Leading local telecom operator Dhiraagu has signed up as the title sponsor of the upcoming Guesthouses Maldives Conference 2017.
In a statement, organiser Maldives Getaways said a partnership agreement was signed with Dhiraagu on Sunday. The event will now be officially called Dhiraagu Guesthouses Maldives Conference 2017, it added.
Commenting on the sponsorship, Dhiraagu’s Chief Marketing Officer Isabelle Hajri said, “We are committed to supporting the guesthouse industry of Maldives. Therefore, we are delighted to announce our title sponsorship of the 2nd guesthouses conference that is due to be held on the 23rd of September which brings together all of the industry’s stakeholders.”
Set to be held in capital Male on September 23, the second edition of Guesthouses Maldives Conference will bring together representatives from 200 guesthouses across the Maldives and more than 50 local and international travel agents that are solely focused on the budget travel market. Representatives of leading online travel agents such as Expedia and Booking.com will also participate in the conference.
Maldives, known world over for its upmarket tourism industry, has resorts in the hundreds spread across the archipelago. The industry has in recent years expanded to introduce more affordable segments, including guesthouses and liveaboards. Some 330 guesthouses have started operations over the past five years as the number of travellers that choose to stay in guesthouses rise.
The annual Guesthouses Maldives Conference is aimed at bringing together owners and key stakeholders from the guesthouses and travel industry to discuss and share ideas on the challenges as well as the opportunities in the industry. Through the conference, the organisers target to find ways to bring in 500,000 tourists to guesthouses across the Maldives by the year 2020.
The first edition of the conference, which was held in Male in September 2016, was attended by over 160 guesthouse operators, local and international travel agents, tour operators, online travel agents (OTAs), airlines, government agencies and business leaders.
Amilla Fushi and Finolhu Maldives have announced an incredible island escape for the upcoming festive season, including surprise A-List celebrity appearances.
During the cabaret-themed festivities at Amilla Fushi, vibrant theatrical decorations will transform beachfront venues, while wandering performance artists, including Irish singer Edele, Jason Norris and the Tight Beats, French pop band Gypsy Queens, DJ Tony Montana and English electronica vocalist Katherine Ellis, ensure the carnival mood never fades.
Other events at Amilla Fushi during the festive season include:
Feeling Koi celebrations: Chef Hiroaki Nakamura brings his expertise in creating exquisite Japanese cuisine to Amilla Fushi. Festive culinary surprises are a certainty when he implements exciting new food concepts at the resort’s signature overwater restaurant Feeling Koi.
Challenge Tennis legend Pat Rafter: A special festive gift for the winner of the Amilla Fushi Tennis Tournament is a one-on-one match with Australian tennis legend Pat Rafter. Rafter will also play an action-packed exhibition match with Amilla Fushi’s resident Jim Courier tennis pro.
Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay: Fresh, seasonal ingredients in a globally-inspired menu. A vibrant all-day dining concept delivers culinary festivity. Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay pop-up at Amilla Fushi’s Barolo Grill Italian Kitchen from December 22 to January 10, 2018.
Accessible by a 30-minute scenic seaplane flight from the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport, Amilla Fushi 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.
Meanwhile, Amilla Fushi’s sister property Finolhu is set to transform into a soul train of funky festivities, with a surprise act to be announced soon.
World-class entertainment will be on offer at Finolhu’s year-end celebrations, supported by live music, DJ sets and dazzling performances by Area 51. During the day, lots of family friendly festivities and sports tournaments will keep you on your toes.
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.
Gili Lankanfushi has appointed David Stepetic as its new General Manager.
An American national, David joins Gili Lankanfushi from Jumeirah Dhevanafushi in the Maldives, where he held the position of General Manager for three years. Prior to that, he served as the General Manager of Laucala Island Resort, an exclusive 25-room resort in Fiji.
In an announcement, Gili Lankanfushi said David has more than 25 years of luxury hospitality management experience, and spent 19 of those years with the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in various Food and Beverage and senior management capacities. His experience has taken him from roles in America and Asia, to the South Pacific and the Indian Ocean, it added.
According to the resort, David is an avid naturalist and feels most at home in an island setting. He has a keen interest in ornithology and looks forward to getting to know the island’s wildlife and further developing the recently unveiled marine biology centre Gili Veshi, it said.
“Gili Lankanfushi is a name that is renowned the world over for its passionate approach to creating a guest experience that goes beyond just luxury accommodation and a beautiful beach. I truly believe it is an island for all the senses and I am looking forward to working with the team to keep developing unforgettable and bespoke experiences for both our new and longstanding guests,” David was quoted in the announcement, as saying.
Stephen Lau, Chairman of property owner HPL Hotels and Resorts, said, “We are very excited for David to be joining the Gili Lankanfushi family. He brings with him a wealth of experience both from his early years with Four Seasons, a brand synonymous with seamless service and refined hospitality, and his many years as a General Manager of island resort properties. David understands, more than most, the importance of a personal and inclusive approach while making sure guests are enjoying nothing but unrivalled privacy, in the beautiful settings of our secluded island sanctuary.”
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.
Evaluation of nominees from South India for South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2017 has begun on Wednesday.
The Chancery Pavilion, SATA’s Hospitality Partner for South India, is currently hosting presentations by nominees from the southern part of India.
Judging for SATA 2017 began in Maldives last week, followed by evaluation from Sunday to Tuesday of the properties nominated from Sri Lanka.
After the evaluation in the Indian IT hub of Bangalore conclude on Sunday, Udman Hotels and Resorts by Ferns N Petals in Indian capital New Delhi, which has been appointed as the Hospitality Partner for North India, will host presentations by nominees from North India from August 27-29.
Nominees from Nepal and Bhutan will give their presentations from August 29-31 at Hotel Mulberry in Nepalese capital Kathmandu, which has been appointed as the Hospitality Partner for Nepal.
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.
The grand gala of SATA 2017 will be held in the southernmost Maldivian atoll of Addu from October 27-28.
SATA has earlier announced the partners of this year’s edition, including:
Platinum Partner: Ooredoo Maldives
Gold Partner: Hawks Private Limited
Silver Partner: Male Aerated Water Company and Asia Forwarding
Travel Media Partner: Maldives Insider and The Islandchief
Online Media Partner: Sun Online
TV Partner: Maldives TV
Travel Partner: MVHotels
Videography Partner: Visual Beams from NERN Private Limited
Photography Partner: Digital Studio
Auditing Partner: Crowe Horwath Maldives
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.
AVANI Hotels and Resorts has announced the development of its first property in the Maldives, with the AVANI Fares Maldives Resort scheduled to open in late 2019.
The USD 70 million joint venture partnership between Thailand-based Minor Hotel Group and Cyprea Group will see the development of an upscale resort on the island of Fares in central Baa atoll, which is accessible by either a 45-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport or by a domestic flight to the airport on the nearby Dharavandhoo island followed by a further 30-minute speedboat ride.
“The Maldives is the ultimate beach destination in the world and we are excited to deliver an alternative hospitality offering in the region. AVANI is a true lifestyle brand. Imaginatively blending genuine hospitality and modernity with savvy design and contemporary style. The AVANI experience is designed to satisfy important guests’ needs,” Alejandro Bernabe, Group Director at AVANI Hotels and Resorts, was quoted in an announcement as saying.
The new upscale AVANI Fares Maldives Resort will comprise 200 guest rooms, including standard rooms and a selection of villas. The décor will be a blend of comfort and modernity, soothing materials, textures and high-tech equipment such as complimentary WiFi, media hub docking station and 40-inch flat screen TV.
“The AVANI design philosophy is interestingly relaxed and contemporary and in tune with the environment of this development, using natural textures, colours and materials that reflect the location whilst incorporating advanced technology and modern conveniences,” Bernabe said.
On arrival, guests will immediately be welcomed by an arresting view of the Indian Ocean from the open plan lobby. This communal living space will house the reception, a lounge, a meeting space, an all-day restaurant, and The Pantry, an AVANI hallmark which will serve a mix of comfort food and artisanal deli snacks around the clock.
The resort will also feature a speciality restaurant, AVANISPA, AVANI Kids Club and a large communal swimming pool and pool bar. The nearby Ahivahfushi Beyru dive site offers amazing reef diving with a plethora of sea life, including hawksbill turtles, reef sharks and manta rays — an underwater Eden for snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts.
AVANI Hotels and Resorts was launched in 2011 by Minor Hotel Group as a sister brand to Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas, which currently operates three resorts in the Maldives; Anantara Veli Maldives Resort and Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort in South Male Atoll, and Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas in the Baa atoll. Additionally, Minor separately runs Naladhu Private Island Maldives in the South Male Atoll and Niyama Maldives Private Islands in Dhaalu atoll.
Offering all the details that matter, AVANI blends genuine hospitality and modern lifestyle features with a passion for design. The brand already has a presence in the Indian Ocean with two resorts in Sri Lanka and one in the Seychelles.
AVANI’s partner in the Maldives venture Cyprea Group has a diversified business portfolio in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, including ownership and operation of Club Med Kani Maldives Resort located in North Male Atoll.
In typical Maldivian fashion, it was a gloomy day in late July. But I was excited and determined to beat the South-West Monsoon rain as I boarded the seaplane to Soneva Jani, one of the most exciting new resorts in the Maldives. Since its launch in November, the resort has constantly created so much fanfare both locally and internationally. And I was eager to see it up-close-and-personal!
I am going to skip the personalised care given by the staff at the brand’s lounge at the seaplane terminal and the hassle-free check-in process — the level of service that you generally expect from Soneva — and fast forward to the end of my 45-minute seaplane flight. As the seaplane descended, I could see the lagoon of Medhufaru from a distance. It was huge by Maldives standard, with a collection of five islands providing it with protection and a majestic view to the visitors that have never seen anything of the sorts before.
As I stepped out of the seaplane and onto the floating platform, located a few kilometres away from the resort, I was greeted by Logie Rañosa-Afsan who introduced herself as my Ms. Friday — Soneva’s own brand of butler service. The waters were choppy, making it almost impossible to stand on the platform. So we hurried to the speedboat, which would take us to the resort in a minute or two.
The concept of barefoot luxury pioneered by Soneva began on the speedboat itself where I took off my shoes and put it in a bag marked with the brand’s “no news, no shoes” slogan. I would not be seeing it, let alone needing it until I take the very last step onto the seaplane after my trip!
An imaginative journey that began over two decades ago, the Soneva story continues with Soneva Jani, Soneva's newest luxury resort offering. Inspired by a word that means ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani encompasses a collection of Water Villas and Island Sanctuaries set within a lagoon of crystal clear waters, fringed by pristine beaches and blanketed in lush tropical greenery of the #Maldives.
To understand the story of Soneva Jani, it is important to go back in time to 1995 when Eva and Sonu Shivdasani built their first resort, Soneva Fushi on the deserted island of Kunfunadhoo in the Maldives. Inspired by the couple’s intensely personal vision of a locally-crafted villa and environmentally responsible lifestyle, Soneva Fushi opened its doors as the first ‘castaway’ resort in the Maldives, pioneering a trend for back-to-nature luxury holidays.
With the resort located in the central Baa atoll, Soneva established a blueprint for barefoot luxury holidays in the Maldives and around the world, with several firsts to its name: the Maldives’ first integrated waste management centre, first to introduce a two percent carbon levy to offset carbon emissions, and the first Art and Glass studio in the Maldives.
Fast forward 20 years, Soneva Jani is the continuation of Sonu and Eva’s own brand of luxury tourism and their environmentally responsible lifestyle, SLOW LIFE. Inspired by the Sanskrit word Jani, which means wisdom, Soneva Jani is located on the 150-acre Medhufaru island, the largest of the five islands in the 5.6-kilometre private lagoon. The resort encompasses a collection of 24 overwater villas and one island villa, with more island villas set to be built later on.
I would be making one of those overwater villas, officially called Water Retreats or Reserves, home during my stay. But before taking me there, Loglie gave me a comprehensive tour of The Gathering, the heart of the overwater villas and the central hub of operations. This three-storey overwater building — dubbed the largest overwater structure in the Maldives — houses various dining outlets as well as the spa, library, kids club, retail area and wine cellar.
The Gathering at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA
Built from the same untreated wood and given the same ash-coloured finishing, The Gathering lets you enjoy drinks, snacks or global favourites from a carefully crafted food menu while sitting at sunken tables with glass bottoms or lying on daybeds and overwater catamaran nets overlooking the fish-filled waters of the lagoon. After your meal, you can skip dessert and head over to the So Cool to indulge in homemade ice-cream (over 50 flavours to choose from) and handmade chocolates from in-house chocolatiers — a complimentary offering that Soneva is famous for. You can follow it up with some light reading at the reading corners where shelves stacked with an inspiring and informative selection of literature on the Maldives and its magnificent underwater world are lined with. Or just extend the calmness the jelly fish art hanging from the ceiling, which itself has been decorated with dried leaves (I was later told that over 14,000 dried leaves have been used to decorate the ceilings of different buildings in the resort), gives you by heading to the spa for a rejuvenating treatment set against the stunning views of the shimmering lagoon.
The tour had me wanting to explore The Gathering more, but it was time for me to finally enter the two-bedroom Water Reserve that had been booked for me. And so, I got on an electric buggy along with Loglie and made our way through the zigzag-like wooden pathways over the lagoon. I was “so carried away”, as a piece of wood attached to one side of the buggy proclaimed, by the lingering ocean breeze and the azure waters of the lagoon that I did not even realise when the buggy came to a stop at the entrance to my villa.
Entrance to the two-bedroom Water Reserve. PHOTO/ MALDIVES INSIDER
Even from the first glance, it appeared fairytale-esque, with sandblasted pine decking and Shingle Red River Gum tiles adorning the outside. The roof, with a little secret to be discovered once inside, was shaped in such a way that it gave the villa an overall impression of a castle from a Disney movie. The sheer size — 555 square metres to be exact — added to its grandeur, making me wanting to just stay in for the rest of my stay here.
Once the wooden door opened, I was greeted by a large living room with a sunken table like those at The Gathering set in the middle. The villas are made from subtly weathered woods and natural materials in a colour palette of white, pastel greens and mauves. The overall effect is ethereal, light and airy — all in all, encouraging the ultimate state of relaxation.
Living room of a water retreat at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA
On one side, a door opened to the master bedroom, where a king-sized bed sat in the middle facing the sundeck, which was accessible through floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Through the room, a sliding wooden door opened to a private kitchen and walk-in mini-bar, while separate doors led to a walk-in closet and dressing room, a dedicated toilet, and an open-air bathroom with tub, shower and lagoon access. There was a light-filled study too, but what caught my attention the most was the large outdoor deck and seating area where sun loungers and an overwater swing seat were set. The highlight of this large, spacious deck that offered unfettered access to the lagoon was the 13m salt water swimming pool with catamaran nets and the adjoining water slide, a hit amongst kids and adults alike as it allowed them to be ‘thrown’ into the lagoon in a similar fashion as with a fun slide at a carnival.
The kitchen and walk-in minibar at a water retreat at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVAThe master bedroom of a water retreat at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVAThe outdoor deck of a water retreat at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVAThe outdoor shower at a water retreat at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA
One the other side of the living room, a staircase took me to the second floor of the villa, where a smaller bedroom and outdoor terrace area with cushioned seats formed a separate living area totally detached from your regular space. Although the night was cloudy, I could imagine myself standing at the balcony, staring at the starlit night sky and listening to the rhythm of the waves.
But I had to try out the ultimate showstopper of the villa; the retractable roof. A remote with only three buttons — two arrows (one for opening and the other for closing) and a circle in the middle — lay in the top drawer of one of the bedside tables. I pushed the button and the roof slowly glided open, revealing the night sky. Although I was told that sensors detect rain and automatically close the roof even when I was asleep, I was advised to keep the roof shut when going out or sleeping.
Retractable roof of a water retreat at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA
This was next-level stargazing, right from the comfort of your bedroom! But Soneva Jani takes that experience even a bit further with its overwater observatory, located right next to The Gathering. Priding on being the first overwater observatory in the Maldives, it houses the “Rolls Royce” of telescopes; a 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain mounted on a 20-foot mast. This telescope — the largest in the Maldives — rises from the ground of the James Bond-inspired observatory, allowing you to zoom in on Jupiter, Saturn’s rings, and the Sombrero Galaxy some 31 million light years away.
The So Startruck observatory deck also transforms into a dining venue, where four dining tables equipped with screens linked to the view from the telescope are set in a circular fashion. Weather permitting, guests sit back on cushioned seats and enjoy great food and drinks from an Eclipse set menu prepared by the chef, as the in-house astronomer takes them through a journey of the night sky and the cosmos. I was booked for this out-of-the-world dining experience, but unfortunately bad weather got in the way.
So Starstruck at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA
The Gathering and the observatory lead the way to the Medhufaru island, which remains largely untouched for the time being except for the extensive gardens — from its time as a farm island 10 years ago — that still supply the fruits, vegetables, herbs and mushrooms to the resort’s kitchens. As Loglie and I approached the island on the buggy, I was again “so carried away” by the powder soft white sandbanks that were forming along with the low tide. Through the thick foliage and fully-formed vegetation that lined the sides of the narrow pathways, we stopped by at the areas marked for the second phase of the resort’s development, including the space for a new restaurant, spa and island villas, until we reached an isolated corner of the island.
This tranquil bay on the southern end of the island leads to the overwater, open air Cinema Paradiso — another first in the Maldives. Crossing a pathway made from cylindrical blocks of wood, which in high tide gives an impression of a floating jetty, guests are treated to screenings of movies old and new, with sound piped in via wireless headsets, so the noise does not disturb the underwater life and nesting wildlife of the island. As guests lie on catamaran nets hanging on the water, chefs create a special menu at the adjoining restaurant, which would be officially unveiled later this year as a full-fledged dining venue, to accompany the evening’s movie.
Cinema Paradiso at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA
From a distance, I could see a deserted island on the north, one of the four islands in the lagoon that will remain untouched. Named after a local chef, Zuhair’s Beach is accessible by a boat, and is the perfect spot for sunning, swimming and snorkelling. But that is not all you can do here; the island is home to a dining venue specialising in local cuisine. Refreshments are served throughout the day along with delightful lunches cooked only with what the chef can catch and pick. Here, guests can taste the freshest fish, grilled, barbecued or baked in the sand.
Back in the main island of Medhufaru, I was shown the waste-to-wealth Eco Centro. This is where Soneva Jani’s aim of becoming a zero-waste resort — everything composted, reused or used in construction — actively happens. With a strong emphasis on education and training, the practical but very guest friendly Eco Centro will be fully operational soon.
From there, we headed back to The Gathering. But there was one last attraction on the way; the Labyrinth, a meditative maze created out of ficus hedge that follows an ancient circular pattern. A walk or bicycle ride through this maze is so calming and refreshing that it not only helps you rediscover yourself, but also takes you back to the concept of intelligent luxury interwoven in every aspect of Soneva Jani. With buildings made from ethically-sourced highest quality sustainable materials, homegrown produce used in the kitchens and a comprehensive waste management and recycling programme, this is the culmination of Sonu and Eva’s two-decade long knowledge and experience in coining the concepts of SLOW LIFE and intelligent luxury, which recognises the ability for luxury holiday making and care for the environment to co-exist with perfect ease.
The Labyrinth at Soneva Jani. PHOTO/ SONEVA
But it is not just a guilt-free, ethical holiday that Soneva Jani treats you to, but authentic experiences that disconnect yourself from the noisy world out there and reconnect you with the nature that you truly belong to. The “no news, no shoes” slogan is very real here, with TVs tucked away in heavy boxes and mobile phone use in public places discouraged (who needs it anyway at a place like this?). As I put on my shoes on the speedboat ride to the seaplane platform, I took one last look at the lagoon — the most vibrant shades of blue I have ever seen — and the developments around that are in perfect harmony with nature, making Soneva Jani a one-of-a-kind holistic holiday experience inspired by nothing but nature and made exciting by simple yet awe-inspiring additions.
Association of Travel Agents (ATA) has teamed up with wholesale travel agent Perfect Destinations to host the first ever travel trade workshop dedicated to the Maldives in South Africa.
In a statement, ATA said the workshop offers the opportunity to showcase, represent, promote and interact with over 300 targeted travel agents and tour operators throughout South Africa. These agents have an established presence in the South African leisure travel market, it added.
“We celebrate the launch of the new direct flight route with Maldivian Airlines from South Africa to the Maldives,” the statement read.
Maldives flagship carrier Maldivian has recently announced ongoing efforts to determine the possibility of starting direct flight operations to South Africa. However, a decision has yet to be made.
While leading Maldives resort operators such as Universal Resorts, Villa Hotels and Resorts, Adaaran Resorts and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru have already confirmed participation in the event organised by ATA and South Africa-based Perfect Destinations, potential participants will get the chance to present themselves and introduce their property to key travel agents from across South Africa in a personal one-on-one workshop and networking sessions.
According to ATA, the workshop will be combined with roadshows to be held in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town from September 12-14.
Registration for the event is open till August 26, with USD 2,000 set as the booking fee for ATA members and USD 2,400+ for non-members.
Founded in 2014 by a highly experienced and ambitious group of travel agents, ATA represents the interests of travel agents and tour operators in the Maldives.
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.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa has appointed Simon Joublanc as its new Executive Chef.
Chef Simon’s 20-year long career includes working alongside world-famous chefs at Michelin star restaurants across the world, in cities such as Lyon, Madrid, Monaco, London and New York. Prior to joining Sheraton Maldives, he served as the Executive Chef at Amilla Fushi in the Maldives and at The St. Regis Singapore.
Conveniently located just 15-20 minutes away from the main Velana International Airport and a kilometre away from the nearest inhabited island, Sheraton Maldives is a tropical paradise located on its very own private island and a heaven for those seeking stunning white sandy beaches and warm turquoise lagoons. The resort offers a total of 176 guest rooms in different categories and located both overwater and land.
Part of Sheraton Maldives appeal is the varied dining options available to its guests. From casual al fresco snacks to its international array of restaurants, visitors will find the perfect dining experience to suit their mood.
Located on its very own island, Shine Spa for Sheraton features six treatment rooms, hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms and relaxation lounge. The spa offers various treatments to rejuvenate your skin and calm your mind, including signature massages such as traditional Thai, aromatic body, deep ocean and many more. With ingredients derived from the natural Maldivian environment, spa therapists at the resort harnesses the healing power of nature to relax and renew you.
Leading Maldives luxury resort Coco Bodu Hithi has partnered with Michelin star chef Tom Kitchin to host two exclusive dinners at the five-star property in October.
In an announcement, parent company Coco Collection said Tom will host the exclusive dinners, which will offer a six-course tasting menu for the resort’s award winning restaurant Aqua. Working alongside the restaurant’s existing team of esteemed chefs, the menu will showcase the best of local ingredients and offer a twist on Maldivian cuisine, reflective of Tom’s renowned cooking style, it added.
According to Coco Collection, Tom will host the dinners during the second week of October, giving guests the chance to experience first-hand his passion for working with only the finest, fresh ingredients to create outstanding, innovative dishes. Tom’s signature dishes will also remain on the menu on a seasonal basis, giving even more guests the opportunity to try flavours inspired by his passion for fine food and seasonality, the company said.
The unique menu will take inspiration from dishes that are much-loved at Tom’s Michelin star restaurant The Kitchin in Edinburgh, but will feature the wonderful produce available on the island.
Speaking of the collaboration Tom said: “Travelling always leaves me feeling inspired to create new dishes – I love having the opportunity to learn about local produce and local cuisines. That’s why I’m thrilled to be bringing my philosophy, knowledge and passion to the luxury resort of Coco Bodu Hithi and having the chance to learn from the expert chefs there.”
“Aqua has an incredible reputation for great seafood in the Maldives and I look forward to working alongside Executive Chef, Steven Hill and his team to try and draw inspiration from the wonderful seafood they have access to. The fresh langoustines, scallops, clams and oysters from Scotland’s shores are among some of my favourite ingredients to work with, so I’m keen to see what the Maldives has to offer.”
The award-winning Aqua restaurant at Coco Bodu Hithi. PHOTO/ COCO COLLECTION
With seven restaurants and bars, Coco Bodu Hithi celebrates and offers a variety of exquisite cuisines, taking inspiration from the Maldives and further afield. Tom’s residency at Aqua comes shortly after the restaurant won the Luxury Seafood Restaurant in the Maldives at the 2016 World Luxury Restaurant Awards.
Three islands comprise the Coco Collection brand.
Coco Privé Private Island offers guests the chance to escape to an entirely private island. Creating a sense of intimacy and ownership, this 1.4-hectare island is dedicated to one booking at a time, where every guest is given a completely individual tailored experience.
Coco Bodu Hithi translates island life into contemporary sophistication. The resort is a chic retreat where you reconnect with yourself, your loved ones and the wonder of the natural world.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is dedicated to the inspiring beauty and natural wonder of the Maldives. Here, environmentally-conscious touches are woven into luxurious natural surroundings and initiatives contribute to the environmental and social sustainability of Maldives.
The popular Cayenne Grill at Baros Maldives has reopened with an enticing new menu for intimate beachside dining in a natural setting.
In an announcement, Baros said tables are set in open-sided pavilions as well as under an enlarged thatched roof on an expanded wooden deck now extending over the tranquil waters of the lagoon. The surrounding tropical garden and the sound of the sea creates an ambience of island elegance for enjoying exquisite cuisine freshly prepared on demand, it added.
According to the resort, the new Cayenne Grill dining experience includes superb quality meat and the finest fish, freshly caught by local fishermen, cooked to perfection on the signature Coconut Husk Grill. New features are the special Butcher’s Block Menu of prime cuts of meat hand-selected from around the world, the freshest fish and shellfish dishes authentically prepared and artistically presented, the improved Teppanyaki Dining Hut, and the Cayenne’s signature “Grills of The World” Platters for Two, it said adding that newly introduced vegetarian creations are also available.
“Chefs in the re-modelled show kitchen conjure up Australian beef and New Zealand lamb dishes, barbecue lobster and prawns with flair, and cook local fish in Maldivian, Tandoori, Thai, Malaysian or Mediterranean style. The Platters for Two feature Maldivian, Mediterranean or Thai themed seafood, Indian Tandoori, or Asian Vegetarian,” the announcement read.
“The Teppanyaki Hut has the traditional style of seating around the chef’s counter where guests can marvel at the skill of the Master Teppan Chef expertly preparing meat, duck and seafood in Japanese style.”
According to Baros, to complement the Cayenne Grill dining experience, there is a range of sommelier-recommended fine wines by the glass or bottle and innovative signature cocktails as well as a tempting selection of desserts. Cayenne Grill is an à la carte restaurant with an informal approach to dining, supported by attentive and knowledgeable service and expert chefs, the resort said.
“This creates a relaxed mood typical of this tropical holiday island where fine food and good company prevail in a romantic atmosphere,” the announcement read.
Baros is a small coral island ringed by a sandy beach and a living house-reef, just 25 minutes by speedboat from the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport. It is an award-winning boutique resort renowned for discreet, personalised service excellence.
As a small leading luxury Maldives resort, Baros offers 75 tastefully designed Beach and Water Villas. With Beach Villas of classic elegance set in lush vegetation, and secluded Water Villas, many with private pools, Baros is one of the most romantic resorts in the Maldives, the perfect honeymoon getaway. Inspired by Maldivian traditions of heartfelt hospitality, Baros is a tropical island dream come true with fine cuisine and drinks served at three gourmet class restaurants, two bars, and a cigar and shisha lounge.
The recently rebranded spa at Baros, which will be open during the festive seasons as well, is located in a beautiful, lush tropical garden where serenity saturates the atmosphere, and is accessed by over-water stepping stones. It is a tranquil haven where complete well-being in body, mind and soul is made possible.
Fifty three have applied for Maldives Boating Awards 2017.
Nominations closed on July 15 with 53 applicants, who have been put up for voting via the official website of the awards. Voting will close on Thursday.
Winners are selected based on 40 percent score from a panel of expert judges and 60 percent from online voting.
The official gala will take place in November.
Maldives Boating Awards are an initiative of Liveabord Association of Maldives (LAM) to recognise the strength of the boating industry and the services rendered by the service providers. Awards are presented in 25 categories across various sector and standards.
The awards aim to encourage and raise service standards within the Maldivian boating industry.
JA Manafaru has announced a special offer for the upcoming Eid al-Adha holidays, offering guests a host of benefits.
The offer is valid for bookings made via the official website before September 7 for stays from now till September 10. A minimum of four nights should be booked in order to be eligible for the offer.
The offer starts at USD 900 (excluding taxes and service charge) per night for a stay in a One Bedroom Beach Suite with private pool on bed and breakfast basis. Under the offer, guests can enjoy a complimentary shisha after dinner at Andiamo and Infinity restaurant, a scheduled excursion and 15 percent discount on spa treatments.
Accessible via a 75-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport or by a 45-minute domestic flight to Hanimaadhoo Airport followed by a 35-minute luxury speedboat transfer, JA Manafaru is a peaceful haven situated in the northernmost atoll of Haa Alif, where world-class service is delivered amidst dazzling turquoise waters, white sand beaches, distinct Maldivian architecture and lush vegetation.
A total of 83 villas and suites, each with their own private plunge pool are dotted throughout the spacious island. Additionally, find island bliss with over eight spa treatment rooms at the award-winning Calm Spa, gourmet galore at one of seven restaurants and create lasting memories with water sports such as scuba diving, jet skiing and kayaking.
Soneva has partnered with local organisations and government institutions to plant trees in the Maldives.
On August 18, Soneva, in association with local NGO Foundation for Eydhafushi Youth Linkage (FEYLI), Eydhafushi Council and Baa Atoll Education Centre, planted trees in the island of Eydhafushi in Baa atoll as part of the ‘Clean and Green Eydhafushi’ campaign.
More than 60 trees were planted on the northern reclaimed area of Eydhafushi, with more planned for the future. Additionally, Soneva donated five wheelie bins to the island to be placed in the harbour area.
Soneva runs two resorts in the Maldives, including the Soneva Fushi in Baa atoll.
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.
Soneva opened its second property in the Maldives in December.
Soneva Jani encompasses a collection of 24 overwater villas and one island villa set in a 5.6 kilometre private lagoon located in the northern Noonu atoll. The resort spans five islands surrounded by pure white beaches, covered in rich tropical vegetation, offering the ultimate in privacy and luxury.
Each of the resort’s multilevel water villas has its own private pool and a retractable roof that allows guests to sleep beneath the stars. Many villas also have slides that transport guests directly from the top level into the lagoon below. Other hotel highlights include a spa, an observatory — home to the largest telescope in the Indian Ocean — and an outdoor cinema.
Since its opening, Soneva Jani has created a lot of buzz amongst luxury travellers with its exciting features such as the retractable roofs and the water slides. It has also been named the Best Over-the-Top Luxury hotel of the year by Jetsetter.com.
Mirihi Island Maldives has extended its Solo Travel offer until December 20, following an impressive number of solo traveller bookings during the summer period.
The special rate for single travellers from October 1 to December 20 is USD 380 per room per night on bed and breakfast plan, with upgrades to half-board and full-board available at USD 100 and USD 120 respectively. The prices are excluding 10 percent service charge, 12 percent GST and USD 6 Green Tax.
Located in the South Ari Atoll, Mirihi Island is an intimate resort with only 37 rooms, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff. Guests will immediately feel at ease in the safe and beautiful environment. With sand covered floors throughout much of the hotel, guests can relax upon arrival where they will be encouraged to abandon their shoes and enjoy their stay barefoot with the powder-soft sand between their toes.
Travellers looking to socialise and meet like-minded people can book sunset sailing trips, whale shark safaris, diving trips, visits to local islands, sessions tasting the most comprehensive selection of fine rum in the whole of the Indian Ocean, and can enjoy complimentary weekly beach cinemas, board games, table tennis, football and more.
Alternatively, guests can enjoy some time away from it all in their private water or beach villa, on a secluded beach or while enjoying a pampering spa treatment.
Hospitality professionals from across 11 countries, including over 15 representatives from Maldives, are set to come together at the upcoming secondedition of the International Housekeepers’ Summit (IHS).
Supported by the Maldives Housekeepers’ Forum (MHF) and eight similar associations from other Asian countries, more than 300 delegates will come together at IHS 2017, which would be held at Sahara Star Mumbai from September 8-9, to “Energise the Synergies” between housekeepers and other departments to pave the way for a sustainable personal and professional growth.
Highlights of IHS 2017:
Two-day conference
Asian Housekeeping Awards
One-to-one meeting with buyers
Fashion Show
Networking opportunities
IHS 2017 will have the participation of housekeepers, general managers, purchase heads and laundry managers, in several highly interactive sessions, including those on topics such as housekeeping on the digital platform, education and training, outsourcing and sustainability, quality and procurement, and linen care and longevity amongst others.
“A delegation of over 15 corporate/executive housekeepers, director of rooms and general managers will be attending the summit from the Maldives. We are launching the Asian Housekeeping Awards this time, and are eagerly looking forward to it,” Ahmed Siaar, President and Founder of Maldives Housekeeper’s Forum, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
The awards, which will be given away at a grand function alongside the secondedition of the Uniforms a Fashion Statement show on designers’ collection of hotel uniforms, will recognise only one housekeeper in the entire Asia region for their outstanding contribution to housekeeping. The winner will hold the title of Best Housekeeper in Asia for a year.
“During the year, the winner will work towards the betterment of housekeeping. We are also encouraging the Assistant Housekeepers, who will take the legacy forward by learning the best in housekeeping today,” Hari Krishnan, General Secretary of the Maldives Housekeepers’ Forum, said, in the statement.
Organised by Mumbai-based Clean India Journal, India’s only monthly on cleaning technology, hygiene solutions and facility services, and Asian Housekeepers’ Association, which was formed at last year’s edition of IHS, IHS 2017 is set to be an excellent platform for one and all to network, enhance knowledge and do business across Asia.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has introduced the modern Jumping Fitness training system, the first of its kind in the Maldives.
The Jumping Fitness sessions are conducted at the overwater Vommuli House.
Jumping Fitness is a dynamic fitness training system conducted on specially developed PROFI trampolines. It is a perfect cardio training routine, which combines fast and slow jumps, dynamic sprints and power elements together with balancing elements.
Jumping Fitness has a favourable effect on the cardiovascular system, increasing lung capacity and helping improve overall endurance and physical condition. It supports quick burning of fats, and is suitable for convalescence after injury or in case of joint problems.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, which opened in November, is nestled on a private island in the secluded Dhaalu atoll, amidst thriving marine life. Just 40 minutes from the main Velana International Airport by seaplane, guests are transported to a newfound paradise.
Designed with great respect to its natural surroundings, the resort is surrounded by a large house reef and the island is defined by several distinct ecological areas: lagoon, beach coastal and jungle. At The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, guests have the luxury of staying in one of the 77 island and overwater villas, shrouded in lush tropical flora, each with a private pool.
There are six distinct dining venues, including an Asian specialty restaurant, a modern Italian restaurant that features a grand staircase, an underground wine cellar restaurant, a shack style restaurant, a signature overwater bar that rolls out stunning views of dramatic sunset, and a pop-up restaurant in the middle of the resort.
Additionally, guests can also enjoy the Iridium Spa, which presents six overwater treatment rooms, including two that are dedicated to healing Ayurvedic treatments. Spa guests can also enjoy a Blue Hole pool, which contains heated seawater with different water jets – a system with proven benefits to the body.
Evaluation of nominees from North India for South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2017 has begun on Monday.
Udman Hotels and Resorts by Ferns N Petals, which has been appointed as the Hospitality Partner for North India, is currently hosting presentations by nominees from the northern part of India.
Judging for SATA 2017 began in Maldives on August 16, followed by evaluation of the properties from Sri Lanka and South India.
After the ongoing evaluation in Indian capital New Delhi conclude on Tuesday, nominees from Nepal and Bhutan will give their presentations from Wednesday to Thursday at Hotel Mulberry in Nepalese capital Kathmandu, which has been appointed as the Hospitality Partner for Nepal.
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.
The grand gala of SATA 2017 will be held in the southernmost Maldivian atoll of Addu from October 27-28.
SATA has earlier announced the partners of this year’s edition, including:
Platinum Partner: Ooredoo Maldives
Gold Partner: Hawks Private Limited
Silver Partner: Male Aerated Water Company and Asia Forwarding
Travel Media Partner: Maldives Insider and The Islandchief
Online Media Partner: Sun Online
TV Partner: Maldives TV
Travel Partner: MVHotels
Videography Partner: Visual Beams from NERN Private Limited
Photography Partner: Digital Studio
Auditing Partner: Crowe Horwath Maldives
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.
Kuredu Island Resort and Spa has announced a special offer for the winter season.
In an announcement, the resort said a 10-20 percent discount will apply to all room categories and all meal plans for bookings made before September 30. The offer is valid only for direct bookings made for stays between November 1 to December 20, it added.
“Kuredu, one of the Maldives’ most well-known resorts – and a favourite to honeymooners, families and sports enthusiasts alike – is offering a hot deal for stays this winter (by ‘winter’ we mean midday highs reaching 29 degrees Celsius, and sea temperatures also floating around balmy 28),” the announcement read.
Kuredu has recently announced a special offer for stays in September as well.
Located on a 1,800 metre by 325 metre remote island in the northern atoll of Lhaviyani, Kuredu is accessible by a 40-minute scenic seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport. This 4.5-star resort has 383 rooms, including beach and water villas, making it the second largest resort in the Maldives.
Indian low-cost carrier GoAir has announced plans to begin international flight operations in October, with Maldives and Phuket as the first destinations.
Indian government has given permission to GoAir, the fifth biggest airline in India by marketshare, to fly to the Maldives, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, China, Vietnam, Qatar and Saudi Arabia from March 2017.
GoAir Managing Director Jehangir Wadia told Business Standard that his airline had planned to begin international operations with flights from Kochi to Doha in Qatar and Dammam in Saudi Arabia by the second-half of this year. But the launches have been put on the back burner, with the Maldives and Phuket taking the first two spots on its international route map, he added.
“We have plans to start overseas operations from October this year,” Wadia was quoted as saying.
Based in Mumbai, GoAir commenced operations in November 2005, and operates a fleet of 18 Airbus A320-200 and five Airbus A320neo aircrafts in all economy configuration. As of June, the airline operates over 140 daily flights to 23 cities in India from its hubs at Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.
The airline is in the process of expanding its fleet, with 37 aircrafts expected to enter into service by the end of this year.
According to Business Standard, GoAir is expected to receive two planes by October and would firm up its overseas plans by then.
Flagship carriers of the Maldives and India currently operate scheduled flights to and from major cities, including Bangalore, Trivandrum and Chennai. Low-cost Indian airline SpiceJet also operates daily direct connections between Kochi and Male, and Trivandrum and Male.
Introduction of flight operations by another low-cost airline is expected to help both the countries, and further boost tourist arrivals to the Maldives from India, which has become a major emerging source market for the Maldives’ tourism industry.
Official figures show that 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 half of the year to reach 37,529 compared to 30,101 in the same period last year.
Maldives has also 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.
Leading luxury travel network Virtuoso has named the Maldives as the most popular international destination amongst its members in the UK.
Results of a survey of Virtuoso’s UK members were revealed at the 29th annual Virtuoso Travel Week held from August 12-18 in Las Vegas, attracting nearly 6,000 delegates from around the world.
According to the survey, the top five international destinations amongst British travellers for the upcoming autumn and winter seasons are the Maldives followed by the US, Italy, South Africa and Barbados.
Virtuoso said it now has a global membership of more than 16,000 affiliated travel agents in 800 locations across 45 countries. It has added 1,000 agents since January as well as seven new countries, including Japan, South Korea and Russia.
These members now account for a total of more than USD 21.2 billion in travel sales annually – up by 37 percent on the previous year.
The latest findings are in line with a recent study by TripAdvisor that ranked the Maldives fourth amongst the best value holiday destinations for British travellers during the summer. UK-based travel specialists Southall Travel has also found that the Maldives is amongst the most popular long haul holiday destinations for Brits.
Europe is the single biggest source market for the Maldives tourism industry with a share of over 50 percent of total arrivals. According to official figures, the European marked observed an year on year increase of 10.7 percent in the first half of this year, with arrivals increasing to 320,162 from 289,234.
Britain is a major European source market, as more than 100,000 British travellers visited the Maldives last year — a 9.8 percent increase from the year before. That growth has continued this year, as 51,737 Brits visited the Maldives in the first six months of the year — a 0.4 percent increase from the 51,536 in the same period of last year.
“A delegation of over 15 corporate/executive housekeepers, director of rooms and general managers will be attending the summit from the Maldives. We are launching the Asian Housekeeping Awards this time, and are eagerly looking forward to it,” Ahmed Siaar, President and Founder of Maldives Housekeeper’s Forum, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
