Six Senses honoured with prestigious awards from Wine Spectator

Soneva Fushi by Six Senses - in the northern Maldives Baa Atoll on the island of Kunfunadhoo - was awarded Best of Award of Excellence for Fresh in the Garden and Sense by the Beach restaurants. Head Sommelier at Soneva Fushi, Sebastien Gaudin created a unique and extensive wine list with more than 600 labels, strong in French origins which allowed him to achieve the ultimate recognition - an upgrade from the Award of Excellence , for the first time.

Soneva Gili by Six Senses - on Lankanfushi island in the Male Atoll - received an Award of Excellence for the wine list at The Restaurant at Soneva Gili. Sommelier Jasper Kok created innovative chocolate and wine pairings with artesian handcrafted chocolates made with local ingredients.

In Thailand , Into the Med restaurant at Evason Phuket received the Award of Excellence under the leadership of Thomas Jakobi and Sommelier Monika Bielka-Vescovi. Wine Spectator noted that "logical cuisine served at the restaurant shows new dimension of food and wine pairings".

Sense on the Edge at Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay , on the Musandam Peninsula of Oman, has also won its first Award of Excellence . Opened for little more than one year, the resort is already being recognized for its unique style, The wine cellars at Six Senses are fast becoming identified with their niche offerings of organic and biodynamic wines, supporting the group's philosophy of SLOW LIFE SM (Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wholesome Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences). Essential and Sensation wine list programmes, which include many small boutique wineries focused on indigenous grape varieties and biodynamic practices, were recently launched.

Unique wine events regularly take place at all Six Senses' properties. To learn more, visit the Culinary Calendar at www.sixsenses.com/Calendar .

Maldives resort invites you to ‘catch it and cook it’

For those seeking an authentic holiday experience rather than just sun, sand and sea, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort (olhuveli.com) in the Maldives will not disappoint as they have launched the Catch It And Cook It programme.

Unique to Olhuveli, guests will be invited to spend the afternoon on a boat fishing with a local fisherman/chef and, whilst on board, learn how to scale, gut and cut the fish that they’ve caught.

On arrival at Olhuveli’s very own sandbank island, a cooking demonstration will take place where guests will get a real flavour for Maldivian cuisine and learn how to prepare and season the fish as the locals do with the undivided attention of the chef. This class will then be followed by a traditional Maldivian barbeque, cooking the fish over an open fire, with a variety of local accompaniments so guests can dine on the afternoon’s work! Day-long fishing trips can also be arranged.

Nestled amidst tropical vegetation and shaded by graceful palms, Olhuveli is surrounded by a vast sandy beach and a crystal clear lagoon. Facilities include a selection of restaurants and bars, two large pools and an excellent watersports centre with one of the only licensed kite-surfing schools in the Maldives.

The Catch It And Cook It programme can be booked on arrival at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort from only US$69 per adult and US$35 per child under 12 years (10% service charge will apply).

For further information or reservations visit olhuveli.com or e-mail info@olhuveli.com.mv.

Thomson (thomson.co.uk) is offering seven nights at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort in the Maldives from £1,060 per person, based on two sharing. Available for selected departures in September 2009, the price includes accommodation on a half-board basis, return flights from London Gatwick, transfers and taxes.

easier.com

Six Senses appoints Alasdair Junor as Chief Operating Officer

lasdair Junor has taken up the role of Chief Operating Officer for Six Senses Resorts & Spas. The duties of this Inner Core role include overseeing all operational aspects of resorts managed under the brand names Soneva by Six Senses, Six Senses Hideaway, Six Senses Latitude and Evason, plus Six Senses Spas and Six Senses Destination Spas. He relocates from his previous role as Managing Director for Six Senses in Europe, Middle East and Africa, based in Dubai.

Alasdair Junor initially joined Six Senses as general manager of Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. Under his stewardship the resort was awarded the Best of the Best Leisure Property in the World, by Condé Nast Traveller UK, in 2000. He returned to the UK for a period, where he headed a hospitality development project that covered France, Majorca and several locations within Asia. He returned to Six Senses in 2002 as general manager of Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa in Thailand.

After graduating from the Robert Gordons University in Aberdeen Scotland, Alasdair began his career in Jordan as the food and beverage manager for Their Majesties, the late King Hussien, and Queen Noor. He has worked predominately with opening hotels in the capacity as general manager in Kenya, Wales and Scotland.

Alasdair is based at the Six Senses Bangkok Hub. His e-mail address remains: aj@sixsenses.com

Maldives Airport gets help from World Bank member on upgrades

Malé airport in the Maldives will get a helping hand from a member of the World Bank Group in its modernisation plans in order to generate stronger efficiencies.

IFC will help the airport better attract private investors, structure the entity as well as help develop a new tariff framework in order to bring the airport up to international standards of best practice.

“Private investors with relevant experience in other parts of the world will bring immense efficiencies to our services at the Malé airport,” said Mahmood Razee, Maldives’ Privatization Committee Chairman.

“By partnering with IFC, we will be able to ensure transparency and competitiveness in the bidding process.”

As well as being a tourism-based economy, the Maldives also suffers from great regional disparities across its 200 islands.

“Through this first infrastructure advisory project for IFC in Maldives, we hope to pave the way for partnering with the country in generating strong efficiencies boosting tourism and overall economic growth,” adds Vipul Bhagat, IFC Infrastructure Advisory Head for South Asia

Maldives tourism forecast from gloomy to bright

The ministry of tourism has revised a gloomy forecast of a 15 per cent decline in tourist arrivals to ten percent, Tourism Minister Dr Ahmed Sawad has said.

Speaking at a press conference today, Sawad said the industry coped well during the lean season of June and July, with arrivals increasing from to ten per cent drop in June to seven per cent in July.

“Based on what we’re seeing now and the current trends, we believe about 632,600 tourists will visit the Maldives this year,” he said.
He added the figure will be revisited based on the performance of the sector in the coming months. “I think this is a good healthy development for the tourism industry,” he said.

At the beginning of the year, the tourism ministry predicted a tough year for the industry, based on the deepening global recession and forecasts from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, which warned that tourist industries in South Asia will be badly affected.

In formulating the budget last February, the ministry forecast a decline of 15 per cent for the year, Sawad said, but the numbers have started to pick up since July.

A number of factors have contributed to the positive signs, such as special packages for guests, which attracted more tourists and the length of time spent in the Maldives.

“We have been able to spread many positive messages about the Maldives, and I believe it has had a positive impact,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the growth pattern could be maintained.

Ibrahim Saeed, the assistant executive manager at Soneva Fushi, said the resort’s occupancy was high and they were receiving a lot of last-minute bookings.

“Our occupancy is about 80 per cent. It’s really no different from last year,” he said.

Similarly, a marketing executive at Bandos Island Resort said while the months of May and June saw a “severe” drop in arrivals, their current occupancy was over 70 per cent.

“As of today, bookings for September are low,” he said. “But we’re getting a lot of last-minute bookings, so we’re expecting it to pick up.”

minivannews.com

Centara to open in Maldives with resort at South Ari Atoll

November this year will see a touch of gentle Thai hospitality in the Maldives with the opening of the first overseas property of Thailand’s Centara Hotels & Resorts, an island property at the South Ari Atoll.

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is surrounded by white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters and is designed in a colonial style, with a central lighthouse and meandering boardwalks that lead to the guest accommodation, restaurants and other facilities.

Some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving sites are within easy reach and there is a house reef complete with a dedicated sunken ship wreck.

A choice of 112 suites and villas await individual travellers, romantic honeymoon couples, and family fun groups for a unique vacation experience in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

The resort offers beachfront and over-water accommodations divided into seven categories that range from 76 to 146 square meters, complete with a "resort within a resort" accommodation experience, the Island Club.

All guestrooms have separate bedroom and living room, large private terrace, indoor and outdoor showers, and all the amenities of a premier beach resort including satellite TV, high-speed internet access, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Guests opting for the Island Club level of accommodation have access to the exclusive Club Lounge with its signature complimentary servings, including breakfast, mid-day snacks, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails and canapes.

The resort features a variety of dining options, pools, recreation activities, sports and fitness facilities, a bar and lounge with nightly entertainment, a SPA Cenvaree, and a Kids’ Club.

Reef is the all-day dining venue, serving Asian and Western cuisines throughout the day and interactive buffets for breakfast and dinner. For authentic Thai cuisine there is Lotus, sited next to a lotus pond and offering along with the fine cuisine the opportunity for guests to take Thai cookery lessons.

Introducing the newest additions to the Centara Hotels and Resorts portfolio:

Bhundhari Spa and Villa Resort, Samui - A Centara Resort: A stunning new Villa resort, situated at the end of Chaweng with magnificant vistas to the sea and islands beyond. The resort features well appointed Pool Villas and deluxe rooms, Spa Cenvaree, two attractive restaurants, pools and leisure facilities.

Centara Pariya Resort, Koh Pha-Ngan: A villa style retreat situated in a quiet location on beautiful Haad Yuan beach within a tropical garden setting. A perfect place to kickback and relax with family and friends.

Centara Udon Thani Hotel: Conveniently situated in the heart of the City, adjacent to Udon's largest mall. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a choice of restaurants, large meeting facilities, convention centre and entertainment and leisure facilities for the discerning traveller.

etravelblackboard.com

Maldives resort provides formula for a perfect family holiday

Whilst the Maldives is well known as a firm favourite for the honeymoon crowd, its appeal and practicality as a family holiday destination is less explored.

The newly launched Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa aims to ensure that both children and parents alike experience their very own version of paradise with tailor-made activities and facilities to suit all ages.

Kids love to splash and play, something which couples in the throes of romance will not appreciate. No such problem at the Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa where the adults-only pool is as far from the dedicated family pool as possible on the 52 acre tropical island. The neighbouring Kids Paradise is one of the main features of the resort; open daily from 9am to 6pm, it is home to playgrounds, games, toys and a full activity calendar tailored to kids aged from 3 to 12. After hours, and for toddlers, a baby-sitting service is also available.

Children’s ‘gourmet’ needs are also not forgotten with children under two enjoying complementary food and drinks and a special kid’s menu available at a 50% discount across all restaurants, with a particularly wide choice at Iru, the main buffet style dining area.

For those looking for some much-needed family time, the resort has a wealth of excursions. The daily snorkeling and turtle safaris are ideal for older children giving them the chance to make their geography lessons a reality in the vibrant reefs of the Noonu Atoll. Children as young as eight can also try their hand at diving with a special ‘Bubblemaker’ experience and from the age of 10, kids can embark on their first Discovery Dive, progressing to a Junior Open Water Course with the resort’s PADI Dive Centre if they get the bug.

Active teens can try their hand at beach football, volleyball or even big game fishing, whilst those used to slumping in front of their computers will enjoy the Movie of the Day and selection of Children’s DVDs available to borrow. And for those families who like to engage in some healthy competition, the Golf Simulator, board games and Private Karaoke booth provide the perfect occasion.

High-tech accommodation featuring i-spa bathtubs (Jacuzzis with i-pod connections) will impress even today’s tech-savvie teens and the spacious inside-outside living give plenty of space for all the family.

For those worried about a long-haul flight, the Hilton Family Maldives dedicated lounge at Male International Airport provides guests with complementary shower facilities, refreshments and entertainment the minute they step off the plane to ensure every moment of the holiday is spent in complete relaxation.

Tropical Sky (tropicalsky.co.uk) is offering seven-nights at the Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa Hotel from £1,625 per person (based on a family of four sharing). Available for selected departures in September, the price includes flights from London Heathrow with Emirates, accommodation in two Jacuzzi beach villas on a half-board basis, transfers, taxes and surcharges.

easier.com

Top two join forces at New Holiday Inn Maldives

General Manager and DOS&M Bring Unique Expertise to Malé Hotel

Holiday Inn Malé, the first international-class hotel located in Malé, the capital of the Maldives, has brought together two industry high-fliers to jump-start operations at the stunning new city-centre property.

Brett Wilson, former General Manager of the award-winning Crowne Plaza Queenstown, New Zealand, has taken the top post at the 117-room property, with a mandate to set new benchmarks in hospitality on the capital island.

Brett’s success at the upscale Crowne Plaza in the trendy Queenstown location, and a track record of more than 20 years in the hotel industry, provides a strong platform for the highperformance Maldives environment.

Joining him at the 15-storey property – the highest building on Malé -- is Maldivian, Nabeel Abdulla, who has ten years experience in various roles at five-star resort properties throughout the country.

Before joining Holiday Inn Malé, Nabeel was Sales and Marketing Manager at the highly acclaimed Huvafen Fushi where he promoted the resort in international markets and was responsible for delivering record-breaking financial results over the past two years.

Just a short, five-minute speedboat ride from the international airport, Holiday Inn Malé offers world-class meetings and conference facilities, food and beverage outlets, extensive recreation and leading-edge communication facilities.

“We are both very excited at the opportunity to use the skills we have acquired in top-class hotels in high-performing environments to drive success for this wonderful new property,” said Brett.

“As the first international-class hotel in the capital, we are perfectly positioned as the premier business and leisure connection to the Maldives: an upscale stopover for those visiting the outlying islands and the place to stay if you are here on business.

“The service and facilities, including upscale restaurants and extensive banquet and meeting facilities, redefine the concept of hospitality on the main island,” he added.

Top: Brett Wilson
Below: Nabeel Abdulla

Nanhu Travel To Launch Guangzhou-Maldives Charter Flight In September

Guangdong Nanhu
International Travel Service has announced that the maiden flight on the charter route from Guangzhou to the Maldives will depart on September 26, 2009.

Chen Zhichao, the deputy general manager of Nanhu Travel, said that the charter flight is scheduled to fly twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It will only take six hours from Guangzhou to the Maldives, which is six hours shorter than taking transit flights through Kuala Lumpur, Doha, or Dubai.

The charter flight will fly for one year, according to Chen. Tickets for the direct charter flight will be cheaper than those for transit flights.

chinahospitalitynews.com

Divers break world record

A cabinet minister and two governors were among more than 2,400 people who dived into the waters off the North Sulawesi capital of Manado on Sunday for 31 minutes to win an entry to the Guinness Book of World Records, Antara news agency reported.

“We have just smashed a world record today. It gives us pride as we can prove our country is a strong maritime nation,” Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Minister Freddy Numberi said after the mass dive.

The number of participants in Manado set a new world record of “most people scuba diving simultaneously”, breaking the previous mark of 979 set in Maldives in 2006.

North Sulawesi Governor Sinjo Sarundayang, Gorontalo Governor Fadel Muhammad, deputy Navy chief Vice Adm. Moekhlas Sidik and 51 foreigners were among the participants of the record breaking dive, which was held as part of the Sail Bunaken festival.

The participants will attempt to set another record of holding a ceremony under the sea on Monday, when they celebrate the 64th anniversary of Indonesian independence.

thejakartapost.com

Maldives: the world's first hotel in the sea

I am lying on my lounger in a desert-island resort. It’s got everything: private pools, sun decks, a spa, superb snorkelling, the lot. There’s just one thing missing — the desert island.

InOcean Villas is a world first: a hotel in the middle of the sea. Almost a mile from the nearest dry land, it sprouts out of a tropical lagoon in the Maldives, a strung-out structure of 33 villas, supported on stilts over crystal-clear water about 7ft deep.

This is officially the lowest nation on earth, with an average elevation of 5ft, so if global warming’s going to do its worst, the whole country might have to be organised like this one day. A sneak preview of the apocalypse? It had to be worth a look.

As you glide in on your seaplane from Malé, InOcean looks fantastically unlikely, like one of the settlements in Waterworld — you remember, that Kevin Costner turkey in which rising sea levels had forced the human race to live on man-made platforms in the ocean.

Like them, it’s completely self-contained, with its own power, kitchens, water-desalination plant and sewage treatment. Unlike them, it’s full-on five-star.

The smart designer restaurant serves crusted lamb fillet and truffled potatoes, followed by millefeuille of bourbon vanilla ice cream. Along the neat hardwood boardwalk, your villa is all air-conditioned, sparkly-tiled, power-showered opulence: iPodded, flat-screened and Gaggia coffee-makered to the hilt.

Venture outside and, as well as your personal jetty, muslin-draped day bed and overwater trampoline, there is your personal infinity pool. How excessive is that? You’re in a zillion square miles of ocean, with all its salt and those pesky waves, but you have to have a private bit of it, so you can look down on the fish and show them who’s boss.

The next thing that hits you is the sense of space. You might have thought life on a man-made platform would be claustrophobic; in fact, it’s anything but.

With nothing to get in the way of the view, those endless seascapes are almost over­powering: gaze idly in any direction and there’s nothing but water, a few scattered islands and, somewhere over that distant horizon, a few thousand murderous Somali pirates. (Don’t worry — they’re 2,000 miles away. I was paranoid enough to look it up.)

Once you’ve got used to the novelty of it all, it comes home to you that there’s not a lot to do. That’s not a proper objection in the Maldives, though. You don’t come here to do stuff — you can go trekking in the Andes for that.......read more

timesonline.co.uk

Sunken steel cages could save coral reefs

Scientists are reporting encouragingly rapid coral growth on giant underwater steel cages – structures that they hope will help to regenerate battered reefs and improve protection of some vulnerable coastlines from rising sea levels.

Coral reefs support a quarter of life on Earth and last month David Attenborough warned that carbon dioxide is already above the levels that will condemn corals to extinction.

And while the metal cages, fed with electric current, are not a solution to the global problem of dramatically contracting reefs, they do appear to be providing promising results in small, local projects, and – in some cases – rescuing resorts where coral was vanishing fast.

A team of researchers on Vabbinfaru island in the Maldives submerged a huge steel cage called the Lotus on the sea floor. The 12-metre structure, which weighs 2 tonnes is connected to long cable which supplies a low-level electric current. The electricity triggers a chemical reaction, which leads to calcium carbonate coming out of solution in the water and being deposited on the structure.

Corals seem to find that irresistible, perhaps because they use the same material to grow their protective skeletons, and the Lotus has been so thoroughly colonised by coral that it is difficult now to make out the steel shape beneath all the elaborate shapes and colour.

The idea was initially developed by an American architect, Wolf Hilbertz, who sold the concept to various resorts around the world. The Lotus is the largest and most successful of those, and has helped researchers to test the technique.

The El Nino Pacific-warming phenomenon of 1998 killed 98% of the reef around Vabbinfaru, so the researchers there have been able to compare the growth rates for corals grafted on to concrete structures on "desert" patches of seafloor, and those stuck on to the Lotus. Abdul Azeez, who is leading the Vabbinfaru project, said coral growth on the structure is up to five times as fast as that elsewhere.

The electric reef may also make the corals fitter and better able to withstand warming events, perhaps because the creatures waste less energy on making their skeletons. A smaller prototype device was in place during the 1998 warming event and more than 80% of its corals survived, compared to just 2% elsewhere on the reef.

Hilbertz, who died in 2007, believed that his structures could be multiplied across the world to repopulate reefs and protect shorelines. But many experts think the cost and effort involved make it impossible to do except on a small scale.

"I would like to be able to carry out genetic analysis of the algae in the coral to find out whether we can transplant heat-tolerant ones to parts of the reef where it is more exposed and so build coverage there," says Robert Tomasetti, a marine biologist also based at Banyan Tree resort in Vabbinfaru. "We don't have that level of equipment so we're really just growing pretty reefs for the tourists but not in a construction way to protect the island."

While welcoming the positive impact that the project has had on Vabbinfaru, Shiham Adam, the director general of the Maldivian government's Marine Research Centre in Male warned that the wider picture for his country remained bleak. "Sprucing up small bits of reef can add value to a tourist resort but it certainly won't help protect the Maldives from sea level rise," he said.

guardian.co.uk

Alila Villas Hadahaa open the first luxury island resort in the Maldives.

Alila Villas Hadahaa open the first luxury island resort in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Southern Maldives.

To commemorate the opening, they are introducing Year 2009 ‘Gift to Share’ Program by waiving accommodation charges for every second night of your stay! They are also lavish you with a host of complimentary Alila hospitalities and villa amenities.

You may in turn share this Gift by donating an amount of your choice to support any of the three projects the resort has initiated as part of our long-term commitment to give back to the local community. These include building up reference and research libraries in local schools for the Maldivian children; re-introducing Maldivian traditional crafts into primary schools; and introducing community farming projects. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the living conditions of local communities by addressing the education, culture and income issues that inhibit their progress.

For further details about our ‘Gift to Share’ program or to make a reservation, please contact our Island Reservations by phone +960 682 8888 or email hadahaa@alilahotels.com. This offer is valid till 19 December 2009.

Alila look forward to welcoming you to Alila Villas Hadahaa for a memorable and meaningful experience amid the magic of the Maldives.

breakingtravelnews.com

Taj re-brands Maldives property under Vivanta

The Taj group has added another property under its Vivanta brand. The Taj Coral Reef, Maldives, has now been re-branded Vivanta by Taj — Coral Reef, Maldives.

According to a Taj spokesperson, the nine-acre resort, located on Hembadhu Island, about 30 km from the Male airport, “has been rebuilt from scratch,” she said. She, however, declined to divulge the investment details.

This property is the second for the group in the Maldives. While Taj Exotica Resorts & Spa, Maldives, is targeted at the luxury segment, Vivanta caters to the ‘upper upscale’ segment of travellers.

Marketing will be done keeping this in mind, said the Taj spokesperson.

“Taj has always had two properties in the Maldives; even now, these two are in different segments — luxury and upper upscale,” she added.

Explaining the difference in experience that these two segment hotels would offer, she said that while Vivanta will give a luxurious yet informal experience at great value, Taj Exotica is a more plush and super-luxury property.

The focus markets for the Vivanta brand are the UK, Japan, India, Korea, Russia, France, Germany, and Italy.

The spokesperson said that the Vivanta brand is smart and contemporary. The Maldives property is the third for the group under this brand. The other two are in Whitefield, Bangalore, and Panjim. The Vivanta properties “currently rest in the premium division of the group, which comprises a mix of business and leisure hotels catering to the upper upscale segment,” she added.

thehindubusinessline.com

President Nasheed opens Vivanta Coral Reef Maldives by Taj

President Mohamed Nasheed has opened Vivanta Coral Reef Maldives by Taj. This is the first international hotel to carry Taj’s Vivanta brand.

Speaking at a ceremony held at the Vivanta Coral Reef Maldives by Taj President Nasheed said he rejoices the fact that one of the best and the most able investment groups and business entrepreneurships of India and the world had been introduced to the Maldives with the opening of the resort. The President said the government would welcome Indian and other international business enterprises who wish to invest in the Maldives.

In his address, President Nasheed said the government was burdened with a number of state-owned industries, which could be run privately, and provide better services and more benefits the people.

He said, through the privatization program, the government was looking for international investors to form joint ventures, or to operate on their own to provide electricity, transport and other utilities to the people on corporate basis.

Noting that the most private investments in the Maldives were in the tourism sector, President Nasheed reiterated his belief that investments in utilities and provision of other public services in the Maldives would be as commercially viable as the tourism sector investments.

Furthermore, the President said the government policy was to develop a model of providing public services and utilities, in which the water, electricity and sewerage systems of the resorts and inhabited islands around the resort could be combined to take the advantages of economies of scale.

President Nasheed also said that the government was mindful of the effects of climate change in planning all its developmental activities. He noted that resort developers had been at the forefront of developing adaptation measures.

miadhu.com.mv

“Target is to re-open Herethere by November” MTDC

Maldives Tourism Development Cooperation had said that the Company is working on re-possessing Herethere and that it is working on re-leasing the resort to another party after the bidding process and that it hopes to put the resort back in the market by November 2009.

As the Civil Court had issued its verdict on 23 July, calling the Yacht Tours to return the resort within a month to MTDC, due to failure to pay the rent, MTDC’s Chairman, Bandhu Ibrahim Saleem said that he hopes that would be done within 15 days.

In a press conference held in the MTDC’s head office, he said that the cost of damages to the property is being calculated, section by section. He also said that the final position on that would depend on the analysis of the damages incurred and on the negotiations with Yacht Tours.

It was also revealed that the MTDC would hire temporary workers to repair the resort and that it would try to hire locals as much as possible.

Chairman also said that one of the objectives of the Company is to provide job opportunities for locals and that it would continue to work to achieve that.

He also said that the main focus at the moment is on completing 9 resorts and bringing them to the market, out of 15 handed to MTDC.

Out of the 9 resorts only two, Herethere and Uligamu City Hotel, would be directly developed by the MTDC. The main constraint on completing the 50 bed City Hotel in Uligamu is the lack of available sand.

It was also stated during the press conference that the Company is confident that the Uligamu City Hotel would be open for the market during the 2009/10 tourism season.

miadhu.com.mv

MTDC earned MRF 63 per share in 2008

Maldives Tourism Development Cooperation had said that the company had recorded a profit of Mrf 63 per share in 2008, however was unable to pay that amount as dividends because in 2007 dividends are far higher than 2007’s actual profits.

Speaking to press, CEO Mihad said that since Capital Market Development Authority would not allow paying as dividends more than the company’s actual profits, and hence Company has to scale-back the amount to be paid as dividends.

Mihad also said that the deadline to sell new shares of the company is 18 August. He said more than 2000 people had expressed interest to purchase shares of varying amounts. He also assessed that despite the financial crisis, current efforts to sell more shares had been very successful.

Mihad said that the ceiling of the amount of shares to be sold to public this year would only be decided depending on the amount of people requesting to buy shares and their amounts.

During 2008 MTDC had paid a dividend of MRF 90 per share value of MRF 100, registering a 90% return rate. During the current year, MTDC had paid a dividend of MRF 20 per share value of MRF 100, registering a 110% return rate in 2 years.

Speaking at the press conference Chairman Bandhu Ibrahim Saleem said that he anticipates a larger profit margin next year. He also said that one reason for the low returns this year is irregularities in the lease payments owing to the MTDC from its only resort, Herethere. He also said that once those lease payments are received by the MTDC, profit margins would significantly rise.

The government created MTDC and leased 15 islands at a low cost, in order to spread out the income being generated from the tourism sector to the general public.

miadhu.com.mv

Sri Lanka boat builders eye Maldivian market

An international boat show to be held in the Maldive islands offers opportunities for Sri Lankan boat builders to cater to the archipelago's transport requirements, officials said.

Maldivian high commissioner Ali Hassen Didi said the water transport requirements of the country with 1,190 islands, almost 200 of them inhabited, were growing.

"Some of the boat builders will be interested in exploring opportunities of building boats that will facilitate that transport system," he told a news conference to announce the Maldives International Boat Show.

The exhibition, organised by the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Liveaboard Association of Maldives and the Maldives Exhibition and Conference Services, will be held during October 12-14 in Male.

Neil Fernando, a big boat builder and exporter, said most boats for fishing and island services were now built in the Maldives.

"They build 40-50 boats of around 100 feet in length for fishing, each costing around 300-400,000 dollars with engines," he told the news conference.

"When resorts come up, they also order a couple of these vessels."

Imran Hassen, director of the South Asia Exhibition Services Network, which is organisation the show, said the exhibition has grown over the years.

"This year has not been easy especially owing to the economic downturn," he said. "We've had to work harder but this year's show is bigger than in the past."

Last year about 50 companies took part in the show which had 85 stalls.

Hassen said that this year they are targeting almost 145-150 stalls and that 60 firms had confirmed participation so far.

Top boat builders and equipment manufacturers from the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai and China are expected to take part.

"The show will give easy access to the Maldives to Sri Lankan boat manufacturers and service providers," Hassen said.

lankabusinessonline.com

11th Soneva Nature Trip by Soneva Fushi

The award-winning Soneva Nature Trip – an annual field trip aimed at educating and creating environmental awareness amongst local Maldivian school children - was recently held for the eleventh time as part of an ongoing collaboration between Soneva Fushi by Six Senses and Eco Care Maldives, a non-governmental non-profit organisation created to care for the local Maldivian environment.

Nearly two hundred students from nine primary schools across the Baa Atoll - the home province of Soneva Fushi which is located about ninety-six miles to the north of the capital Malé - were educated by national and international experts who provided lectures on environmental issues to students.

Each year, the project provides children with an opportunity to learn how to protect and preserve the environment, helping to ensure sustainable development for years to come. The students were given a first-hand opportunity to experience the beauty and peculiarity of mangrove swamps and the natural surrounds of the Maldives, and to enjoy the wild fragrance of the natural fauna and flora grown without human interference.

The theme for the 2009 Soneva Nature Trip was Save the Shark, an important issue concerning the decreasing shark population in the country. Several tasks aimed to increase the awareness of this critical issue through educating participants on good practices and discouraging the sale of shark products. Soneva Fushi and Eco Care Maldives hope the project supports the ongoing lobbying process for a nationwide shark ban in the Maldives. With active collaboration and lobbying by Soneva Fushi and Eco Care, a ban on killing turtles in the Maldives came into effect several years ago

As part of Six Senses’ group-wide Social Environmental Responsibility Fund (SERF), Soneva Fushi recognises 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.

Showcasing Maldives at Monarch Beach

The High Commission of Maldives together with the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board will be showcasing the Maldives at the Monarch Beach festival in Birmingham on Saturday, 15 August 2009 from 1100 hrs to 1800 hrs in Chamberlain Square, Birmingham city centre.

The event would be used to promote Maldivian tourism and culture to attract visitors from the UK. A taste of Maldivian culture will be portrayed through Bodu Beru gigs (traditional drums), and typical Maldivian games such as Ovvalhu gondi, Thinhama, Fas oh’, and Faiga thalhaa. Maldives information guides and literature about tourism in the Maldives will be distributed and visitors will be able to enjoy Dhivehi language and Bodu Beru lessons.

Popular Maldivian rock band, "FasyLive " will perform along with eminent Bodu Beru artists at the Monarch Beach Festival.

miadhu.com.mv

Huvafen Fushi announces ‘sail’ of the century

Committed to elevating the modern Maldivian experience, Huvafen Fushi continues to leave others in its wake with the launch of inspiring new packages aboard its exclusively-designed Dhonis.

Outwardly capturing the timeless grace of traditional Maldivian sailing boats, these immaculately handcrafted vessels are fitted out with all the indulgent contemporary luxuries characteristic of the archipelago’s hippest and most innovative resort.

Sweeping bows gliding through the water, the Dhonis are Princesses of the Indian Ocean; the embodiment of grace under alabaster sail. Traditional on the outside, yet high on design and cutting edge technology on the inside, each features a bedroom with king-sized bed and Frette linen, Bose surround sound, i-Pod, DVD player and LCD screen; a fully-equipped kitchen with a well-stocked Smeg fridge; and a spacious Philippe Starck-designed bathroom and living area. Dedicated crews and private butlers are on call for every voyage, ensuring every request can be catered for.

Set sail at twilight and watch the dramatic colours of the evening sky dance on the Maldivian waves, or stargaze with Champagne and canapés under the moon with tailored Sunset Cruise and Stargazing packages; be pampered to perfection, Per AQUUM-style, with signature LIME spa treatments on-deck in the azure lagoon, or ashore a desert island with Wellness-on-Water; or embrace the romance of the Maldives with an intimate voyage for two on a fully-crewed Dhoni, exploring undiscovered reefs teeming with kaleidoscopic marine life.

Also available to book in combination with all onshore room types, the five 65-foot handcrafted Dhonis are a magical complement to an ultra-chic Maldivian island hideaway; perfect for guests seeking the ultimate fusion of exploration, adventure and thrill on water with an indulgent island paradise.

Luxury Dhoni experiences at Huvafen Fushi include:

Day Use Dhoni (12.30hrs-18.30hrs; US$500)
Discover marine accommodation of unrivalled luxury, available for day use including Dhoni, crew and access to Huvafen Fushi’s reef.

Gourmélicious To-Sail (11.00hrs-15.00hrs; US$650)
Enjoy a gourmet sail and personalised picnic-at-sea, prepared and packed by Huvafen Fushi.

Stargazing (20.30hrs-22.30hrs; US$100 per person, based on a minimum of four persons)
Combine Champagne with stargazing at the clusters of constellations strung across the starry night sky.

Sunset Cruise (18.15hrs-19.15hrs; US$100 per person, based on minimum of four persons)
Watch the colours of the evening sky dance on the waves, accompanied by Champagne and canapés.

Breakfast-on-Dhoni (08.00hrs-10.00hrs; from US$350)
Set sail around the turquoise lagoon at daybreak as breakfast ὰ la Dhoni is served by private butler.

Dhonis ‘R Us (US$200 per hour)
Explore undiscovered reefs teeming with fish or simply relax aboard a fully crewed Dhoni.

Wellness-On-Water (price on request)
Experience blissful, personalised LIME spa treatments on deck or ashore a desert island.

For more information on the luxury Dhoni experiences and prices, visit huvafenfushi.com.

The luxury Dhoni experiences can also be booked in advance through UK tour operator partners.

Save More Than 65% at a Maldives Resort

Maybe you can afford the Maldives after all? Get two-thirds off your stay in a villa like this at the brand new Alila Villas Hadahaa.

Have you been drooling over Wanwisa's Dream Trip dispatches from the Indian Ocean, wondering how on earth you can afford a Maldives getaway? The solution might be Alila Villas Hadahaa, a brand-new environmentally friendly resort there. Lindsey Wallace, the Maldives expert on Wendy's list of top travel specialists--as well as the genius who planned Wanwisa's trip and whose Maldives recommendations we covered in the "Islands on Sale" feature in our July issue--has checked it out and says that it's one of his new favorites.

Luxury like this doesn't come cheap: An "Island Villa" (the least expensive room category, pictured above) normally costs $1,183 per night. But Lindsey has negotiated a special rate with the resort: $790 per night, including all taxes and service charges, with every other night free. If you stay an even number of nights, you end up paying an average of $395 per night--which is more than 65% off the rack rate of $1,183.

For travel between: August 16 (the resort's opening date) and December 19, 2009.

Book by: There is no book-by date.

Book through: Lindsey Wallace of Linara Travel, the only person who can get you this specially negotiated rate.

Caveat: You'll also need to pay for transfers to and from the resort. These start at $280 per person.

www.concierge.com