MALDIVES WINS THREE TROPHIES AT THE WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
The World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean Gala held on 1st June 2019 in Mauritius proved very successful for the Maldives, with the destination receiving prestigious awards in the following three categories: Indian Ocean's Leading Beach Destination, Indian Ocean's Leading Dive Destination and Indian Ocean's Leading Honeymoon Destination.

To see a full list of the awards won by the Maldives and Maldivian resorts, visit www.worldtravelawards.com/winners/2019/indian-ocean.

VISIT MALDIVES ATTENDS FOUR TRAVEL INDUSTRY FAIRS IN APRIL 2019
The Maldives participated in four travel industry fairs in April, including the 27th annual Marine Diving Fair in Tokyo from 5th – 7th April 2019, World Travel Market Africa 2019 from 10th – 19th April and the China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market in Beijing. The Maldives delegation also exhibited at the Arabian Travel Market towards the end of April at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. During the fairs, officials and representatives from the Maldives met with travel industry professions to further develop and strengthen the presence of the Maldives in Asia.

VISIT MALDIVES SHOWCASES 'THE SUNNY SIDE OF LIFE'
DURING TWO TRADE ROADSHOWS
In April and May, the Maldives further promoted 'The Sunny Side of Life' during two travel industry roadshows, which took place in South Africa and the Middle East. The two roadshows provided Visit Maldives with networking sessions with tour operators and travel industry representatives in Johannesburg and Cape Town from 8th – 9th April and then in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the Middle East from 30th April – 2nd May.

VISIT MALDIVES HOSTS THREE MEDIA FAM TRIPS
Visit Maldives welcomed journalists from Germany, Austria and Switzerland; the UK; and India during three media fam trips that took place during April and May. The fam trips allowed media attendees to discover the Maldives by visiting various resorts and hotels, including Kuramathi Maldives, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Guraidhoo Palm Inn, Liyela Retreat and Vakarufalhi Maldives. During the trips, attendees took part in activities including snorkelling, fishing and various excursions.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES SIGNS MOU WITH MMPRC TO PROMOTE THE MALDIVES
Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) signed an agreement with Singapore Airlines (SIA) on 5th May to jointly promote Maldives as a travel destination. The memorandum was signed by MMPRC Managing Director Thoyyib Mohamed and Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Singapore Airlines Campbell Wilson, at Hotel Jen. Addressing the event, Wilson stated, "We are pleased to be working with MMPRC to boost travel to the Maldives. With nearly 140 destinations in more than 35 countries and territories in the SIA Group network, we are also well-placed to support the development of the Maldives' tourism sector".

For further information on the Maldives, visit www.visitmaldives.com.

 

HONEYMOON & WEDDING NEWS

ROMANTIC GETAWAYS AT FAIRMONT MALDIVES SIRRU FEN FUSHI
Having recently opened its doors to guests, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi now offers a new Romantic Getaway package for couples and newlyweds. The offer is available year-round and includes transfers, breakfast for two and spa experiences. Guests have the opportunity to stay in the resort's intimate new Tented Jungle Villas with a private pool in the middle of the Maldivian jungle. Couples can also relax at the Willow Stream Spa with a variety of treatments available, get creative with island materials at the resorts Art Studio, or attend one of the cultural tours or cooking classes offered by the resort.

For more information on this offer, visit fairmont.com.

WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS AT HIDEAWAY BEACH RESORT & SPA
Newlyweds can celebrate their honeymoon with a package at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, an all-villa and suite concept resort located in Haa Alifu Atoll. The offer is available for bookings of four nights or more includes a daily fruit basket, a bottle of champagne and a candle-lit dinner for two. Honeymooners also have access to culinary experiences and spa treatments plus a range of recreational opportunities are also available.

For more information on the offers, visit hideawaybeachmaldives.com.

 
SAY YOUR VOWS IN PARADISE AT ANGSANA VELAVARU
The private island resort of Angsana Velavaru has launched several different wedding packages. Ranging from a pavilion wedding experience, a sunset beach wedding, a castaway island beach wedding and even an underwater wedding, couples have a wide range of options to celebrate the special occasion. Offers for ceremonies are available from £695 and include floristry, ceremony arrangements, photography, a wedding cake and champagne.

For more information on wedding packages, visit angsana.com/en/maldives/velavaru/romance-wedding.

 

HONEYMOON POOL VILLAS AT KURAMATHI
Designed for couples celebrating romance and wedded bliss, the Honeymoon Pool Villa on Kuramathi is a vast one-bedroom villa hidden amongst the island's palms. With a separate living area, dining area, open-air bathroom, bath for two and a 10-metre lap pool, this haven is designed to give couples a hideaway with a difference. All guests honeymooning on Kuramathi are also entitled to a 10% discount on all bookings (made 45 days prior to arrival). 

For more information, visit kuramathi.com/guest-villas/honeymoon-pool-villas.html

 

HONEYMOON REGISTRY AT KANDOLHU MALDIVES
Guests booking their honeymoon on Kandolhu are invited to join the free Honeymoon Wishes bridal registry, featuring a personalised wedding page for the couple. Friends and Family can select gifts ranging from Champagne Breakfast in Bed or a Private Yacht Cruise, to an Indian Cooking Class or Private Moonlight Cinema Experience. Kandolhu also offer all honeymooning couples a 30-minute complimentary massage (per person) and a four-course candlelit dinner with a bottle of sparkling wine.

For more information, visit kandolhu.com/honeymoon-kandolhu-maldives.html.

 

PARTNER NEWS

VAKKARU MALDIVES OPENS IN UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVE OF BAA ATOLL
One of the newest additions to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll in the Republic of the Maldives is Vakkaru Maldives. Located a 30-minute journey north of Male International Airport by seaplane, Vakkaru Maldives offers a range of accommodation which includes 125 beach and over water villas and suites, as well as a four-bedroom over water private residence. Visitors can choose from an array of dining options across four restaurants, two bars and the resort's wine cellar, which is also available for private dining experiences. Other amenities include the overwater Merana Spa and the on-site dive and water sports-centre Splash.

For reservations and general information, visit vakkarumaldives.com.

THIRD ANNUAL TRAVEL TRADE MALDIVES (TTM) TO BE HELD FROM 11TH – 13TH JUNE 2019
Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), the largest travel trade show held in the Maldives, is scheduled to host its third edition from 11th – 13th June. Over 100 resorts and 200+ local and international travel producers are expected to exhibit and participate in the event consisting of multiple components. The TTM Travel Summit with this year's theme of 'Travel Tech & Analytics” and a range of industry experts will discover how the latest innovations, products, and suppliers can provide fresh perspectives and generate new business & hear from a range of industry experts from some leading travel businesses across the globe. It will be followed by pre-scheduled meetings to network with industry professionals, a Maldives Supplier Expo, and lastly the invite only TTM Awards & Gala Night.

For more information about the event, visit traveltrademaldives.com.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM EARTH DAY IN THE MALDIVES
On April 22nd the annual Earth Day was celebrated by more than a billion people around the world, including guests and team members of various Maldives resorts. At Kurumba Maldives, the day began with clean-up activities that continued until the evening, in addition to tree planting and educational tours of the resort. Similarly, Kuramathi Maldives organised a week-long event that involved an island clean-up, educational visual presentations about the environment, and a guided tour of the island's precious resources.

For more information about the events, visit kurumba.com or kuramathi.com.

MICHELIN STAR DINING EXPERIENCES AT ST. REGIS MALDIVES VOMMULI RESORT
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced a series of gourmet dining experiences for guests in partnership with world-renowned chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants. Over the next 12 months, the resort will host a different chef in residency, bringing Michelin-star flair to the Maldives by offering cooking classes and unique dining experiences to guests. The series commenced in late April with Francesco Gasbarro, the chef behind one of Switzerland's best Italian restaurant, La Bottega in Geneva, followed by Spanish Chef Pere Planaguma of Girona's exceptional Les Cols Restaurant in May.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mlexr-the-st-regis-maldives-vommuli-resort/.

OPENING OF THE NIKA MUSEUM AT NIKA ISLAND RESORT & SPA
The new Nika Museum has opened its doors at Nika Island Resort & Spa. To gain insights into Maldivian folklore and heritage, visitors can now explore the collection consisting of artefacts, pieces of art and creations of local artists. Reflecting the conservation efforts, the space for the museum was created by converting an old furnace that was used in the island to cast and forge metals. A maze of tunnels, coral made vaults and arches guide the visitors through the collection, showcasing the island nation's rich history and culture.

For more information, visit http://nikaisland.it/museum/.

ANANTARA DHIGU AND OCTAVIA HIX: A DESIGN LOVE STORY
Sisters Hattie Clark and Victoria Thompson launched luxury resortwear label Octavia Hix following a visit to the Maldives in 2016. Octavia Hix's latest collection has used Anantara Dhigu resort as inspiration, and even features an exclusive Anantara Dhigu print, inspired by the resort's seas. The London-based label focuses on versatile and ultra-chic resort pieces that can be worn from morning to evening and the new collection features an array of fresh, contemporary prints that reflect the vibrant colours of resort's spectacular natural settings.

To view the Anantara Dhigu collection, visit www.octaviahix.com/collections/anantara-dhigu.

AMILLA FUSHI DEBUTS NEW ENERGISING WELLNESS CAFÉ  
The Maldives' Amilla Fushi has unveiled a new Wellness Café and juice bar at its Javvu Spa, adding a nurturing new dining destination to the island's wellbeing journey. Centred on balancing wellness of the body and mind with nutritious whole food, the new health haven offers a unique restorative experience through natural light-and-bright fare, without compromising on flavour. Dedicated to sourcing unprocessed seasonal ingredients, the Wellness Café caters for those on the high-fat, low-carb ketogenic diet alongside an artful mix of organic, paleo, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free snacks. Guests can relish a curated menu that promotes natural healing through gut-friendly, immune-boosting super foods with minimal salt and free from refined sugars.

For more information, visit www.amilla.mv.

COCO PALM DHUNI KOLHU JOINS NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT SEAGRASS
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu has joined the nationwide Protect Maldives Seagrass campaign. The resort situated in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll has pledged to protect 100% of the 34,000m² seagrass meadow growing within the resort's boundaries.
Seagrass plays a crucial role in the Maldivian marine ecosystem and provides vital resources for marine life. However, seagrass is mostly considered unsightly, and is often deliberately removed. The Protect Maldives Seagrass campaign brings together resorts, international advocacy and conservation groups such as Greenpeace, all advocating for its protection.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.cococollection.com/en/news/post/protect-maldives-seagrass

BRITISH AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO LONDON GATWICK FLEET
Passengers with British Airways travelling to the Maldives from London Gatwick can now look forward to a fully refreshed Boeing 777 fleet and new generation economy (World Traveller) and premium economy (World Traveller Plus) seats. The refreshed cabins will soon start appearing on the Boeing 777 fleet at London Gatwick and the whole fleet will be updated by Summer 2019. The economy and premium economy cabins have been fitted with elegant new seats with 50% larger entertainment screens and each seat will have a USB socket.

For more information, visit www.britishairways.com.

INDIAN ACTRESS AMRUTA KHANVILKAR TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY AND WELLNESS LIFESTYLE AT THE SUN SIYAM IRU FUSHI MALDIVES
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi will be celebrating International Yoga Day with renowned Indian Actress Amruta Khanvilkar, who has worked in Bollywood and regional space for over 10 years. Amruta is a yoga and Pilates enthusiast, who will be leading the Sunset Yoga class at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi this June to celebrate International Yoga Day.

For more information, visit www.sunsiyam.com.

W MALDIVES - ASTROLOGY MEETS “EDIBLE ART” BY JANICE WONG
To celebrate the arrival of the zodiac's first water sign, W Maldives is creating a series of Astro events around the Cancer sign in cooperation with Singaporean award-winning Pastry Chef, Janice Wong voted Asia's Best Pastry Chef for 2013 and 2014 at the prestigious San Pellegrino Asia Top 50, as well as Pastry Chef of the Year in 2011, 2013 and 2015 by World Gourmet Summit. Playing with a multitude of colours, textures and flavours, guests can join her in the world of interactive and 'edible art' inspired by the Cancer sign on 21st June during a 5 courses dinner inspired by the natural elements of water and air.

For more information, visit www.wmaldives.com.

TRAVEL PACKAGES

Seven-Night Honeymoon at Finolhu From £3,269 Per Person
Cleveland Collection can arrange a seven-night honeymoon at Finolhu from £3,269 per person sharing, including flights, transfers, accommodation in a Lagoon Villa, full board, soft drinks and local alcoholic drinks and the following honeymoon benefits (Sparkling wine and a cake upon arrival, one romantic bath set up in the villa and one romantic dinner). The honeymoon benefit is applicable for couples travelling within 6 months from the date of wedding and price is valid for travel in June and September 2019.  A copy of the wedding certificate must be presented at the resort. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, visit www.clevelandcollection.co.uk.

 

Seven-Night Stay at Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi From £3,349 Per Person
Hayes & Jarvis is offering seven nights at the five-star Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, from £3,349 per person. The offer includes half board accommodation in a Beach Sunrise Villa, return speedboat transfer and international flights from London Gatwick with Emirates. Based on departures 9th July 2019. To book, call 01293 762 456. For more information visit www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk.

'K'ool Summerkation' Family Holiday Deal From £668 At Kandima Maldives
Kandima Maldives has shared their K'ool Summerkation offer running from 1st May – 31st July 2019. Room prices for two adults and two children (or three adults) start from £668 for a four-night stay in a Sky Studio. The package includes a complimentary upgrade to the next room category, breakfast at the resort's Flavour or Zest restaurants, free use of the gym 24/7 plus access to selected fitness classes, and free access to the Kandiland kids' club, with children aged 12 and under staying and eating for free. For more details, visit kandima.com.

For further information on the Maldives, visit www.visitmaldives.com.