Yacht Tours to layoff Herathera Resort staff

Yacht Tours Pvt. Ltd has revealed that the company will commence reducing the number of employees working on the company managed Herathera Resort, a luxury resort hotel located in Addu atoll, effective next month.

Speaking at a news conference held at news room Fansavees / Dharubaaruge the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ahmed Mohamed expressed that the down sizing was due to the negative effects of the global economic downturn but that was unable to say exactly say how many staff was to be sent home. He pointed out that the 600 staff employed 547 room resort, at present has only 28 tourists.

“Ahead of us is the summer season, summer season has low arrivals, our 547 room resort has only 28 tourists, tour operators do not want to do business with us before the dredging of the proposed channel between Herathera and Hulhudhoo is completed, we are now forced to reduced number of employees effective from May, currently we have some 600 employees working in the resort, due to financial resons we are forced to cut down number of staff, now this problem of swine flu is breaking out, this too will have an impact on the number of tourist arrivals” CEO Ahmed Mohamed said.

He said as the resort is in Addu atoll, staff from the atoll would be given priority and even though staff is reduced now it will be increased when number of tourist arrivals increase. He also said at present, the resort is losing some Rf.100, 000 daily.

Speaking on the biggest problem faced by the company, the losses incurred due to failure on part of Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to complete dredging of channel between Hulhudhoo and Herathera on a timely basis, CEO said the civil court has ruled against Yacht Tours. Yacht Tours has sought compensation of US $ 46, 261,242 from MTDC.

miadhu.com.mv

The Beach House in the Maldives to join Waldorf Astoria Collection

The Beach House, located at the northern tip of the Maldives, is to become the first Waldorf Astoria Collection property in Asia Pacific. The Beach House is scheduled to join the luxury collection on 1 November, 2009.

Owned by the Maldivian company, Sun Hotels & Resorts Pvt. Ltd, The Beach House has been in operation as a luxurious and private resort for the past year, during which time it has won several accolades, including being featured on the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List, as well as named one of the World’s Best New Hotels by the Daily Telegraph UK.

The Beach House will join other world-renowned hotels and resorts in The Waldorf Astoria Collection, such as the Trianon Palace Versailles in France, the Rome Cavalieri in Italy, the Qasr Al Sharq in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in the United States.

Martin Rinck, President – Asia Pacific, Hilton Hotels Corporation, said, “The Maldives is well-known as one of the most desirable archipelagoes in the world and the success of our Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is testament to both the allure of this location and the uniqueness of the resort. In addition to welcoming The Beach House to the Waldorf Astoria Collection, we are delighted to have also signed an agreement with Sun Hotels & Resorts to manage a Hilton property in the Maldives, which will already open in July this year.”

The Beach House, The Waldorf Astoria Collection, is located on the pristine, lagoon-ringed Haa Alifu Atoll which is fringed by powder-white beaches and complemented with an unspoilt jungle-filled interior. The 35-acre resort comprises 83 Maldivian-style villas, three restaurants, four bars and a luxurious spa. Each villa comes complete with a private pool and butler.

Guests can choose to indulge in a romantic over-water Asian fusion meal at Saffron, enjoy succulent seafood and steaks from the central open kitchen at Medium Rare or dine at Four Corners on cuisine from around the world. In addition, there are options aplenty to watch the famous Maldivian sunsets from the resort’s spectacular bars.

Shui, a spa nestled among virgin forest and streams, offers traditional health and wellness treatments.

Hilton is developing Waldorf Astoria Collection hotels in key cities around the world and over the next few years and expects to launch The Dakota Mountain Lodge, Park City, Utah, The Waldorf Astoria Collection (Spring 2009), Boca Raton Resort & Club, Boca Raton, Florida, The Waldorf Astoria Collection (Spring 2009), The Roosevelt, New Orleans, Louisiana, The Waldorf Astoria Collection (June 2009) and The Palace Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel, The Waldorf Astoria Collection (December 2010).

asiatraveltips.com

Top travel magazine ranks Diva Maldives best Indian Ocean hotel

Diva, Naïade’s luxury resort in the Maldives, has obtained a new prestigious recognition. The renowned Condé Nast Traveller has announced its 2009 Hot List. Of all the hotels in the Indian Ocean, Diva is in first place in this ranking. Diva ranks 14th in the Hot List.

The Hot List is compiled based on the choice of professionals in Condé Nast. Several criteria are used: the design, ambience, food, among others.

Condé Nast was impressed with the design and feeling of space that one feels at Diva.

The excellent level of the six restaurants Diva also made a difference. The editorial team considers that the island Didhoonolhu is big enough for honeymooners to find an intimacy. The magazine recommended to its readers to book the Beach Villas. Condé Nast Traveller, with its 820,000 prints, remains one of the most prestigious travel magazines of the world.

InOcean Villas – Floating luxury in the Maldives

Angsana Velavaru, located on the pristine South Nilandhe Atoll, is set to unveil new standards in resort living with the launch of its InOcean Villas in July 2009 - the first standalone collection of water villas in the Maldives not connected to an island. Perched in the middle of the Indian Ocean one kilometre away from the island of Velavaru, and boasting its own dedicated Italian restaurant, the InOcean Villas will be the first and only “floating resort” in the Maldives offering visitors a unique castaway experience.

Tropical Locations (tropical-locations.com) is offering 7 nights from £2245 per person in an InOcean villa including breakfast and return flights from Emirates from Gatwick or Heathrow via Dubai and seaplane transfers. The offer is valid stays between 01-15 July and 11 August – 15 October.

The villas
Ranging in size from 175 to 290 square metres, each of the spacious 20 InOcean Villas, 11 Premier InOcean Villas and three Sanctuary InOcean Villas will offer guests a sense of unparalleled seclusion. Upon entry, guests will be greeted by a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean through the sliding glass doors along the living, sleeping and bath areas. Reminiscent of stylish city lofts and accented with contemporary coral designs, each two-storey villa comes with a spacious outdoor deck, an infinity pool of at least 21 square metres, and a hammock suspended over the water.

Emphasis is placed on the generous use of outdoor space, without compromising the sense of privacy, and the Premier and Sanctuary InOcean Villas also feature an extended deck into the ocean, complete with a cosy pavilion for relaxation or yoga practice. The villas are ideal for both couples and families with children over 12 years of age.

Facilities
Guests will be able to indulge in luxurious, Asian-inspired massages deftly delivered by the resort’s skilled Angsana Spa therapists in the comfort of their own villa. In the evening, guests can choose to savour a hearty Maldivian curry in their villa, or walk to Azzurro, the gourmet Italian restaurant and bar offering an extensive international wine selection showcased in floor-to-ceiling wine racks.

What’s more, the extensive facilities of Angsana Velavaru resort are accessible within a five-minute boat ride. These facilities include:

• Eclectic dining options at Funa and Kaani restaurants, and exotic cocktails at Kuredhi Bar
• Castaway picnic experience on the deserted Maaga island. Maaga island is located 20 minutes away from the resort and is an idyllic location for a picnic with its pristine sand beach and untamed lush vegetation
• Cookery lessons on traditional Maldivian curries and ‘shorts’ (bite-sized snacks)
• Angsana Spa treatments in an outdoor spa pavilion or air-conditioned treatment room
• Kids Club – open from 10am to 8pm
• A dedicated Marine Lab which organises hands-on eco activities such as coral planting, reef cleaning, and marine biology classes
• Water sports including diving, guided snorkeling safaris and wakeboarding
• A selection of local crafts and spa amenities at Angsana Gallery

For more information, see angsana.com.

Nature's work of art

MARCO POLO called it the "Flower by the Indies" while Ibn Batuta described it as "One of the Wonders of the World".

And true to its reputation, the Maldives boasts some of the most spectacular sights that can only be seen in this part of the Indian Ocean.

As soon as my feet landed on the powder-fine sands of Kandooma island, I felt at home instantly.

Located some 35 km south of the capital Male, the four-star Kandooma resort features about 160 villas comprising beach and garden villas, two-storey duplex villas as well as water villas. Its contemporary aesthetic is seen in its large picture windows, and whitewashed floor boards that evoke a sense of fresh coolness, yet feel warm and textured to the bare feet.

It's a destination where a stroll on the beach is the highlight of the day, simply because the panoramic view of the shimmering ocean will stay lodged in your memory for a long while.

Of course, you don't have to limit yourself to a sedate stroll. You can work up a sweat by pounding the powdery sand in your jogging shoes, or head to the gym for a vigorous workout. Then ease out the kinks with a 50-minute full body massage at the COMO Shambhala Spa, where its signature blended oils make short work of your tight muscles.

Being in the Maldives without engaging in water sports is like staying at a ski resort and not going anywhere near the slopes. A must-try here is a half-day adventure aqua safari which takes you to two coral reefs to meet your colourful underwater neighbours. Say hello to numerous blue surgeon, while keeping an eye out for Moorish Idol, unicorn fish and even the occasional dolphin.

You might even be inspired to return something to Mother Nature by sponsoring a coral tray to build a home for the fishes. To date, some 28 coral trays have been planted, with 12 of these being guest sponsor trays. These trays are now home to some butterfly fish, lionfish, two stingrays and many others.

With the Maldives comprising 1,190 islands scattered across 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, island-hopping is a natural progression after you've explored all the attractions of your resort island.

One option is to hop onto a speedboat to scenic Rihiveli, 15 minutes away. Located in the South Male Atoll, the island resort is rustic in setting and has a traditional Maldivian feel that the stylishly-furnished Kandooma didn't manage.

All 48 bungalows open to astounding sea views, with the warm waters of the lagoon lapping at your doorstep.

Each bungalow features palm-thatched roof, wooden floor, as well as garden with hammocks and sunbeds.

Lunch at Sunrise Island is a must, as guests are treated to a barbecue of freshly caught fish. What's more, the tiny island is accessible on foot as the shallow waters allow one to wade across from Rihiveli. If you are lucky, you can even spot some stingrays swimming near the shore.

There, you're not only treated to a sumptuous meal, but you're witness to a spell-binding work of art where every flicker of light appears to have been carved on the water by an invisible hand.

And as the sun sets over Rhiveli island in the evening, it casts its fiery glow on the water's surface and lights up the entire sea - another work of nature, and a sight to behold.

travel.asiaone.com

Maldives Tourist Arrivals & Major Indicators: January-March 2009

Maldives Tourist Arrivals & Major Indicators: January-March 2009
(click to download)

Maldives Visitor's Guide 2009

Click here to download

Barefoot luxury

It might mean different things to different people, but barefoot luxury is a travel trend that agents and operators should not ignore, says Gemma Greenwood

If you take the term ‘Barefoot Luxury’ literally, you imagine heading off to a desert island paradise, ditching your shoes and running around free as a bird on golden sands, feeling each grain sinking between your toes before gentle waves lap your feet and wash away that sumptuous grittiness.

It’s a romantic notion, but at many Six Senses resorts, barefoot luxury is just that.

When you arrive in the Maldives and board one of Soneva Gili’s luxury yachts that transports you to the island, one of the first things guests are asked to do is remove their shoes.

The Bangkok-based company, which has become synonymous with ‘Barefoot Luxury’, has a policy of ‘No news, no shoes’ and for the duration of their stay, most guests comply.

On Soneva Gili you breakfast, lunch and dinner in bare feet, ride bikes around the island in bare feet and when it comes to the end of your stay and shoes are once more required when disembarking the yacht on which you arrived, it feels foreign to say the least.

But when defining ‘Barefoot Luxury’, there’s much more to it than throwing away your shoes for a week as industry professionals — and the Six Senses team — explain.

“‘Barefoot Luxury’ is synonymous with a ‘natural’ experience, which is very much a trend these days,” explains Six Senses Resorts and Spas managing director Bernhard Bohnenberger.

“It’s about getting back to nature and being at one with the environment.

“Six Senses was the leader of this trend and continues to implement it at new properties that are climate appropriate. Read more

by Gemma Greenwood
hoteliermiddleeast.com

Sheraton Resorts in the Maldives, Hua Hin and Pattaya help guests stay connected with link @ Sheraton

New “Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft,” A Virtual Lobby Lounge Offers Wi-Fi, Computers, Webcams and More

Guests of Sheraton Resorts in Maldives, Hua Hin and Pattaya, can now stay connected with instant access to information and technology for work, leisure and social networking with the properties’ new signature hotel offering: the “Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft®.” This unique virtual and physical lobby lounge space enables guests to work, relax and remain connected with friends and family during their travels.

The Link@Sheraton is designed to serve the needs of Sheraton’s core guests who are social individuals seeking to balance work and play while also sharing the travel experience with each other. Designed as a social destination, the Link@Sheraton invites guests to interact with each other while they check their email, research local attractions using free Wi-Fi and Internet-enabled computer stations. A key feature of the Link@Sheraton experience is Microsoft branded webcams, allowing guests of all ages to easily email video postcards back home. The Link@Sheraton experience also features flat screen televisions, daily newspapers and through its relationship with Microsoft, the new “Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft” will offer Microsoft computer terminals and Internet access points running Microsoft products.

“Our guests are intent on making the most of their travels and we’re confident this new partnership with Microsoft will enable Sheraton to provide them with the products, services and tools to keep them connected to what matters most while on the road,” said Vincent Ong, Brand Director for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific. “The Link reflects Sheraton's commitment to deliver popular, unique and unexpected offerings to our guests and is an exciting pillar of Sheraton’s comprehensive effort to further differentiate our iconic brand.”

Today’s traveler is part of a connected digital community, with instant access to information and technology for work, entertainment and social networking. With ‘Link @ Sheraton experienced with Microsoft,’ Sheraton and Microsoft are helping forge the convergence of the digital lifestyle and work-style in the experiences offered to this new breed of guest.

To unveil the new Link@Sheraton, the three Sheraton resorts will be organizing various events to officially introduce it to the media, customers and in-house guests.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa and Sheraton Pattaya Resort are the newest three of more than 300 Sheraton properties around the world that feature The Link@Sheraton. Under the Microsoft agreement, Sheraton will continue to roll out the co-branded “Link @ Sheraton experienced with Microsoft” at its entire portfolio of properties worldwide throughout 2009. The Link@Sheraton is just one of the significant enhancements Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa is currently implementing to improve the guest experience, including a new lobby environment, re-designed guest room and a revolutionary new health and fitness program.

Helping guests make connections at more than 400 hotels in 75 countries around the world, Sheraton is enhancing its iconic brand while continuing its aggressive international expansion by adding 54 hotels and 20,000 guestrooms by 2009. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

etravelblackboard.com

Prices cut in the Maldives

Located in the pristine South Nilandhe Atoll in the Maldives, Angsana Velavaru offers guests a summer treat of US$100 credit for every night of stay at the resort.

The credits can be used to offset expenses for the resort’s plethora of exciting adventures and unusual experiences, allowing for a carefree, fun-filled vacation.

This summer offer is exclusive to guests who book the Beachfront Jet Pool Villa or the Deluxe Beachfront Pool Villa at US$295 and US$355 per night respectively (excludes daily breakfast).

For every night booked at either villa category, guests will enjoy a non-transferrable US$100 credit to help offset charges for recreational activities like snorkelling safari and sunset cruise, as well as food consumption and pampering spa treatments at Angsana Spa (excluding room rates and seaplane transfers).

Unutilised credits within the day can be rolled over for use during the reminder of the stay.

Aptly named 'Summer Promotion', this offer is valid for booking from now to October 31 2009, for stays between the same period.

One-stop reservations at the best rates can be made online at Angsana.

Resort lease can only be revised after implementing tax law - President

Although the lease of the resorts is higher, it can only be revised after implementing the new tax law, according to the President Nasheed. During a press conference held after president’s official visit to UK, president said that since the lease is set out by an agreement between the resort owner and the government the lease cannot be revised immediately.

“When we start corporate tax instead of high resort lease, Government would get more revenue than it is earning now. It will also provide more opportunities for the resort owner to develop the resort” said the President. President also acknowledged that the lease and taxes which government levies on resort owners are very high and that had created some obstacles in marketing them. He also assured that those barriers would be removed.

During a press conference held before leaving Italy on an official visit, President had committed to advertise Maldives to mid-markets as well. During that press conference President stated that from 1994 – 2004 Italian tourist arrivals had fallen by 20% and he said that it is the result of increased government taxes levied on the resort owners.

miadhu.com.mv

Europe warmly receives the idea of 3 star resorts in Maldives

Many European countries are requesting Maldives to offer more three-star resorts. Referring to the recent statements by the President Nasheed during his UK visit, many reports are being written in European newspapers, requesting for three-star resorts.

Given the financial crisis, Europeans can only go to distant locations such as Maldives, if it is cheaper according to reports. “Maldives is one of the best destinations. Many people want to go to Maldives for holidays. But the problem is that ticket and hotels are too expensive. Even though Maldives can’t reduce the ticket costs, they can do something with the hotel costs” said some newspapers.

According to UK’s Daily Telegraph 200,000 from UK alone visited Maldives in 2008, however, in February 2009, the figures went down by 24%. Because of that some tour operators are selling Maldives cheaper than they did before. The article continued to say that some operators are offering package deals while some of the luxury hotels had reduced the charges by 50%.

The President says the government’s plan is to create mid-market tourism

President Nasheed has said that the government’s plan was to create mid-market tourism in the Maldives. The President made this statement while speaking at a meeting held tonight with tour operators. At the meeting, the President said that during the early years of tourism in the Maldives, it had catered to a wider range of tourist market.

Noting the importance of expanding and diversifying the Maldives’ tourism, President Nasheed discussed with the tour operators on expanding the tourism sector to clienteles of all income ranges. The tour operators said that facilitating the operation of cheaper charter flights in the Maldives would be step towards the expansion of tourism.

The President was accompanied at the meeting by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ahmed Ali Sawad; Minster of Housing, Transport and Environment, Mohamed Aslam; and, Maldivian High Commissioner-designate to the UK, Dr Farhanaz Faizal. Separately, President Nasheed met with Sir Peter Graham who is an advisor on environment to Queen Elizabeth II. The meeting was attended by the Special Envoy of the President, Mr Ibrahim Hussain Zaki; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Ahmed Shaheed; Minster of Housing, Transport and Environment, Mr Mohamed Aslam; Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ahmed Ali Sawad; and, Minister of Economic Development, Mr Mohamed Rasheed.

President Nasheed and Madam Laila Ali arrived at London early this evening. The President and First Lady were welcomed at the Heathrow Airport by Foreign Secretary’s representative, Maldivian High Commissioner in the UK and other officials of the Maldives High Commission.

miadhu.com.mv

MTDC urges the Court to acquire the rent despite the court proceedings

MTDC had appealed the Civil Court to issue a court order to attain the amount of the rent for the MTDC’s Herethere Island Resort, rented to Yacht Tours, despite the case lodged by the MTDC against the Yacht Tours. During the Court proceedings Shaaheen Hameed, MTDC’s lawyer said Yacht Tours had failed to pay the rent since December 2008.

He said that the figure for unpaid rent amounts to US $ 7,818,000, and this is causing a great deal of trouble to the financial situation of the MTDC. He also highlighted that the MTDC is a public company. In response the Chairman of the Yacht Tours, Abdulla Jabir said that if the Court issues an order to collect the entire amount of the rent that would be an impossible burden for his company. He therefore, urged not the Court not to issue such an order, instead to settle the issue when the legal proceedings are over.

Yesterday’s proceedings were concluded after announcing that another proceeding would be held very soon. When asked by Miadhu Daily regarding the matter, Jabir said that the argument from his side is said in the proceedings and did not want comment further on the issue. He also said that he is confident that the final ruling will be issued after consideration to what has been said by both sides in the proceedings.

miadhu.com.mv

Maldives president asks The Queen to stop islands sinking

Mohamed Nasheed, the president of Maldives, on Monday was scheduled to ask the help of Queen Elizabeth in combating the climate change and rising sea levels that threaten to submerge his island nation.

The president of the archipelago, who is on an official visit to the UK, said he would discuss the potential consequences of global warming on his country while at dinner with the Queen at Windsor Castle. He said he would seek advice from the monarch, as head of the Commonwealth, on a possible way out of the crisis.

"I will ask her for advice - about what she thinks and also how we may be able to organise ourselves," he told The Daily Telegraph."I'm sure her majesty would be very aware of the predicament that low-lying Commonwealth countries like the Maldives would be facing," he said.

"In the past she has always responded very affectionately towards the Maldives and I'm sure she would find appropriate measures and appropriate actions on these issues."

The Maldives, one of the lowest countries in the world, is likely to be severely affected by rising sea levels as ice caps melt. If predictions by the International Panel on Climate Change are correct, most of the country's 1,192 islands will be submerged by the end of the century.

Mr Nasheed is also due this week to talk to the Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, and John Ashton, special adviser on Climate Change. The move comes amid climate change talks in Bonn in the run-up to the United Nations summit in Copenhagen in December which aims to forge a successor to the 1997 Kyoto protocol.

After being sworn in as president in November, Mr Nasheed said he would consider buying a new homeland to relocate his people in the face of the threat. And last month, he announced his country aimed to be the world's first carbon neutral country by switching to renewable energies as an example to other countries.

telegraph.co.uk

Maldives is perfect for all ages!

By: Mary Gostelow
kiwicollection.com

Sun, sand and sea, a thousand ‘Robinson Crusoe’ islands, massive lagoons, dazzling underwater coral gardens; a perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination.

On our last visit, we stayed at Naladhu, in South Male Atoll, a mere 40 minutes' speedboat from Male airport so you arrive, as we did, on the near-midnight flight from Singapore and still get to your bed that night. Naladhu is a pretty thoughtful type of resort - and it is thinking of intelligent guests.

A tall bookcase in beach-set villa 11, for instances, holds binoculars, a copy of Overnight Sensations Asia Pacific, other big hardback glossies on Thai spas, a history of events that stopped our lives (We Interrupt This Broadcast) and, a bit unnervingly, Karen Blumenthal's Six Days in October: the stock market crash of 1929. Paperbacks include a new Small Luxury Hotels of the World directory and distressed novels left by previous guests - all in English, though the leather-bound visitors' book has a lot of happy Russian entries.

The bedside lights that are high enough to read by, a Sony flat screen that miraculously appears, evening time, through the white curtains that entire envelop the bedroom, and when you turn it on, it is straight into good-quality BBC World. How about the big-size L'Occitane toiletries, and plenty of them, and the Bose, the iPod, the Jemma Kidd designer lip balm and so much more?

How about the big Kadeka private wine cooler, its bottle necks bearing labels that show the cost ranges from a Koonunga Hills Chardonnay at $28 to a Billicart Salmon Rosé for $285, or the LavAzza Blue coffee machine - hidden away, no sock-it-to-you here - and the fresh milk, Bacardi Breezers and Starbucks Frappaccino in the minibar? Read more.....

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is Overall Winner in ‘SENSES’ Annual Wellness Awards

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has been voted the overall winner in the renowned German Spa Magazine, ‘SENSES’ annual wellness awards. The SENSES Wellness awards have been running for 11 years and are co-ordinated by the SENSES editorial staff together with a select panel of experts. Competing against over 350 hotels and resorts, the lush twin-island resort was chosen the ‘Overall Winner’ for 2009.

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s General Manager and Island Chief, Carsten Schieck, collected the esteemed award from famous German TV-Presenter, Alexandra Polzin at a ceremony held at the grand ‘Altes Stadthaus’ in Berlin on Thursday 12 March 2009. In addition to being the only Destination Spa in the Maldives featuring 21 spa villas with personal treatment rooms and direct access to The Spa Retreat, the multiple award-winning resort is the first in the Maldives to feature two spas, each with its own product range and philosophy.

The Spa Retreat is a self-contained over-water resort offering a range of holistic treatments and spa packages, plus the services of a resident Personal Trainer, Naturopath and Nutritionist, restaurant, reception, hairdressers and retail area. Meanwhile, the Over-Water Spa offers signature couples rituals in glass floor treatment rooms and Serenity Spa Deck with open air

ftnnews.com

SriLankan Airlines launches tourism drive in Italy

SriLankan Airlines has launched a marketing drive in Italy to promote the twin destinations of Sri Lanka and the Maldives among Italian tourists, following the airline’s recent re-launch of flights to the southern European nation.

In a press release, the national carrier said it actively participated in the BIT Travel Mart in Milan last month, one of the world’s largest travel fairs, which drew 153,000 visitors and 5,000 exhibitors from 140 nations.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau and members of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) also participated in the event from February 19-22. It was the first time that SriLankan took part in this fair since 2001, underlining the airline’s determined efforts to capitalise on the Italian leisure travel market. Italy is one of the largest origins of tourism into the Maldives. SriLankan offers fast connections via Colombo to the Maldives, where it is the largest carrier

ADAARAN Resorts inaugurates ADAARAN 'Prestige' Vadoo, Maldives

DAARAN Resorts unveiled their latest 5 star property ADAARAN 'Prestige' Vadoo. The resort was inaugurated by the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dr. Ahmed Ali Sawad at a function held on 28th March 2009 at the resort. Chairman of Aitken Spence Deshamanya D H S Jayawardena, Deputy Chairman of Aitken Spence J M S Britto, Special Envoy of the President Ibrahim Hussain Zaki and several high ranking tourism industry officials in the Maldives, travel agents, local and international tour operators attended the gala event.

Situated within close proximity to the Male International Airport - a mere 15 minutes by speed boat, Vadoo features 50 brand new subliminally appointed villas including 6 Japanese concept rooms on the ocean that sets the standard for a new level in luxury.

Each villa comes with a personal butler, in-room spa therapy facilities, private dining area on deck, Jacuzzi, plunge pool, DVD player, home theatre system, espresso machine and many other facilities designed to cater to the discerning traveller.

With beautifully landscaped gardens, a majestic infinity swimming pool and intimately placed spa facilities, a simple barefoot existence takes precedence where soothing spa treatments entice the senses.

The fine dining experience with a varied international gourmet cuisine with a wide selection of wines, as well as an exclusive Japanese specialty restaurant. 4Contd. on ADAARAN Resorts own seven properties in the Maldives which include ADAARAN 'Select' Meedhupparu, ADAARAN 'Select' Hudhuran Fushi, ADAARAN 'Club' Rannalhi, ADAARAN 'Ayurveda Village' Meedhupparu, ADAARAN 'Prestige' Water Villas and ADAARAN 'Prestige' Ocean Villas.

dailymirror.lk

Maldives Resort axes 90 jobs

A four-star resort has cut 50 per cent of its workforce as part of a cost-cutting exercise brought about by a dramatic drop in occupancy levels.

More than 90 employees have lost their jobs at Meedhupparu resort after management decided not to renew their contracts.

This month’s occupancy level was around 30 per cent while a further drop to 18 per cent was predicted for May, according to general manager Mohamed Mahdy.

“To cope with the financial crisis, we decided to cut 50 per cent of the operational costs,” he said. In addition, only half of the resort’s rooms would be opened up to guests.

All employees were given a month’s advance notice and a severance package along with the promise of future employment if the economic situation improves.

Mohamed Waseem, a waiter, said although the resort had given staff one month’s notice, they were concerned about not being paid for off days.

Another waiter, Abdul Hameed Ali, said he was “very worried” to be leaving his job after eight years of service.

The weakening global economy has adversely impacted the Maldives’ tourism industry resulting in a 14 per cent drop in tourist arrivals in February compared to the same time last year.

Mohamed Ibrahim (Sim), secretary general of the Maldives association of tourism industry (MATI), said the job cuts signaled the start of redundancies at a time of financial duress.

Describing the situation as an economic tsunami, he said more redundancies could be expected during May and June, the low season.

Sim added MATI had forewarned the government about the decline in tourist numbers but no precautionary measures were taken.

Employment minister Hassan Latheef said the global recession had negatively impacted all economies, even those of the developed world, including the UK, where millions have been left jobless. “There will be redundancies in the Maldives,” he said.

To help the unemployed find jobs, the ministry has established four job centres which provide both information on work available and career counselling.

Adaaran, which owns Meedhupparu resort, has a further four more luxury resorts in the Maldives, including Vadhoo, which was inaugurated by tourism minister Dr Ahmed Sawad on Saturday.

minivannews.com

Maldives aims to end separation of islanders and tourists

The Maldives has initiated a new tourism policy aimed at increasing contact between visitors and inhabitants of the island chain in the Indian Ocean, the country's tourism minister said. Speaking recently to the German weekly newspaper, Die Zeit, the minister, Ahmed Ali Sawad, said there would no longer be a "parallel world" of resort islands kept separate from the islands inhabited by Maldivians.

"We are pleased about every guest who seeks the seclusion of a resort island," Sawad remarked, adding, "But we also want to invite tourists to visit our communities."Sawad said a first step would be a ferry network linking the some 300 inhabited islands, enabling tourists to "island-hop" and boosting exchanges among the islanders themselves. "Up to now in the Maldives, we have constantly built for tourism and benefited ourselves only secondarily.

Now it's going to be the other way around," Sawad said. He noted that the creation of luxury resorts in the Maldives had become the norm, whereas mid-priced hotels "have almost disappeared completely over the years."

Soneva Fushi, SEEK Launch ‘Eco-friendly Bag’ Campaign

The iconic Soneva Fushi by Six Senses recently partnered with Sports and Environmental Efforts of Kendhoo (SEEK) – a Maldivian based NGO located in Kendhoo, Baa Atoll, to launch an atoll-wide campaign that educates locals to use cloth bags as an alternative to plastic shopping bags.

Waste management is a key environmental concern in the Maldives. The campaign is designed to teach locals about the detrimental effects plastic bags have on the surrounding eco-system, and to empower the communities to take responsibility and actively be a part of solving the issue.

Throughout the campaign, Soneva Fushi will donate around 3,000 reusable natural cotton bags to households in the region and will support SEEK to lead an atoll-wide initiative that brings together key stakeholders and other environmental groups in the Baa Atoll to promote these reusable cloth bags. Shop owners are phasing out free plastic bags and promoting the use of eco-friendly bags as an alternative.

The campaign will cover 13 islands in the Baa Atoll, an estimated 300 households and nearly 12,000 individuals by the end of 2009. Campaign leaders hope to reach out to more regions in the country and ultimately run a nationwide campaign in 2010. The ‘eco-friendly bag’ project is also carried out in support of the nationwide, ‘Nala Nala Rajje’, government’s waste management awareness campaign.

As part of Six Senses’ group-wide Social Environmental Responsibility Fund (SERF), Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili recognise the importance of promoting environmental awareness in local communities. Since its inception, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili have actively contributed to social and environmental initiatives in surrounding communities and elsewhere in the Maldives and abroad. For further information please visit www.sixsenses.com.

hotelsmag.com

Maldives attends Bonn Climate Change talks

The Seventh session of the Ad-hoc Working Group on further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP) and Fifth session of the Ad-hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG-LCA) began yesterday in Bonn, Germany. The talks are to take place from Sunday 29 March to Wednesday 8 April 2009 in Maritim Hotel.

The Maldives delegation participating in the talks is headed by Director General of the Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment Amjad Abdulla, accompanied by the ministry’s Environment Analyst, Ali Lishan and First Secretary of the Maldives Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva Shazra Abdul Sattar. Maldives is the lead coordinator on adaptation issues under the AWG LCA on behalf of G77/China and as the former chair of the LDCs, takes up responsibility and coordination of negotiations on thematic areas such as shared vision, mitigation, adaptation, finance and technology.

Maldives expressed its positions through the statements made by the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), and the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), for stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations below 350 parts per million (ppm) and limiting temperature increases to below 1.5ºC. Maldives more specifically emphasized the human dimension of climate change and the range of implications, both direct and indirect and highlighted that these implications will be felt on the most vulnerable. Maldives also expressed concern with attempts to conflate adaptation funding with official development assistance, underscoring the need for adaptation technologies and urged the AWG-LCA to establish concrete mechanisms for their deployment.

Miadhu.com.mv