Javvu Spa at Amilla Fushi and The Spa at Hideaway at Hideaway Beach Resort have won awards for the best Luxury Beauty Spa.

At the gala ceremony of World Luxury Spa Awards, which took place at the JW Marriott Hanoi hotel in Vietnam on July 22, the Javvu Spa at Amilla Fushi won the regional award for the best Luxury Beauty Spa in Indian Ocean, while The Spa at Hideaway received the country title in the same category.

The Javvu Spa at Amilla Fushi is a beautiful, home from home hang out with two sides to its nature – a private side and a social side. You can retreat into the protective canopy of the trees or chill out in the large, communal lounge for your treatments.

The spa has an ‘open door’ policy and you are welcome to simply stop by and flop, read a magazine on one of the comfy chairs or sofas, shop, nibble and have a drink (champagne and herbal tea) served from the drinks trolley  — whether you are booked in for a treatment or not, and the only thing that whispers here are the leaves in the trees.

The Javvu Spa is made up of 10 wooden double treatment pods with either a sauna or a steam room, a relaxing tea lounge, a wet area which also includes a no-bookings required sauna and steam room. There is also a wonderful spacious outdoor yoga and meditation pavilion.

The socialising Amilla spa-style area has a specialist barber, hair salon, exclusive manicure and pedicure areas, a beauty bar and relaxation area overlooking the sparkling Indian Ocean.

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.

Indulge in luxurious pampering sessions at The Spa at Hideaway where the spellbinding surroundings coupled with the feeling of pure relaxation will bring together the mind, body and soul during treatments that will delight your senses. The 12 intimate treatment rooms, relaxation zone, outdoor pavilion, hair salon, nail bar and retail area have been designed with the influence of the Maldives’ natural beauty and captivating sounds of the ocean in mind.

There are treatments to pamper from head to toe. As well as the traditional spa treatments there is a full compliment of beauty treatments available too.

Located in the northernmost Haa Alif atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort and Spa offers exclusive, spacious villas with private pool and direct beach access. Accessible by a 50-minute domestic flight followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride, Hideaway also features the only operational private marina in the country.

Setting benchmarks in quality, innovation and service for spas around the globe and established as the world’s leading awards initiative for luxury spas, the World Luxury Spa Awards sets the spotlight on our spas, attracting the attention of global spa-goers and industry experts. Awards are presented to luxury spas in 32 different categories on a country, regional, continent and global basis.

Sunland Travel is all set to open a boutique hotel in the satellite town of Hulhumale.

Sunland Travel’s Managing Director Shabeer Ahmed told TTG Asia that the hotel will open in Q1 2018. The three-floor property, which consists of 12 rooms, will cater mainly to business travellers, he added.

“The (journey) from Male takes between 10 to 15 minutes by speedboat. Once the Male-Hulhule bridge project is completed in 2018, it will be a five-minute drive,” Shabeer was quoted as saying.

Sunland Travel already manages the Makunudu Island Resort in North Male Atoll and Biyadhoo Island Resort in South Male Atoll, while its sister company Suland Hotels owns and operates three resorts under the award-winning Coco Collection brand. They are Coco Privé Private Island, Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.

Hulhumale, linked to the airport island of Hulhule and accessible from capital Male by a 20-minute ferry ride, is a hotspot for business travellers as well as transit passengers. The satellite town is home to several guesthouse and hotels catering to that market.

Thila restaurant at Kurumba Maldives has won two prestigious titles at the World Luxury Restaurant Awards.

At the gala ceremony of World Luxury Restaurant Awards, which took place at the JW Marriott Hanoi hotel in Vietnam on July 22, Thila received country titles for the best Luxury Seafood Restaurant and the best Luxury Theme Restaurant in the Maldives.

At the signature Thila restaurant, the day starts with a premium breakfast with scrumptious continental buffet or an a la carte main menu to choose from. Evening dinner is a discovery featuring out of the blue seafood, earthy Maldivian grills or decadent desserts — all with stunning views.

With over 100,000 votes cast for 1,000 entrants in 78 categories this year, the World Luxury Restaurant Awards recognise restaurants across the globe for their culinary excellence and memorable experiences, as well as assessing the quality of the atmosphere and service. The awards aim to provide luxury restaurants with increased recognition as well as introduce them to potential new guests, both local and international. Votes come from both guests and industry experts, thus providing a balanced and unbiased outcome based on the food experience as a whole.

Kurumba Maldives, the first resort in the Maldives, has emerged as a grand resort of distinctive style and panache after a complete reconstruction. Located a 10-minute speedboat ride away from the main Velana International Airport, Kurumba’s lovingly nurtured tropical gardens include an orchid nursery. Shaded paths lead from one side of this 30-acre circular island to the other, while intimate white beaches are protected by eco-breakwaters of weathered coral.

With 180 bungalows and villas dotted throughout the island within verdant foliage only a pace or two from the beach, Kurumba offers a wide range of luxurious accommodation. The villas and rooms have wooden floors and are elegantly furnished with solid timbre furniture.

In addition to the newly opened King Thai restaurant, the resort boasts seven restaurants and five bars featuring an impressive variety of cuisines, including Italian, Japanese, Indian and Lebanese choices.

Offering a wide range of treatments, Veli Spa proposes the traditional Dhivehi Beys treatments, as well as both modern and traditional treatments. This complements the resort’s recreational offerings such as its two outdoor freshwater pools, three tennis courts and the fitness centre.

Hurawalhi Maldives has celebrated its first Snorkelling Day on July 30.

Weather and ocean conditions were as perfect as they can get, allowing the resort’s guests and team members to have a fun-filled Sunday on the ocean.

To start off the day, team members were invited to go snorkelling to the famous Kuredu Caves, a.k.a. Turtle Airport. This spectacular site, which is suitable for snorkelling as well as diving, never fails to impress, and the team was rewarded with five green sea turtle sightings; amongst them were two small juveniles, both quite shy and obviously taking an easy Sunday morning pace.

In the afternoon, the team headed back in the direction of sister property Kuredu Island Resort and Spa, this time stopping on its house reef. After swimming with a multitude of different fish, the team encountered the familiar, resident green sea turtle Zippy.

“While sea turtles can hold their breath for several hours, Zippy appeared to be quite inquisitive and popped its head through the surface to take a look at group twice,” an announcement by the resort read.

According to Hurawalhi, amongst the four turtles that greeted the snorkelling team, there was a newly identified juvenile green sea turtle as well. For the time being, it is being referred to as GRNew36.

Turtle tours are regular events at Hurawalhi, and guests can book their own turtle tours for USD 79 per person.

Maldives flagship carrier Maldivian has announced ongoing efforts to determine the possibility of starting direct flight operations to South Africa.

An official from parent company Island Aviation Services Limited told state broadcaster Public Service Media (PSM) that a team from the company had recently visited South Africa to conduct market research. A team from the South African government was also in the Maldives recently to carry out a similar analysis, he added.

“Initial assessments are very positive, but a decision has not been made yet,” the official was quoted as saying.

No airline currently has direct operations between the Maldives and South Africa. Travellers from South Africa now have to opt for transit flights with stopovers in Dubai, Doha or Sri Lankan capital Colombo.

The state-owned airline operates flights to all the 10 domestic airports across the Maldives, and runs international operations to South Asian neighbours India and Bangladesh, and far Eastern countries such as Thailand and China.

Maldivian has recently issued separate RFPs for the purchase of a DHC-8-300 aircraft, and for the leasing of an Airbus A321 and an Airbus A330-200.

The recent fleet expansion by the Maldives’ flagship carrier is in line with its plans to boost operations to major tourist markets such as Europe and China, and neighbouring Sri Lanka.

South Africa was once a major source market for the Maldives, but it has declined significantly over the years. However, arrivals from South Africa are gaining momentum once again, as the Maldives welcomed 2,975 South African tourists in the first six months of this year — a 52.7 percent increase over the 1,948 in the same period of last year.

There has never been a better time to discover the Maldives, with an amazing all-inclusive offer for the sensational Amilla Beach Villa Residences, located at the coral-fringed Amilla Fushi resort – described by supermodel Kate Moss as “Paradise – the most idyllic and relaxing place on Earth.”

This Family Holiday Package starts from USD 3,087++ per night (only USD 386++ per night per person), and includes seven nights stay in a lavish four-bedroom villa, VIP airport arrival, seaplane transfers, all gourmet meals, complimentary spa treatments, and full access to all the fabulous facilities and restaurants of Amilla Fushi, which is located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserver of Baa atoll.

“Turn your dreams into reality with this all-inclusive promotion, which means you don’t need to worry about a thing. Just pack your suitcase, prepare to be pampered and jet into the holiday of a lifetime,” an announcement by the resort read.

As part of an exclusive gated enclave, the stylish Amilla Beach Villa Residences provide an ultra-luxe private sanctuary. Overlooking powdery white sand and crystal-clear lagoon waters, each fully-staffed majestic villa has four elegant bedroom suites, spacious living areas, ocean front swimming pool, expansive sun deck and dining terrace. Villas accommodate up to 10 people (eight adults or six adults and four children), and are ideal for family vacations, groups of friends and special celebrations. Each comes with a ‘Rolls’ Beach Buggy and bicycles, ideal for exploring the island.

The Amilla Beach Villa Residences come with private kitchens that are stocked with complimentary food and beverages, pre-selected from an extensive Providore grocery list. A private chef will prepare gourmet in-villa meals, while the all-inclusive package also has the option for dining at select Amilla Fushi restaurants just a few minutes stroll down the beach.

In addition to the Amilla Beach Villa Residences, the resort, accessible by a 30-minute scenic seaplane flight from the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport, 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.

Velaa Private Island has unveiled a new look for its boutique Tavaru restaurant along with a new menu.

Tavaru, housed within the tallest building on the island overlooking its lagoon, has been given a new look. Along with the redesign of the restaurant comes a brand new menu celebrating Teppanyaki grill cuisine.

In an announcement, Velaa said Tavaru’s reopening reflects the resort’s aim to perfect its gastronomic experiences. With three independent Teppan grills, groups of different sizes will enjoy a private show by talented chefs, it added.

According to Velaa, Tavaru’s newly implemented lunchtime Bento Box concept pays tribute to the expertise of its chefs, with their mastery, craft and innovation for cultivating bold, creative sharing dishes in a modern light showcased through their extraordinary skill on the Teppanyaki grill plate. Bento Boxes encourage diners to once again rekindle their love for gastronomy by presenting traditional, time-honoured flavours in a fresh and contemporary way, it said.

“Touch the stars as you settle down to dinner… Watch the theatre of our talented chefs from a front-row seat as they slice, dice, season and create bespoke menus with particular flair and finesse right under your nose aside the sizzling hot iron plates of the Teppanyaki grill,” the announcement read.

“Enjoy the 360º view over Velaa while enjoying your favourite Bentobox, come and explore all our options!”

Tucked away within the collection of islands that form the northern Noonu atoll, Velaa Private Island is elegantly positioned to overlook enchanting vistas of a cerulean ocean. Its name derived from generations of sea turtles that flock there to nest and hatch; it is comprised of 47 private villas, houses and exclusive residences. The resort also includes a Romantic Pool Residence which can only be reached by boat.

At Velaa Private Island, all details have been considered: each villa comes with a personal butler, all services offered can be tailored to personal specifications. Attention to detail everywhere is also impeccable: stone pavements from the desert in Jordan, Indonesian flowerpots, luxury wood panelling from Borneo, and glimmering Italian marble.

Named one of the world’s Top Five Best Hotels and more recently the ‘Best Wedding Hotel in the Maldives’, Velaa Private Island offers endless exclusive opportunities. These unique offerings include the Maldives’ first and only snow room, the largest and most extensive wine collection in the region, one of the few Maldivian resorts with a private submarine, an extraordinary kids’ club conceptualised as the world’s ideal kids’ club by the owner’s seven-year-old daughter, and the only resort in Asia with a My Blend by Clarins spa.

Personalising and tailoring the entirety of the island depending on specific requirements, there is no limit to ensure the ultimate experience. Guests can sit back in the knowledge that the island’s highly trained and dedicated butlers will cater to each and every whim. Whether it is watching a spectacular fireworks display within the Maldivian night sky, dancing into the early hours with an Al fresco live music event, stepping aboard the island’s private yacht for a glamorous sunset cruise or enjoying a private, open air cinema night, anything is possible. Other interactive activities perfect for private groups include gourmet cooking classes with one of the resort’s chefs or wine tasting within the Maldives’ largest wine cellar.

For those looking to get involved in some Indian Ocean adventure, Velaa’s new high-tech water toys including the hover board, jetpack and fly board serve as the definitive adrenaline rush. While discovering the wonders beneath the island’s welcoming waters, guests can learn to dive or simply snorkel the coral rainbow.

Jing restaurant at Constance Halaveli Maldives has been named the best Fusion Cuisine restaurant in the world.

At the gala ceremony of World Luxury Restaurant Awards, which took place at the JW Marriott Hanoi hotel in Vietnam on July 22, Jing received the global award for the best Fusion Cuisine restaurant and a continental award for the Best Head Chef in Indian Ocean.

Additionally, the restaurant was also awarded with a regional title for the best Luxury Scenic Setting in Indian Ocean.

With over 100,000 votes cast for 1,000 entrants in 78 categories this year, the World Luxury Restaurant Awards recognise restaurants across the globe for their culinary excellence and memorable experiences, as well as assessing the quality of the atmosphere and service. The awards aim to provide luxury restaurants with increased recognition as well as introduce them to potential new guests, both local and international. Votes come from both guests and industry experts, thus providing a balanced and unbiased outcome based on the food experience as a whole.

Designed to reflect the curved shape of a traditional Maldivian dhoni, Constance Halaveli Maldives is located in the North Male Atoll and is accessible by a 35-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport. The resort offers beach and water villas, family villas and a presidential villa, which can include luxurious amenities of private terraces, plunge pools and more.

A range of superb fine wine-and-dining options are available, as the resort features five restaurants and bars, including the Asian and European fusion cuisine of Jing and Jahaz. A variety of traditional Japanese sushi rolls, sashimi and Maoki’s are served up at Kaika Sushi Bar, where guests can dine inside or on the terrace. Meeru provides beach dining for guests, where the remarkably white sand contrasts with the lush green forest of the island, complemented by the aqua blue ocean. During the evening, a selection of fresh seafood and meats from the à la carte menu can be grilled in front of guests, bringing authentic gastronomy to the shoreline.

Former France international Marcel Desailly has visited the Maldives twice before, the latest being a couple of years back. The football legend is back in the island paradise for a third time, and he could not be happier. In fact, he is so happy that he has already shared with his fans around the world his signature “Ah Ha Ha Ha” laugh from the turquoise waters surrounding Jumeirah Vittaveli, where he is staying.

 “This place is just amazing! It’s so great to be here,” Desailly told Maldives Insider.

“You’ve preserved your environment. It’s well-organised. The community is benefitting [from] the works done by the hotels in the system. Tourism is something very important [to] you. Tourism and sports; those can be very effective here.”

Like #robinson #crusoé alone on the #island hahahahahah #maldives ⚽️

A post shared by Marcel Desailly (@marceldesaillyofficial) on Aug 6, 2017 at 11:27am PDT

True to that understanding, his third visit to the Maldives is special. Desailly has already graced the opening ceremony of Ooredoo Dhivehi Premier League — the Maldives’ top football league — and shared his inspiration with fellow professional footballers from the island nation that aspire to follow in the footsteps of legends like him.

And just a day before ending his six-day visit to the Maldives, Desailly inspired the spirit of football in an altogether different bunch of people; the team members at Jumeirah Vittaveli. The friendly fustal match was held Monday afternoon at the futsal grounds of the island resort, and was played between a team led by The Rock — a nickname he has been given due to his consistency, strength and hard-tackling playing style — and another selected from amongst the resort staff.

On the pitch, the former defensive midfielder awed the spectators, comprising staff members as well as several guests holidaying on the island, with his skills, and played an instrumental role in leading his team to an 8-4 win.

But the most defining moment came right after the 40-minute game, when he just could not get off the pitch! Improvising the carefully curated programme for the afternoon, the former AC Milan and Chelsea star went on teaching football tactics to some enthusiastic staff members.

“We’re always here to promote football, from the grassroots. … But [when you’re in the Maldives], you’ve holiday, entertainment, and you promote my passion, which is sports,” he said.

Desailly was presented with a plaque by Amit Majumder, the General Manager at Jumeirah Vittaveli, as he thanked the Frenchman for staying at the resort. Desailly, on his part, heaped praise on the resort, describing it as “the full package”.

“Good hotel. Good food. … I was given a very warm welcome,” he said.

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

In addition to the recently launched Royal Residence, the resort comprises of 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. Highlights are the free-standing Ocean Suites, located only a heartbeat away from the main island and accessible by complimentary boat service.

In the Maldives, Desailly, who was a member of the France international squads that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, also spoke about the latest happenings in the world of international football, including Barcelona star Neymar’s recent move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a record-breaking €222 million deal.

“I’m part of the people who don’t see any problem with it. You deal with talent. For a film, when they invest [USD] 400 million to make a movie, and they pay Brad Pitt for three months of work USD 30 million, nobody says anything,” he told Mohamed Hamdhoon, a sports journalist from local daily Mihaaru, after the futsal match with the Jumeirah Vittaveli team.

“I consider that Neymar coming to France will raise the profile of Paris Saint-Germain. Paris Saint-Germain will have a huge return on sponsorship and they will gain on merchandising. It’s business. It’s the fans and the media that have to understand that football has now become a business on its own. Taxi driver, tourism, broadcast, hotel — everybody will benefit. The Chinese will come to Paris again more and more to have a look at the picture of Neymar and to have a look at the stadium.”

Great place to be @maldives @jumeirahvittaveli Just arrive ✈️#staydifferent

A post shared by Marcel Desailly (@marceldesaillyofficial) on Aug 3, 2017 at 7:40am PDT

After sharing his passion for football with professionals as well as his hosts at Jumeirah Vittaveli, Desailly leaves the Maldives on Tuesday, but only to return. Like many sports legends, including Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Carlos Tevez, Arjen Robben, Miroslav Klose and Franz Beckenbauer, Desailly has also fallen in love with the white sand beaches and the blue skies of the Maldives.

Kuredu Island Resort and Spa has announced a special offer for stays in September.

In an announcement, the resort said a generous 10-20 percent discount will apply to all room categories and all meal plans for bookings made until September 29. The offer is valid only for direct bookings made for stays between September 8-30, it added.

“Whether you wish to travel to the Maldives for your honeymoon, a family get-together or a beach break with your loved ones, Kuredu’s variety of choice when it comes to accommodation, dining and relaxation options is on par with the island’s natural beauty; idyllic, white beaches slip into turquoise lagoons that are home to astounding marine life,” the announcement read.

Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio joined several other A-list celebrities, including Paris Hilton, at the 1 OAK Maldives beach festival at Finolhu Maldives.

A day after Leo’s charity Gala in St Tropez on July 25, he flew to the Maldives on 1 OAK owner Richie Akiva’s private jet along with the likes of Paris Hilton and her boyfriend Chris Zylka, Tobet Maguire and Luke Haas.

The Summer Lovin’ beach festival began on July 28 and went on for three days, transforming Finolhu to 1 OAK Island, the ultimate tropical oasis of world-class entertainment featuring daily events, A-list performances, oceanside dinners and unique activations.

The festival saw performances by Kate March, founder of the passionate all-female creative collective from New York I AM, world famous DJs Jaffa and Simon, and entertainment group Fun Light. Guests were also treated to surprise celebrity appearances, including one by Paris Hilton, who joined the DJing lineup for the weekend along with Guy Gerber and DJ Kassidy.

The beach festival celebrated the launch of 1 OAK Maldives and the one-year anniversary of Finolhu.

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.

The Small Maldives Island Co. partnered with New York hospitality group Butter Group last year to launch 1 OAK Finolhu Blhu beach club in Finolhu and 1 OAK Lounge at its second property Amilla Fushi. Since then, both the resorts have seen fun-filled entertainment events hosted by international performers.

As an environmental activist, Leo is no stranger to the Maldives, the lowest-lying country in the world. He has worked with former Maldives president and fellow environmental activist Mohamed Nasheed on the jury of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, which recognises innovation, leadership, long-term vision and impact in renewable energy and sustainability.

Maldives is amongst the most sought after destinations by celebrity travellers from around the world.

The likes of English singer and television presenter Rochelle Humes and her husband Marvin, and British TV personality Billie Faiers have all declared the Maldives as their favourite part of the world for a relaxing getaway. Another British singer Perrie Edwards, English actress Millie Mackintosh and the Beckhams have also fell in love with the white sands and the blue skies of the Maldives.

United States has made it to the list of the top 10 source markets for the Maldives tourism industry, as arrivals from the country continue to observe double-digit growth.

Figures released by the Maldives tourism ministry show that relatively new markets such as the Americas have recorded significant growth in arrivals over the past two years, with the US at the leading spot. Last year alone, 32,589 tourists from the US visited the Maldives — an 11.2 percent increase over the 29,308 in the previous year.

Growth in the US market has gained steam this year, as 18,267 Americans visited the Maldives during the first six months of the year. It was a 19.4 percent increase over the 15,295 Americans that spent their holidays in the Maldives during the same period of last year.

This significant growth in arrivals from the US has put the country amongst the top 10 source markets, along with China, Germany, UK, Italy, India, Russia, France, Japan, and Switzerland. The US currently holds the ninth biggest market share in Maldives tourism, between the traditionally strong market of Japan and Switzerland.

The US market, however, continues to face several challenges, especially due to the long distance and the lack of air connectivity. With no direct flights between the US and Maldives, travellers now have to opt for transit flights with long layovers in London, Dubai and Doha.

After years of double-digit growth in tourism, the Maldives has over the recent years observed a slowdown in growth, mainly due to a slump in arrivals from China. However, the decline in the Chinese market has been largely offset by a strong recovery in the traditional European market, contributing to promising gains in overall tourist arrivals.

Despite tourist arrivals crossing the one million milestone and on course to reach 1.5 million by the end of this year, the Maldives has struggled to create demand amidst a significant increase in bed capacity.

However, the latest figures and the emergence of new markets are welcome signs for the Maldives tourism industry, which is the main economic activity in the island nation.

Photo: Kurumba Maldives

Hurawalhi Maldives has appointed Brad Calder as its new General Manager, with the additional task of overseeing the pre-opening of its upcoming private island retreat.

In an announcement, the recently-opened luxury resort described Brad, who hails from the New Zealand city of Auckland, as a detailed, result-driven and perceptive professional with extensive experience in luxury resort management, product innovation and development. He has an ambitious vision, which will usher in a new array of unique and effortless luxury experiences at one of the Maldives’ rising star resorts, it said.

“The potential is enormous. I am certain we can successfully compete with many of the bigger brands that are present in the Maldives and establish Hurawalhi’s reputation as an iconic and top-ranking resort in the country,” Brad was quoted in the announcement, as saying.

“There are several attributes that allow Hurawalhi to elevate its profile: the adults-only concept, luxury all-inclusive package that will be further developed, 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, Dream Island and of course the sustainable practices used to maintain the pristine environment.”

According to the new General Manager, Hurawalhi is lucky to have environmental technology and several eco-friendly practices in place, making it a draw to those guests whose holiday requirements include sustainable luxury and responsible travel.

“What also needs mentioning as it impressed me the most upon my arrival is the genuine warmth of hospitality presented by the team, and the stunning natural environment with the clearest water and the abundance of marine life,” he said.

In addition to managing Hurawalhi, Brad will also oversee the pre-opening and management of Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi, which is set to open in early summer 2018.

Brad started his professional career as the Food and Beverage Manager at the iconic Home House Private Members Club in London, and later went onto become the Food and Beverage Manager at Stamford Plaza Auckland, Director of Food and Beverage at Warwick Resort and Spa Fiji, and Executive Assistant Manager at the Hard Rock Hotel Bali. Before joining Hurawalhi, he was the Resort Manager at the award-winning Gili Lankanfushi resort in the Maldives.

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

Food and Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge 2017 kicked off Tuesday with more than 500 participants.

This year’s edition of FHAM Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge will take place by Thursday at the main convention centre of Dharubaaruge in capital Male. The exhibition is open for public from 10am to 7pm everyday.

After inaugurating the exhibition Tuesday afternoon, economic minister Mohamed Saeed highlighted its importance to local businesses, saying that it would enable global buyers and suppliers to enter into the local market.

“This event provides a platform for local businesses to network with their international peers,” he said.

With more than 110 stalls representing over 50 companies, including local, regional and international players, FHAM is the largest gathering of the hospitality industry in the Maldives. Exhibitors include companies supplying food and beverage items, kitchen equipment and systems, cutleries and crockery, in-room amenities and furniture required by the industry.

FHAM plays host to the International Culinary Challenge, which attracts as many as 500 chefs from over 75 resorts, hotels and restaurants in the Maldives and the region. The culinary challenge is organised by the Chefs Guild of Maldives in association with the Chefs Guild of Sri Lanka.

A Housekeepers Challenge, a Mocktail Competition and a Barista Championship are also being hosted during FHAM.

Meanwhile, enthusiastic professionals can enrich their knowledge and experience by attending the International Hospitality Seminar, which is conducted during the event and by leading hospitality experts.

Lily International has retained the title sponsorship of FHAM this year.

Main photo: Mihaaru

Ayada Maldives has won two prestigious awards at the World Luxury Restaurant Awards.

At the gala ceremony of World Luxury Restaurant Awards, which took place at the JW Marriott Hanoi hotel in Vietnam on July 22, Ayada’s Ocean Breeze restaurant received the best Ambience/Romantic Atmosphere award in the global category.

Named after its beautiful overwater location where the warmth of the sun is tempered by a refreshing breeze, Ocean Breeze is open for lunch and dinner, and offers gourmets a tempting menu of modern European dishes. With regular seasonal changes to the menu, items such as grilled seafood, homemade pasta and fine steaks are perennial favourites.

As one of the most romantic settings of the island, the open-air restaurant stands over the lagoon, in its sophisticated atmosphere. By day the endless shades of blue from the shimmering ocean enchant, while at night the restaurant transforms into a magical candlelit paradise.

In addition to the global award, Ayada’s Kai restaurant was awarded a regional title for the best Asian Cuisine in Indian Ocean.

At Kai, an exquisite range of far-Eastern and Asian delicacies awaits in this gem of a restaurant hidden away amid tropical greenery. Open for dinner each evening, diners can choose from an extensive sushi and sashimi list made from the freshest local seafood as well as classic interpretations of regional Asian specialties from China, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. The décor, with its calm reflecting pools and typical Japanese-inspired architecture, sets the scene for a memorable evening of fine dining.

With over 100,000 votes cast for 1,000 entrants in 78 categories this year, the World Luxury Restaurant Awards recognise restaurants across the globe for their culinary excellence and memorable experiences, as well as assessing the quality of the atmosphere and service. The awards aim to provide luxury restaurants with increased recognition as well as introduce them to potential new guests, both local and international. Votes come from both guests and industry experts, thus providing a balanced and unbiased outcome based on the food experience as a whole.

Set in the relatively unexplored Gaafu Dhaalu atoll in the south of the Maldives, Ayada Maldives offers 122 spacious villas and suites, with private pools, butler service and thoughtful five-star detailing. Traditional thatched-roof water villas stand on stilts over the resort’s peaceful lagoon, while beach villas offer absolute privacy amid tropical greenery alongside powder soft palm-lined white beaches.

Food lovers can explore the six restaurants, while those seeking complete relaxation will find their haven in the large spa which boasts a Turkish Hammam and eight private treatment villas.

The resort is noted for its gardens and tropical greenery and is ringed by a pristine coral reef where dolphins are frequent visitors. The active can explore the area on a host of excursions while at the resort they can play tennis or badminton, take up water sports, learn yoga, Pilates or Zumba or simply hit the modern gym. Outstanding diving and snorkelling opportunities surround the island on reefs that have barely been visited by humans while some of the Maldives’ best surfing breaks are just a quick speedboat journey away.

Weddings take place just before sunset in one of the most beautiful private wedding chapels in the Maldives set in a tree-lined garden, or on the beach under a gazebo draped with flowing material.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is set to offer families more space and couples more privacy with the launch of two new luxury villa categories, including the resort’s first two-bedroom family villas and more villas with private pools.

In a statement, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa said remodelling of the villas is currently underway, and will take place in two phases while the resort stays open to guests. Once the project completes in October, guests will have the choice of six room categories, including the new Deluxe Park Pool Villas and Two Bedroom Park Pool Villas, it said.

In addition to the resort’s babysitting, yoga, snorkelling and junior PADI diving already offered for children, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa will launch a brand-new family offering, including daily kids activities, new kids’ welcome packs and a complimentary babysitting service to allow parents to enjoy some quality time as a couple.

“These additional family offerings will compliment these new villas, which are ideal for families looking for a holiday in the Maldives,” the statement read.

Deluxe Park Pool Villas

With an additional 100 square metres of space, the eight new Deluxe Park Pool Villas will offer guests a more spacious and luxurious experience than Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa’s existing Park Pool Villas. Nestled within natural lush vegetation, the new 265 square-metre timber and stone villas will boast floor-to-ceiling windows and a private outdoor bathroom, with a terrazzo bathtub and rain shower. The villa’s very own plunge pool and semi submerged sunbeds will offer guests the ideal place to cool off in ultimate comfort, surrounded by peaceful and idyllic surrounds. Guests can relax and enjoy an intimate evening drink in the villa’s tranquil outdoor seating area or take advantage of the soft sandy beach with two loungers just a few steps away via a private pathway.

 Two Bedroom Park Pool Villas

For the first time, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa will offer families the chance to stay at the resort under the same roof, with the introduction of three new Two Bedroom Park Pool Villas. Set within Maldivian greenery, these villas will include a second bedroom with twin beds and an additional bathroom, so families can enjoy precious time away together, without compromising on space, style, luxury or comfort. Both bedrooms are designed with floor-to-ceiling windows and the master bedroom features a king bed with an outdoor terrazzo bathtub and rain shower. The private plunge pool is perfect for children to play in, while parents can relax on the two semi submerged sunbeds or cosy up with a book in the outdoor seating area. With private beach access, fun and games in the sand and sea are only a stone’s throw away.

“With these exciting new villa options and much more planned to accommodate families, there has never been a better time to take time out for a family holiday and visit Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa,” the statement read.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa currently offers 16 Park Villas and 20 Park Pool Villas, seven Park Water Villas and seven Park Water Sunset Villas. The resort, located in the southern Gaafu Alif atoll, offers luxurious amenities, a host of recreational activities, and relaxing and rejuvenating treatments.

Since the five-star resort welcomed its first guests in 2009, it has undergone serval refurbishments to offer guests the ultimate luxury Maldivian experience.

Ocean Dimensions has established its dive centre at Kihaa Maldives, the closest resort to the Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Hanifaru Bay.

After many successful years in the Laamu atoll, Ocean Dimensions relocated to Kihaa Maldives this month and began calling the Baa atoll their new playground. At Kihaa Maldives, Ocean Dimensions will have some of the best dive sites in the Maldives on their doorsteps, with the famous Hanifaru Bay being the highlight for manta snorkelling.

Ocean Dimensions is led by experienced divers Marc Zaalberg and Petra Hellmann along with a team of professional diving instructors. The award-winning dive centre offers PADI diving courses along with snorkelling excursions to Hanifaru Bay.

Set within the sparkling waters of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa atoll, Kihaa Maldives is located on a picturesque 600m-long island festooned with jungle foliage, a white sandy beach which stretches the entire circumference of the island and a lively coral reef. There are 124 villas combining contemporary and classic features such as elegant furniture, romantic four poster beds and exotic rattan lounge seats.

Guests can enjoy local and international dishes at the on-site restaurant or arrange for a romantic private dinner on the beach.

Scuba diving is one of the most popular activities at Kihaa, which is accessible by a 20-minute domestic plane ride from the main Velana International Airport. Guests can explore the area’s top dive sites featuring mega fauna including whale sharks and manta rays, and also visit the famous Marine Protected Area of Hanifaru Bay for snorkelling.

Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy opened Tuesday as surfers gear up for the competition to get underway later this week when weather conditions improve.

Maldives environment minister Toriq Ibrahim graced the opening ceremony held at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. With conditions on the opening days of the event window not quite making the grade for competition to get underway, some surf champions headed out to the waves while some relaxed at The Island Spa.

The forecast, however, looks promising for a start this Friday.

“Right now we are in between swells, and last week’s waves are continuing to diminish,” Event coordinator and founder of Tropicsurf Ross Phillips, who has been surfing in the Maldives for around two decades, was quoted in a statement issued by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, as saying.

“We also have quite strong monsoonal trade winds which are making the small waves tough to surf. On Friday we have a bit of a bump in swell and winds look to drop off, so we will wait until then to get the event underway in the best conditions of the window.”

As the competition gears up for its start on Friday at the perfect right-hand reef break at Sultans Point, six invitees are settling in on the idyllic island paradise of Kuda Huraa.

Having taken out the 2016 event, former WSL Championship Tour (CT) superstar Taj Burrow has made it back to the Four Seasons to defend his title. The Australian has put in some time surfing these parts since last year and has not lost much of the competitive spark that saw him make it to world no. 2 on several occasions throughout his career — meaning he will be the one to watch when competition gets underway.

“I’ve been counting down the days for this event since I left here last year,” Burrow said.

“Everything about it is amazing; the friends, the waves, the experience here at the Four Seasons, it’s all incredible. I’ve had a few days to reacquaint myself with my twin-fin and single fin boards, but will definitely have to keep practising before the competition starts.”

Best known for her big wave exploits, Brazilian Maya Gabeira comes into the event as the lone female competitor. On her first visit to the Maldives, Gabeira is not sure if she is more excited to be surfing in paradise or coming up against some of her heroes.

“This is my first time to the Maldives and my mind has been blown,” Gabeira said.

“I’ve never surfed a single fin or twin-fin until now, so it’s been cool to have that experience. I can’t wait for the competition to get underway, so I can share the lineup with some of my heroes. It’s going to be an amazing experience.”

Local competitor Ismail ‘Kuda Issey’ Miglal is by far the most experienced surfer at Sultans, and is relishing the opportunity to share the lineup with some of the world’s best. With the forecast for the event window looking to dish up some tricky conditions, Kuda Issey’s local knowledge will no doubt play heavily to his advantage.

“It’s a real honour to surf in this event with some of my favourite surfers,” Kuda Issey said.

“I love surfing on different boards, so I feel like the format suits me. I can’t wait to surf against the pros. Taj is my favourite surfer of all time. It will be amazing to share the lineup with him.”

World Champion CJ Hobgood has made one previous trip to the Maldives and is thrilled to be back. The hard charging goofy footer is stoked to have the opportunity to continue his competitive career in a more relaxed environment while surfing different boards.

“This sort of feels like a dream at the moment. I felt like everything was slowing down after retiring from the tour, and then I get to come to a contest like this here in paradise with my wife. It’s almost too good to be true, Hobgood, who was crowned World Champion in 2001, said.

“I was never one for experimenting with different boards, so I’m still getting the hang of the twin and single fins. But they definitely feel nice when you find that sweet spot. I’m having such a blast here.”

Returning to the Four Seasons in 2017 is former world no. 2 Rob Machado. The ‘cruisey’ Californian has style in spades and serious ability on crafts of all shapes and sizes, making him a perfect fit for the multi-discipline format of the Surfing Champions Trophy. Machado will be surfing the event on a quiver of boards he shaped himself, a first time at the Surfing Champions Trophy.

Another competitor that will be surfing on Machado’s shapes is former CT surfer and WSL commentator Ross Williams. These days, Williams is utilising his exceptionally sharp competitive mind under the guise of coach to 2016 WSL Champion John John Florence. This week he will pull on that skill-set with the competition jersey on for the first time in a long time.

The Surfing Champions Trophy determines heat times based on age and tests skill across three divisions: single-fin, twin-fin and thruster. Places are by invitation-only to six world champions in a battle for inner-circle kudos and a USD25,000 prize pot.

Returning to the annual event is Four Seasons Explorer, the Maldives’ ultimate surf vessel. Following a full interior refurbishment, the 39-metre catamaran is proudly showcasing sleek new finishes and stylish soft furnishings across all three decks while hosting the contest.

Fans can get up close to all of the action with onboard VIP passes, then continue the “surf tour” experience with shoulder-rubbing events back at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa — the homeport for the event’s competitors, judges and Tropicsurf partners.

Combining innovation, wellness and conservation, Four Seasons Resort Maldives 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. It features 96 thatched beach and water accommodations constructed by local craftsmen using indigenous materials and techniques to reflect a true sense of the Maldives.

The luxury catamaran Four Seasons Explorer connects the two properties 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.

Anticipated as one of the most dazzling events on the luxury hospitality calendar, the annual Haute Grandeur Global Hotel and Spa Awards gala ceremony is set to take place on October 27 in Thai capital Bangkok.

The gala ceremony, to be held at the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel, commends exceptional hospitality establishments across seven continents and 172 countries, including the Maldives. Awards will be given in 94 categories.

This prestigious red-carpet event is associated with status and exclusivity, drawing admired industry influencers, decision-makers and VIPs together in celebration as top luxury hospitality brands vie for the ultimate accolade in overall excellence. Leading hospitality groups represented include Anantara, Banyan Tree, Dusit Thani, Fairmont, Hilton, Mandarin Oriental, Sofitel, St Regis, The Four Seasons, The Peninsula, Rosewood, The Ritz Carlton, and Westin amongst others.

“Hospitality is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries. Healthy competition is crucial to the sustainability of an industry that creates so many jobs globally,” Haute Grandeur founder and Managing Director Marinique de Wet was quoted in a statement, as saying.

“We are proud to contribute and encourage establishments worldwide to continuously excel on all levels.”

Each year, Haute Grandeur chooses a leading destination to host the prestigious gala ceremony. Bangkok won the bid to host this year’s gala ceremony.

“With its fusion of traditional and contemporary, Bangkok is a gift for the senses. One moment you’re exploring ancient temples and floating markets, the next you’re immersed in luxurious hotels, restaurants and boutiques,” De Wet said.

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, the South-East Asian flagship of Sofitel Hotels and Resorts, was chosen as the ideal host venue because of its unwavering dedication to raising the standards of service excellence in a highly competitive industry. The 32-storey state-of-the-art hotel is situated in a vibrant cosmopolitan district of Bangkok, and seamlessly blends French elegance with Thai culture to offer discerning guests a magnificent experience.

“We are honoured and proud to be selected as the host property for the 2017 Haute Grandeur Awards,” Khun Oliver Schnatz, General Manager of Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, was quoted in the statement.

“This trusted awards system reflects our commitment to excellence, and recognises the talent and ambassadors who work with unwavering dedication to excel. We look forward to welcoming esteemed guests to this prestigious affair.”

Recognised as the highest accolade a hotel or spa can receive, a Haute Grandeur Award is a guaranteed golden stamp of excellence. Award winners and participating establishments are perceived as exceptional and distinguished by association.

The Haute Grandeur Awards system is unlike any other. Unbiased results are guaranteed through a fair, transparent process that recognises brilliance by means of quality guest feedback rather than the quantity of votes by a panel of judges or the general public. This unique approach to measuring excellence is why Haute Grandeur is in a class of its own.

The 2016 gala ceremony took place at the Fairmont Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, with Raffles Jakarta crowned as the overall victor.

As one of the most illustrious events of the year, the Haute Grandeur Awards gala ceremony is featured prominently in the media spotlight. Global event partners for this year include Etihad Airways, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sofitel Hotels and Resorts, and Uber.

When private island resort LUX* North Male Atoll, located on the six hectare picnic island of Olhahali, opens early next year, its oversized penthouse architecture and easygoing South Beach ambience are set to bring a new level of luxury to the Maldives hotel scene. The resort features 67 double-storey residences, five restaurants and bars, an expansive LUX* Me spa complex, and comprehensive diving and water sports facilities — all coupled with contemporary architectural design elements such as private terraces, rooftop lounges, outdoor decks, private gardens and 13m private pools.

With such ambitious scope and high expectations for the property, LUX* Resorts and Hotels, which already runs the LUX* South Ari Atoll resort in the Maldives, spent many months looking for an exceptional individual to welcome the resort’s first guests. The Mauritius-based hotel group’s search led to the appointment in June of Swiss-born hospitality expert Markus Iseli as the general manager of LUX* North Male Atoll.

A civil engineer by profession, Markus brings over three decades of high-level hospitality experience, which has seen him graduate from service and guest relations positions to the most senior levels of hotel management.

He began his career in Switzerland as an apprentice cook, working his way up through various F&B positions before moving to Germany in 1987 to assume the role of Chief Steward at Hilton International Munich Park, where he managed banquets and conferences for up to 800 people. From here, his professional trajectory took him into executive roles in international luxury hospitality, seeing Markus recruited by the likes of Hilton Worldwide, Intercontinental, Four Seasons and Shangri-La as well as a number of other properties recognised as Leading Hotels of the World.

His life in hospitality has taken him all over the globe; Markus has variously made his home in Germany, Kenya, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Portugal, Syria, the Seychelles, South East Asia, Oman and Saudi Arabia over the years, giving him an unparalleled understanding of the needs and expectations of travellers from countless cultural backgrounds.

Maldives Insider speaks to Markus, who has earlier overseen the positioning and launching of eight hotels across the world, as he takes charge of every aspect of the mould-breaking new resort ahead of its launch in early January.

Maldives Insider: What are your previous experiences in the Maldives?

Markus Iseli: This is actually my second time in the Maldives. I was at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa for just two weeks as the Task Force GM to fill in for their GM when he was off the island. It was in 2010, just after the opening of the resort.

It was rather short, but I had the opportunity to explore this beautiful country. I was blown away by the sheer beauty of the islands and the fact that every island has its own unique characteristics; be it the shape, size or look.

I also had the change to work with some incredible Maldivians. The Maldivian people are very hospitable and genuine. That in itself is an advantage for the destination as well as for us as hoteliers because we are always looking to hire more local talent to showcase the true culture and traditions of this country. For example, a local meal cooked by a Maldivian is very different to that exact same dish prepared by a Sri Lankan or a French chef. Likewise, Maldivian hospitality is very different from French hospitality, and guests come here to experience the local touch.

Insider: How does that experience help you in your new posting with LUX*?

Markus: Every coin has two sides, and so there are two sides to every story. Likewise, in hospitality, there is the guest experience and then there is the experience of the team member.

The Maldives has changed a bit over the past couple of years, but it still is not a cheap destination like Spain or Turkey. Air fares are reasonable, but a five-star property in the Maldives carries a premium price tag, which naturally means that guest expectations are quite high. Our objective is to not only meet guest expectations, but exceed them constantly and provide little things that will blow their minds away.

Our success as foreigners depends on the support we get from the local team members. The Maldivians I have worked with are very engaging, warm and extremely proud of what their country has to offer. I am honoured to have the opportunity to work with them again. My previous experience in the Maldives has helped me understand the Maldivian hospitality; their service culture and how they deliver it.

Before anything, I have to understand the culture of the Maldives. Part of that cultural understanding is the religious aspect and how to behave accordingly. For instance, when people are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, I should respect them and make sure that I do not walk around with food or drinks in my hands. I have worked in a number of other Muslim majority countries as well, and observed fasting for a couple of days just to get the experience. So I am quite used to it.

Insider: What made you accept the offer from LUX*?

Markus: I have worked with high-end luxury brands such as Four Seasons and Shangri-La. LUX* too is a five-star hotel and resort operator, but what makes us different is our “Lighter, Brighter” approach and the little surprises we have for our guests. We are helping guests celebrate life. One example is the Reasons to Go LUX* concept, which includes our signature Cafe LUX*, the small gifts we keep at different places of the island for guests to find, and so on.

The concept of “Lighter, Brighter” luxury is more appealing to me personally as well, and certainly trendier and sexier for the guests. I recently stayed at one of the newly opened five-star resorts in the Maldives, and everything there was a bit too formal. In contrast, LUX* is for everyone; be it a child, a teenager, a millennial or a retiree. For example, the Beach Rouge is perhaps not suitable for a 60-year-old or a 70-year-old, but is something for the younger generation that loves to hang out, chill and have a good time. The 60-year-old or 70-year-old can go to Senses, which is a place that allows them to have some peace and quiet.

Insider: What is the progress of the project?

Markus: It is going well, with 75-80 percent of the construction already complete. Villas are up, but our villas are being built slightly different from the ones in the Maldives. We are using double glazing on the walls and ceilings to keep the heat out. This method makes it more sustainable and environment-friendly as it reduces energy consumption. The resort is also built in such a way that solar panels can be fitted in the future.

We do not want to push anything and we want to build everything properly. By December, we will be able to invite some opinion leaders, travel agents and tour operators to give them a preview of the resort. We are looking to have the opening in early January 2018.

Insider: What is your focus at this stage of development?

Markus: My task is to instil the vision that sets us apart, and to make sure that attention to detail is valued and taken seriously by each and every member of the team. Sky is the limit; so at LUX* North Male Atoll, we are never going to say no to a guest request. We will always try and find a way to meet guest expectations and exceed them. LUX* North Male atoll will be a bit more expensive than LUX* South Ari Atoll, but we will make sure that every penny spent by the guest is totally worth it. The guest will leave us after having experienced the best of the Maldives, and feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated.

Insider: What is being done to achieve that level of service excellence at LUX* North Male Atoll?

Markus: We have our standard operating procedure, which is common for all LUX* properties. But we are going to add our unique touches to it to bring out the next level of the LUX* experience here in the Maldives.

It is important that the team members we recruit have the same mentality. So our recruitment pool will be from amongst the high-end luxury resorts in the Maldives as well as in the Indian Ocean because they will be able to easily grasp the concept of luxury that we are talking about. If we are to hire high school graduates, they would not be able to understand it unless they have been travelling a lot. That being said, we will recruit fresh talent as well because we are committed to developing the next generation of industry professionals.

After we have hired our team, we will do role-playing where we give practical training to our team members in all operational aspects, including check-in and check-out, packing and unpacking, cooking, waiting tables, and so on.

Insider: What sets LUX* North Male Atoll apart from other resorts, especially LUX* South Ari Atoll?

Markus: LUX* South Ari Atoll is a fantastic resort, but it is more appealing to those who seek out a laid back and casual atmosphere. With LUX* North Male Atoll, we are taking our offering in the Maldives to the next level. It is all about attention to detail.

When you book a standard villa, which is 110 square metres big, at LUX* North Male Atoll, you will find that the physical product is already different from that in LUX* South Ari Atoll. But what really sets us apart is the experience. From the time you make the booking and to the time you leave, everything will be done for you. For instance, you would not have to queue up at the airport. We take you to the lounge right away and let you relax there while we take care of the immigration formalities and the luggage for you. At LUX* North Male Atoll, we will also have butler service, and your butler will be there at your disposal throughout your stay.

Most of our villas are one bedroom suites that have its own private living room, and our smallest villa is 110 square metres in size. So we will make sure that our team members are familiar with the hardware, especially with every touch point. They will be delivering the unexpected by learning the behaviour of the guest. For example, if the man sleeps on the right side of the bed, our team member will take note of that and place his pyjama on the right side of the bed and the lady’s one on the left. And no matter how you arrive on the island — seaplane or by speedboat — the people at the arrival jetty will recognise you and welcome you by your name like, “Welcome Mr Miller. We are delighted to have you here in LUX* North Male Atoll.” People will begin to wonder how we knew their names. It is these small little things that will set us apart.

We are not reinventing the physical product. We are not going to compare our product with any other five-star deluxe property, and say that we have this and that. Instead, we will be executing existing concepts, but in a “Lighter, Brighter” approach, making it less formal and more fun.

Insider: A lot of new resorts in the high-end luxury segment are opening up and LUX* North Male Atoll will be amongst them. How do you see the future for LUX* as well as for the Maldives tourism industry in general?

Markus: There is no doubt that it is going to be challenging. In 2008, the global financial crisis hit the most important source markets, and the industry has since been struggling to fully recover from that loss. To make things worse, supply has increased dramatically in a very short span. With these two factors combined, the days ahead are going to be tough for us as well for our colleagues.

So, as operators, we need to think outside the box and do everything we can to stand out from the rest of the competition. I believe the well-established hotels that have been doing successfully for years will eventually have to go back to the drawing board and figure out a way to run it more efficiently and to offer something different to the guest. We also need to make sure that we are consistent in our quality, especially in service. The government also has a responsibility to increase destination marketing efforts to ensure that the demand exists to feed the increasing supply.

Meanwhile, the government needs to establish the infrastructure needed to support this rapid expansion. With arrivals crossing 1.4 million last year, it is expected that the number will increase to two million in a couple of years. For that, expansion of the main airport needs to be completed as soon as possible. I look at my opening in Seychelles, and I see that a reliable and capable transport infrastructure is very important to support the expansion. Is air supply guaranteed?

And of course, political and economic stability has to be there. We can all see what is happening in Europe. With terrorist attacks and political turmoil in places like Paris and Turkey, people are not travelling to those destinations. They are suffering big time because the people do not feel safe there.

Insider: What is your message ahead of the opening of LUX* North Male Atoll?

Markus: In terms of the Maldives as a destination, we all have to be careful, especially those of us operating in the luxury segment. Now there are some 350 guesthouses in operation across the Maldives. More and more people can now come to the Maldives and experience the sun, sand and sea. This makes the destination more affordable, and in turn affects the five-start deluxe and high-end segment. It is a good sign that more and more airlines are flying into the Maldives, but where they are going matters the most. If all of them go to guesthouses, it will have a huge impact on the luxury segment that the Maldives is known for. As they say in Germany, shipping in busloads of people is going to lower the level of service, ultimately hurting the reputation of the destination.

I hope that the Maldivian government will do the very best to support this industry, so that it can flourish for years to come. I hope that the unique natural beauty that the Maldives is blessed with is well-maintained and taken care of. My father-in-law came to the Maldives in the early 70s for diving. He showed me pictures, and it was Robinson Crusoe; just magical! No air-conditioning in the hotels and very simple food, but great corals and great diving. So protect what you have!

At LUX*, we try to surprise our guests. That is how we stay relevant and ahead of the competition. So when LUX* North Male Atoll opens in early January, we will continue our journey of surprising our guests, while taking the concept of “Lighter, Brighter” luxury to a new level. I am definitely very excited for the opening of LUX* North Male Atoll and I am confident that our clients as well as our guests will love it!