The Small Maldives Island Co (TSMIC) has announced the launch of Maldives Aficionado, an exclusive new concierge service and benefits programme for members built on loyalty and passion for luxury travel. Available to would-be island castaways booking dream holidays at three exquisite resorts - Huvafen Fushi, Amilla Fushi and Finolhu - the ultimate Maldivian experience will never be the same.

“We attract travellers who like to connect emotionally through local specialists and have an experience far from generic” says Mark Hehir, CEO and Curator, The Small Maldives Island Co, “The Maldives Aficionado programme is founded on the idea of rewarding those loyal guests with insider experiences and hassle-free holidays that surpass all expectations.”

The membership programme unlocks the ultimate VIP experience through an exclusive concierge service, delivered by experts who know the islands by heart. Members are rewarded with unmatched benefits, bringing holiday fantasies to life and ticking off those bucket list travel experiences. From characteristically Maldivian activities such as island hopping to breathtaking private islands, rejuvenating spa time, bait fishing and luxury speedboat transfers to over-the-top superyacht rentals and exclusive 1OAK events, there is no request too grand for Maldives Aficionado.

Registration for Maldives Aficionado status is open to past guests making a repeat booking; as well as to first-time guests who are referred by an existing Aficionado, or who book direct. Once enrolled, Aficionados can begin earning credits in three-tier system that offers further rewards at each membership level.

Whether Coral (up to 30 points), Plankton (31-50 points) or Manta (51+ points), being an Aficionado brings some enviable VIP benefits. Members are showered with upgraded experiences, complimentary perks and special offers, from sunset cruises, invitations for regular VIP events by The Small Maldives Island Co and discounted diving and excursions, to free spa treatments.

“We want our loyal guests to feel special and valued, and what better way to do that than spoil them even more with the Maldives Aficionado programme”, says Hehir. “Membership is the gateway to reliving and enhancing ever more incredible experiences with each visit to our breathtaking resorts.”

For further information on the Maldives Aficionado programme visit tsmic.mv/aficionado.

Accommodation at Huvafen Fushi (www.huvafenfushi.com; tel ++960 6644222) starts from US$1100++ per room per night, based on two adults sharing a Beach Bungalow with Pool including breakfast.  Ocean Reef Houses at Amilla Fushi (www.amilla.mv; tel: +960 66 06 444) starts from US$1100 per night including breakfast. Stays at Finolhu (www.finolhu.com; tel + 960 660 8800) start from US$900 based on two people sharing a Beach Villa. Prices exclude tax and service.

- ENDS -

About Huvafen Fushi

Opened in July 2004, Huvafen Fushi is situated in the Malé Atoll and features the world's first underwater spa rooms. The resort also features some of the largest guest rooms in the Maldives - all with private pools - and offers unsurpassed levels of service, comprehensive spa facilities, and fine dining experiences above and below ground - all with cutting edge design in a most elegant yet simple manner. Huvafen Fushi is owned by Universal Resorts Pvt Ltd. The Small Maldives Island Co sells and markets Huvafen Fushi.

About Amilla Fushi

Located just 30 minutes by seaplane from Malé International (Velana International Airport), Amilla Fushi offers a choice of 59 Houses that sit gracefully over crystal clear waters, nestle among lush tree tops or hug the shores of pristine white sand; plus 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. Amilla's innovative restaurants range from the diverse, informal foodie hub Baazaar to the relaxed yet sophisticated overwater dining at the signature Feeling Koi. Guests can even drop in to gourmet café and deli The Emperor General Store or The Wine Shop & Cellar Door to treat themselves to lighter snacks, a favourite bottle or a gourmet selection of artisanal cheeses. With an unrivalled range of purpose-designed multi-bedroom accommodation options, and an exciting, inspiring and active Kids' Club, Amilla Fushi is putting the Maldives on the map as a destination not just for couples, but for families and friends.

About Finolhu

Just 30 minutes by speedboat from sister resort Amilla Fushi, Finolhu is a stylish and eclectic retreat with a buzzy bon-vivant vibe and a refreshing, retro-inspired burst of fun for the region. Bringing toes-in-the-sand relaxation to fun-loving beach-erati alongside the best DJs, live acts and most fabulously chic parties in the Maldives.  Finolhu's 125 villas come on the ocean, the lagoon or by the beach, with or without pool in either one or two bedroom options being the ultimate island experience for chic couples, fun-loving families and gatherings of friends alike. Located in the UNESCO world biosphere of Baa Atoll, both resorts can be reached by either seaplane in just 30 minutes from Velana (Malé) International Airport or by a 20 minute flight to Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport in Baa Atoll followed by a short speedboat ride.

About The Small Maldives Island Co

The Small Maldives Island Co's main focus is on Resort Management in the Maldives for Coastline Hotels and Resorts. Amilla Fushi and sister resort Finolhu are owned by Coastline Hotels and Resorts – part of the Coastline Group of companies, one of the Maldives' largest private companies, established in 1994. The Coastline Group is engaged in logistics; oil importing, storage and distribution; pilling and construction; building material supplies; hotel resort development; condominium development; airport ownership, development and operation; and luxury yacht and boat manufacturing.  It is the largest importer and distributor of Fuel Related Products such as Marine Gasoil and Mo Gas to resorts in the Maldives, servicing 65 per cent of the country's resorts through its company Asian Gasoil. In addition to building W Maldives and Huvafen Fushi, Coastline's recent developments within the tourism sector include Mudhdhoo island, subsequently acquired by Dusit Thani Hotels; Baa Atoll's Dharavandhoo Airport; and the newly opened Raa Ifhuru Airport.

For further press information please contact:

Kate Faulkner (kate@bacall.net), Sarah Harvey (sarah@bacall.net), Nat Frogley (nat@bacall.net) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@bacall.net) Bacall Associates Ltd, London.  Tel: +44 (0) 8704 288 401