Actress Priyanka Chopra has skipped the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards this year and has come to the Maldives to celebrate her birthday with her family.
Priyanka posted a photograph on Instagram on Sunday where she is seen along with her mother Madhu Chopra and brother Siddharth Chopra taking a seaplane to an unidentified resort island, after arriving in the Maldives.
On Sunday evening, she posted another photo, which showed her on the beach, and captioned it, “Mermaid under the stars… #birthdayfeels #thechopravacation.”
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Priyanka will be celebrating her 36th birthday on Tuesday.
Earlier in an interview with an Indian daily, Priyanka had revealed that the real reason for her not attending the award show, which was held in New York on Friday, was that she wanted to spend her birthday with her family.
“I always do the opposite. I never do normal. Normal is boring. It’s my birthday and I am going out with my family and friends. For me, this year doing this was more important and IIFA is happening around that time. I wanted to spend time with my family because we don’t get to be with each other much while juggling between Mumbai, Pune and the US. I think I deserve a five-six day break,” she had said.
Priyanka made her Hollywood debut with Seth Gordon’s Baywatch this year. She was currently spotted on the sets of her third Hollywood film, Isn’t It Romantic. The Don actress will co-star with Rebel Wilson, Adam Devine and Liam Hemsworth in the film.
The former Miss World is also shooting for Silas Howard’s A Kid Like Jake, co-starring actors Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) and Claire Danes (Homeland).
Priyanka, who became a popular face in the west after she starred in the American TV series Quantico as FBI recruit Alex Parrish, will reportedly soon begin shooting for the third season of the show soon.
Priyanka’s last Bollywood venture was Prakash Jha’s Jai Gangaajal. As per reports, the Kaminey actress has signed a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, titled Gustakhiyan, in which she will play the role of writer-poetess Amrita Pritam. She will also feature in the biopic of late astronaut Kalpana Chawla.
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Maldives has become a sought after destination by Bollywood stars.
Famous Bollywood stars who have visited the Maldives include Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra. Bollywood couples such as Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor have also spent their vacation in the Maldives, while Bollywood couple Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan has declared the Maldives as their favourite holiday destination.
Additionally, India has become a major emerging source market for the Maldives tourism industry.
Official figures show that 66,955 tourists arrived in Maldives from its closest neighbour last year, a 27.9 percent increase from the 52,368 Indian travellers that chose the Maldives in 2015.
That growth is expected to continue this year as well, as the number of Indian tourists that visited the Maldives recorded a 20.3 percent increase in the first five months to reach 30,610 compared to 25,441 in the same period last year.
Cheval Blanc Randheli has been listed amongst the Top 100 Hotels in the world by global luxury lifestyle guide Elite Traveler.
Launched this year, the Top 100 Hotels list by Elite Traveler features hotels from across the world, chosen for their key desirables, including luxury facilities and amenities, and top notch services. The guide is designed to ensure that the discerning elite traveller knows where to stay and what not to miss out on.
Accessible by a scenic 40-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, Cheval Blanc Randheli is one-of-a-kind exclusive property from the luxury fashion group Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, the creative mind behind some of the world’s most stunning resorts including the Chedi Muscat and many Aman resorts, Randheli marries contemporary aesthetic with the traditional Maldivian craftsmanship.
The resort offers 46 villas in three different categories to choose from; Island, Water or Garden. They have a variety of contemporary design elements, high doors and ceilings, outdoor areas for relaxation, pool terraces, a 12.5m long private swimming pool and lagoon-side pontoons.
The Cheval Blanc Spa offers exclusive Guerlain treatments in special treatment villas, while the Hair Spa by Leonor Greyl doubles as a beauty studio and barber shop. For guests with children, there is a Le Carrousel Kids Club and Le Paddock Teens Club on the premises to keep them occupied.
Local resort operator Sun Siyam Resorts has announced plans to open four new resorts over the next two years, with three of them located in its home base of the Maldives.
Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, Chairman and Managing Director of the company, told Sun Online last week that the uninhabited islands of Faandhoo and Alivifushi in Dhaalu atoll, and Dhigurah in Noonu atoll are being developed as resorts. A second property in neighbouring Sri Lanka is being constructed as well, he said.
Sun Aqua Faandhoo is set to open this December, while The Sun Siyam Alivifushi is scheduled to open in May 2018 followed by The Sun Siyam Dhigurah in June 2018. The resort being developed in Sri Lanka is expected to open in 2019.
Siyam (C) attends a ceremony held at Aluvifushi island early this month to inaugurate the development of the island as a resort. PHOTO/ SUN CONSTRUCTION
Led by Siyam’s passion for creating a difference in the Maldives tourism industry that redefines the luxury hospitality experience, Sun Siyam Resorts currently has a portfolio of boutique luxury resorts operating in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, including The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, Olhuveli Beach and Spa Maldives, Sun Aqua Vilu Reef Maldives and Sun Aqua Pasikudah in Sri Lanka.
As Sun Siyam Resorts prepares for the opening of three new resorts in the Maldives, Siyam cautioned on the rapid increase in supply currently observed in the Maldives tourism industry, saying that supply has to be controlled as per the demand. If not, average occupancy of the resorts might drop below the 50 percent mark, he warned.
“But if we market the Maldives as a destination, we would be able to overcome those challenges and ensure that these new resort openings benefit the economy as a whole,” Siyam said.
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi resort. PHOTO/ SUN SIYAM RESORTS
After years of double-digit growth in tourism, the Maldives has over the recent years observed a slowdown in growth despite recent gains. Tourist arrivals have crossed the one million milestone and is on course to reach 1.5 million by the end of this year, but the country has been struggling to create demand amidst a significant increase in bed capacity.
Over the past three years, dozens of uninhabited islands have been leased to local and foreign resort developers. Several international brands have entered into the market, increasing the number of resorts to 120. That number is set to increase as the government has announced the opening of some 20 new resorts by the end of this year.
Along with the new resort openings come the challenge of increasing demand from budget travellers who choose guesthouses over luxury resorts that the Maldives is known for. The guesthouse sector has rapidly expanded with over 300 guesthouses in operation today.
Government has come under fire from private organisations representing industry stakeholders such as the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) over the lack of effort and budget to promote the Maldives as a destination.
The government has recently announced new steps to maintain a structured growth in tourism, including a slowdown in leasing islands for resort development and increased marketing efforts in key markets such as China and the Middle East in order to reach an ambitious target of a record 1.5 million tourist arrivals this year.
Main photo: Dhigurah in Noonu atoll. Credits to Mohamed Malik.
W Maldives has partnered with world’s best pastry champion Julien Alvarez to host a series of culinary events on its tropical playground in September.
The culinary week will include:
September 19: Pastry Masterclass at KITCHEN restaurant (1-2pm)
September 20: Afternoon team at KADA café (4-6pm) / dessert menu takeover at FISH overwater specialty restaurant (from 6pm)
September 21: Beach Market featuring live cooking show by Julien Alvarez himself (from 6pm)
September 22: Dessert menu takeover at FISH overwater specialty restaurant (from 6pm)
Born in Bergerac, France, the 29-year-old chef grew up in a rich culinary environment, where in 2002 he made his official pastry debut at his parent’s restaurant. His first career achievements include the Best Apprentice of France, and an Assistant to the World Pastry Champion (2006) in Phoenix, US. Julien has also participated in Un des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, a famous craftsmen competition held exclusively in France every four years, where he met well-known Franck Kestener, Bruno Montcoudiol, Stéphane Glacier, David Wesmael and Franck Michel.
Julien also worked at Carles Mampel’s patisserie Bubó in Barcelona, where he ignited his interested in international pastry competitions by taking part in the Spanish World Chocolate Masters in 2007, where he took the fifth place.
In 2008, Julien assisted Philippe Conticini and Angelo Musa (MOF) in opening their first retail pastry store La Pâtisserie des Rêves. Then he also scooped the third prize in the Charles Proust Relais Desserts competition.
From 2009-2013, under the wing of Jean Michel Perruchon (MOF), Julien trained the young apprentices in Bellouet Conseil gastronomic school in Paris. In 2011, Chef Julien won the Champion of the World title in the most prestigious international contest La Coup du Monde de la Patisserie in 2011, which inspired him to become a self-employed trainer and consultant.
Nowadays Julien shares his professional expertise via writing culinary books, participating in TV shows, acting as a pastry stylist and consultant during the various pastry store and restaurant openings around the world.
W Maldives has also recently announced a partnership with Ewa Chodakowska, one of the most popular personal trainers in Europe, to host a wellness week in November.
W Maldives offers 77 escapes and suites located both ashore and overwater, including 28 Wonderful Beach Oasis, 46 Fabulous Overwater Oasis, 3 WOW Ocean Escape and one Extreme WOW Ocean Haven (the W brand’s interpretation of the Presidential Suite). Each chic and spacious escape features infinity plunge pool.
There is a mixture of six bars and restaurants at W Maldives. Kitchen, the all-day dining bistro, and Fire, where guests have their choice of four different barbecues, provide menus for everyone’s palate. Swim up to the pool bar Wet and order a light lunch. There is even a dining option on the resort’s private desert island, Gaathafushi, or Fish, the resort’s specialty seafood restaurant set over the water and under the stars. Fifteen Below is the only underground club in the Maldives, with its own resident DJ and a sushi bar Sushi Beat.
Guests can also spoil themselves with a selection of over 125 treatments at the award-winning overwater Away Spa.
South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) have announced plans to host its gala in the southern Maldivian atoll of Addu, in an effort to further boost tourism in the Maldives south.
This year’s edition of SATA will take place in October.
Ismail Hameed, Director of organiser Highrise, said the SATA Secretariat is currently assessing the viability and feasibility of holding the gala in Addu. However, it can only be confirmed based on the support and feedback received, he added.
“SriLankan Airlines has already pledged its support in arranging transport for attendees. But we can only confirm based on the support we receive in other logistical arrangements. For that, we have requested for an appointment with the tourism minister as well,” Ismail said.
Sri Lanka’s flagship carrier currently operates four weekly flights to the Gan International Airport in Addu from Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.
Direct flights to Addu by a major international airline has boosted tourism in the south.
Despite several new resort developments and a boom in guesthouse tourism in the Maldives, Addu as a whole has lagged behind for years in attracting tourism-related investments. The relatively large atoll, which has unique geographical features compared to other parts of the island nation, is home to only two of the some 120 tourist resorts in the Maldives; Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, and Canareef Resort Maldives.
Government has, however, recently launched a project to develop 3,000 beds in Addu to cater to backpackers and budget travellers.
More than 414 nominations from the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal have been received for the 39 categories included in this year’s edition of SATA. Online voting is ongoing, and will complement the judging by a panel of experts.
SATA has recently announced the first batch of partners for this year’s edition, with Maldives Insider being named an official travel media partner.
Launched last year 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.
The awards’ first edition, which wrapped up with a gala ceremony at the iconic Mount Lavinia Hotel in Sri Lanka, saw an overwhelming support with more than 260 nominations. Major travel media organisations, including Maldives Insider, Asian Traveller, Asian Geographic, Asian Diver and Floating Asia were appointed as media partners of SATA 2016.
Ten locals have completed Minor Hotel Group’s Explorer vocational hotel training programme, with a new batch being enrolled for the year-long programme.
At a ceremony held at Hotel Jen in capital Male Monday afternoon, the graduates were awarded with an internationally accredited certificate. Former Maldives president Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik handed over the certificates.
Speaking at the ceremony, Group Director of Human Resources for Asia at Minor Hotel Group Sonya Brown said the participants were given training in three major fields, including front office, housekeeping, and culinary and soft skills.
“The graduates will be able to serve abroad as well,” she said.
At the ceremony, a fresh batch of Explorer candidates were awarded with an enrolment certificate as well.
Launched in Maldives in 2014, the Explorer programme is accredited with international certification from Australia, a leader in the field of vocational education, and is open for school leavers aged 18-21. Successful completion is awarded with a hospitality Certificate III qualification that provides the foundation for continued learning to progress towards a Certificate IV, and ultimately a Diploma in Hospitality.
The opportunity is extended to both young internal hotel candidates and external school leaver participants who combine training with real-time remunerated work experience. The year-long programme, which has since been expanded to Thailand as well, has a 70/20/10 format; 70 percent on the job learning, 20 percent social learning and 10 percent online formal classroom group training.
Each Explorer trainee is provided with a tablet allowing them access to the online learning platform that complements classroom training, ensuring a fully integrated learning experience. Upon completion they will have learnt new skills and gained experience and confidence in themselves and in an industry that contributes significantly to the well-being of the Maldivian economy.
The Thailand-based Minor Hotel Group currently operates five properties in the Maldives, including three resorts under the Anantara brand — Anantara Dhigu Resort and Spa, Anantara Veli Resort and Spa and Anantara Kihavah Villas — Naladhu Maldives and Niyama Private Islands Maldives.
Amilla Fushi has launched its newest development, the Amilla Yacht Club (AYC) in a bid to firmly anchor the island resort’s place on the international super-yacht circuit.
The AYC encompasses the island’s open to all, the three-berth marina as well as the overwater signature restaurant Feeling Koi, which is accessible directly by speedboat, the 1OAK Lounge and Bar, and the upcoming Board Walk.
Amilla said each of the three berths at the marina has three phase shore power and water, and can accommodate yachts up to a maximum of 20 meters, with a two-metre draft. Larger yachts (over 20 metres) can also anchor outside the reef and enjoy all the facilities and benefits of the club, it added.
“Since opening as one of the Indian Ocean’s most talked-about island resorts, a number of the world’s most prestigious private yachts have already voyaged to Amilla Fushi seeking its inimitable blend of laid-back laissez-flair,” an announcement by the resort read.
“The development of the Amilla Yacht Club and its marina facilities allows yacht owners or charter guests to take some shore leave at Amilla Fushi – or even explore UNESCO protected Baa Atoll or sister property and #MyBeachClubHaven Finolhu!”
Amilla Yacht Club Membership is now also open – exclusively by invitation only – offering members exclusive discounts and priority access to berths, events and parties at Amilla Fushi and sister resort Finolhu. Additional membership benefits include island and lagoon access at both Amilla and Finolhu, allowing use of both resorts’ facilities including the pools, beach clubs, spa and dining facilities; private dinner events arranged on request at Finolhu’s famous Crab Shack and a 10 percent discount offered on day rental of Funadhoo Private Island.
According to Amilla, yacht owners can also request a spa therapist for onboard treatments. Serious sea-dogs can also while away their shore leave at Amilla’s HUB (Home of the Underwater Biosphere), the island’s epicentre of water-based activities offering remarkable aquatic excursions, a comprehensive Marina Biology programme, adrenaline-fuelled water sports, dazzling diving and boat charters, it said.
In addition to the invitation-only Amilla Yacht Club Membership membership, discretionary membership is also extended on a complimentary basis to guests booking a pre-purchased credit stay of seven nights at Amilla Fushi or 10 nights at Finolhu.
Accessible by a 30-minute scenic seaplane flight from the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport, Amilla offers a choice of 59 houses that sit gracefully over crystal clear waters, nestled among lush tree tops or hugging the shores of pristine white sand. Additionally, the resort offers 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.
Bringing a timeless sense of style to the pristine lagoons and rich waters of the Maldives’ Baa atoll, Finolhu, which opened in June 2016, is a refined, retro-inspired island paradise for the fun-loving beach-erati, and an unexpected revival of the halcyon days of the classic chic getaway. With its retro themed Maldives island concept, Finolhu, run by The Small Maldives Island Co., caters to guests seeking fun and adventure on a party atmosphere.
Global event organiser Bench Events has announced the launch of the inaugural Maldives Hotel and Tourism Investment Briefing in November, providing a platform for global investors to easily explore investment opportunities in the Maldives tourism industry.
AHTIC is a top-level gathering of international investors, business leaders, government ministers and officials. It is anticipated that investors and other delegates will travel from Colombo to Male for a one-day briefing, with project showcases and a networking reception followed by a day of FAM trips to various islands around the region to show potential investors and partners the projects available for collaborations. These will include a range of both public and private investment opportunities.
The briefing is organised by Bench Events in partnership with ultra-luxury tourism promotion and event management company Luxury Collections, and will be hosted by the Maldives tourism ministry under the patronage of the minister Moosa Zameer.
Luxury Collections CEO and Founder Adeel Ahmed said: “We are thrilled to announce the Maldives Tourism and Hotel Investment Briefing. This event will attract some of the world’s premier investors and is co-directed by a leading international consultant who has organised multiple similar events around the globe. This event has incredible potential for tourism investment, and the Maldives is bursting with opportunities, with a tourism-based economy and a strong brand identity which has stood the test of time.”
The Asia Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (AHTIC) held last year. PHOTO/ AHTIC
In 2016, the Maldives hospitality and tourism industry recorded an annual average tourist arrival growth rate of 4.2 percent. According to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, the global annual average tourist arrival growth rate for the year was 3.9 percent year-on-year, which is slightly lower than the rate for the Maldives.
To cater for this increase in demand, the country continues to invest in the support infrastructure and connectivity. The main airport is currently under expansion and is expected to be completed by 2018. Several new airlines have recently commenced flights to the Maldives including Saudi Airlines, with European airlines such as Air France and Alitalia set to begin operations to the Maldives later this year.
The Maldives is an attractive destination for the discerning investor and one of South Asia’s most attractive centres for Foreign Direct Investment. Lying in the heart of the Indian Ocean, at the strategic cross roads of the East and the West, the Maldives benefits from a stable and transparent legal system, relative political stability and stable economic growth. With a rate of growth that has averaged 7.5 percent over the past 15 years, the country continues to develop at a steady pace and remains economically resilient.
The recently introduced Special Economic Zones framework provides economic incentives and introduces a flexible regulatory environment for foreign investments. With the right to incorporate businesses with 100 percent foreign ownership and no restrictions on repatriation of profits, the Maldives promotes a liberal trade environment and offers excellent ROI, which are amongst the highest globally (five to eight years on average).
Over the past three years, dozens of uninhabited islands have also been leased to local and foreign resort developers. Several international brands have entered into the market, increasing the number of resorts to 120. That number is set to increase as the government has announced the opening of some 20 new resorts by the end of this year.
Gili Lankanfushi has opened its new Marine Biology Shack, Gili Veshi, taking its already strong sustainability efforts to new heights.
Gili Veshi, which translated from the local Dhivehi language means Gili’s Environment, opened its doors on World Oceans Day, which was celebrated on June 8. The Shack has become the island’s primary marine research facility and the central hub for all sustainability and conservation issues, as well as offering a host of new guest experiences.
Nature lovers will have the opportunity to get involved through participating in monthly reef clean efforts to remove oceanic litter, coral watch dives to check on new specimens and Crown of Thorns eradication dives to remove the invasive starfish species. Guests can also opt to sponsor the team’s research and conservation efforts, or offset their carbon footprint by planting carbon-sinking seagrass.
The island’s young guests can enjoy a wide variety of exciting new experiences and activities tailor-made for children. New educational treasure hunts throughout the island, both on dry land and beneath the waves, will see children seeking out clues about the island’s environment, accompanied by the marine biology team. Fascinating marine movies and interactive iPad games will educate children about sustainability and the marine environment, whilst a roster of rainy day activities will keep children happy when the clouds — however rare — roll in.
The Gili Veshi team will monitor all aspects of the island’s reef biodiversity, including sea surface temperature and coral growth, to protect the fragile coral reef environment. They will also roll out a number of conservation initiatives, including planting seagrass to create new feeding grounds for endangered turtle species.
The new marine biology shack will also include a large wet lab to support the team’s ongoing research efforts, and will host visiting researchers and academics from across the globe. Guests will be invited to visit the lab to learn more about the local marine and terrestrial environment, with high tech new microscopes available to allow guests to study local coral specimens through a lens.
Working with the Maldivian government and NGOs including the Manta Trust, the Olive Ridley Turtle Project and Shark Watch, the Gili Veshi team will continually monitor the marine ecosystem and threats to biodiversity including coral bleaching and the onslaught of invasive Crown of Thorn starfish.
Opening of Gili Veshi furthers the resort’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
In a statement, Gili Lankanfushi said Gili Veshi is an educational centre open to hosts, guests, local communities and local schools so they can learn more about their environment and how to better protect it. One area of focus within the shack is the Sustainability Shelf which guides viewers along the processes used to keep its food and waste systems sustainable, it added.
“It features one member of our Green Team who has made it his mission to turn our kitchen and garden into a centre for sustainability,” the statement read.
The featured member is the resort’s Executive Chef John Bakker, who has been working on developing and expanding its Organic Garden since his arrival on the island in 2012.
According to the resort, from humble beginnings as a cluttered ornamental herb garden, the chef has built a team of traditional method farmers from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to help bring historical practices and authenticity to the production. Through the hard work of the first two years the garden has grown to its present size with 105 individual beds growing a consistent supply of the island’s lettuces and soft herbs for guests and staff alike, it said.
Garden plots. PHOTO/ GILI LANKANFUSHI
Chef John comes from generations of Dutch Canadian farmers who lived within a larger community of agriculturists. He was influenced by the farming and market garden lifestyle of Southwestern Ontario in the 80’s being encouraged to respect those that work with and live off the land. As he rose through the ranks at international culinary destinations he continued to incorporate the freshest ingredients into his work, often from the classical kitchen gardens of Europe.
“Today, Chef John is the leading edge of the Gili Lankanfushi home grown, sustainable and organic culinary concept, environment and waste management,” the statement read.
To ensure steady growth of the garden, the team initially began using a time tested method of composting organic waste by burying plies of garden waste under the normal garden topsoil to return some of the captured carbon and nutrition to the beds. Although this was an effective method, it was time consuming and inefficient and only allowed then to utilise a small portion of the total waste available.
In an effort to find a more efficient and sustainable solution, Chef John happened upon a contact with British waste management company Tidy Planet. Through a consultation with them and following an extensive waste audit, Gili Lankanfushi decided to purchase the Maldives’ first and only Mechanical Biological Composter aka The Rocket. Basically a large self-contained composting chamber, The Rocket allows Gili Lankanfushi to process and compost 100 percent of the organic waste produced in all the kitchens and return it to the garden a fertile organic compost.
“Since The Rocket has been in service for a year, Chef John has also started a barrel composting system for jungle/island waste as well as a very exciting new project called Vermiculture or worm composting,” the statement read.
The Rocket Composter. PHOTO/ GILI LANKANFUSHI
Gili Lankanfushi said that its waste management system starts in the kitchens by aggressively separating all kitchen waste into specific bins for wet and dry waste. The collected food waste is processed through a dewatering machine which reduces the total volume of waste by chopping it into small pieces and extracting any excess moisture, water or juice — the food that powers The Rocket and what eventually becomes the compost.
To create compost, the dried food waste is mixed together with some chopped jungle waste (mulch) and added to The Rocket composter, which revolves eight times every two hours slowly developing the heat and bacterial activity required for decomposition. After 18 days of mechanical processing the active material falls from the hopper and is collected by the gardeners. This active compost is placed into a holding bed to mature for a minimum one month by which time it is ready to be used throughout the garden as organic fertiliser.
According to Gili Lankanfushi, the development and production of the organic garden has allowed it to tailor its food offering throughout the resort and given an opportunity to choose the freshest as well as the most sustainable options when developing the menus. This concept is not more readily apparent then within the lunch salad bar concept in the overwater bar, which utilises 15 different types of organically grown salads and herbs daily, it said.
Lunch Leaves. PHOTO/ GILI LANKANFUSHI
“Gili Lankanfushi is committed to continuing the sustainable ecological philosophy throughout the resort. We are so proud of our new Marine Biology Shack that will continue to teach others about the developing suitability process coming out of Chef Johns Kitchen and Garden,” the statement read.
Set on the private island of Lankanfushi in the North Male Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is an intimate coral island in a sparkling lagoon, with jetties threading across the water out to spacious villa accommodations, where ultimate privacy can be found. This luxury resort is just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport.
At Gili Lankanfushi, an idyllic personal hideaway is one of 45 spacious, rustic overwater villas crafted from natural wood and glass. A palette of sparkling blues paints the horizon, the ocean stretching to infinity wherever on the island. The open design, with indoor and outdoor living space, allows guests the freedom to be themselves, the sound of the sea and warm breeze soothing all senses.
Soneva Fushi has been listed amongst the Top 100 Hotels in the world by global luxury lifestyle guide Elite Traveler.
Launched this year, the Top 100 Hotels list features hotels from across the world, chosen for their key desirables, including luxury facilities and amenities, and top notch services. The guide is designed to ensure that the discerning elite traveller knows where to stay and what not to miss out on.
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 57 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 a spot in the Gold List compiled by Condé Nast Traveler China as the Best Hotel in the Maldives.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has been nominated for the prestigious 2017 World Interior of the Year Awards, which celebrates innovation in the field of interior design.
A total of 79 projects from across the globe will compete in the prestigious awards ceremony, spanning nine diverse categories, ranging from grand civic spaces and hospitals to transportation hubs, bars and shops.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, designed by Singapore-based WOW Architects, is competing for the award from the Hotels category, while The Whale Bar at the resort has been nominated separately in the Bars and Restaurants category.
The Whale Bar at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. PHOTO/ ST. REGIS
Hosted alongside the World Architecture Festival (WAF), the awards are part of the INSIDE festival that attracts in excess of 2,000 attendees each year for its three days of talks, awards, exhibitions and fringe events.
All nominees will present their projects to distinguished international juries during the festival to compete for one of the nine category awards. Open to all festival attendees, the presentations are followed by a live exchange between the designers and jurors.
The overall winner of the World Interior of the Year will be announced at an exclusive gala dinner on November 17.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, which had earlier won a continental award for the best exterior design at Prix Versailles 2017, 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, which opened in November, 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.
Dusit International has reintroduced its Bonus Night promotion, offering guests the third night for free when they book to stay at least three consecutive nights at participating properties in its portfolio, including its resort in the Maldives.
In an announcement, the Thailand-based global hospitality company said the promotion is valid from now through October 31. Participating properties include hotels and resorts in Egypt, Kenya, Maldives, Philippines, Thailand and UAE, it added.
To qualify, guests have to book via the company’s official website, which includes Dusit Best Rate Guarantee. Guests who sign up for free to Dusit’s guest loyalty programme, Dusit Gold will also receive 20 percent discount on dining and other instant rewards.
In the Maldives, Dusit runs the award-winning Dusit Thani Maldives resort.
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 resort offers a 360 degree vibrant house reef compliment with a turquoise lagoon, a 750-square metre infinity swimming pool with a lush Banyan tree in the centre, five restaurants and bars with breathtaking views and a Kids Club that is committed to making children’s dreams come true.
Carpe Diem Beach Resort and Spa, the first resort being developed by leading luxury cruise operator Carpe Diem Maldives, has welcomed Socrates Alvaro as General Manager.
In a statement, Carpe Diem said Socrates will be responsible for driving the pre-opening development of Carpe Diem Beach Resort and Spa. He will also oversee the day-to-day operations of the resort and the development of his team, it added.
No stranger to the region, Socrates returns to the Maldives four years after a previous General Manager posting with Coco Collection ended in 2013. He joins Carpe Diem from prior General Manager roles in Dubai and South East Asia with Emaar Hospitality Group, Aleenta and Minor Hotels.
According to Carpe Diem, Socrates, who officially started in July, spent his first week inspecting the new island development in Raa atoll, reviewing the construction and design plans for the 115 pool villa resort and discussing the natural marine and reef diversity with visiting marine biologists from Coral Reef CPR.
He explains: “I am very excited and motivated to be joining a growing company that has a vision towards new traveller demographics to the Maldives. With some fantastic collaboration already in place and a wonderful marine biology programme with Coral Reef CPR, it’s these kind of memorable experiences that I think makes a company and resort stand out. I look forward to sharing this and many other unique offerings with a new kind of social traveller that we now see attracted to the destination.”
Socrates and Carpe Diem Maldives management with Coral Reef CPR team at Carpe Diem Maldives Beach Resort and Spa in July. PHOTO/ CARPE DIEM
Located in in the northern Raa atoll, one of a trio of uninhabited islands on the cusp with Baa atoll, Carpe Diem Beach Resort and Spa is on track to open in Spring 2018. The resort’s vast lagoon will be home to a private water park of inflatable slides, which is included in full-board packages and bespoke stays across the 115 pool villas, spa and restaurant.
Agnes Van Linden, Assistant Managing Director of Carpe Diem Maldives, concludes, “We’re delighted to welcome Socrates Alvaro as our new resort General Manager. He’s done some excellent work throughout his career and we believe his insight and enthusiastic approach towards new hospitality trends will be invaluable to both the resort and our brand as we grow from being a luxury liveaboard cruise operation to this latest addition of a resort.”
Sunset at Carpe Diem Beach Resort and Spa. PHOTO/ CARPE DIEM
Established in 2008, Carpe Diem currently showcases a collection of three luxury liveaboard cruises, each accommodating 20 guests at a time. Carpe Diem is renowned for delivering a sense of discovery and adventure while enriching guests’ knowledge. The Carpe Diem name has built significant brand recognition within the top echelons of the travel industry for diving and leisure.
As the company expands into resort operations, it has recently appointed Minor Hotel Group’s former Area Director of Marketing Communications for the Maldives Liz Smailes as its marketing communications chief.
The Landaa Estate at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has been included in the prestigious list of the Top 100 Suites in the world by global luxury lifestyle guide Elite Traveler.
Listing the Landaa Estate in the ‘Family’ category of the 2017 list, Elite Traveler said the three-bedroom, two-storey bungalow makes a stay at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru seem even more extraordinary. Featuring 262ft of private beach, two pools, a stargazing lounge and a wealth of outdoor space, the villa truly embraces its surroundings, with open-air living areas bringing the outdoors in, it added.
“While the first floor is taken up by two en suite bedrooms with features such as a sunken marble bath and garden shower, the second floor is home to a third bedroom along with the stargazing lounge and a plunge pool that cascades down into the main swimming pool below. A personal chef can be requested as well as hand delivered sunset cocktails and canapés,” the listing read.
Published annually, Elite Travelers’ list of Top 100 Suites picks out the world’s most iconic rooms to stay in the year. The hand selected list recognises where hotels have gone the extra mile to create something truly extraordinary.
Combining innovation, wellness and conservation, Four Seasons Maldives Resort at Landaa Giraavaru is a 44-acre, 103-villa wonderland in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — a 30-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport.
Its sister property, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, lies to the south: an enchanting garden island complete with Island Spa sea sanctuary and Tropicsurf coaches and guides. The luxury catamaran Four Seasons Explorer connects the two via three, four and seven-night cruises, plus private leisure, surf and manta ray charters.
The latest addition to the Maldives collection, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll opened in December as the group’s first exclusive-use private island: off limits to everyone else, limitless to the guests.
A new F&B complex with world’s top fast food franchises will be opened at the Maldives main Velana International Airport in October, state airport operator Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) announced Thursday.
MACL Managing Director Adil Moosa told state broadcaster Public Service Media (PSM) that assembling the steel structure for the 14,000 square feet building was underway. The prefab building brought in from China would have two storeys, with the ground floor being a walkway for passengers, he added.
“If all goes according to plan, we will be able to complete the project and open the complex in October,” Adil said.
Workers assemble the steel structure of the new waterfront F&B complex at the main Velana International Airport. PHOTO/ MACL
MACL has earlier announced that it was in talks with regional licensees of top fast food franchises to set up their outlets at the new waterfront F&B complex, which is to be built at the waterfront of the airport. Some of the franchise brands in the January announcement include McDonald’s, KFC, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ Donuts and Hard Rock Café.
MACL will also allow franchise operators to open outlets in the new terminal of the airport being developed.
Velana International Airport already features a number of international fast food franchises, including Burger King, The Coffee Club, Thai Express, The Pizza Company and Dairy Queen. The franchises are managed by Thailand-based Minor International, which also operates four resorts in the Maldives.
A separate USD 800 million mega project has been launched by the government to expand and upgrade the Maldives’ main gateway. The project includes construction of a new runway and terminal, and establishment of support infrastructure and services in order to allow the airport to cater to at least seven million passengers per annum.
Hot on the heels of a successful first edition of Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), organisers have announced plans to hold a second edition of the Maldives’ first and only international travel trade show in May 2018.
In a statement, local PR firm Maldives Getaways said Thursday that the second edition of TTM would take place from May 1-3, 2018. It has been extended to a three-day event in order to increase the number of pre-scheduled meetings amongst exhibitors and agents alike, it added.
“It is widely believed that over 150 properties from Maldives will take part in TTM, while over 200 operators, agents and media are expected to be in Maldives for this event,” the statement read.
The first edition of TTM concluded successfully on July 13, with business contracts worth over USD 1 billion discussed during the two-day travel trade show. More than 100 hoteliers held over 3,000 meetings with 150 agents and tour operators from across the globe.
As a major component of TTM, a hotelier summit was held, where tourism industry pioneer Mohamed Umar Maniku delivered the keynote address, while motivational speaker Paul McNeive also addressed the summit. Four panels on pressing issues in the industry took place at the summit in which more than 80 general managers from resorts and hotels across the Maldives took part in.
In addition to the hotelier summit, a tourism career fair was also held as part of TTM, providing job seekers, students, employers, training institutions and government agencies an opportunity to network. More than 2,000 visitors attended the career fair, which was hosted by some 75 resorts.
Visitors attend the Tourism Career Fair 2017 held as part of TTM last week. PHOTO/ MALDIVES GETAWAYS
Meanwhile, TTM gala night, held at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi resort on the last day of the event, hosted Maldives Travel Awards – People’s Edition, which recognised 10 outstanding individuals from the hospitality industry.
Maldives recorded 1.2 million tourist arrivals in 2016 with a total of receipts around USD 2.5 billion. With the rapid changes in global travel markets, Maldives continues to strengthen its foothold as one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. While tourism still remains the leading economic industry in the country by far, innovative new approaches in marketing are required to ensure the sector remains at the top.
TTM aims to facilitate the tourism industry of Maldives to reach the ultimate target of two million tourists with over USD 3.5 billion in receipts by the end of 2020.
One&Only Reethi Rah has been recognised as one of the best hotels in the world by global luxury lifestyle guide Elite Traveler.
Launched this year, the Top 100 Hotels list features hotels from across the world, chosen for their key desirables, including luxury facilities and amenities, and top notch services. The guide is designed to ensure that the discerning elite traveller knows where to stay and what not to miss out on.
Set on one of the largest islands in North Male Atoll, the all-villa 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 has just completed enhancements to its stunning villas and introduced new culinary experiences, including the new Botanica restaurant which offers the ultimate in organic garden-to-fork cuisine, Rabarbaro which offers genuine Italian fare, and a new superfoods breakfast menu.
One&Only Reethi Rah has also recently launched new spa experiences including private sunrise yoga classes on a secluded sandbank, a ‘Twilight Spa Rendezvous’ massage experience under the stars, ‘foot rehab’ – a new concept created by the resident yoga instructor and the Bastien Gonzalez therapist which combines yoga and foot massage, Barber+Blade – a new men’s grooming and shaving studio and a new Spa Courtyard featuring a vitality pool, outdoor sauna and steam room.
As international tourism skyrocketed worldwide, South Asia led growth amongst all Asia Pacific regions in international tourist arrivals during the first four months of the year, a new study by World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has revealed.
According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, destinations worldwide received 369 million international tourists (overnight visitors) from January to April, 21 million more (six percent growth) than in the same months of 2016.
The January-April period usually represents some 28 percent of the yearly total and covers the winter season of the Northern Hemisphere and the summer season of the Southern Hemisphere, as well as the Chinese New Year and Easter holidays, amongst others.
Regional Results
International arrivals in Europe (up six percent) rebounded in January-April after mixed results last year, as confidence returned to some destinations that were impacted by security incidents, while others continued to grow strongly. Results improved particularly in Southern Mediterranean Europe (up nine percent as compared to a one percent improvement in 2016) and Western Europe (up four percent as opposed to stagnant growth in 2016). Northern Europe (up nine percent) continued to record strong growth, while Central and Eastern Europe recorded four percent more international arrivals, in line with results of last year.
In Asia and the Pacific, international arrivals were up six percent through April, with sound results across all four sub-regions. South Asia (up 14 percent) led growth, followed by Oceania (up seven percent), South-East Asia (up six percent) and North-East Asia (up five percent).
International arrivals in the Americas were up four percent with strong results in South America and Central America (both up by seven percent), while arrivals in North America grew by three percent and in the Caribbean by two percent.
Limited data available for Africa points to an eight increase in international arrivals, with North Africa (up 18 percent) recovering strongly. International arrivals in the Middle East rebounded by an estimated 10 percent following a four percent decline in 2016.
Positive prospects for May-August
The current strong momentum is reflected in the UNWTO Panel of Tourism Experts confidence index, based on evaluations and prospects of worldwide experts surveyed every four months since 2003. Experts evaluated tourism performance in the first four months of 2017 with the highest score in 12 years, clearly exceeding their already positive expectations from the start of the period. Responses to the survey were strongest from Europe, in line with the rebound in arrivals.
Experts also show strong confidence in the current May-August period, as their prospects are the most optimistic in a decade, also driven by upbeat expectations in Europe. The May-August period includes the peak tourism season in most of the world’s major tourism destinations and source markets.
Where does Maldives stand?
According to the latest figures published by the Maldives tourism ministry, total arrivals for the first five months of the year increased by 5.8 percent to reach 572,318 compared to the 540,887 in the same period of last year.
Europe, the largest regional source market which has been recovering after a year of falling growth, posted a significant increase of 10.4 percent to reach 290,968 from January to May compared to the 263,573 in the same period of last year. The Russian market too has been recovering, as Russian visitors to the Maldives increased by 40.7 percent in the period from January to May to reach 27,364 compared to the 19,447 in the first five months of last year.
Asia, which has recently become a major emerging source market, continued its growth with arrivals from the region increasing by 0.2 percent. India, Maldives’ closest neighbour, observed a growth of 20.3 percent, while South East Asian countries such as Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand also posted significant gains; 34.2 percent, 23.4 percent and 22.5 percent respectively.
However, worries concerning the Chinese market, which still remains the single biggest source market despite falling numbers for consecutive months, further worsened in the first five months of the year, as arrivals dropped by 9.1 percent to 117,335 from 129,111 in January to May 2016.
As arrivals from China drop steadily, the Maldives has recently announced plans to step up marketing in China in order to increase the number of Chinese tourists to one million per year.
After years of double-digit growth in tourism, the Maldives has over the recent years observed a slowdown in growth despite double digit growth last month. Tourist arrivals have crossed the one million milestone and is on course to reach 1.5 million by the end of this year, but the country has been struggling to create demand amidst a significant increase in bed capacity.
However, the latest figures are a welcome sign for the Maldives tourism industry, which is the main economic activity in the island nation, as summer period has traditionally been considered the low season. To attract more travellers from May to September, resorts in the Maldives have announced special offers with hefty discounts and a host of other benefits.
Biosphere Expeditions in partnership with Reef Check and the Marine Conservation Society is offering a free place on one of its coral reef conservation trips to either Oman, Malaysia or the Maldives.
To win, all you have to do is submit a short essay or a video about why you want to help conserve our oceans.
Dr Matthias Hammer, Executive Director of Biosphere Expeditions, said: “Our competition is not a talent show event where you need to sing, dance, dress up or otherwise make a fool out of yourself. We would like to get to know you as much as possible, so just be yourself and show us how committed to ocean conservation you are!”
Biosphere Expeditions is an award-winning, non-profit organisation offering hands-on conservation expeditions around the world, while Reef Check, which has headquarters in Los Angeles and volunteer teams in more than 90 countries and territories, works to protect tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs through education, research and conservation. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS), meanwhile, describes itself as the voice for everyone who loves the sea, and works to secure a future for our living seas and to save our threatened marine wildlife before it is lost forever.
Biosphere Expeditions offers a marine research expedition to the Maldives, which is designed to provide the opportunity for volunteers to help marine biologists study and protect the Maldives’ spectacular coral reefs and resident whale shark population.
Known internationally as one of the world’s best scuba diving destinations, the Maldives has an abundance of dive sites with one thrilling dive opportunity after another. The islands of the Maldives have consistently warm waters with outstanding visibility throughout the year, and consist of exhilarating dive sites such as vibrant thilas, exciting channels, coral-filled overhangs and fascinating wrecks.
Six Senses Laamu has expanded its sustainability efforts by launching a new initiative to conserve sea grass habitats around the island and in the Laamu atoll.
Laamu atoll has one of the highest densities of sea grass in the Maldives which supports a huge diversity and abundance of marine animals. Just 2.4 acres (9,715 square meters) of sea grass can support 80,000 fish and 100 million invertebrates. It is also an important source of food for Green turtles and an important peripheral habitat for Hawksbill turtles, classified as “Endangered” and “Critically Endangered” respectively, on the IUCN Red List. To date the resort has recorded 107 Green turtles and 93 Hawksbill turtles in the surrounding waters. Therefore, maintaining a healthy sea grass habitat is critical for the turtle populations in Laamu.
Like all other plants, sea grass provides a continuous supply of oxygen and acts as a sink for carbon dioxide. Just 2.4 acres of sea grass can produce 26,000 gallons of oxygen per day. The ocean absorbs 25 percent of the global carbon dioxide emissions, of which 12 percent is stored as carbon in the sediment below sea grass meadows. Sea grass beds also act as nutrient sinks, filtering chemical inputs into the marine environment and keeping waters clear. Recent studies have also shown that maintaining sea grass beds adjacent to a reef, increases the resilience of the corals to natural and human threats.
Rare sea horse sighted in at Six Senses Laamu in Laamu atoll. PHOTO/ SIX SENSES
According to Six Senses Laamu, it has been monitoring the shifts in the seasonal distribution of sea grass areas on the western side of the island since 2012. Protecting this habitat is critical to stabilising sediments which will in turn reduce the amount of island erosion, it added.
“There is a plan to increase study efforts on these critical habitats while also communicating the need for sea grass conservation to guests and locals through the extensive Six Senses Laamu marine team’s education programme,” a statement issued by the resort read.
Six Senses Laamu is the only resort located in the Laamu atoll, which lies in the southern part of the Maldives. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the resort prides itself on its commitment to sustainable operations and development as outlined by Agenda 21 and Green Globe Benchmarking.
At Six Senses Laamu, most of the villas and facilities are built overwater. However, beach villas and on-land dining is an option. All villas offer a sense of privacy and seclusion, with an amazing view to the Ocean and Maldivian nature.
Six Senses Laamu offers a wide range of dining options, with cuisines from around the world, a swimming pool with a sunken bar, an ice cream parlour, an overwater wine cellar and a signature Chill bar. Many activities, excursions and options are available for everyone to enjoy, both overwater and underwater, in addition to the Six Senses Spa.
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