Jumeirah Vittaveli has won a regional award along with a country title at the 2018 World Travel Awards.

At the African and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards, which took place at the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) in South Africa on October 6, the Royal Residence at Jumeirah Vittaveli received the Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa. 

The resort also won the country title for Maldives’ Leading Luxury Villa Resort.

Located a short 20-minute ride on board a luxurious motorised catamaran from capital, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers unmatched diversity, subtle luxury and personalised exploration, whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or an exotic destination for your family.

The 3,500 square metre Royal Residence can accommodate 14 people, with prices from USD 35,000 per night. This lavish private retreat comprises private beach, dedicated restaurant, spa, two swimming pools, an overwater sundeck, jetty, chef, butler and golf buggy chauffeur.

Guests can enjoy a private yacht transfer to the residence and spacious accommodation, which comprises the main Sanctuary, two Guest Villas and a double-storey guest house. An abundance of lounge and seating spaces provide the opportunity to spend quality time together.

Each stay at the Royal Residence comes with a host of benefits such as daily evening canapes and champagne, personal fitness trainer as well as wellness consultant and 24-hour resident butler service. Wellness treatments can be enjoyed in the private Talise spa room inside the Sanctuary complex.

In addition to the Royal Residence, Jumeirah Vittaveli comprises 89 villas and suites each with their own swimming pool and direct access to the beach or lagoon. The private and spacious villas are available with one or two bedrooms making them the ideal accommodation for both families and couples.

Guests can enhance their romantic escape and stay at the picturesque Private Ocean Retreats, an indulgent hideaway with a loft-style bedroom upstairs, overwater hammocks, private infinity pool and full outdoor daybed. The villas are freestanding in the lagoon ensuring maximum privacy while only a two-minute ride on board the complimentary boat service from the main island. The Private Ocean Retreats are designed to offer all the resort services, from in-villa dining and yoga on a open air deck to an indulgent couple’s massage.

For the evenings, guests have the choice of a culinary journey through India in the resort’s signature restaurant Swarna, or an overwater fine dining experience featuring French cuisine at Fenesse.

The Talise spa at Jumeirah Vittaveli has been named Best Luxury Wellness Spa in Maldives by the World Travel Awards in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Treatments at the spa are inspired by concepts of light and space connecting with the purity and vibration of ingredients. The team produces their own island made 100 percent pure coconut oil, which is used in treatments and available as a take-home souvenir. The garden and overwater treatment rooms provide romantic spaces for couples who wish to enjoy blissful relaxation, while the spa menu also includes dedicated Mother-Daughter and Father-Son pampering sessions.

Jumeirah Vittaveli offers romantic escapes as well as a variety of land and water-based activities, including the destination’s first ice rink, a PADI Dive base, water sports centre, six restaurants and bars, and two lounges. An underground tasting room and a wine library will open soon.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year, World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media.

The 2018 African and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony marked the sixth leg of the WTA Grand Tour 2018 – a series of regional events to acknowledge the world’s outstanding travel brands. Events on the tour include Ras al Khaimah (United Arab Emirates), Athens (Greece), Hong Kong, Guayaquil (Ecuador) and Montego Bay (Jamaica).

The regional winners will progress to the Grand Final 2018, which is being hosted in Lisbon (Portugal) on December 1.

Iridium Spa at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been crowned the best resort spa in the world at the 2018 World Spa Awards.

At the red-carpet gala ceremony at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort on October 26, the Iridium Spa at The St. Regis Maldives was announced the winner of two accolades in the ‘world’ category: World’s Best Resort Spa and World’s Best Spa Signature Treatment. Two ‘regional’ and ‘country’ awards — Indian Ocean’s Best Resort Spa and Maldives’ Best Resort Spa — were also given to the resort.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, which recently won three awards the 2018 World Travel Awards African and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, 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.

The signature Iridium Spa at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort promises a transformative journey in an oasis of tropically inspired sophistication. Alighting atop the scintillating waves of the Indian Ocean, the 1,850-square-metre overwater sanctuary features plush furnishings set against white oak interiors to create an ambience of elegant tranquility.

Each of the six couple’s treatment suites — including two Ayurvedic suites with private steam rooms — offers a refined retreat. Sliding glass doors allow guests to admire unfettered sea vistas from their spa beds while private terraces with soaking bathtubs ensure relaxation enhanced by fresh ocean breezes. En-suite showers and bathrooms provide unsurpassed privacy and convenience. Additional pampering can be found in the spa’s steam rooms, saunas and cold-drench showers.

Situated on a covered terrace and commanding picturesque ocean vistas, the Blue Hole Pool is the most expansive hydrotherapy pool in the Maldives. Heated seawater and an array of whirlpool jets melt away tension while offering curative benefits for both mind and body. Guests are also invited to unwind on comfortable poolside chaises.

Offering a holistic approach to wellness and rejuvenation, the spa’s treatments are enhanced by Natura Bissé products, hand-selected for their therapeutic benefits. Each visit begins in the serene Iridium Room, where guests can sip the exclusive Iridium tea while taking in views of vibrant marine life through glass floors. An Ayurvedic specialist, acupuncturist and other expert staff are at the ready to curate bespoke rituals to fulfil each individual’s wellness needs, from Balinese and Thai massages and herbal body scrubs to facials, manicures, and pedicures that will leave each guest feeling refreshed.

Refreshing snacks and juices from a spa cuisine menu can be enjoyed in a relaxation lounge, while there is a boutique that allows guests to take exclusive product lines home.

World Spa Awards serves to celebrate and reward spa industry excellence through an annual awards programme. World Spa Awards is the sister event of World Travel Awards, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Qatar Airways has added a third daily flight to the Maldives.

The new service, which is set to launch on October 28, is part of the airline’s continued expansion in Asia, following its move last year to be the first airline to fly the state-of-the-art A350 aircraft to the Maldives.

“We are delighted to announce the addition of a third daily flight between Doha and the Maldives, one of our most popular holiday destinations,” Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“We believe that a luxurious travel experience isn’t just about the destination, but about the whole journey itself.”

Qatar Airways currently operates 14 flights per week from Doha to the Maldives.

The additional service will be operated by both the A330-300 and A320-200 aircraft, and will take the number of weekly flights to 21.

“The additional daily frequency between Doha and the Maldives showcases our commitment to expanding our global route network, in order to offer our passengers enhanced choice and flexibility when planning a holiday getaway,” Al Baker said.

“We are pleased that we can continue in our efforts to provide our passengers with even more opportunity to experience this captivating destination.”

In October 2017, the airline upgraded its double-daily A330 service to the Maldives with an A350 aircraft, featuring a total of 283 seats, with 36 business class seats and 247 in economy.

Qatar Airways is popular amongst travellers from Europe who often transit in Doha before flying to the Maldives.

Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) has been recognised as Indian Ocean’s Leading Leisure Hotel at the World Travel Awards.

The award was presented at the African and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards, which took place at the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) in South Africa on October 6.

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.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year, World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media.

The 2018 African and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony marked the sixth leg of the WTA Grand Tour 2018 – a series of regional events to acknowledge the world’s outstanding travel brands. Events on the tour include Ras al Khaimah (United Arab Emirates), Athens (Greece), Hong Kong, Guayaquil (Ecuador) and Montego Bay (Jamaica).

The regional winners will progress to the Grand Final 2018, which is being hosted in Lisbon (Portugal) on December 1.

Kuredu Resort Maldives has announced the final round in its series of anniversary competitions, where the lucky winners receive a free holiday to the resort.

For this final round in the series of anniversary competitions, Kuredu wants you to get into the spirit of celebration and show your best Mardi Gras outfit. Mardi Gras will be the theme running throughout Kuredu’s 30th anniversary events.

Maldives has participated in the China-ASEAN Expo Tourism Exhibition (CAEXPOTE) 2018.

During the three-day exhibition in the southern Chinese city of Guilin from October 26-28, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is showcasing the destination at a 36sqm space. MMPRC is promoting the various segments of the destination targeted towards attracting the Chinese market.

MMPRC representatives are also participating in a B2B session with the major operators, and media from the region. Visitors are given most up-to-date information about the destination, while having the opportunity to taste Maldivian flavours right from the stand.

Aside from these, visitors are also invited to take part in a social media campaign, where they stand a chance to win a surprise gift for posting a selfie on Weibo with the hashtags #visitmaldives and #CAEXPOTE2018. Visitors can also experience the underwater beauty through VR gear at the stand.

CAEXPOTE, which began in 2015, is amongst the growing travel trade exhibitions in the Guangxi region. This annual exhibition aims to promote cooperation and exchange between China and ASEAN countries in the tourism field, while also enhancing mutually beneficial understanding and friendship within the region.

The exhibition is set to expand in the coming years, as a recognised and well-known exhibition and a cooperative platform for regional tourism.

In the past, the event has witnessed over 900 stands, representing more than 60 countries and regions, while attracting over 200,000 visitors.

China continues to be the top source market to the Maldives since arrival numbers spiked in 2012.

In 2017, 306,530 Chinese tourists visited Maldives contributing to 22.1 percent of the total arrivals for the year. According to the latest arrival figures, 222,108 Chinese tourists arrived in the Maldives by the end of September 2018.

Leading local resort operator Coco Collection has defended Indian Ocean’s Leading Boutique Hotel Brand award.

The award was presented at the African and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards, which took place at the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) in South Africa on October 6.

Coco Collection won the same title at last year’s Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony as well.

Three islands — Coco Bodu Hithi, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and Coco Privé — comprise the Coco Collection brand.

Coco Bodu Hithi, the flagship property in Coco Collection’s portfolio, is a chic retreat where you reconnect with yourself, your loved ones and the wonder of the natural world. Translating island life into contemporary sophistication, the resort, which is accessible by a 40-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport, offers 100 villas that are surrounded by the calm view of the lagoon and the soothing sound of the waves.

With seven restaurants and bars, Coco Bodu Hithi celebrates and offers a variety of exquisite cuisines, taking inspiration from the Maldives and further afield.

An award-winning wellness zone on stilts over the clear water, Coco Spa is a sanctuary for the soul. Mindful of the healing properties of nature and the ocean, the spa is designed to retreat for an escape, whether a massage in one of the eight treatment rooms or yoga on the pavilion overlooking the ocean and beach. With a range of products from the Paris label Thémaé combining the healing properties of tea, therapists at Coco Spa are trained in techniques to treat the mind, body and soul. An overwater gym within the zone inspires guests to keep up with their regime of active well ness when away on a holiday.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is dedicated to the inspiring beauty and natural wonder of the Maldives. Here, environmentally-conscious touches are woven into luxurious natural surroundings and initiatives contribute to the environmental and social sustainability of Maldives.

At USD 45,000 a night, Coco Privé is the first private island for exclusive hire in the Maldives. Secluded and utterly discrete, the island is perfectly designed for guests to escape to an entirely private paradise.

With a master residence and five guest villas all with breathtaking views, a lavish dining room, purpose-built kitchen, cocktail bar, wine cellar, library, indoor and outdoor gym areas, sauna, and a 40-metre pool, this 1.4 hectare island is the perfect space to indulge in anything you can imagine.

A dedicated team of personal staff including private chefs, butlers and spa therapists ensure a level of service that is unparalleled. Every guest is given a completely personalised experience, and this is what makes stays on the island so exceptional.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year, World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media.

The 2018 African and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony marked the sixth leg of the WTA Grand Tour 2018 – a series of regional events to acknowledge the world’s outstanding travel brands. Events on the tour include Ras al Khaimah (United Arab Emirates), Athens (Greece), Hong Kong, Guayaquil (Ecuador) and Montego Bay (Jamaica).

The regional winners will progress to the Grand Final 2018, which is being hosted in Lisbon (Portugal) on December 1.

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi has appointed Iain McCormack as its new General Manager.

With a wealth of luxury hospitality experience spanning an impressive four decades, Iain’s expertise and insight will be a valuable asset to one of the newest luxury openings in the Maldives.

Having spent extended periods of time in Asia working with international hospitality companies such as Leading Hotels of the World and IHG as well as in the Maldives as the General Manager of Soneva Gili (now Gili Lankanfushi), Iain joins the first property in the Maldives by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts with an inherent understanding of what makes the archipelago’s hospitality industry so unique.

Most recently Iain served as the Global Group Director of the Karma Group, an award-winning international travel and lifestyle hospitality brand. In his role, he had full strategic control of the group’s 27 boutique and luxury resorts, including implementing brand standard systems, setting up structured sales and marketing plans, and driving the development division.

During his time in Asia, Iain had served as the Consultant General Manager at Naman Retreat, in Danang Vietnam, and as the General Manager at InterContinental Danang, Vietnam, contributing to the resort’s multiple accolades, including winning “World’s Leading Luxury Resort” in 2014 and 2015.

In addition to Asia, the Southampton College graduate had also worked in key leadership roles in hotels across the UK and Caribbean, including the Gleneagles Hotel, The Metropole Hotel and Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort.

Part of AccorHotels, the stunning new Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi offers 112 luxury villas, each with a private pool. Sirru Fen Fushi, which means ‘secret water island’ in the local Dhivehi language, is set on an exceptionally lush island bursting with flora and fauna. The picturesque locale is also surrounded by powder white sand beaches, peppered with thatched-roofed villas overlooking an endless turquoise sea.

The all-villa resort located in the northern Shaviyani atoll is ideal for couples or families, and features 200 metres of infinity pools as well as luxury safari-style tented villas nestled in the island’s lush interior jungle.

A newcomer to the Maldives booming tourism industry, AccorHotels is on a major expansion drive, with three existing properties and two under development in the island nation.

The French multinational hotel group took over the management of Dhevanafushi from Dubai-based hospitality group Jumeirah last year, with plans to reposition the luxury resort under the iconic Raffles Hotels and Resorts brand.

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, the only resort in the Maldives with direct access to an airport, welcomed the first group of tourists in August 2017. The resort, located in the southern Gaafu Alif atoll, was officially inaugurated in September 2017.

AccorHotels has also signed up to manage another resort being developed in Gaafu Alif atoll.

Set to open next year, the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa resort is a traditional ‘one island, one resort’ property located a 10-minute speedboat ride away from its sister property, the Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort. The five star resort will offer upscale modern facilities such as two swimming pools, a sunset bar overlooking the lagoon, a luxury spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a kids club, beach playground, tennis courts, gourmet restaurants, organic gardens, a dive centre and a water sports centre.

Alongside Raffles, Pullman, Sofitel, Swissôtel and MGallery, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts is part of the luxury brands portfolio of AccorHotels. With 75 properties in 24 countries, hotels under the Fairmont banner offer guests an extraordinary place that is created by combining unique architecture and structure, expressive decor and artistry, magnificent features and exceptional service all in one great location.

Baros Maldives has won Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort award for the sixth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards.

The latest award was presented at the African and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards, which took place at the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) in South Africa on October 6.

Baros has won the regional award every year since 2013.

The resort has also been the recipient of World’s Most Romantic Resort award for five times at the World Travel Awards.

Only the third resort to open in the Maldives (1973) and the first Dive Centre to open in the archipelago (1979), Baros Maldives is situated in the central southern part of North Male Atoll, just 25 minutes by speedboat from the international airport.

It is surrounded by a beautiful house reef, only 15 to 30 metres from the shore, alive with colours, fish, turtles, rays and coral.

As a small leading luxury Maldives resort, Baros offers 75 tastefully designed Beach and Water Villas.

With Beach Villas of classic elegance set in lush vegetation, and secluded Water Villas, many with private pools, Baros is one of the most romantic resorts in the Maldives, the perfect honeymoon getaway. Inspired by Maldivian traditions of heartfelt hospitality, Baros is a tropical island dream come true with fine cuisine and drinks served at three gourmet class restaurants, two bars, and a cigar and shisha lounge.

The spa at Baros is located in a beautiful, lush tropical garden where serenity saturates the atmosphere, and is accessed by over-water stepping stones. It is a tranquil haven where complete well-being in body, mind and soul is made possible.

The resort continues to set the benchmark for a romantic, luxury holiday with genuine, heartfelt Maldivian hospitality. It has received countless prestigious awards from guests and the travel industry and remains a pioneer in conservation in the Maldives.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year, World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media.

The 2018 African and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony marked the sixth leg of the WTA Grand Tour 2018 – a series of regional events to acknowledge the world’s outstanding travel brands. Events on the tour include Ras al Khaimah (United Arab Emirates), Athens (Greece), Hong Kong, Guayaquil (Ecuador) and Montego Bay (Jamaica).

The regional winners will progress to the Grand Final 2018, which is being hosted in Lisbon (Portugal) on December 1.

Mirihi Island Resort’s Muraka restaurant has received the Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator magazine for another year.

The overwater Muraka restaurant carries outstanding list of more than 300 carefully selected wines from all corners of the world. The fine dining restaurant’s deck is the perfect spot on Mirihi to enjoy an apéro while watching the dazzling sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Awards recognise restaurants whose wine lists offer interesting selections, are appropriate to their cuisine and appeal to a wide range of wine lovers.

To qualify for an award, a wine list must present complete, accurate information, including vintages and appellations for all selections. Complete producer names and correct spellings are mandatory, and the overall presentation of the list is also considered.

Lists that meet these requirements are judged for one of three awards: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence, and the Grand Award.

The wine lists which are conferred the Award of Excellence typically offer at least 90 selections. They feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Whether compact or extensive, focused or diverse, these lists deliver sufficient choice to satisfy discerning wine lovers.

Located in the South Ari Atoll, Mirihi Island is an intimate resort with only 37 rooms, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff. Guests will immediately feel at ease in the safe and beautiful environment. With sand covered floors throughout much of the hotel, guests can relax upon arrival where they will be encouraged to abandon their shoes and enjoy their stay barefoot with the powder-soft sand between their toes.

Travellers looking to socialise and meet like-minded people can book sunset sailing trips, whale shark safaris, diving trips, visits to local islands, sessions tasting the most comprehensive selection of fine rum in the whole of the Indian Ocean, and can enjoy complimentary weekly beach cinemas, board games, table tennis, football and more.

Alternatively, guests can enjoy some time away from it all in their private water or beach villa, on a secluded beach or while enjoying a pampering spa treatment.

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, resumed its service to the Maldives on Sunday.

With a flight time of four hours, the first flight WY 383 departed Muscat at 8.50am on October 28 and landed at the Maldives main Velana International Airport at 1.30pm local time. The first Oman Air flight from Maldives WY 384 departed at 6.50pm on October 28 and arrived in Muscat International Airport at 12.35am on October 29.

Oman Air flights from Muscat to Male will operate on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, while the flights from Maldives to Muscat will operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

This new route will be serviced by the new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which has been designed to offer exceptional performance, flexibility and efficiency. Configured with 162 seats in a two-class configuration — 12 in business and 150 in economy — with significant enhancements across both cabins, the MAX aircraft is an example of Oman Air’s commitment to continually upgrade its products and services to deliver guests’ satisfaction.

Oman Air’s fleet and network have continued to grow. This expansion has been aided by continued investment in Oman Air’s award winning on-board experience, exemplified by the MAX aircraft. Oman Air is currently undergoing an exciting fleet and network expansion programme, which will see the airline operate up to 70 aircraft to over 60 destinations by 2022.

The resumption of the Maldives service comes at an exciting time, as Oman Air recently started their flights to Istanbul in June, Casablanca in July and Moscow on October 30th. Oman Air continues to be recognised for its award winning on board experience; winning an array of industry awards to add to its growing collection.

Sun Travels and Tours has been appointed the General Sales Agent for Oman Air in the Maldives. The office is located at the new Sun Siyam Building, the corporate headquarters of Sun Travels and Sun Siyam Resorts, on Boduthakurufaanu Magu in capital Male.

Despite falling numbers, Middle East remains one of the major emerging source markets for the Maldives tourism industry. Official figures show that 49,193 tourists visited the Maldives from Middle Eastern countries last year, a 4.2 percent decrease over the 51,330 the year before.

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef has defended Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort title at the 2018 World Travel Awards.

The award was presented at the African and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards, which took place at the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) in South Africa on October 6.

The resort won the same title at last year’s Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards as well.

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef is a palm fringed paradise-like island located in Dhaalu atoll, a mere 35-minute seaplane flight away from the main Velana International Airport.

Hidden amongst the foliage are 62 shell shaped bungalows, (14 Beach Villas, 18 Deluxe Beach Villas, 10 Jacuzzi Deluxe Beach Villas, five Deluxe Beach Villas with Pool, and 15 Sun Aqua Pool Villas) with lava-stone pools, whirlpool bathtubs, private sundecks and day swing beds. A further 41 Water Villas (20 Reef Villas, nine Sunset Reef Villas, six Aqua Villas with plunge pools, five Aqua Suites with private swimming pool and a Grand Reef Suite) complete the accommodation offering with a select few even hiding inviting overwater hammocks.

Guests can be selective at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef and explore the spice and warmth of home style Maldivian cuisine, feast on gourmet organic and free-range produce grown on the resorts private Farm Island, sink their teeth into freshly caught, barbecued seafood or dine under the stars with private dining experiences.

A major focus, the Sun Aqua Spa at the Sun Aqua Vilu Reef consists of six private treatment pavilions each with open air flower baths, open showers, a hydrotherapy area and double treatment beds. On offer is also a salon, manicure/pedicure and a beautiful relaxation area. Encompassing the Five Element Theory — Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth and Water — the spa will offer a lengthy menu of Ayurvedic wellness rituals, pampering beauty therapies and massage techniques from around the world. It also offers a selection of signature therapies to help renew body and mind, including a rich scrub of coconut or coffee, a herbal Udavarthanam detox or a relaxing, fragrant flower bath.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year, World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media.

The 2018 African and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony marked the sixth leg of the WTA Grand Tour 2018 – a series of regional events to acknowledge the world’s outstanding travel brands. Events on the tour include Ras al Khaimah (United Arab Emirates), Athens (Greece), Hong Kong, Guayaquil (Ecuador) and Montego Bay (Jamaica).

The regional winners will progress to the Grand Final 2018, which is being hosted in Lisbon (Portugal) on December 1.

The spirit of Christmas is coming to The Small Maldives Island Co as it plans a festive season full of memorable moments at its luxury Maldivian resorts, Amilla Fushi, Finolhu and Huvafen Fushi.

Guests at each island will see their holiday wishes come true with celebratory experiences and delectable festive feasts to share with family and friends – and even a jet-skiing visit from Santa and his elves!

Amilla Fushi

Evenings of enchantment and wonder await at Amilla Fushi as the daring ‘Amilla Tribe’ descend on the island. Dance to the beat of the drums as the sun sets over the endless horizon, while fire performers turn up the heat with jaw-dropping displays. Toasting in the New Year, guests will be treated to a world-class spectacle from the UK-based pyro performance group The Fuel Girls, known all over the world for their death-defying shows, and music from Irish singer, songwriter and lead singer of B*witched Edele Lynch.

Festive foodie surprises are a certainty as Chef Hiro Nakamura charts an incredible journey of flavourful Japanese cuisine to Amilla’s signature overwater restaurant Feeling Koi, showcasing a selection of artfully crafted sushi, nigiri and sashimi by the water’s edge. There will also be lip smacking themed nights at the chilled-out foodie hub Baazaar and enchanting dining experiences in the magical Mystique Garden.

Australian football hero Tim Cahill has joined forces with Amilla Fushi to offer a four day training camp for inspiring young footballers to see if they have what it takes to become one of the ‘greats’. The ‘Amilla Four Seventeen’ football team invites kids aged from five-eight years and teens from 9-16 years old to train and perfect their skills through elite coaching by the all-time leading goal scorer on the island’s very own full-sized pitch.

Located just 30 minutes by seaplane from the main Velana International Airport, Amilla Fushi offers a choice of 59 Houses that sit gracefully over crystal clear waters, nestled amongst lush tree tops or hugging the shores of pristine white sand. Additionally, eight spectacular four to eight-bedroom Beach Residences ideally suited to large families, groups of friends and VVIPs seeking the ultimate in space and privacy are also available.

Amilla’s innovative restaurants range from the diverse, informal foodie hub Baazaar to the relaxed yet sophisticated overwater dining at the signature Feeling Koi. Guests can even drop in to gourmet café and deli The Emperor General Store or The Wine Shop and Cellar Door to treat themselves to lighter snacks, a favourite bottle or a gourmet selection of artisanal cheeses.

With an unrivalled range of purpose-designed multi-bedroom accommodation options, and an exciting, inspiring and active Kids’ Club, Amilla Fushi is putting the Maldives on the map as a destination not just for couples, but for families and friends.

Finolhu

Forget the reindeer-drawn sleigh; Santa makes waves with an adrenalin-fuelled jet-ski arrival to the fun-loving island resort Finolhu. The island will offer a rocking calendar of festive celebrations set against a stunning backdrop.

The Christmas season at Finolhu will also be an epicure’s dream, starting on December 19 with a daily rotation of sweet treats and goodies, and unreal spreads at the Baa Baa Beach Diner.

World-class entertainment will kick off Finolhu’s year-end bonanza, as guests are invited to bust a move with music from the Gypsy Queens and The Riffs, DJ sets and dazzling performances by Area 51 acrobats.

Just 30 minutes by speedboat from sister resort Amilla, Finolhu is a stylish and eclectic retreat with a buzzy bon-vivant vibe and a refreshing, retro-inspired burst of fun for the region. Bringing toes-in-the-sand relaxation to fun-loving beach-erati alongside the best DJs, live acts and most fabulously chic parties in the Maldives.

Finolhu’s 125 villas come on the ocean, the lagoon or by the beach, with or without pool in either one or two bedroom options being the ultimate island experience for chic couples, fun-loving families and gatherings of friends alike.

Huvafen Fushi

Come dressed as a flapper or looking dapper as Huvafen Fushi heads back to the roaring 20s, transforming itself into a tropical take on the glamorous Gatsby Mansion.

A world created to amaze, amuse and entertain, guests are invited to become part of Jay Gatsby’s inner circle, dancing the night away at Cotton Club, the resort’s exclusive ‘pop down’ underground Jazz club where they can create everlasting memories while enjoying tantalising cocktails and live music.

Chef Hiro will be serving sensational Omakase tasting menus at the resort’s signature overwater restaurant Feeling Koi from December 22-26, followed by special Champagne-fuelled evenings hosted by ambassadors from Krug on December 27 and Louis Roederer December 29.

Welcoming the arrival of 2019 in unforgettable fashion, Huvafen Fushi celebrates with a breathtaking firework display and late night music at Forno from Def Note.

Opened over a decade ago, Huvafen Fushi built a deserved reputation amongst dynamic connoisseurs, seduced by the sensuous embrace of this iconic island. Now in the arms of The Small Maldives Island Co, the perennial poise and allure of this fashionable global icon has been lovingly rekindled; reinvigorated for a new generation of sophisticates drawn irresistibly by the promise of a glamorously grown-up rendezvous.

The adults-only island’s 44 enrapturing, naturally modern villas – all with private pools – are refreshed, while its famed spa — world’s first and only underwater spa — has been enhanced by celebrated wellness practitioners from PURE Massage to Teresa Tarmey.

New culinary experiences at Huvafen Fushi include modern Japanese cuisine with a Latin twist at Feeling Koi and designer drinks dreamt up by mixologists from London’s PURL, complementing the established gastronomic lineup including subterranean wine trove Vinum, alfresco Italian Forno and relaxed deck dining at Celsius.

Maldives has been crowned the best spa destination in the world.

At the red-carpet gala ceremony of the 2018 World Spa Awards at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort on October 26, the Maldives won the ‘World’s Best Spa Destination’ title for the second time — first being at the inaugural awards in 2016.

During the star-studded event at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, the Maldives also secured the regional ‘Indian Ocean’s Best Spa Destination’ award.

Maldives has consecutively maintained the Indian Ocean’s Best Spa Destination title for the past three years, since the World Spa Awards was founded. In 2016, Maldives also won the World’s Best Spa Destination award.

“Winning these awards will indeed enhance the image of the destination as a high profile luxury destination. Furthermore, winning of the awards indicates the visitors’ love and confidence towards the Maldives,” Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) said, in a statement.

Spa and relaxation are one of the main segments of Maldives tourism and the destination is popular for the world’s top spas.

Maldives had the world’s first underwater spa open at Huvafen Fushi resort in 2004. This addition to the spa segment of the destination took the spa industry to another level.

World Spa Awards serves to celebrate and reward spa industry excellence through an annual awards programme. World Spa Awards is the sister event of World Travel Awards, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Maldives’ main seaplane operator Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) has been crowned Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator at the 2018 World Travel Awards.

The award was presented at the African and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards, which took place at the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) in South Africa on October 6.

TMA started in 1989 as a company operating a helicopter fleet under the name Hummingbird Island Helicopters.

Eight years later, the name was changed to Hummingbird Island Airways, as the first seaplane was added to the fleet. The transition to a seaplane-only fleet was completed in 1999. A year later, the name Trans Maldivian Airways came to be, and still today represents a synonym for connecting the Maldives islands.

In February 2013, Blackstone, one of the world’s leading investment and advisory firms, acquired controlling stakes in TMA and its sole competitor Maldivian Air Taxi (MAT), and merged the two under the TMA brand.

A consortium led by US-based Bain Capital and Chinese conglomerate Tempus Group had in 2017 bought TMA from Blackstone for around USD 550 million.

TMA currently operates an all-amphibian fleet of 50 aircraft — one DHC-6-100, one DHC-6-200, 45 DHC-6-300s, and three DHC-6-400s — on regular flights throughout the Maldivian archipelago, making it the largest seaplane operator in the world.

In 2016, TMA operated over 120,000 flights, transferring close to a million passengers, including 80,000 residents.

Seaplane is the preferred mode of transport between the main Velana International Airport and dozens of resorts, especially those located in the outer atolls.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year, World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media.

The 2018 African and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony marked the sixth leg of the WTA Grand Tour 2018 – a series of regional events to acknowledge the world’s outstanding travel brands. Events on the tour include Ras al Khaimah (United Arab Emirates), Athens (Greece), Hong Kong, Guayaquil (Ecuador) and Montego Bay (Jamaica).

The regional winners will progress to the Grand Final 2018, which is being hosted in Lisbon (Portugal) on December 1.

Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa has opened a new outdoor deck at its Funama Restaurant and Bonthi Bar.

The cosy atmosphere of the highly anticipated deck, which is made from natural and sustainable wood, will make guests feel the energy of the ocean while they enjoy a divine meal and great company.

“At Vilamendhoo, we continuously upgrade and improve our resort in order to provide exceptional accommodation, facilities and services to our valued guests,” Mohamed Zahir, the resort’s General Manager, said.

“We position ourselves as a destination that offers well-sourced products, including fixtures and fittings, amenities, food, genuinely happy staff, an interest in the local environment and engagement with the local community.”

Funama, the buffet restaurant for guests staying in Garden Rooms and Beach Villas, serves ‘all you can eat’ buffet style meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The buffet features a variety of international and regional cuisines to please everyone’s taste.

The Bonthi Bar is situated on the beach, beside the Funama restaurant. With satellite TV coverage of international sporting events and a Disco, the bar is open 24 hours.

Located in South Ari Atoll and accessible by a scenic 25-minute seaplane transfer, Vilamendhoo is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon, an excellent house reef and long stretches of white, sandy beach. The resort offers accommodation in 184 rooms, including 30 Jacuzzi Water Villas, 30 Jacuzzi Beach Villas, 111 Beach Villas and 13 Garden Rooms.

Vakarufalhi Island Resort has appointed Michele Masper as its new General Manager.

A dynamic, sales focused professional who has been working in the hospitality industry for nearly 15 years, Michele became the youngest General Manager in Maldives in 2003. After working in the island nation for nearly five years, he went onto become the General Manager of several five-star hotels across the world, including in Greece, Tanzania and Dubai.

Prior to the appointment as Vakarufalhi’s chief in command, Michele was the General Manager of Rezia Hotel in Italy.

Michele has an outgoing personality and a passion for making guests feel at home. As a true leader, his goal is to inspire the people around him and guide them to achieve greatness.

The Italian national holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and a Master’s Degree in Hospitality Management from Stenden University, South Africa. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Hotel Revenue Management and Profit Generation, and is a keen pilot with a Private Pilot Licence.

Owned and managed by Sri Lanka-based Mount Lavinia Hotel Group, Vakarufalhi is located in the South Ari Atoll and is accessible by a 25-minute scenic seaplane journey from the Maldives main Velana International Airport.

The luxury island resort offers a mesmerising and tranquil experience with its beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise lagoon and breathtaking house reef, which is regarded as one of the best in the Maldives by its regulars.

Sparing no detail, the island boasts a variety of beautifully adorned villas, a renowned spa offering a true pampering experience to guests, and tropical water sports, as well as specially crafted dishes and cocktails that put guests at the very centre of paradise.

JA Manafaru Maldives has bagged two prestigious regional awards along with a country title at the 2018 World Travel Awards.

At the African and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony of the World Travel Awards, which took place at the Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) in South Africa on October 6, JA Manafaru received the Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort award.

Meanwhile, the Royal Island Suite at JA Manafaru was recognised as Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Suite as well as the Maldives’ Leading Hotel Suite.

Accessible via a 75-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport or by a 45-minute domestic flight to Hanimaadhoo Airport followed by a 35-minute luxury speedboat transfer, JA Manafaru is a peaceful haven situated in the northernmost atoll of Haa Alif, where world-class service is delivered amidst dazzling turquoise waters, white sand beaches, distinct Maldivian architecture and lush vegetation.

A total of 83 villas and suites, each with their own private plunge pool are dotted throughout the spacious island.

Two exquisite Royal island Suites await world-weary travellers and spa aficionados. Perfect for a large group of family or friends, this exclusive two-storey beach residence, features its own private spa facilities and treatment room. Passing through a private courtyard decorated with ornamental ponds, the airy living and dining area opens to reveal a spectacular private pool bordered by an enlarged sundeck, while lush greenery conceals a secluded pristine beachfront with a beach cabana.

At JA Manafaru, guests can also find island bliss with over eight spa treatment rooms at the award-winning Calm Spa, gourmet galore at one of seven restaurants and create lasting memories with water sports such as scuba diving, jet skiing and kayaking.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year, World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region. World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media.

The 2018 African and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony marked the sixth leg of the WTA Grand Tour 2018 – a series of regional events to acknowledge the world’s outstanding travel brands. Events on the tour include Ras al Khaimah (United Arab Emirates), Athens (Greece), Hong Kong, Guayaquil (Ecuador) and Montego Bay (Jamaica).

The regional winners will progress to the Grand Final 2018, which is being hosted in Lisbon (Portugal) on December 1.

JOALI Maldives has appointed Alan Ball as its Area Director of Sales and Marketing.

In his role at the newly opened all-villa resort, Ball leads the planning and implementation of sales and marketing strategy, optimising the hotel’s revenue and market share to establish JOALI Maldives as a leading luxury resort.

“We are thrilled to welcome such a respected hospitality veteran to our team at JOALI Maldives,” Steven Phillips, General Manager of JOALI Maldives, was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“With a decade of experience in the region, Alan’s knowledge and expertise will be crucial to establishing JOALI as an exceptional resort in the Maldives as we continue to build our brand.”

Prior to joining JOALI, Ball held the position of Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives and Six Senses Zil Pasyon in the Seychelles. Before working with Six Senses, Ball was based in Singapore where he served as Group Head of Sales for Per AQUUM Retreats & Resorts. Ball’s previous experience in the Maldives includes his role as Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for NIYAMA Private Islands and Huvafen Fushi.

In his spare time, Alan enjoys playing cricket as well as supporting the Wallabies (Australia’s national rugby team) and Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League.

Opened early this month, JOALI Maldives is a luxury, immersive art resort located on the island of Muravandhoo in Raa atoll. The 73-villa property offers unconventional luxury in a private setting and a distinct focus on design by internationally-renowned design studio Autoban, architecture and design firm Atolye4n and Tokyo-based Studio Glitt.

Innovative dining concepts include Japanese restaurant Saoke, authentic Asian and Levant restaurant Vandhoo, Tuscan-inspired Bellinis, personalised dining and cooking school Her Kitchen, as well as numerous destination dining experiences.

The Spa by ESPA invites guests on a holistic wellness journey along with a world-class fitness centre and expert trainers.

JOALI Maldives celebrates its “Joie de Vivre” philosophy through unique programming such as Maldivian excursions and one-of-a-kind on-property offerings, including an Art Studio and Gallery, Flower Garden, Manta Ray Treehouse and more.

All-new Italian restaurant Taste of Italy has opened in Maldives on Friday.

The authentic Italian experience, located in the heart of capital Male, was officially inaugurated by President-Elect Mohamed Ibrahim Solih and Vice President-Elect Faisal last week. The special event was attended by Director General of Transition Ahmed Latheef, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Hassan Latheef and Machangoalhi-North MP Mariya Ahmed Didi.

Following the inauguration, the restaurant opened its doors to the public Friday afternoon.

Owned by leading real estate and travel company Bison Maldives, Taste of Italy is curated and managed by Chef Giovanni De Ambrosis, the corporate chef of Cocoon Maldives resort.

An award-winning, progressive culinary professional with over 26 years of experience in world-class resorts, hotels and restaurants, Chef Giovanni exemplifies professionalism and has the ability to drive client’s satisfaction and retention through the creation of quality food, while fostering a friendly and pleasant dining experience.

Taste of Italy adopts the traditional form of making pizza in a stone oven, which features Italian beechwood. A wide range of pasta dishes, prepared with homemade pasta, will also be served along with a mouth-watering collection of Italian desserts.

The state-0f-the-art restaurant will also be home to the first and only mozzarella cheese lab in the Maldives. With ingredients such olive oil, tomatoes and La Cagliata directly imported from the Italian city of Naples, the soon-to-be-opened lab will produce up to 600kgs of mozzarella cheese per hour.

Taste of Italy also boasts its own brand of coffee. Processed and roasted in Italy, this coffee will be served to dine-in guests. Retailers and resorts can also purchase this coffee roast in the form of beans or pods.