01 Dec 2018
MALDIVES NEWSLETTER WINTER 2018
LATEST NEWS
Destination Maldives Showcased At Another Successful World Travel Market (WTM)
The Maldives Tourist Board, which celebrated its 34th participation at World Travel Market this year having first exhibited in 1984, welcomed an even larger stand and delegation than ever before with 169 delegates from 65 companies from across the Maldives tourism sector attending the show. The Maldives contingent was led by H.E. Ahmed Shiaan, Ambassador of the Maldives to UK, Belgium and EU, and Mr Mohamed Haris, Acting Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC), with meetings taking place with key airline partners such as British Airways, Oman Air and Emirates to discuss opportunities of increasing tourism to the Maldives from the UK. With several major infrastructure transformations and new tourism developments taking place in the Maldives during the final months of 2018 and into 2019, WTM also provided the perfect platform to engage with key travel trade media through a series of interviews arranged with TTG, TravelMole, Selling Travel and Breaking Travel News.
For further information on the Maldives, visit www.visitmaldives.com.
NEWS FROM WORLD TRAVEL MARKET 2018
Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Promoted at World Travel Market 2018
Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) attended World Travel Market (WTM) this year to promote TTM, the first ever tourism fair held in the Maldives. Organised by Maldives Getaways, CEO Dr Hussain Sunny Umar outlined that meetings were held with travel agents at WTM in order to encourage their registration for the upcoming TTM, which will take place from 20th – 22nd April 2019. TTM has been held for the past two years, with more than 157 hoteliers and over 200 travel agents participating in the show earlier this year. TTM 2018 gathered over 400 industry professionals from resorts, international trade agencies, tour operators, travel agents, media partners, international airlines and key industry stakeholders.
For more information and to register for TTM 2019, visit www.traveltrademaldives.com.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort Celebrates Debut During Evening Event at The Natural History Museum
On the final day of WTM, Wednesday 7th November, the official opening of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort was celebrated at The Natural History Museum, London. Under the new spotlight whale fixture, an incredible deep-sea centre piece, coral installations and magnificent Maldivian floral displays, The Natural History Museum was transformed into an Ocean Escape themed evening for guests to explore. From a Westin Heavenly Spa pop up, live music, floral crown making classes and coconut cocktail making classes beneath towering palm trees, guests were transported to a Maldivian oasis evoking the palm fringed island setting of The Westin Maldives. Meanwhile guests were met with elegant and luxurious food stalls reflecting the hotel's dining experiences; from Chinese, Indian and Maldivian fare at the Island Kitchen; exquisite Japanese cuisine at the resort's specialty restaurant The Pearl; to authentic Asian food at Hawker.
For more information on the new resort, visit www.westin.marriott.com.
Hurawalhi Island Resort Launches New Ocean Healing Programme in the Maldives
Hurawalhi Island Resort's latest wellness offering is the launch of the brand new 'At One With The Ocean' retreat programme. This innovative, ocean healing retreat promises to lift the spirit and calm the soul through a series of therapeutic ocean-based treatments and experiences. From underwater yoga in Hurawalhi's '5.8' to sound baths, wave mediation and sunset yoga on the resort's luxury private Dream Island beach, this new retreat aims to allow guests to relax and rejuvenate using the calming power of the ocean. For travellers who would prefer to relax at the resort, Hurawalhi's award-winning Duniye Spa offers a range of results-driven beauty and spa treatments inspired by both ancient traditions and modern practices, using only organic, non-toxic and cruelty-free products for pampering in paradise.
For more information, visit www.hurawalhi.com.
PARTNER NEWS
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Makes Its Maldives Debut
Mӧvenpick Hotels & Resorts, an upscale brand within the AccorHotels Group, has raised its first flag in the Maldives, opening the doors to Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives on a private island in the Noonu Atoll. The resort, which is just 45 minutes by sea plane from Malé, features 105 villas and suites comprising 72 overwater pool villas, 30 beach pool suites and three beach spa pool residences, each with their own private plunge pool – perfect for adventure-seeking families and honeymooners looking for a romantic getaway.
For more information, visit www.movenpick.com.
The Residence By Cenizaro To Open Its Second Hotel In The Maldives
The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah will open in Gaafu Alifu Atoll in January 2019 and will be adjacent to The Residence by Cenizaro's first property, The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi. The two resorts will be connected by a bridge – enabling guests to travel between the two with ease – and forming one of the largest resort offerings in the Maldives. The Gaafu Alifu Atoll is found in the south of the Maldives and can be accessed by both seaplane and domestic flights. All of Dhigurah's 173 spacious beach and water villas overlook the ocean and each one has its own private pool. Aimed at families, Dhigurah introduces 12 new two-bedroom beach and water pool villas, with more on-land options, perfect for younger children.
For more information, visit www.cenizaro.com/theresidence.
ONYX Hospitality Group Announces Second Maldivian Resort: OZO Maldives
ONYX Hospitality Group has signed an agreement with a joint venture company led by Panchshil Realty to launch OZO Maldives. Scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2020, the 200-villa private island resort will occupy a secluded island in the Raa Atoll, located northwest of the Maldivian capital of Malé. Positioned as a family-oriented resort, OZO Maldives will bear all the defining signatures of an OZO including an enhanced sleep experience, smart connectivity of personal devices in both private spaces and public areas, and curated destination and activity tips by enthusiastic and informed team members. Featuring design elements and experience touch points inspired by a fictitious castaway explorer named Sebastian King III, OZO Maldives will immerse travellers in a reinterpretation of the legacy he left behind through a series of structures, shelters and landmarks Sebastian creatively constructed from island-sourced raw materials and flotsam washed ashore over the years.
For more information, visit www.bit.ly/2PxYjsp.
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and Saii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton To Open in 2019
Set to open in March 2019, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives has been inspired by local Maldivian culture and will infuse contemporary design features with tropical architecture throughout the property, alongside regionally-inspired, authentic music memorabilia. The hotel will provide guests with exclusive brand offerings and amenities, including The Sound of Your Stay® music programme, offering complimentary use of Fender guitars and Crosley record players for in-room jam sessions, as well as a renowned full-service Rock Spa® which will offer quirky music inspired treatments. Guests can also treat their taste buds to delectable on-site food and beverage options, ranging from a Pool Bar and all-day dining to Pan-Latin cuisine at The Elephant and The Butterfly, or the Hard Rock Cafe itself. Across the lagoon, Saii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton will open its doors in April 2019. The hotel will feature nearly 200 guestrooms, beachfront and overwater villas. Both properties will offer guests direct access to The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives, providing boutique shopping, an array of dining options, and features a Marine Discovery Centre, Yacht Club and Junior Beach Camp.
For more information, visit www.hardrockhotels.com. For more information on Saii Lagoon Maldives and Curio Collection by Hilton, visit saiiresorts.com/maldives/lagoon.
Oman Air Extends Muscat – Malé Route
Oman Air this week confirmed plans to extend the Muscat – Malé flight to include April 2019. Until now, Oman Air planned to operate the service until end of March 2019 before resumption on 27th October 2019 for the popular winter season. Oman Air will now continue the service throughout April 2019, which covers the popular Easter holidays. Services will operate six times a week with a mixture of direct services and flights via Colombo. The service will be operated by one of the airline's new 737 Max jets.
For more information, visit www.omanair.com.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Announces Opening of the World's First-of-its-Kind Residence, THE MURAKA
Conrad Hotels & Resorts has announced the official debut of THE MURAKA this month at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Now welcoming guests, The MURAKA features a level above sea and an undersea suite designed for sleeping under the ocean's surface. The undersea suite sits five metres below sea level, providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding marine environment and features a king-size bedroom, living area, bathroom and spiral staircase that leads to the upper level living room. THE MURAKA's upper level features a twin-size bedroom, bathroom, powder room, gym, butler's quarters, private security quarters, integrated living room, kitchen, bar and dining, which features a deck that purposely faces the direction of the sunset. On the opposite side of the villa sits the relaxation deck that faces the direction of sunrise and is complete with an infinity swimming pool. The upper level also contains an additional king-size bedroom and bathroom, which boasts a masterfully appointed ocean-facing bathtub, ideal for soaking in views of the endless horizon. In total, THE MURAKA can accommodate up to nine guests.
For more information and to view, visit www.conradmaldives.com/stay/the-muraka/
Golfing In Paradise: Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives Announces Golf Residency With John E. Morgan
Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa has announced its partnership with Sky Sports golf commentator and former pro-golfer, John E. Morgan, for a two week residency from 15th – 28th February 2019. John, who has played alongside legends including Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Fred Couples, is well known for his participation in the Open Championships, European Tour and PGA Tour. The talented golfer will be teaching guests during the two week residency and sharing his expertise on how to strike a hole in one.
For more information, visit www.shangri-la.com/male/villingiliresort/.
High Tech Body Reset at Velaa Private Island
With the use of high-tech Advanced Analysis InBody770, Velaa Private Island's Energising Programme takes wellbeing one step further with a full breakdown of muscle fat and body composition combined with medical consultations for a targeted treatment plan. Following a combination of heart rate tests, breathing analysis and a body weight breakdown with the on-site doctor, a nutritionist and a fitness instructor, a complete wellbeing experience is created that is completely bespoke. Using state-of-the-art technology including InBody770 and Lipo HIFU an effective workout regime is curated for maximum results targeting mental health and physical wellbeing whilst cleansing the body from toxins, helping to improve BMI, body water balance and visceral fat level.
For more information, visit www.velaaprivateisland.com.
Coco Collection Launches Exclusive Edible Spa Menu
Coco Collection has teamed up with immersive experience brand Edible Stores to create an exclusive edible spa menu for people seeking a winter sun escape with a twist this year. Available from the award-winning Coco Spa at Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, all treatments in the menu will use homemade spa products made entirely of edible ingredients such as tumeric, avocado, aloe vera, banana and kiwi. From fruity skin brightening masks to ice cream body scrubs, the treatments have been specifically designed with superfood ingredients to help rejuvenate and detox a guest's body and mind.
For more information, visit www.cococollection.com.
Mads Refslund, Noma Co-Founder, Takes On W Maldives
Guests at W Maldives can embark on a culinary adventure with Chef Mads Refslund, co-founder of two Michelin-starred Noma Restaurant, who will join the resort exclusively from 5th – 6th December 2018. The celebrity chef, recognised as one of the most creative chefs in the world, will take over W Maldives Kitchen for two interactive dinners based on the concept of fire and ice. The “Ice” dinner will focus on cold and raw products to emphasise what is inherent in the very nature of the dish and the “Fire” dinner will be smoke-dominated and will be cooked using wood and charcoal.
For more information, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mlewh-w-maldives/.
Carpe Diem Maldives Voted Sixth In The Top 10 Dive Liveaboards in the World
Carpe Diem Maldives Pvt. Ltd. fleet has been recognised as one of the best dive liveaboards in the world by readers of DIVE Magazine UK for the second year running. At this year's DEMA dive travel fair in the USA, Dive Magazine announced the Top 10 Dive Liveaboards in the World 2018. All three liveaboard vessels in the Carpe Diem Cruises fleet were shortlisted in the final 25, with the first boat, Carpe Diem, being placed highest in 6th place. The awards are endorsed by readers and general public voting, and as the only Maldives liveaboard operator to receive the accolade for two consecutive years, Carpe Diem Cruises has become known as the 'must-go-to' dive safari operator for any novice or serious diver planning on visiting the Maldives.
For more information, visit www.carpediemmaldives.com.
Six Senses Laamu Rethinks Shrimp
Shrimp and prawn are renowned as the most environmentally-damaging seafood to eat and as of September 2018, Six Senses Laamu no longer serves either in its guest restaurants and the staff canteen. This will amount to an annual reduction of around 6,000 kilograms in shrimp and prawn purchases, a small dent in the global demand, but a powerful statement in sustainability. Stefan Goechke, executive chef, says he welcomes the challenge of adapting the resort's menus so that guests won't even notice the absence of prawns. “My team is working on some exciting new dishes to delight our guests. We also have a variety of sustainable seafood options featured on the menu, such as fish caught by local fishermen right here in Laamu Atoll, that don't carry the same environmental price tag.”
For more information, visit www.sixsenses.com.
One&Only Reethi Rah In The Maldives Hosts Pop-Up Of Acclaimed Sydney Plant-Based Restaurant, Yellow
One&Only Reethi Rah, the ultra-luxury resort set on one of the largest private islands in the Maldives, welcomed innovative plant-based restaurant YELLOW for an exclusive pop-up event this October at the resort's garden-to-table restaurant Botanica. Sydney-based Chef Brent Savage, renowned for his original vegetarian cuisine, served an eight-course plant-based contemporary menu for guests to enjoy.
For more information, visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com.
Mirihi Island, Maldives, Unveils a Barrel of Unique Rum-Based Activities
Mirihi Island, Maldives, has unveiled a barrel of delicious rum-based activities including beachfront rum and chocolate tastings, hands-on cocktail making classes and a rum tasting followed by a picnic sailing trip to a castaway desert island. Home to the Indian Ocean's largest collection of rum, Mirihi boasts over 120 labels from the world's finest rum producers, including its own signature Muraka Rum. Guests wishing to learn more about this delicious tipple can opt to tour Mirihi's incredible rum collection with the island's expert bar team who will guide them through the collection and the unique qualities of each rum.
For more information, visit www.mirihi.com.
Condé Nast Traveler US Names Naladhu Private Island Maldives The 'Best Resort In The Indian Ocean' For Two Years In A Row
For the second year running, Naladhu Private Island Maldives has been named the Best Resort in the Indian Ocean as well as number three in the world in the US Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. The Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards are considered amongst the travel industry's most prestigious and more than 300,000 readers nominated their favourite hotels out of the most luxurious and distinguished properties across the globe. Naladhu Private Island Maldives offers a unique take on the Maldivian experience, with toes-in-the-sand luxury, elegant colonial-style villas, dedicated 24/7 on-call house masters and pristine white beaches.
For more information, visit www.anantara.com.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa Named 'Maldives' Leading Resort 2018' at World Travel Awards
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa was recently named 'Maldives' Leading Resort 2018' at the annual World Travel Awards. Now in its 25th year, the awards recognise, reward and celebrate excellence across the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Since mid-2017, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa has committed a large proportion of resources to launch several upgrading projects to meet with the evolving preferences of travellers and this year, the resort has refreshed its Park Sunset Ocean Pool Villa, which offers guests panoramic views from a private deck with plunge pool and cabana.
For more information, visit www.hyatt.com.
Dusit Thani Maldives named 'Luxury Hotel & Restaurant of the Year – Maldives' by Luxury Travel Guide
Dusit Thani Maldives has been named the “Luxury Hotel & Restaurant of the Year – Maldives” in Luxury Travel Guide's Asia & Australasia Awards 2018. Arranged by Luxury Travel Guide (LTG), the Awards recognise and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the high-end travel and tourism industry. Properties are assessed in terms of innovation and design, rooms and facilities, gastronomic achievements, and service excellence.
For more information, visit www.dusit.com.
Fushifaru Maldives Celebrates Its One Year Anniversary In Style
Fushifaru Maldives, the 49-villa boutique resort located on the far North East border of Faadhippolhu (Lhaviyani) Atoll, proudly celebrated the one year anniversary of opening in October, under the leadership of General Manager, Ahmed Siaar. “We are thrilled to celebrate our first anniversary, which represents a significant milestone for our resort,” stated Ahmed Siaar. “I could not be more proud of the success that our resort has experienced so far but am even more excited to see what the future holds. We will keep encouraging creativity and enthusiasm at our resort. We are confident Fushifaru Maldives will continue to inspire travellers from around the world to visit and experience all that this extraordinary destination and exquisite island have to offer,” he added. Residents, hosts and guests at Fushifaru Maldives celebrated the first anniversary in style, with a sunset cocktail reception and gala dinner, followed by a beach party with a DJ.
For more information, visit www.fushifaru.com.
Kurumba Maldives Celebrates 46th Anniversary
Kurumba Maldives, the Maldives' very first island resort, celebrated its 46th anniversary of opening on 6th October 2018. To commemorate the occasion, the resort hosted a BBQ Master cooking competition face-off between guests and staff at Kandu Bar and also a 'mini-Olympics' at the Water Sports Centre. After the fun and games, guests joined the resort's staff for cocktails at Athiri 1, and to conclude the celebrations, a lively cultural dance was hosted at the Conference Hall. Kurumba Maldives is set on a tropical island in the Maldives' North Malé Atoll and is conveniently accessible via a 10-minute speedboat ride from the international airport.
For more information, visit www.kurumba.com.
One&Only Reethi Rah Is Proud To Support The Cancer Society Of Maldives
On 31st October 2018, Jan Tibaldi, One&Only Reethi Rah General Manager and Maila Severino, One&Only Reethi Rah Human Resources Director presented a check to the sum of approximately £3,761 (75,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa) as a donation to the Cancer Society of Maldives (CSM), a national community based (non-profit / non-governmental) organisation formed for the purpose of reducing the incidence and impact of cancer in the Maldives. One&Only Reethi Rah is proud to support CSM in cancer research and their work towards a cancer patient registered database in the Maldives.
For more information, visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com.
SwimQuest Launches New Maldives Video Trailer for 2019
SwimQuest offers open water swimming holidays suitable for all abilities in warm and cold-water locations around the world, including the Maldives. The company has recently launched its new video trailer for swimming holidays in the Maldives, which is available to view at:
TRAVEL PACKAGES
Naladhu Private Island Maldives Launches Dreamy New Honeymoon Package
Naladhu Private Island Maldives has launched a new honeymoon package, offering a programme of tailored experiences that span four to seven days. Couples staying for four days receive champagne and chocolates, a luxury aromatic bath, a 60-minute Anantara Signature couples' massage and a 30-minute professional photo shoot. Couples staying up to six days additionally receive a three-course 'Intimate Dining Affair' and couples who stay seven days or more also receive a complimentary return transfer for the bride. The Honeymoon Dream Package includes waterfront accommodation in an Ocean or Beach House with Pool. The Honeymoon Dream Package is available for stays from now until 8 January 2020, with up to 30% discount on holidays taken before the end of 2019. Rates starts at £2,863 ($3,694) plus taxes for a four-night stay. For more information, visit www.anantara.com/en/naladhu-maldives/offers.
Save £1,400 Per Couple On A Seven-Night Stay At Baros Maldives, From £1,749 Per Person
Set in the shimmering waters of the North Malé Atoll, Baros Maldives defines the essence of the Maldives. Fringed by a reef vibrant with marine life, white sandy shores and palm thatched villas, this bijou island offers romantic privacy and discreet personalised service for the perfect tropical getaway. A seven-night holiday at the 5-star Baros Maldives costs from £1,749pp including return flights, breakfast and transfers. Includes an early booking discount saving of over £1,400 per couple. Call Trailfinders on 020 7368 1200 to book or visit www.trailfinders.com for more information.
For further information on the Maldives, visit www.visitmaldives.com.
