Six Senses' organic Maldivian menu showcased in Milan

Alex Gares, Executive Chef of ‘Soneva Fushi by Six Senses’ has been invited to the prestigious Identita Golose in Milan. Chef Gares will showcase the versatility and nutritional value of Maldivian food in an haute couture environment to 600 Michelin starred chefs.

For a small resort in the Maldives to be featured at such an influential conference is a credit to Chef Gares and his commitment to Six Senses core philosophy, SLOW LIFE – sustainable, local, organic, wholesome – learning, inspiring, fun, experiences. Chef Gares chose to work at Soneva Fushi, leaving Lasarte, which has recently won its second Michelin star. He also formerly worked at El Bulli.


Identita Golose’s motto is synonymous with Soneva Fushi’s philosophy, embracing ‘the luxury of simplicity’. In this instance, a philosophy based on creating fresh, healthy, flavoursome, quality food that makes the most of local resources thus being respectful to ethical, nutritional and environmental issues. Chef Gares S.L.O.W.L.I.F.E. menu is designed to intrigue the audience. A main course of prawn curry served as and in a salad and a green mango curry on a coconut sponge cake for desert. “One of the main reasons that I wanted to work at Soneva Fushi was because of the incredible variety of cuisines that we offer our guests. But the variety begins with our ‘local’ food. Maldivian food blends influences from both Sri Lanka and India too. The cooking from this area feeds a huge part of the global population, and yet we don’t make the most of it in the gourmet world of cuisine”, commented Chef Gares. “It has so much more to offer than people realise. For my presentation at Identita Golose, I have tweaked traditional recipes and created a gourmet but still simple dish. Even the method of cooking itself has been fine-tuned, we have reduced all fats to make the food much lighter. The main course is an elaboration of a prawn curry, but the surprise element is having the curry in a salad. The desert is a sweet version of a traditional green mango curry.”

Between now and then Chef Gares will be testing out his menu on world-renowned, ‘European chef of the year’ Rene Redzepi who will be cooking exclusively for guests and giving cooking lessons at Soneva Fushi over the Christmas period. Soneva Fushi’s ongoing visiting chef and sommelier programme offers guests rare and unique opportunities to dine with many of the world’s top chefs and sommeliers such as two star Raymond Blanc and two star Massimo Bottura.

Chefs visiting Soneva Fushi and its sistership resort Soneva Gili in the first quarter of 2010 are: Two-michelin star chef Linda Violago, winemaker Michel Laroche, Executive Sushi chef Tracey Griffith (Melanie Griffith’s sister), Christine Manfield, Michelin-star Atul Kochhar and winemaker Veronique Drouhin.

Centara offers Wonderful Weekend packages at newly opened Maldives resort

Centara Hotels & Resorts has launched a programme of Wonderful Weekend packages at its newly opened Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives with which guests can enjoy a three-night stay for as little as US$2,490 or a four-night stay beginning at US$2,950, depending on season and room type.

Package prices are fully inclusive of all meals and unlimited beverages during the stay, along with roundtrip seaplane transfer services between Male International Airport and the resort, and service charge and government bed tax of US$8 net per person per day.

As the seaplane service operates only during daylight hours, special assistance is provided for guests arriving at night, which is in addition to the package.

The packages are designed for three nights, with a Thursday or a Friday check-in, or for four nights with a Thursday check-in, and apply to all levels of accommodation at the resort.

Price is based on a two-person occupancy, or four-person for the two-bedroom accommodation, with a surcharge of US$895 per adult and US$395 per child for extra occupancy on a three-night stay and US$1,075 and US$475 for a four-night stay.

The Wonderful Weekend packages are valid from now until 20 December 2010.

Set amongst the perfect islands and blue ocean of South Ari Atoll in the Republic of Maldives, 25 minutes by seaplane from Male, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives offers the ultimate in barefoot luxury along with a range of exciting activities that will appeal both to couples and to families.

Featuring 112 suites and villas, the resort offers diving and snorkeling enthusiasts outstanding opportunities including an excellent house reef complete with a dedicated sunken ship wreck, and is within easy reach of the top dive spots in the Maldives.

For more information and reservations, please contact tel 02 101 1234 ext. 1 or email to reservations@chr.co.th or visit our website at

http://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/MaldivesWonderfulWeekend

Holiday Inn resort opens in Maldives

Travellers visiting the Maldives now have a new accommodation option following the opening of the island nation's first Holiday Inn resort.

The property is located on Kandooma island on the South Male atoll, about 35km away from the international airport in Male.

Guests will be accommodated in 160 rooms with modern amenities including flat-screen televisions, wireless internet connections and iPod docking stations.



The resort is expected to prove particularly popular among watersports enthusiasts, with easy access to a number of surf and dive sites such as the Kandooma channel and caves, as well as an undersea mountain known as Thila.

Brendan Corcoran, general manager of the property, said: 'Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

'With our modern facilities, enhanced service experience and convenient location, the resort is a fantastic island getaway. Guests can participate in various watersports, or simply find respite in the comfort of their villas and blue surroundings.'

The Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, about 700km south-west of Sri Lanka.

opodo.co.uk

Diva Maldives joins conservation project

Initiatives introduced to help fund conservation of unique whale shark habitat

Luxury resort Diva Maldives has become a flagship supporter of the recently designated FenMaaDhiguRan, the Maldives’ first fully regulated, and largest, Marine Protected Area (MPA) – home to a globally significant population of whale sharks, not to mention some of the world’s finest dive sites. The first resort located within the MPA to commit to backing the pioneering conservation project with fundraising initiatives, Diva Maldives has introduced a voluntary gratuity charge scheme enabling guests to actively contribute to the conservation of the whale sharks and their habitat.

A tropical paradise on one of the archipelago’s largest and most beautiful natural islands, with four kilometres of pristine white sand and lush tropical greenery flanked by a crystal clear lagoon, Diva Maldives enhances the picture postcard Maldivian idyll with the elusive luxury of space, and the liberty of choice. The introduction of the voluntary gratuity charge scheme underlines Diva’s commitment to protecting the whale sharks and their habitats, while helping the new MPA to generate improved business, education and employment opportunities for the local community.

Established following successful lobbying by the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme conservation charity, the MPA was officially designated by the Republic of Maldives government in July 2009. The MPA is 42km in length and, through proper regulation and educational community initiatives, will protect important habitats and species in this area from threats including overfishing, unregulated tourism and pollution, and help the local community to protect their natural resources for future generations.

traveldaily.co.uk

Floating Above The City At Holiday Inn Malé

The new Holiday Inn Malé’s rooftop infinity pool blends almost seamlessly with the Indian Ocean beyond the 15-storey hotel, the highest building in the Maldives capital and its first international-class hotel. By day, relax on plush day beds with a refreshing blended beverage under the warm Maldivian sun and savor the enchanting view of the Indian Ocean and beyond while almost floating above the buzzing city below.

By night, enjoy a meal under the stars at Holiday Inn Malé's Azur restaurant and lounge, while background music from the best regional DJs perform on the terrace.

The 117-room hotel provides guests of the rooftop restaurant and bar with a stunning birds-eye view of the city, the harbor and surrounding islands.

Just a short, five-minute speedboat ride from the international airport, the hotel offers world-class meeting and conference facilities, food and beverage outlets, extensive recreation facilities and leading edge communication services. And, located near the harbor front, shops, markets and various places of historical interest like the Old Friday Mosque, Sultan Park and The Presidential Palace are within a short walking distance.

All rooms feature either king-sized or twin beds, and come complimentary with broadband Internet, LCD TVs, minibar, complimentary tea/coffee making facilities and in-room safes. As for dining and entertainment, there is a lobby café, an all day dining restaurant, Azur rooftop restaurant and lounge, next to the infinity pool, offering Japanese-French fusion cuisine and 24-hour in-room dining.

Other special features of the Holiday Inn Malé include a stylish, contemporary ballroom and meeting rooms which can be tailored to suit every special event; the beautifully appointed Coconut Spa, the first branded spa in Malé offering an exclusive range of products; and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

ftnnews.com

Eco-hotels all the rage

If you love living it up on your holiday but have as much passion for the environment, this is for you.

EC3 Global, an independent industry environmental group, recently named the world's top environmentally friendly luxury hotels.

The organisation, which certifies hotels according to their sustainable tourism efforts, handed its inaugural, annual 'Seed Award' to the Banyan Tree's properties in the Maldives, which it said have a comprehensive plan to protect the environment.



"Banyan Tree's four resorts in the Maldives – Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Angsana Ihuru, Angsana Velavaru, and Banyan Tree Madivaru – don't limit sustainability experiences to guest activities, they can be seen in every facet of operations," EC3 Global said in a statement.

Singapore-based Banyan Tree, a developer of luxury hotels, manages or owns 26 hotels and resorts in Asia, most under the Banyan Tree and Angsana brands.

Runner-up for the 2009 award was Dubai's own Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa, which includes a sanctuary for several species of animals and has previously won the World Legacy Award for conservation.

EC3 Global said it had assisted 1,000 hotel operators in more than 60 countries become more environmentally friendly, but added that with tourism being one of the world's largest industries it will take "the commitment of all to help preserve the beauty we travel great distances to enjoy". Emirates Business looks at the world's top eco-hotels.


The winner

Banyan Tree Madivaru, Maldives

Officially inaugurated in 2007, Banyan Tree Madivaru features six tented pool villas, the first such concept in the Maldives, set amid white sandy beaches, a beautiful shallow lagoon and breathtaking house reefs.

Built without removing large trees and with only the exact footprint of each villa cleared, trees were transplanted to different areas of the island. This also cut the light visible from the ocean, helping protect the natural turtle nesting ground.

All boats at this property are equipped with four-stroke engines that are more environmentally friendly than the two-stroke engines. A team of 25 staff ensure everyday activities have the least environmental impact.


The runner-up

Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa, Dubai, UAE

Since its opening 10 years ago, Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa has gone beyond being just the ultimate holiday destination by leading the regions' conservation efforts. From breeding specimens of more than 6,000 indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses to the re-introduction of the regions' first free-roaming herds of endangered Oryx and many other indigenous wildlife species, this get-away is also home to an ever-growing population of small mammal and bird species from Arabia. Sponsored by Emirates airline, and managed by the resort's dedicated team of conservation officers on behalf of Dubai Government, this property nurtures five per cent of Dubai's land area.



Other finalists

Soneva Fushi by Six Senses, Maldives

Soneva Fushi's guiding principle is "sustainability means doing things better – not doing without". The resort believes luxury is compatible with minimal environmental impact and promotes the "slow life" philosophy, by supporting organic industries and initiatives such as the Carbon Offset Programme.


Grand Mayan Riviera Maya, Cancun, Mexico

A private escape into the world of the Mayans, history mixes with the modern at this resort where you can experience world-class spas, dine at gourmet restaurants and step back in time to visit majestic Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza. The Croc Farm within the resort's grounds, gives guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with these fantastic animals.


Playa Viva, State of Guerrero, Mexico

Playa Viva is designed to help the environment by using alternative energy sources and strategies for waste management, as well as integrating the local people, customs, economic strategies, construction methods and materials.

From being picked up from the airport in a low-emission, diesel-fuelled van, to encouraging organic farming within its property, all aspects of this resort's operations have been designed to have the least impact on the environment. A turtle sanctuary, an archaeological site and 1.2kms of beach front is proof this property is committed to preserving the ecosystem.

business24-7.ae

Spa by Mandara is Eco Spa of the Year at the 2009 AsiaSpa Awards

AsiaSpa found that the spa checked all the right boxes with their full commitment towards creating an environmentally sustainable yet luxurious experience.

It is of little surprise that Spa by Mandara at Alila Villas Hadahaa received this award. Alila Villas Hadahaa, which opened this past August, is the first resort in the Maldives to achieve the international Green Globe "Building, Planning and Design Standard" certification. From the planning stage to the operational stage today, the resort has achieved a fine balance between environmentally friendliness and luxury.

AsiaSpa considered the environmental impact, economical and social development as well energy efficiency, conservation, management, use of land and the staff, customers and community involvement, when deciding whom to award the title to.

Alila Villas Hadahaa won AsiaSpa over with its overall design, which reflected Alila's vision of integrating commerce, conservation and community. Appointed architect, Yale-trained and Singapore-based Chan Soo Khian of SCDA Architects, took into consideration the environmental and cultural sensitivity of the site when designing the property. He sought to preserve as many trees as possible on Hadahaa Island, carefully planning his design around the existing vegetation-never otherwise-and this included the site which Spa by Mandara resides. The existing foliage of the island was thus preserved and SCDA Architects reinforced the beauty of the island by using only native flora for landscaping. The great care taken to design and construct the resort also ensured that there is minimal disruption to the corals underwater. Rainwater harvesting and waste treatment plants were further implemented to safeguard the island from pollution when the resort became operational.

Murlidhar Rao, Director of Operations of Alila Hotels and Resorts says, "We are proud of Spa by Mandara and Alila Villas Hadahaa. They deserve the Eco-Spa of the Year 2009 award for incorporating environmental friendliness in the most luxurious and indulgence of treatments."

"We aim to bring a healing sensation of holistic wellness to all guests at Alila Villas Hadahaa, Every experience is centered on bringing mind, body and soul towards a new equilibrium, creating an oasis of indulgence and rejuvenation. Spa by Mandara epitomizes that with their newly created unique treatments and spa products especially for Alila Villas Hadahaa," he added.

Spa by Mandara's spa products are made with natural ingredients and many were indeed exclusively created for Alila Villas Hadahaa including a one of a kind tea blend, the White Hadahaa Tea. It is a white tea blend consisting of coriander, peppermint and ginger, and is served to guests before their treatments for a refreshing and calming effect.

Performed in an eco-setting, Spa by Mandara even takes into consideration the time of the day which will showcase nature at its best. The 80 minute Island Rhythm massage in particular, is the spa's signature treatment that provides a perfect feeling of cocooning and rejuvenation. Inspired by the natural elements on such a pristine island as Hadahaa, it consists of invigorating massage strokes of different depths and speeds connected together in dance-like movements while the guest is being nurtured by a paraffin foot cocoon at the same time.

Alila Villas Hadahaa is about the ultimate Maldivian experience complemented by the tranquility of the unexplored southern Maldives. Guests will feel the very essence of the Maldives from the moment they step onto the island, whether it is in the culinary experiences at Relish and Battuta's, the warmth of the staff, and of course the complete indulgence at Spa by Mandara.

Alila Villas Hadahaa's Spa by Mandara is operated by Mandara Spa, one of the largest and fastest growing luxury hotel and resort spa treatment and management companies in the world.

www.ftnnews.com

Sponsor a Whale Shark this Christmas in Maldives

Stuck for gift ideas this Christmas? The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (maldiveswhalesharkresearch.org) has come up with a new twist on the stocking filler with a whale shark sponsorship scheme. The UK charity has created this new scheme to fund their ongoing research and keep the project alive with help from The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.

The whale shark sponsorships provide a memorable Christmas present and one that will bring great pleasure to those interested in conservation and wildlife, as well as people who are interested in seeing these enormous creatures in their natural habitat. As well as 122 Whale Sharks currently in the database, there are also a small number of whale sharks without names at present, allowing sponsors to give them whatever name they desire!



Sponsors will have exclusive access to information regarding their whale shark including when and where they have been sighted and how much they have grown. A certificate will also be sent upon sponsorship of a whale shark thanking the sponsor for their contribution and explaining where their money will be spent.

The dedicated MWSRP team will be returning to their research site on the South Ari Atoll in the Maldives in December to continue their important research and MPA (Marine Protected Area) development work with stakeholders and the local community.

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will once again provide support by giving the team accommodation on a local island, supplies, as well as diving equipment and the use of their boats. Guests at the resort will also be able to take part in the research by accompanying the team on their excursions to study the whale sharks, taking samples and measurements and assisting the team with their conservation work.

The not for profit organisation has already paved the way in establishing new whale shark guidelines in the country, with the Maldivian government requesting that their direction and hard work establishes community and tourism industry guidelines to protect the vulnerable species.

A 12 month Whale Shark Sponsorship scheme is available for a donation of $200. For more information on the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme – Registered charity number 1130369 – visit the website mwsrp.org/adopt-a-shark/

For more information on the resort visit conradmaldives.com.

easier.com

Tourists complain about high prices in Maldives

Increasingly people have started saying that vacationing in tourists resorts in Maldives is very expensive.

As many travel magazines had written about this, a survey was conducted to find out tourists opinion about this issue. 80% of the participant of this survey declared that prices in Maldives were too high.

The respondents of the survey were tourists who had arrived in Male’ from different resorts in Maldives. In this 7 day survey held, 140 tourists were questioned.

Some tourists suggested that if some resorts in the country are run in a way that prices of its services can no longer be changed, then new resorts should be established which would cater to low end tourism.

“All the tourists who want to come here are not well off. Not all of them need air conditioned room, swimming pool or to eat from a buffet laid with 40 varieties of dishes every single time.” a respondent of the survey commented.
They further said that the islands in Maldives have beautiful beaches, reefs and lagoons and if these islands are developed in a simple way, tourists will arrive in Maldives happily.

“A large part of the money we spend to arrive here is used to buy expensive fruits in the world and this should not be so. We can spend our holidays here eating locally produced foods such as papaya, banana, water melon and mango.” Another respondent commented and further said that this will also benefit local farmers.

The new administration of Maldives had made a reference to introduce mid market tourist resorts in the country but so far, no known effort has been made by the government to realize this vision.

People interested in developing mid market tourism in the country say that they are imposed with obstacles as big giants of high end tourism operating in the country will face losses if mid market tourism comes into reality. But, in a larger economic scenario, this is not in the best interest of the Maldives economy.

miadhu.com.mv

Maldives government to take measures against developers of 64 resorts behind schedule

The Maldives government has decided on measures to be taken on the 64 islands leased for resort development, and which are behind schedule.

The decision was made at the cabinet meeting held on last Tuesday.

The government decided that contracts will be cancelled with the 39 islands out of the 65 where no work has yet begun, through negotiations with the lease holders.

Further, it was decided that to develop these islands, where contracts are canceled, as resorts under joint venture partnerships with the government.

Separate measures will be taken on the 25 islands where work has already begun, based on their proposals to the government.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture will provide the details of these measures.

miadhu.com.mv

Agoda.com and Bangkok Airways make paradise more accessible

Agoda.com, a leading Asian hotel booking site and a part of Priceline.com, today announced a strategic partnership with Bangkok Airways that gives independent travelers more freedom when booking a trip to the Maldives.

Previously, the most affordable way of seeing the Maldives was to book a package holiday, which independent travelers can find too restrictive. This partnership with Bangkok Airways, who flies direct from Bangkok to Malé twice a week, allows individuals more flexibility with flight times and provides a greater choice of hotels. Agoda’s great deals on hotels all over the world – including almost a hundred in the Maldives – means travelers can now tailor their own unique experience of the islands and enjoy the same savings independently as they would by booking a package trip. Not only that, they can earn Agoda rewards points in the process, saving money on future hotel bookings.

Located southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives comprises more than a thousand islets, around two hundred of which are inhabited. Formed from coral atolls that jut from the sea, these islands are fringed with white sand and surrounded by warm equatorial waters teeming with marine life. In other words, the Maldives are an idyllic island destination and, thanks to this partnership, they’re more affordable and accessible than ever.

Michael Kenny, CEO of Agoda, commented, “In line with Agoda’s commitment to offering affordable rates on hotel rooms, this partnership with Bangkok Airways allows our members even greater flexibility and greater savings. People who want to visit exotic places like the Maldives shouldn’t be restricted to package trips, so we’re happy to be giving independent travelers the chance to visit these amazing places according to their individual needs.”

M.L. Nandhika Varavarn, Bangkok Airways’ vice president of Corporate Communications, commented, “We are particularly keen on extending our Boutique Services further to the online market. We believe our partnership with Agoda will give our passengers a truly hassle-free and memorable experience, from booking their ticket online to their first steps into the paradise of the Maldives.”

For a limited time only, Bangkok Airways and Agoda are offering some Extra Special Deals for the Maldives – to book your holiday in paradise, go to:

http://www.bangkokair.com/flights/agoda-mle.php

For more information regarding Agoda Company Pte., Ltd., please go to the website at www.agoda.com or contact the Agoda customer service team via telephone at +66 2 625 9100 or e-mail at info@agoda.com .

Source: eturbonews.com

Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces Recognised yet Again by Leading Hotels of the World for 2009

Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces has been once again recognised for its excellence and service for its properties - Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives and Taj West End Bangalore - at the Leading Hotels of the World Annual Convention held in Venice, Italy in November 2009. The high standards of these hotels and their commitment to excellence has been identified post a rigorous, anonymous inspection covering hundreds of meticulous criteria spanning from product to behavioural standards.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives sets a new benchmark of excellence, winning the eighth annual Commitment to Quality Award in the Asia Pacific region and receiving the Grand Prize Winner award for displaying outstanding levels of quality in all elements of a luxury hotel experience.

The Taj West End, Bangalore has been presented the Fourth Annual Commitment to Excellence Awards, acknowledging hotels whose concept of service and makes an exceptional effort towards community development and extending beyond service, to areas of the environment, community outreach and cultural support.

Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Maldives seamlessly extends the magic of the island's blessed natural beauty in its design even as it offers the finest contemporary luxuries and services. This award winning resort scored an overall average of 95.6%, the highest rating within the Leading Quality Assurance audit. The property has exceeded expectations over and above the 450 + members within the group and was recognised as a Grand Prize Winner. Situated in the middle of one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives is an intimate and romantic island resort lush with tropical plants and encircled with clear blue waters. The resort has implemented a range of initiatives to substantially reduce its carbon foot print and has the distinction of being Maldives first Green Globe Certified resort. Over the last year, the resort has introduced numerous culinary offerings and revitalised accommodation with private pools being added to all of the Deluxe Lagoon Villas. The piece de resistance is the Jiva Grande Spa - a private island sanctuary offering a range of Indian wellness signature treatments and rituals.

Taj West End, Bangalore has welcomed guests for over a century and is more a legend than a hotel. Nestled in the midst of 20 acres of magnificent gardens, it is an experience of luxury in refined style and warm relaxed comfort. Going beyond its purview of hospitality, the hotel has engaged in community development keeping in line with the existing Taj corporate policy. The policy lays emphasis on creating sustainable livelihoods and building community through social outreach programs in Health, Education, Empowerment of Women & Youth, and Employee Volunteering. The main causes include reducing malnutrition, promoting indigenous artisans and craftsmen and increasing employability by sharing of Taj's core competencies. Taj Hotels encourage disability recruitment and empowerment of candidates from vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds. These can be measured in terms of their having more lasting benefits, of building a sustainable environment by reducing the impact of daily operations on the environment, by improving operational efficiencies, resource conservation & usage of renewable resources.

The Taj West End, Bangalore has also received top honors in the prestigious "Conde Nast Readers Travel Awards 2009" by being listed amongst the top 10 overseas Business hotels in World.

etravelblackboardasia.com

The Maldives have just got family friendly

With sands white enough and sea clear enough for a Bounty bar advert, it's easy to see why the Maldives has become one of our favourite holiday destinations.

Yet tiny islands can be a bit claustrophobic after a few days, which is why we chose one of the largest in the Maldives, Didhoonolhu, staying at the new Diva resort.

No chance of cabin fever here. A stroll round the entire island takes a good hour and you can borrow bikes for whizzing about - good for making fast journeys when the sun is beating down.

It's love at first glance as we fly toward Diva in a seaplane. These old Canadian-built planes pick you up from the capital Male and fly low across the lagoons.

Unlike many of the resorts, Diva is as well set up for families as it is for couples in love.

The resort has family villas with a double room and a twin so mum and dad can sleep safe in the knowledge the little'uns are within earshot.

There's a children's club run by qualified staff and a teen club with internet access, games and pool tables. Babysitters are available if the romantic setting inspires a little grownup time.

The resort has six restaurants with food from Japanese to Lebanese, Indian and Italian. There are also six bars on site, so nobody goes thirsty.

The downside to being on an island means everything has to be flown in.

That means that if something runs out, you have to wait for the next delivery to be brought in by seaplane from the mainland.

This meant that a few times we had to re-think our orders (no mint leaves meant mojitos were off the menu one night).

Importing the food and drink also means things can be pricey, but the resort offers a half-board package, allowing you to pick anything on the menu bearing a tick. The luxury package also extends to some of the more extravagant items on the menu - champagne cocktail, anyone?

The accommodation is made up of gorgeous suites and villas on the beach and over the lagoon. We tried a water villa set on stilts with a four-poster bed and all mod cons. The double bathroom leads out to a private deck with an outdoor shower, sun loungers and wooden steps leading straight into the sea - perfect for an early morning swim.

mirror.co.uk

MV Aquamarine sets sail to Maldives on her maiden voyage from Kochi

The international luxury liner MV Aquamarine, which is the first cruise ship to homeport in India, was officially flagged off by the Chairman of Cochin Port Trust, Mr N Ramachandran on its first voyage from Kochi yesterday afternoon.

The international luxury liner MV Aquamarine, which is the first cruise ship to homeport in India, was officially flagged off by the Chairman of Cochin Port Trust, Mr N Ramachandran on its first




voyage from Kochi yesterday afternoon. With 670 passengers and 350 crew on board, the Aquamarine set sail for the Maldives for what is expected to be a thrilling trip that will take in a barbecue by the pool, a party on board and various shore activities and excursions on the island.

Secretary of Kerala Tourism, Dr Venu said that cruise holidays is a new product and another exceptional holiday experience in Kerala that will excite Indian travelers. 'Kerala has been delighting travelers with unique products like houseboats and ayurveda and this latest offering is the ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and action' he added.

The MV Aquamarine is owned by Louis Cruises India, a subsidiary of Louis Cruises - the 5th largest cruise operator in the world.

Kerala Tourism has tied up with the company to market and promote cruise tourism from Kochi.

indiaprwire.com

Seeking "green" luxury? Try the Banyan Tree Maldives

Love living it up on holiday as much as the environment? Now you don't have to sacrifice your green credentials, with an advisory group naming the world's top environmentally friendly luxury hotels.

EC3 Global, an independent industry environmental group that certifies hotels according to their sustainable tourism efforts, handed its inaugural, annual "Seed Award" to the Banyan Tree's properties in the Maldives, which it said have a comprehensive programme to protect the environment.

The island nation off the tip of India, best known for luxury tropical hideaways and unspoiled beaches, is among the most threatened by rising seas, with the United Nations predicting that a rise in sea levels of up to 58 cm (23 inches) could submerge many of its 1,192 islands by 2100.

"With the current focus on climate change, it's fitting that the winner is located in one of the world's most spectacular -- yet vulnerable -- destinations," EC3 Global said in a statement.

"Banyan Tree's four resorts in the Maldives -- Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Angsana Ihuru, Angsana Velavaru, and Banyan Tree Madivaru -- don't limit sustainability experiences to guest activities, they can be seen in every facet of operations."

Singapore-based Banyan Tree (BANY.SI), a developer of luxury hotels, manages or owns 26 hotels and resorts in Asia, most of them under the Banyan Tree and Angsana brand names.

The firm has been expanding aggressively in recent years and is in the process of opening hotels in Bali; Hangzhou, China; Acapulco, Mexico and Ras al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.

Runner-up for the 2009 award was the luxurious Al Maha Desert Resort in Dubai, which includes a sanctuary for several species of animals including the Arabian Oryx, the rare Arabian fox and the tiny desert hare.

It has previously won the World Legacy Award for nature conservation.

EC3 Global said it had already assisted more than 1,000 hotel operators in more than 60 countries become more environmentally friendly, but added that with tourism being one of the world's largest industries it will take "the commitment of all to help preserve the beauty we travel great distances to enjoy".

reuters.com