true to its name. You can discover new depths of relaxation at the Drift Spa, or take in a movie under the stars at the outdoor cinema. Just off the coast, enjoy a fine dining experience at Edge accessible only by speedboat, while Subsix invites you the world’s finest underwater seafood restaurant and night club.

Play provides delightful diversions for those looking for more active pursuits. On the water, you can kayak around the islands or discover why Niyama is amongst the hottest surfing destinations. Bicyclists can explore the island at their own pace, perhaps lured by the aromas from the chef’s spice gardens.

US-based Universal Aviation has announced that its newest location, Universal Aviation Maldives will begin operations by the end of November 2018.

Universal Aviation Maldives is headquartered at the Maldives main Velana International Airport, and is a joint venture with Inner Maldives Holidays, a multi-award winning travel company providing tourism and travel services to the booming tourism industry in the Maldives since 1998.

“The Maldives area popular but potentially challenging destination for our clients, so it was important for us to identify a partner in Inner Maldives that will not only reduce our customers’ risk and stress on the ground but provide them with an unforgettable experience through pro-active trip management, versus relying solely on third-parties,” Greg Evans, Chairman at Universal, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

Universal Aviation Maldives’ main operation is located at the main airport island of Hulhule, but the company also provides supervisory services at all airports throughout the Maldives, including Gan International Airport in the southernmost Addu atoll, Villa International Airport in South Ari Atoll, and Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the northern Haa Dhaal atoll.

“Tourism is a major reason for much of the corporate jet aviation traffic to the Maldives,” Abdulla Ghiyas, Managing Director at Universal Aviation Maldives, said.

“Our team members are trained to Universal Aviation’s ground support standards, but are also experts in local tourism and can help arrange discounts for crews on local hotels, air transport, and tours.”

Upon opening, Universal Aviation Maldives will become Universal Aviation’s eighth location in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Universal Aviation Maldives will support local business aviation traffic but just as importantly will be a local advocate for the industry in the Maldives,” Charlie Mularski, Senior Vice President for International Operations at Universal, said.

“Our team will work closely with the Maldives government to identify opportunities to drive traffic, and improve infrastructure and access while also benefiting the local economy.”

Universal Aviation, the ground support division of Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc., has more than 40 locations in 20 countries, including 19 in the Asia-Pacific region with the addition of Universal Aviation Maldives. The Texas-headquartered company offers products and services including international flight planning and scheduling, weather briefings, fuelling programmes, aircraft ground handling and aviation security.

Inner Maldives Holidays is one of the pioneers in launching outbound packages and holidays in the Maldives offering exciting and discounted holidays to Sri Lanka, Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey, Jordan, India, Indonesia, Bali, Krabi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seychelles and many more.

One&Only Reethi Rah has announced plans to welcome innovative plant-based restaurant Yellow for an exclusive pop-up event this October at the resort’s garden-to-table restaurant Botanica.

Sydney-based Chef Brent Savage, renowned for his original vegetarian cuisine, will be serving an eight-course plant-based contemporary menu for guests to enjoy.

For his first collaboration in the Maldives, Chef Brent will be offering One&Only Reethi Rah guests a taste of his contemporary cuisine, serving inventive canapés alongside cocktails on October 22, prior to the exclusive pop-up dining event at Botanica on October 23.

Vegetarian and vegan cuisine have experienced a surge in popularity as diners turn away from meat, in favour of dishes that hero healthy, plant-based ingredients prepared in a way that highlights their natural properties. The eight-course tasting menu that will be served at Botanica includes some of the most popular dishes from Yellow and is prepared using ingredients sourced from Australian growers alongside fresh herbs and vegetables from Botanica’s garden.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with world-class Chef Brent Savage to bring his innovative and healthy menu to Botanica. This exciting collaboration will inspire our guests, nourish their wellbeing, and further elevates Botanica’s unique dining experience,” Jan B. Tibaldi, the General Manager at One&Only Reethi Rah, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

An array of dining choices awaits guests at One&Only Reethi Rah, with seven diverse restaurants to discover. Serving natural, sustainably-sourced cuisine in the magical surroundings of the Chef’s Garden, Botanica provides an enchanting setting to complement Chef Brent’s inspired dishes. Guests can choose to dine in the candle-lit al fresco potager amidst the fresh vegetables and herbs, or surrounded by hundreds of coloured blooms in the Orchid House.

The renowned Australian restaurant, Yellow, is run by the award-winning team behind Bentley Restaurant + Bar, Cirrus and Monopole.

Chef Brent relaunched Yellow’s menu in 2016 as 100 percent plant based, recognising the demand for contemporary vegetarian dining. Aiming to showcase produce that often gets overseen in the restaurant world, Yellow serves fresh and rare ingredients, with heirloom produce sourced for outstanding boutique dishes. Well-regarded as a key leader in the industry for creating meat-free dishes of such high calibre, Chef Brent’s ethos is to treat vegetables as equal to protein and Yellow’s pure vegetarian menu highlights plants as significant components on the menu not to be overlooked.

Set on one of the largest islands in North Male Atoll, the all-villa ultra-luxury One&Only Reethi Rah resort offers an unparalleled array of luxurious options to create an unforgettable holiday. Sleek and spectacular, with unprecedented privacy, One&Only Reethi Rah inspires extraordinary journeys for the soul. From extensive outdoor adventure options, including snorkelling and diving in the exotic underwater world, to the mesmerising One&Only Spa, guests are spoilt for choice.

The resort offers 122 thatch-roofed villas and a wide range of culinary experiences, including the Botanica restaurant, which offers the ultimate in organic garden-to-fork cuisine, and Rabarbaro, which offers genuine Italian fare, as well as a superfoods breakfast menu.

Guests at One&Only Reethi Rah can also enjoy an array of spa experiences, including private sunrise yoga classes on a secluded sandbank, a ‘Twilight Spa Rendezvous’ massage experience under the stars, ‘foot rehab’ – a concept created by the resident yoga instructor and the Bastien Gonzalez therapist which combines yoga and foot massage, Barber+Blade – a men’s grooming and shaving studio and a Spa Courtyard featuring a vitality pool, outdoor sauna and steam room.

Crown & Champa Resorts has appointed Rainer Steinhilber as the General Manager for the leading hospitality group’s upcoming Innahura Maldives Resort.

Rainer had known which direction he wanted his career to go in long before a BuzzFeed dream job quiz matched his outgoing personality, fondness for good music and preference for football over skiing with ‘You’re made for running a private island in the Maldives!’. He set his foot in the hospitality industry door with a job at Disneyland Resort Paris and with Walt’s.

With an ‘if you can dream it, you can do it’ motto in his mind, Rainer has persistently worked toward becoming the capable manager of a private island in the Maldives that he is today. Originally from the German city of Ulm, he has been living the dream in the Maldives since 2007.

Rainer gets what it means for you to finally be going to the Maldives.

“I understand that after all those long months working, when the time for your holiday comes – especially if it’s at a place as mind-blowing as the Maldives – you need to let your hair down and take the time to do the things you enjoy doing and be open to new experiences. Why not have your diving instructor teach you how to take stunning photos underwater, or have a couples’ bath indulgence at the spa because you’ve never been pampered like that before? Perhaps even stay up late to watch a Borussia Mönchengladbach game over a beer with newly made friends,” Rainer was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“At Innahura, we understand what it means for a dream to come true and look forward to making it awesome from the very moment you book and treat your partner to your first uncontrolled ‘THE MALDIVES, BABY!’ scream.”

Located in the northern Lhaviyani atoll, Innahura island will introduce a more affordable Maldives resort to the market when it opens its doors in December 2018.

This newly built three-star island resort boasts 78 Beach Bungalows complemented by an overwater bar, main bar and a wholesome buffet style beachfront restaurant. A getaway for the unpretentious and fun loving, whether young or naturally young at heart.

‘Here, Life is Easy’, this resort’s approach is a cost-effective option for travellers to the Maldives who want a laid-back holiday. A fun and easy atmosphere with a touch of local Maldivian flavours and minimal fuss encapsulates Innahura’s approach to getaways and the resorts purposefully crafted all-inclusive approach, AI Easy. The AI Easy programme is an affordable package which guests can enhance with additional purchases at any time with their favourite drinks, snacks, experiences and activities.

Along with Innahura, Crown & Champa Resorts will open Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi in December.

This expansion increases the collection of resorts operated by Crown & Champa Resorts — a leader in the Maldivian hospitality industry with over 40 years’ experience — to nine, and subsequently diversifies its guest experience offering in this iconic destination. Each resort targets a unique traveller with the aim of offering great quality and value in different segments.

‘Pause, Breathe, Maldives’ with the Crown & Champa Resorts diverse collection of resorts: Hurawalhi Maldives, Mirihi Island Resort, Komandoo Maldives, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, Kuredu Resort Maldives, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa, Meeru Island Resort & Spa, and one city hotel, Champa Central Hotel. Each resort offers guests an unforgettable experience and memorable moments, with beautiful sandy beaches, turquoise waters, beach dining options, water activates, dive centres and snorkelling in one of the most picturesque destinations in the world.

Bookings are now open for Innahura. For more information and bookings, check out the resort’s website. 

Hurawalhi Maldives has announced another early bird offer for the 2018-2019 winter season.

The offer carries a 30 percent discount on all villa categories, and is valid for bookings made from now until October 31 for stays between November 1 to December 1, 2018. Bed and Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board and All-Inclusive Plus plans are eligible for the offer.

“Escape to the sun this Winter and enjoy a Maldivian paradise with Hurawalhi Resort’s Early Bird Winter Offer. Plan ahead and book your Winter stay at Hurawalhi Resort to enjoy a fantastic special offer, that will allow you to enjoy one of the Maldives top 5* resorts at a great price – saving up to 30%,” an announcement by the resort read.

Officially inaugurated in January 2016, the five-star Hurawalhi resort is accessible by a 40-minute scenic seaplane flight from the main airport, and offers 90 villas, including 60 Ocean Villas and 30 Beach Villas, for grown-ups who are seeking luxury and innovation. The villas are stylishly and beautifully conceived featuring soothing décor, sumptuous linens on king size beds, bleached wooden floors, and private terraces with panoramic views.

There is an ocean of delights to take in at Hurawalhi Maldives: dining at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, snuggling up with your darling under a blanket or sparkling stars on the iconic Dream Island sandbank, falling in love with the plethora of marine life on the island’s doorstep – in fact, one visit to the resort is hardly enough to experience it all.

Kanuhura Maldives has been crowned the Best Beach Resort and Best Spa Resort Destination in South Asia/Maldives at the Asian Lifestyle Tourism Awards (ALTA) in Singapore.

These two awards allow Kanuhura to qualify as Asia’s Leading Beach and Spa Resort in Southeast Asia. As one of the establishments who won at this year’s ALTA 2018, Kanuhura will also be able to enjoy a spot at the 2020 Asia Pacific Tourism and Travel Fair, which will take place in the Indian city of Bangalore.

“Being recognised as a stellar beach and spa resort is a thrilling accomplishment for everyone at Kanuhura, as they are dedicated to ensuring that discerning guests can have the luxury island holiday of their lives along the perfect, white shores and across all three of their islands,” the resort said, in a statement.

The immaculate beach at Kanuhura, serviced by dedicated beach butlers, is the perfect place for sun worshippers to get their fix of Maldivian sunshine, enhanced by an exotic signature cocktail or two. It’s the quintessential tropical playground for young and old alike, with a variety of land- and water-based activities on offer, many of which are unique to this sensational resort.

For those that have a penchant for all things romantic, Kanuhura’s beachside bars and fine restaurants provide the ideal place for lazy sunset cocktails or exceptional dining experiences — in fact, you can enjoy a romantic ‘dig in’ dining experience on the beach itself if you wish — that you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Along Kanuhura’s pristine shores, you are sure to create magical memories that will last a lifetime.

If the call of Kanuhura’s warm, sparkling ocean and dreamy beach along with incredible beachside activities hasn’t convinced you to book your stay, then the world-class Kokaa Spa just might. This year’s Asian Lifestyle Tourism Awards wasn’t the first time this gypset oceanside spa has been in the award limelight; in fact, Kokaa Spa has been named the World’s Best Spa by National Geographic Traveller and at the Luxury Spa Awards, it was named the Global Luxury Island Resort Spa.

The incredible Kokaa Spa was created as the ultimate sanctuary for weary travellers or those in search of some much-needed TLC. Named after the butterfly, this newly-renovated spa offers a world of serenity to guests, where each of the spa’s facilities and the diverse spa treatments centre on holistic wellbeing and utter relaxation. Inspired by healing rituals from around the world, the Kokaa Spa menu is comprehensive, boasting one of the biggest variety of treatments in the Maldives detailed in over 50 pages.

Complete with nine treatment rooms, a beauty salon, steam room, plunge pools, a fitness centre, jacuzzis, a beachside pavilion (for mind, body and soul alignment through activities such as yoga and meditation), this spa has everything you could need for a memorable day spent investing in your mental, emotional and physical health.

Whether you are looking for a signature Maldivian massage, a relaxing facial, Ayurvedic treatments, luxuriant bath rituals, hairdressing or beauty services, or would like an all-encompassing package to ensure the ultimate rest, relaxation and restoration, there is sure to be something here for you. Each treatment is tailored specifically to you by expert therapists who use only the finest organic and natural products such as Subtle Energies, VOYA and Terres D’Afrique, many of which can be bought at the spa as well.

If nothing else, the exquisite award winning Kokaa Spa is the ultimate place for some much-deserved “me time”.

With 80 beautifully furnished contemporary villas — complete with exquisite wooden decks — boasting a gypset flair and overlooking pristine beaches and dazzling tropical waters, Kanuhura offers guests a stay in pure paradisiacal perfection. The ultimate place to indulge in luxurious beachside offerings, glorious food and memorable barefoot adventures, this exotic haven is truly a once-in-a-lifetime holiday destination.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been named amongst the top resorts in Indian Ocean.

At the 31st annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, The St. Regis Maldives was ranked at the sixth place with a score of 98.69.

Previously named in the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2017, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is nestled on a private island in the secluded Dhaalu atoll, amidst thriving marine life. Just 40 minutes from the main Velana International Airport by seaplane, guests are transported to a newfound paradise.

Designed with great respect to its natural surroundings, the resort is surrounded by a large house reef and the island is defined by several distinct ecological areas: lagoon, beach coastal and jungle. At The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, guests have the luxury of staying in one of the 77 island and overwater villas, shrouded in lush tropical flora, each with a private pool.

There are six distinct dining venues, including an Asian specialty restaurant, a modern Italian restaurant that features a grand staircase, an underground wine cellar restaurant, a shack style restaurant, a signature overwater bar that rolls out stunning views of dramatic sunset, and a pop-up restaurant in the middle of the resort.

Additionally, guests can also enjoy the Iridium Spa, which presents six overwater treatment rooms, including two that are dedicated to healing Ayurvedic treatments. Spa guests can also enjoy a Blue Hole pool, which contains heated seawater with different water jets – a system with proven benefits to the body.

The Readers’ Choice Awards epitomises authenticity, personalisation and the unexpected in the travel industry. This year, nearly half a million Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted a recording-breaking number of responses rating their travel experiences across the globe.

Velassaru Maldives has introduced a new menu at its Etesian restaurant.

The new menu at Etesian, which offers a journey of culinary perfection in a serene and intimate environment, features sophisticated international dishes. These dishes draw inspiration from the finest quality ingredients available.

Owned and operated by leading local hotel group Universal Resorts, Velassaru is located in South Male Atoll and accessible by a short 25-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport.

Velassaru offers luxurious beachfront and overwater accommodation with uninterrupted ocean views. Featuring wooden ceilings and floors for a tropical atmosphere, the contemporary-styled villas and bungalows offer chic serenity.

A wide variety of international specialities are offered at Velassaru’s five restaurants, including fresh contemporary seafood, Japanese, international and grill pan Indian options. The two beach bars serve cocktails and wines.

Guests can enjoy relaxing spa treatments in overwater pavilions, or hop on a Maldivian boat and watch the crew demonstrate traditional fishing methods. Other resort facilities include a fitness centre, tennis court and infinity pool with the view of the beach and the ocean.

Onyx Hospitality Group has announced plans to open a second resort in the Maldives, OZO Maldives.

Scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2020 under a management agreement with a joint venture company led by Panchshil Realty, the 200-villa private island resort will occupy a secluded island in the Raa atoll, located northwest of the Maldivian capital of Male. ‏

Positioned as a family-oriented resort, OZO Maldives will bear all the signatures which define an OZO, including an enhanced sleep experience, smart connectivity of personal devices in both private spaces and public areas, and curated destination and activity tips by enthusiastic and informed team members.

‏”We are excited to be taking OZO to the Maldives, a destination once reserved exclusively for the ultra-luxury segment. With the opening of OZO, we look forward to redefining the family-oriented resort experience in the Maldives with a property which combines the best of the three key OZO brand signatures — sleep, connect and explore. OZO Maldives will be a great showcase of locally-sourced craftsmanship and environmental education,” Douglas Martell, President and CEO of Onyx Hospitality Group, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“Serving as a strong complement to Amari Havodda Maldives located in the south, this new opening will give Onyx Hospitality Group the opportunity of offering two compelling luxury and mid-scale options in this popular paradise destination.”

‏Featuring design elements and experience touch points inspired by a fictitious castaway explorer named Sebastian King III, an artist and amateur sailor who was shipwrecked and lived alone on the island for eight years before allowing himself to be discovered, OZO Maldives will immerse travellers in a reinterpretation of the legacy he left behind through a series of structures, shelters and landmarks Sebastian creatively constructed from island-sourced raw materials and flotsam washed ashore over the years.‏

Highlights include an upturned Dhoni shipwreck hidden within a jungle which doubles as an activity centre, a crow’s nest-style observation tower, an abandoned lighthouse, Sebastian’s rustic home located within the kids’ club, educational sundial and weather station, and a mangrove discovery walkway.‏

‏The social centre of the island will be the ‘Village’, a collection of rustic driftwood styled retail and dining outlets offering art and craft workshops, bespoke ice cream and refreshments, as well as island-inspired fashions. The island’s large size and natural untouched terrain also offer family-oriented activities including adventure and biking trails, a kids’ campsite, a pitch and putt golf course and various natural and environmental features to appeal to travellers of all ages. ‏

‏Other facilities include OZO’s signature Eat all-day-dining restaurant best known for energising breakfasts, a specialty ‘sunset experience’ restaurant, a rustic and informal ‘Victory Bar’ and floating lagoon pavilions and jungle tree-decks for private dinners. There will also be an island farm run by Maldivian islanders, offering guests natural and fresh organic produce in a unique market garden dining experience.

The resort will also feature Maai Spa, a signature Thai wellness concept, a gym and yoga facility, dive centre and a large landscaped lagoon swimming pool.‏

Of the 200 villas at OZO Maldives, 60 villas will be located overwater while 140 villas will be located on the beach, with 50 beach villas offering larger family-friendly layouts and private plunge pools. Many of the villas will also be either interconnecting or configured with dual key access, to offer flexibility for families and groups of friends travelling together.‏

“OZO Maldives will be a great family-oriented resort with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental education, capped off by all the elements which have made OZO a compelling and high-quality midscale offering. We look forward to adding Onyx to the growing list of international hotel partners we have relationships with, and to working with them on the opening of this property,” Ranjit Batra, President for Hospitality Management at Panchshil Realty, a majority shareholder of the project ownership consortium, said.

‏OZO is a smart, simple and savvy midscale hotel brand offering an enhanced sleep experience and seamless connectivity for travellers who are keen to embark on a deeper exploration of the destination. Since the opening of the first OZO in Hong Kong, the brand has generated consistently positive feedback and continues to exceed midscale accommodation expectations. OZO is currently available in Hong Kong, Koh Samui, Colombo and Kandy, with new hotels being developed in Pattaya, Phuket, Johor Bahru, Penang and the Maldives.‏

‏Within the Indian Ocean region, Onyx Hospitality Group operates four hotels in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, with two hotels in the development pipeline.

In the Maldives, Onyx runs the Amari Havodda Maldives resort, which is located in the southern Gaafu Dhaalu atoll, and accessible by a 55-minute domestic flight to Kaadedhdhoo domestic airport from the main Velana International Airport, followed by a 10-minute speedboat transfer to the island.

Based in Thai capital Bangkok, Onyx Hospitality Group has a growing regional portfolio of 50 operating properties across three core brands in eight countries. The group has a robust development pipeline of close to 30 new properties in markets such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Australia, and has set a target of having 99 hotels open by 2024 as part of its journey towards being the best medium-sized hospitality player in the region.‏

Dusit Hotels & Resorts has launched two new accommodation packages offering special room rates and more privileges at selected properties worldwide, including the Thai hotel group’s resort in the Maldives.

Available for booking now, Escape with Dusit package offers daily breakfast for two adults and two children, one complimentary dinner during the stay, late check-out, and more privileges. A minimum length of stay is required, varying depending on the property.

Dusit Thani Maldives resort in participating in the family-focused offer.

Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll — the Maldives’ first ever UNESCO biosphere reserve — Dusit Thani Maldives blends gracious Thai hospitality with the unparalleled luxury setting of the Maldives. This luxury island resort comprises 94 villas encircled by white sandy beaches, a stunning 360 degree house reef and a turquoise lagoon. With a unique combination of beach and lagoon accommodation, Dusit Thani Maldives provides an unmatched luxurious escape for all travellers.

The second package is the Weekend Offer, which includes special rates, complimentary upgrade to the next room category upon arrival (subject to availability), daily breakfast, and property specific perks. The promotion applies to stays made over weekends at participating hotels and resorts.

Hotels and resorts offering the Weekend Offer include Dusit Thani Bangkok, Dusit Thani Pattaya, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Dusit Thani Krabi, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo, Dusit Thani Manila, Dusit Princess Srinakarin Bangkok, and Royal Princess Larn Luang.