Upgrade your room choice when staying at the stunning Club Med Kani in the Maldives and save a huge 40%.
“Book to stay in a Deluxe Beach Bungalow or Overwater Lagoon Suite and you will be in for a real treat with some of the most beautiful accommodation spots on the island,” says Kaarin Gaukrodger, Club Med Marketing Manager New Zealand.
Club Med Kani in the Maldives remains the most popular Club Med honeymoon destination in Asia Pacific for New Zealanders. 53% of honeymooners who choose to spend their special holiday with Club Med do so at the stunningly beautiful Kani resort in the Maldives.
Kani is renowned as a dream holiday destination with miles of white-powder sand and crystal clear turquoise waters, the perfect retreat for couples and friends.
“Club Med is a great honeymoon option not only offering the hassle free all inclusive package whereby everything is paid for before leaving home, including unlimited food and drinks, sports, activities and evening entertainment but also treating honeymooners extra special with a free honeymoon package included. Honeymoon guests will receive a spa treatment for two, a photo shoot appointment, welcome gift and more at no extra cost,” Miss Gaukrodger says.
“So don’t miss out now’s the time to reserve your extra special holiday in a beautiful location where everything is taken care of so you can truly relax and enjoy your time together.”
The Maldives is an unspoilt paradise and as the lowest lying nation in the world the Maldives unfortunately won’t be around forever. The island paradise is predicted to disappear under water within the next 100 years and its President elect is already looking for suitable places around the world to relocate his people.
One of the Maldives most popular resorts is Club Med Kani, nestled on its own private island and a short boat ride from the capital of Male.
Club Med 5 night ALL INCLUSIVE package (includes flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, beverages, activities, nightly entertainment) from:
$4,350 per adult Deluxe Beach Bungalow – saving from $1,700 per adult
$4,990 per adult Overwater Lagoon Suite – saving from: $2,150 per adult
Adaaran group has held an event on Saturday evening to celebrate the winning of “Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Group” award given by the World Travel Awards.
In addition to this, the Adaaran Prestige Water Villas at Meedhupparu won an award as “The Maldives Leading Water Villas” and this would be the second year in a row that this particular award has been conferred to Meedhupparu.
Speaking at the ceremony Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dr Ahmed Ali Sawad, who was the chief guest, said that Maldives was one of the most favored and reputed brand in world tourism. Minister Sawad thanked and congratulated the efforts made by Adaarana group to maintain that image at an international level.
Also present at the ceremony was the chairman of the group, Harry S. Jayavarudhan, who said that it was a great honor to the Group as one of its resorts received the same award for two consecutive years.
Chethiya Perera, the CEO of Adaaran Resorts, stated that he believed the winning of the two awards was because of the encouragement given by the management of the company and the commitment and dedication of the staff. He also thanked the Maldivian government for their efforts in marketing Maldives as a prime destination.
Adaaran Prestige Resorts in the Maldives is managed by Aitkin Spence PLC and is a Sri Lankan hotel group. Adaaran Resorts operates over 600 rooms in the Maldives in four islands including three properties with water villas: Adaaran Prestige Water Villas, Meedhupparu; Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas, Hudhuranfushi; and Adaaran Prestige Vadoo. Other Adaaran properties are Adaaran Ayurveda Village; Adaaran Select Meedhupparu; Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi and Adaaran Club Rannalhi.
At the World Travel Awards held on 8 November 2009 in London, Maldives won a number of awards in the Indian Ocean category. This includes, besides the above awards, Indian Ocean’s Leading Airport- Malé International Airport , Maldives Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination – Maldives, Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort- Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives, Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Resort – Banyan Tree Maldives at Vibbinfaru, Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel- Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Brand- Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Resort- Huvafen Fushi Maldives, Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort-Huvafen Fushi Maldives, Indian Ocean’s Leading Spa Resort- Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives, Indian Ocean’s Leading Travel Agency-Inner Maldives Holidays, Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa Hideaway Palace, Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi Spa Resort & Marina and Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Group Adaaran Prestige Resorts.
World Travel Awards, considered as the Oscar award of travel industry, is voted by travel agents worldwide.
British Airways held a launch party in Male for its fledgling London-Maldives service, the first direct service of its kind for a UK carrier and intended to draw sun-starved tourists seeking escape from the cold gloom of the British winter.
Judy Jarvis, BA's regional commercial manager for South Asia, said that while the route catered primarily to the luxury tourist market and the airline's strength in the package holiday market, the company was also hoping to grow the number of outbound business passengers travelling to the UK.
"It's very early days, we've been operating less than a month," she said at the function on Tuesday.
Minister for Civil Aviation Mahmood Razee said the arrival of British Airways had compelled it to upgrade the airport's capabilities for dealing with cargo assets, which historically "have not been so great."
"[British Airways] carries a lot of cargo that originates in the Maldives as well as transit cargo," he said. "We needed to put in place aspects of security and assurance, most of it procedural - things like storing cargo in a secure place."
The additional three weekly flights may place further pressure on the airport's ability to cope with peak periods.
"We have problems with bunching from 8am in the morning to 2pm in the afternoon, especially on a Monday," Razee explained. "It's partly because most traffic from Europe arrives early in the morning because of airport curfew requirements in that part of the world."
The Maldives’ economy is heavily reliant on tourism, revenue from which accounts for one-third of its annual GDP.
Of the 800,000 passengers who pass through it annually, 600,000 are tourists, Razee said. The most prolific user of the airport is Sri Lanka airways which operates 28 flights weekly, followed by Emirates and Qatar Airways.
‘No news and no shoes’ is the motto in the Maldives, especially when staying at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort or Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort, and those choosing to visit for their holiday will delight in the sheer ease of life. Whether for winter sun, Christmas, a honeymoon or a break away with the whole family, the Maldives has something special for everyone.
Catch It And Cook It Excursion At Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort Recently launched and unique to Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, the ‘Catch It And Cook It’ excursion is just another reason to visit the Maldives in 2010.
Perfect for those seeking an authentic Maldivian experience, guests spend an afternoon on a boat fishing and learning how to scale, gut and cut the fish.
On arrival at Olhuveli’s very own sandbank island, they get a real flavour for Maldivian cuisine with a cooking demonstration followed by a traditional Maldivian barbeque so they can dine on their afternoon’s work. The ‘Catch It And Cook It’ excursion can be booked in resort from US$69 per adult and US$35 per child under 12 years.
New Kids Programme at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort With a brand new kids programme and fantastic watersports centre, Olhuveli is a great choice for active families. Children are well catered for by the Kids Garden team and kept busy with lots of educational, fun and adventurous activities. Just launched, this free programme is available from 10am to 5pm daily for children aged three to 11 years. Other fun-filled activities include wake-boarding, knee-boarding, fun tubes, banana rides, live magic shows, discos and Olhuveli’s famous weekly crab races.
Winter Sun Savings & Christmas Bargains Both resorts are currently offering all-inclusive stays for the price of half-board when staying in a water villa. This fantastic offer is valid until 26 December and includes Christmas. Bookings can be made direct with the hotel.
About Sun Hotels & Resorts
Sun Hotels & Resorts owns and manages two luxury hotels in the Maldives. Incorporated into the brand in 2007, these include Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort (www.olhuveli.com) and Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort (www.vilureef.com).
Located on the tip of South Malé Atoll, the 133-room Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort is nestled amidst tropical vegetation and surrounded by a vast sandy, award-winning beach and a crystal clear lagoon. Facilities include a selection of restaurants and bars, two large pools, luxurious Sun Spa, gym, tennis and an excellent watersports centre with one of the only registered kite-surfing schools in the Maldives.
Located in the South Nilandhe Atoll, the 122-room Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort is surrounded by lush green vegetation, tall coconut palms and white sandy beaches, with a beautiful lagoon one side and a reef the other - ideal for snorkelling and diving. In addition to excellent watersports, facilities include an infinity pool, gym, Sun Spa, table tennis, volleyball court, a selection of restaurants and bars and a children’s playground.
Hulhulé Island Hotel, Maldives was declared the winner of “Maldives’ Leading Hotel” at the World Travel Awards 2009. The award was bestowed upon Hulhulé Island Hotel at a prestigious awards ceremony held on November 07, 2009 at London, United Kingdom. Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the “Travel industry’s equivalent to the Oscar’s”, the World Travel Awards are the most comprehensive and most prestigious awards program in the global travel industry. It was established in 1993 to acknowledge and celebrate excellence in the world’s travel and tourism industry. According to a press release issued by the Hulhulé Island Hotel, the selection process this year was the most exhaustive in World Travel Awards’ 16-year history, with over 170,000 industry professionals deciding on what they consider to be the very best travel, tourism and hospitality products and services in the Indian Ocean.
Hulhulé Island Hotel commenced operations in 2000. Since then, the Hotel has been a key member of the travel and trade business in the Maldives. Hulhule Island Hotel also boasts of being the ‘Best Culinary Establishment’ at Maldives and the team is proud in having professionals such as the ‘Most Outstanding Chef’ and ‘Top Maldivian Chef’ of the last Hotel Asia Exhibition & Culinary Challenge.
Last year, Hulhule Island Hotel was declared the ‘Winner’ of the ‘World Luxury Hotel Awards 2008’ held at Cape Town in October, 2008. On receiving the award, Mr Utkarsh Faujdar, General Manager – Hulhulé Island Hotel emphatically said: “This is indeed a recognition of the world class facilities and service excellence that Hulhule Island Hotel has attained by achieving the highest international standards in the hospitality industry”. He further added “The inexorable efforts of my team have been instrumental in bringing this International award of repute to Hulhule Island Hotel.”
Louis Cruises India, (LCI) a subsidiary of Louis Cruise Lines part of Louis Group has leased Kuda Bandos Island in Maldives to berth its luxury cruise ship, M Aquamarine, which will commence operations from Kochi on December 2, 2009, with itineraries of two nights/three days to Maldives and Sri Lanka. The leasing of the island (in a strategic partnership with Maldives Tourism Board) is the first of its kind by a cruise company in Maldives and Louis Group plans to develop a resort on the Island in near future.
While in Maldives, passengers will have a choice of either opting for Male tour or night fishing, resort trip and beach party at Kuda Bandos Island. LCI is currently contemplating whether to charge an additional fee for passengers visiting the Island. According to Oneil Khosa, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Louis Cruises India, the response to MV Aquamarine from the Indian market for this season (December to April 2010) has been huge and they are considering bringing in the ship in October 2010 for the next season. MV Aquamarine setting sail from Kochi is slated to provide a huge boost to the cruise industry in Kerala, and Kerala Tourism is promoting and marketing the segment earnestly. At the recently concluded World Travel Market in London, Kerala Tourism was actively promoting and marketing the itineraries of MV Aquamarine at its stall.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed for five years between Louis Cruise India and Kerala Tourism in second week of September 2009 with the common goal to market and promote Cruise Tourism out of Kochi. The MoU was signed between M Sivasankar, Director, Kerala Tourism and Oneil Khosa, Managing Director, Louis Cruises India in the presence of Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister for Home, Vigilance and Tourism, Kerala and N Ramachandran, Chairman, Cochin Port Trust, in Trivandrum. “With Louis Cruise Lines starting to sail from Kochi, this will attract a lot of inbound visitors to take this up as an add on experience and will further boost the cruise industry of India. The MoU will allow expanded market penetration to promote the product,” stated Dr Venu V, Secretary, Kerala Tourism. He further added, “Exotic voyages from Kochi, is a product to offer to the Indian market, which is craving for new experiences. Louis Cruises India is the only company that will be offering cruises from Kochi targeted at the Indian market.”
Commenting on the leasing of Kuda Bandos Island Khosa said, “We are perhaps the first ones to lease out an island in Maldives for our passengers. Maldives has always been an upscale destination and with the cruise sailing there, it will open up the destination to many Indian travellers.” In order to distribute the cruise itineraries among potential Indian travellers, the company has appointed six Preferred Sales Agents (PSAs) in the Indian market. The six PSA agents include: SOTC, Guidelines Travels Pvt. Ltd., Travel Tours Pvt. Ltd, Great India Tour Company (GITC) and Thomas Cook, Griffon Tours and Travel Pvt. Ltd. LCI also has long term strategy for the Indian market and is also exploring different options to introduce round the year cruising itineraries.
MV Aquamarine hosts 525 cabins with a maximum capacity of 1,250 passengers along with three restaurants, swimming pool, three bars and video arcade. “The product is fine tuned keeping in mind the Indian travellers and their taste, for instance guests will be able to play cricket on board using bowling machines,” mentioned Khosa. He further added, “Indians are generally not inclined towards long sailing and a two-three day package is considered ideal. The value for money packages will offer free sailing for children up to 14 years and will include Indian and European theme entertainment, as well as duty free shopping, spas, casinos and bars, with lots of luxury amenities.”
Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives has been quietly becoming a hot spot for underwater photographers over the last year or so. This small bay of the uninhabited island of Hanifaru, about the size of a football field, is home to a very unique seasonal phenomenon. Plankton blooms during the months of May - November can attract feeding mantas by the hundreds. Yes you read correctly, there can be at times up to 200 mantas feeding in this small bay! As if that were not enough, there are often large handfuls of whale sharks feeding along side of the mantas.
Sounds hard to believe? Check out this video to see for yourself (Courtesy of Aqua Dreams Imaging).
Chief photographer of the Save our Seas Foundation, Thomas Peschak shot an assignment for National Geographic about Hanifaru. The images are fantastic and really tell the story of this unique aggregation of feeding mantas. Watch the behind the scenes video (below), narrated by Thomas himself.
The Save Our Seas Foundation is responsible for funding the research that the National Geographic article is based upon.
The Maldives consists of over a thousand islands dispersed throughout 26 atolls in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Hanifaru is located in the Baa Atoll.
Apparently Hanifaru Bay has also become a tourism attraction for snorkelers. With large numbers of people entering the water, it is feared that the human impact may potentially alter the feeding behavior. The Maldivian government has recently pledged to protect the mantas by enforcing guidelines for divers and snorkelers. It is nice to see a government ccommited to preserving the natural behaviors and environments for their inhabitants. To us it may be "manta madness", but to the mantas it's simply lunch.
Gliding through the oceans like ghosts, these mysterious manta rays have been captured in unique footage filmed off the coast of Mozambique.
Biologist Andrea Marshall is shown performing a ballet-like dance with the inquisitive giant fish, which she described as 'the most beautiful underwater birds.'
The experienced diver has been based in the coastal African country since 2003. She spent last year swimming with the black-winged creatures alongside a film crew for a BBC documentary.
Until recently it was thought there was only one species of manta ray, but Dr Marshall realised many of the rays - that can grow up to 23ft long - displayed different markings and behaviour.
These ocean-faring rays did not stick to the shallow reefs like the others, but migrated 700miles to the Maldives, which is the longest migration known for a fish in the Indian ocean.
The mantas were tracked by the team using a GPS system, which revealed they made their epic voyage in just 60 days.
They also retained a vestigial sting adapted from their sting ray cousins - which has become useless over the centuries and is harmless to humans.
The 30-year-old researcher concluded she was observing two separate species of mantas - one of them totally new to science. The larger mantas kept the name Manta birostris, while Dr Marshall named the reef-going mantas Manta alfredi, after an early biologist.
During her close encounters with the rays, Dr Marshall spotted huge scars on their bodies that had been inflicted by large sharks. She also observed them queuing up to have their wounds tended by cleaner fish, which bit off the dead tissue.
Her research also uncovered a unique gathering place for pregnant female reef mantas in the Maldives, which could be crucial to the species survival. Females only give birth to a single pup after 12 months and Dr Marshall found they rarely gave birth two years in a row.
Dr Marshall works to protect the large and charismatic species at the Manta Ray & Whale Shark Research Centre at Tofo Beach in southern Mozambique.
The documentary's director Mark Woodward said: 'Out at sea, giant mantas risk being captured and gutted for their fins by unregulated fishing, to meet the online demand for so-called traditional Chinese remedies.'
The government of the Maldives is to allow foreign ownership and development of private luxury villas for the first time.
The villas are to be developed by the private sector, with the country’s minister for tourism, arts and culture, Ahmed Ali Sawad, saying there is a possibility they could even be built on ‘local’ islands if the proposals were deemed appropriate.
Speaking at WTM, Sawad also said the country needed to focus more on cultural tourism with a pilot project framework now in place for developing cultural projects on local islands, using new visitor interpretation centres created around the 2,000-year history of the islands.
Excavation and preservation is currently in progress on several ancient sites, many of Buddhist origin. “We also have to move more towards community-based tourism to benefit local people,” Sawad said. “This is about diversifying our tourism portfolio.”
A new National Museum will open in the capital, Male in 2010, he said, and a Maldivian outpost of The Hay Festival is also being proposed for autumn next year, with a focus on environmental and freedom and democracy writers coming to speak at the literary event.
Wedding tourism could also become a reality in the Maldives. “We know we are already a popular destination for honeymooners, but we don’t see any reasons why we cannot now explore the potential for weddings for non-nationals here too,” he said.
Infrastructure and connectivity are other being explored by the new government, which took over in the Maldives a year ago.
The government is now keen to encourage development in many projects via its Investment Maldives programme to help the country grow sustainably, said Sawad, adding there had already been interest from overseas investors in developing the airport on Male.
With the arrival of British Airways flights from the UK and flights from Muscat with Oman Air - both launched at the end of October – as well as a drive to get more access from China, India and Europe, he said that investment in upgrading airport facilities in Male was essential.
Recent figures show 465,839 tourists visited the Maldives up to September this year.
“Initial estimates were of a high negativity in tourism drop-off but we saw a slower decline than we had thought, around 7%. We have a very resilient and unique product. Previous crisis points such as 9/11 and the tsunami showed short declines then we bounced back out and we feel that is what will happen with this recession,” Sawad said.
He said that 2008 had finished 1% up in arrivals on 2007 and that the government had been focusing on stabilising and reinvigorating all sectors of industry, including tourism, since its arrival a year ago.
Becoming carbon neutral in 10 years is another stated aim for the country whose landmass is only 1% of its total territory. “We are not a huge contributor to the climate problem, but we are one which is most affected,” said Sawad.
The government recently held a cabinet meeting underwater to try and raise awareness of the climate issues facing the tiny island nation.
There are 1,192 islands in the Maldives; 200 of which are inhabited islands and 94 of which have been devoted to tourist resorts.
The signs are unmistakable: it’s wet and windy, and dark at four, so it must be time to head south and bask in some winter sun. The only problem is, whenever you scour the newspapers for suggestions, it’s always £3,000-a-week luxury hideaways. That’s where our cost-conscious guide comes in: dozens of sunshine breaks, each one under £1,000pp. Cheap, then — but not nasty. The fact is, anyone can find mass-market packages to the sun for less than a grand, especially with prices tumbling this season. What’s not so easy is avoiding the grim concrete all-inclusives and homing in on holidays with charm and character — places that are worth your time as well as your money.
They’re out there, though, and to prove it, here are 44 of ’em, from traditional fincas in the Canaries to barefoot resorts in the Caribbean to fully fledged desert-island idylls in the Maldives. So, pack the T-shirt and sunnies, and get going. You can afford it.
Unless stated, all prices are for a week, per person, based on two sharing and including flights from London. Check with the operator for regional departure options
INDIAN OCEAN The Indian Ocean ain’t cheap. It can, though, be great value if you time it right and choose carefully. Take Mauritius, home to some of the most highfalutin hotels in the world — Le Touessrok, Royal Palm — and somewhere with a shade more indigenous culture than the more scattered atolls. Six nights at the smallish, coupley Paul & Virginie Hotel, on the north coast, can be had for £799, half-board, if you book by Saturday, with Destinology (0800 634 2866, destinology.co.uk). It’s officially a three-star, but punches above its weight, with a beautiful palm-lined pool, a small but cute beach, a spa, watersports and friendly service.
All very well, but what about the white sand, blue-lagoon idyll that is the Maldives? All that desert-island loveliness sets the benchmark for high-priced winter sun, and it certainly doesn’t come in at less than a grand. Does it?
Certainly does. Kandooma, on South Malé atoll, delivers everything on the checklist — chalk-white beaches, gorgeous shallow lagoon, good snorkelling for adults, safe bathing for kids, spa, pool, classy villas, showers open to the sky, the lot. Rated four-star, it would normally be well over our limit, but a 36% price cut means that, for a November 24 departure, it comes in at £949, B&B, with Hayes & Jarvis (0871 664 0246, www.hayesandjarvis.com).
Another £30 gets you another star and the Sheraton Full Moon Resort and Spa. On its own island, it’s all thatched and low-rise, with not a business centre or conference room in sight — scrub out the corporate logo by the jetty and you’d think it had been created by Robinson Crusoe (after the discovery of air con and desalination plants, mind). A week, departing on December 6, costs £979, B&B, with Kuoni (01306 747008, kuoni.co.uk). One caveat: the food here is pricey, so big eaters might want to stick with Kandooma, above.
a) be counting the shades of grey in a late-November English day and shuddering at the cheerful news that there are just 26 shopping days to Christmas, or
b) lying on the sand at the Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, in the Maldives. Let me paint the picture: the sand is platinum blonde and squeaks when you walk on it. The sea is the colour of Bombay Sapphire and the sky the same shade as Curaçao. There are no shopping days until Christmas, because the Maldives are Muslim, but the price is pretty festive: the price is £955 with Thomson (0871 231 5595, thomson.co.uk).
Luxury cruising comes to the city. Louis Cruises and The Great India Tour Company have officially launched their services in Kochi on Wednesday. Louis Cruise’s luxury vessel ‘MV Aquamarine’ will commence its Kochi-based services from December 2.
There will be three cruises- Kochi-Maldives (four days/three nights), Kochi-Colombo (four days/three nights) and Kochi High Seas (two days/one night). The Kochi High Seas cruise will start every Saturday and return on Sunday. The trip to Colombo will begin on every Sunday afternoon and will return Wednesday while the cruise to the Maldives starts every Wednesday and returns on Saturday. Louis Cruise has already signed pacts with the Department of Tourism and the Cochin Port Trust for the service. “M V Aquamarine brings the best of Mediterranean experience to the Indian sub-continent. We have added some more features for the customers in India. A cricket bowling machine is one of the added facilities.
Indian cuisine will be available on board Aquamarine,’’ said Oneil Khosa, MD and CEO of Louis Cruises.
Based in Greece, Louis Cruise has 12 vessels in its fleet and is the fourth largest cruising company in the world. Aquamarine, which has seven passenger decks, can carry 1,268 passengers and will cruise at 17 knots. The rate per person starts from Rs 6,500 and an additional amount of Rs 700 will be charged as port handling charges.
“Proximity to Colombo and the Maldives prompted us to start services from Kochi. Besides, Kochi is one of the preferred cruising destinations,’’ Oneil said.Bookings can be done through any of the outlets of The Great India Tour Company in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode.
Maldives Dive Travel, a leading travel agent offering scuba diving liveaboard holidays in the Maldives, has the following spectacular last minute special offers ideal for people looking to get away for some exotic winter sun this year.
Dream Catcher II Liveaboard Special Offers Dream Catcher II, undoubtedly one of the Maldives most luxurious scuba diving liveaboards is offering all-inclusive scuba diving holidays starting from only USD $1,218 per person. These special prices are available only on four dates through November and December and space is limited. Make your reservation today to avoid disappointment.
Galileo Scuba Diving Special Offers Galileo is one of the most advanced liveaboards in the Maldives in terms of engineering and safety. A liveaboard holiday on Galileo evokes feelings of true discovery and exploration. For a limited period only, Galileo is offering a heavily discounted rate of just EUR 108 per night, all-inclusive. Just two cruises are included in this special offer one leaving November 23 and one leaving December 21. The seven-night cruise is just EUR 756 per person (approximately GBP 675!) Black Pearl Liveaboard Diving Offers The Black Pearl Liveaboard is traditional Maldivian yachting at its best. The attractive blue wooden boat has almost a pirate feel about it, making it ideal for a scuba diving adventure in this heavenly scuba destination. The Black Pearl liveaboard is currently offering a variety of liveaboard cruises in December and February from just USD $1,188 per person for 7 nights, all-inclusive. Thats around GBP 725 per person for a week in paradise! What's included in Your Holiday? These prices include all meals, scuba diving, non-alcoholic drinks and transfers to and from the Maldives airport. Depending on the boat you choose, a selection of land-based excursions will also be included. Air fare from the UK and trip insurance is not included. Maldives Dive Travel is an extremely reputable provider of scuba diving holidays in the Maldives and is proud to have a very loyal client base; most people who visit the Maldives with Maldives Dive Travel tend to return year after year and always book their holiday with Maldives Dive Travel.
To reserve your scuba diving holiday with Maldives Dive Travel today, or for more information about their services, please visit the website today. http://www.maldivesdivetravel.com
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has released figures highlighting a year-on-year increase in the number of tourists visiting the region in August.
There was a 0.5% increase in visitor numbers during the month compared to August 2008, with Macau, Hong Kong and China among the destinations attracting more tourists.
Malaysia was one of the strongest performers, with a 10% increase in visitors, while Cambodia achieved growth of 9%.
Sri Lanka recorded a substantial rise of 34% in tourist numbers following the end of a recent conflict in the country, with increases also noted in the Maldives and Nepal. PATA spokesman John Koldowski stressed that, while the statistics appear to show positive trends, they should be treated with caution.
'Care needs to be taken in interpreting the latest results as we are entering a period now where the comparative base of last year began its decline,' he said.
'Even mediocre performances now may look good against the backdrop of 2008.'
The awards are described by the Wall Street Journal as the “Oscars" of the global travel and tourism industry. They are recognized as helping to raise levels of supreme customer service, innovation, and creativity, as well as encouraging high standards of overall business performance.
During the two day celebrations in London, which take place immediately before World Travel Market, there will be a rich variety of comedy, music, song, and dance. The UK’s top television program Britain’s Got Talent star George Sampson will take to the stage to wow the audience with some of his funky street dance moves. International comedian and actor Bobby Davro will play host with British Socialite Tamara Beckwith. The Todd Miller Orchestra, constituting some of Britain’s best musicians and performers will be playing some all time greats.
Over 1,600 senior management and decision makers from the world’s travel and tourism industry will be in attendance, including: Jean-Claude Baumgarten, president, WTTC; Steve Ridgway, CEO, Virgin Atlantic Airways; His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority; and James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways. All 120 Miss World 2009 contestants will also be present as they stand behind the tourism leaders of their respective countries to lend their support.
The true stars of the weekend, however, will be those travel professionals and organizations collecting their World Travel Awards. Competing for the coveted title of World’s Leading Airline are: Air Jamaica, Air Mauritius, British Airways, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, LAN Airlines, Lufthansa Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Mexicana Airlines, Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss International Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, TAM Brazil, and Virgin Atlantic Airways.
A total of twenty of the very best hotels in the world are in the running for the title of World’s Leading Hotel. They are: Ascott Auckland Metropolis, New Zealand; Burj Al Arab, Dubai; Coco Reef Resort, Tobago; Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island; Copacabana Palace, Brazil; Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi; Four Seasons Sydney, Australia; Grande Roche Hotel, South Africa; Hotel Le Bristol Paris, France; Hotel Parador Boutique Resort&Spa, Costa Rica; Jumeirah Essex House, New York; Mount Nelson Hotel, South Africa; Park Hyatt Melbourne, Melbourne; Radisson Decapolis Hotel Panama City, Panama; The Imperial New Delhi, India; The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas; The Oberoi, Mauritus; The Observatory Hotel, Australia; The Taj Mahal Palace&Tower, and Trident Gurgaon, India.
Graham Cooke, president and founder, World Travel Awards, commented, “The World Travel Awards is planning its most spectacular final in its 16 year history with all 120 Miss World 2009 contestants in attendance and some fantastic live entertainment over the course of the weekend.”
Log on to www.worldtravelawards.com for the complete list of nominations for the World Travel Awards Grand Final 2009. The weekend’s events will conclude the World Travel Awards Grand Tour for 2009, which has searched the world for the best of the best in travel and tourism.
World Travel Awards is supporting Just a Drop and will invite guests to make a donation to this important charity, which helps children and families by providing clean and safe water where it is urgently needed.
Worldwide travel and tourism companies and media have partnered with the prestigious World Travel Awards including: Mexicana, BBC World News, Safar Travel&Tourism, Illusions, Eurostar, TAP Portugal, Turismo do Oeste, Praia D’El Rey Golf&Beach Resort, ICC Durban, Yucatan Holidays, Hacienda Tres Rios, Thanda Private Game Reserve, The Claridges Hotels&Resorts, eTurboNews, Travel Daily News, Publituris, Xenios, Breaking Travel News, Khaleej Times, and Travel World News.
The Hilton Family Maldives has launched a range of fantastic offers for departures to their portfolio of three resorts between now and December, with savings of over £2500 per couple and a wealth of added value including free seaplane transfers and complementary nights.
Save 65% at the Hilton Maldives/ Iru Fushi Resort & Spa After joining the Hilton Family on 1 July 2009, the stunning 52 acre resort has undergone a wealth of upgrades including new dining experiences and a new look Spa. Save £2060 per couple on departures between 1 November and 23 December and enjoy seven-nights in a Beach Villa with private outdoor bathroom garden and beach cabana from just £1549 per person. Price includes BA direct flights to Male, seaplane transfers and breakfast. Book with Sovereign Luxury Holidays at sovereign.com.
Free half board, free transfers and seven nights for the price of four at The Beach House at Manafaru Set to join the Waldorf Astoria Collection in March 2010, the stunning private island in the far north of the Maldives is offering a wealth of complementary extras for guests travelling between now and 23 December. With all Villas featuring a private swimming pool and butler service it is tropical luxury at its finest. Kuoni is offering seven-nights in a Water Villa with private pool from just £1899 per person – a saving of £2961 per couple – for departures up to 5 December 2009. Price is based on two sharing and includes half board, domestic sea and boat transfers and international flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow. To book visit kuoni.co.uk and quote tour ref: IO0130.
Two free nights and complementary seaplane transfers at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island The award-winning twin-island resort of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is home to some of the Maldives must-visit attractions including Ithaa, the world’s first all-glass under-sea restaurant and the Maldives only destination Spa Retreat. Departing on 18th November, Hayes & Jarvis (hayesandjarvis.com) is offering seven-night stays for £2,229 per person (based on two sharing) – a saving of 33 per cent (£1,104pp) including two free nights. The package includes seven nights’ accommodation in a Beach Villa, daily breakfast, return Qatar Airways flights from London Heathrow and complimentary seaplane transfers.
Choose From Five Events To Ring In The New Year On Your Own Private Island Playground.
W Retreat & Spa-Maldives is set to ring in the New Year as only they can. With five options of events, there is something for everyone on this private island playground. The idyllic backdrop of the Indian Ocean against the white sandy beaches, coupled with the awe inspiring architecture and adrenaline filled activities make for the coolest spot to close out 2009.
The five events include:
• UTOPIA @ WET – Our New Year’s Eve feast set in WET garden offers up an international selection to tempt anyone’s palate. The perfect combination of paradise and fantasy. Be WOW-ed by fantastic entertainment, including DJ Double who will lead the guests towards an unforgettable countdown. It’s also the best location to watch fireworks! Included in room rate supplement.
• NIRVANA @ FISH – Find tranquility over the water and under the stars. Choose FISH’s stylish and romantic setting to start 2010. Savour a 6-course menu coupled with a variety of fine wines or bubbly. Each course takes you though a state of bliss. $250USD per person.
• LUXURIA @ ESCAPE & Gaathafushi Island – The most exclusive option to ring in the New Year. Set sail on ESCAPE, the 2-mast sailing yacht, with acoustic musicians while you enjoy free-flowing champagne and canapés. Then cast ashore Gaathafushi for a lavish take on private island dining. Encounter a culinary fête fit for the indulgent and enjoy an acoustic band in the background for this extraordinary evening. Desire more bubbly? Each couple will also receive a bottle of champagne upon departure from the island. $850USD per person.
• BABYLON @ 15BELOW – THE New Year’s After Party. After the fireworks fade away go to the only underground nightclub in the Maldives to access the sexiest spot on the island. Have our mixologists shake your favourite cocktail or pour more bubbly (in limitless amounts!). Keep moving to the beats and dance your way into the New Year. Tasty treats will also be on hand for those late night/early morning cravings. Imbibe. Dance. Nibble. Enough said. $175USD per person.
• CARPE DIEM @ KITCHEN – As if last night wasn’t enough, now it’s time to delve into our New Year’s Day Brunch. Choose from rejuvenating tonics, a fresh cup of coffee or RETOX yourself all over again. A plethora of food awaits and we’re sure you’ll be craving something ultra healthy. That’s what New Year’s resolutions are for, right? Included in room rate supplement.
The award-winning W Retreat & Spa – Maldives is the jetsetters’ ideal destination for exclusivity, access and style. All 78 retreats offer private plunge pools, plasma screen televisions, DVD/CD players, indoor/outdoor showers, BOSE speakers, the W Signature bed, a wine fridge and more. From December 27, 2009 – January 9, 2010 rates start from $3500USD per retreat/per night and the $300USD supplement includes UTOPIA @ WET and CARPE DIEM @ KITCHEN. A minimum 7-nights stay is required over this travel period. Airfare, service charge and local taxes not included. Please call your travel agent or W Retreat & Spa – Maldives – Phone: +960 665 0222 or Email: reservations.wmaldives@whotels.com.
About W Hotels Worldwide W Hotels is a global luxury lifestyle brand with 25 properties in the most vibrant destinations around the world. Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, W Hotels provides the ultimate in insider access. Each hotel offers a unique mix of sophisticated design, chic comfort, and cultural influences from fashion to music, pop culture to art, and everything in between. W Hotels are unique and individual expressions of modern travel and stylish living, featuring world-class cuisine, destination bars and signature spas. In North America and Latin America, W Hotels have been announced in Austin, Buckhead Atlanta, Downtown Atlanta, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Hoboken, Hollywood, Huntington Beach, Downtown New York, Santiago, South Beach, and Washington, D.C. In Europe, W Hotels have been announced in Athens, Barcelona, London, Manchester, Milan and St. Petersburg. In Asia, W has announced properties in Bangkok, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macao-Studio City, Shanghai and Yokohama. In Africa and the Middle East, W has announced properties in Amman, Doha, Dubai-Festival City, Dubai-The Palm and Marrakech. W has plans to open W Retreat & Spa properties in Bali, Koh Samui, Vieques Island and Verbier, the latter of which will serve as W Hotels’ first ski retreat. For more information, visit www.whotels.com.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 982 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 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 Aloft®, and Element SM. 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.
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