Diva voted Maldives' Most Romantic Hotel

TripAdvisor reviewers have voted Diva, Naiade’s luxury resort in the Maldives, third in the ‘Romantic Hotels in Asia’ category of the 2010 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. With Indonesian and Thai resorts occupying first and second place, Diva is rated the best resort for romance in the Maldives; a destination renowned for its serenity and beauty and beloved of honeymooners.
Described as 'heavenly', 'a paradise', 'the trip of a lifetime' and 'a true treat', Diva received rave reviews from those sharing their travel experiences on TripAdvisor. With its unique design, seven sublime restaurants and bars, five exclusive room categories, and the Infinity Spa offering sensual treatments on land and over water, Diva embodies a new definition of unparalleled comfort and luxury.
Now in its eighth year, the annual TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards honour the world’s best hotels, as chosen by those who know them best: the travellers themselves. Unlike any other hotel awards programmes in the world, the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards are based on the millions of real, unbiased reviews and opinions on tripadvisor.com and content from across the web.
Johnny Mathis, general manager of Diva, commented on the prestigious recognition, “It is a fine achievement for the entire team after only one year in operation. This is indeed good news and will further boost our position as a prime destination for romance and honeymoons.”
“Inspired by the millions of trusted traveller reviews and opinions on TripAdvisor.com, the Travellers’ Choice Awards have once again highlighted the finest hotels in the world,” said Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “From remarkable bargains to the trendiest hotels, travellers worldwide are recognising more than 700 hotels for their outstanding service, value and quality.”
The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award is the third international award for Diva, since opening in 2008. It follows Diva being named the best hotel in the Indian Ocean in Conde Nast Traveller’s Hot List 2009; and ‘Hideaway of the Year Award 2008’ by prestigious German magazine, Hideaway.

www.traveldailynews.com

Holiday for life in the Maldives

THIS is literally the holiday of a lifetime. One of the world's top luxury resorts, Coco Palm Bodu Hithi in the Maldives, is giving away a two-week holiday "for life".
The winner of its global online competition gets two weeks for two at the resort every year until he or she turns 65.
Located on its own island, a 40-minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport, Coco Palm Bodu Hithi was named the leading luxury hotel in the World Luxury Hotel Awards last year.
Each of its 100 villas, on land or over water, has its own pool and the resort has a gym, spa, six dining options and a bar for sunset drinks. The prize also includes two meals a day.
It doesn't include air fares to the Maldives. The holiday can be taken at any time, subject to availability. The resort's entry-level island villas cost $US14,000 ($15,409) for two weeks — and that is just for bed and breakfast. The most expensive accommodation is the escape water residence, which is $US36,148 for a fortnight. The competition closes on February 12.

www.smh.com.au

Maldives participates at MATKA 2010 fair

Maldives Tourism Promotion Board together with tourism industry participated at the MATKA fair which was held in Helsinki, Finland from 21 – 24 January 2010.

This years Nordic Travel Fair MATKA along with the Caravan Fair gathered all together 81,537 visitors at the Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre, of which 17,868 were travel trade professionals. Compared to the 2009 figures the amount of travel trade professionals rose by 700 visitors this year. The fair had all together 1233 exhibitors from 73 countries. The fair covered 5 halls and 14,296 square metres of the Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre.

According to the survey conducted by the organiser the visitors of MATKA are eager travellers. The survey shows that 91% of the visitors intend to travel this year as much as before or even more, so the recession is apparently not influencing the travel enthusiasm of the Finnish people.

This year at the Maldives stand, the main focus was to promote the Maldives for the “New7Wonders of Nature”. Arrangement was made for the visitors to vote at the Maldives stand and approximately about 100 visitors voted per day. Also, a lucky draw was held in order to attract more visitors to the stand. The prizes were provided by Carpe Diem Maldives and Conrad Maldives at Rangali Island. Last year Maldives welcomed a total of 655,852 visitors of which 8,095 visitors are from Scandinavian countries with a market share of 1.2%.

Centara Maldives offers island hopping for incentive tours

Incentives group planners looking for a tranquil place to organise an event will find nowhere more secluded than a deserted tropical island.

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is offering the choice amongst its selection of island options, taking guests by speedboat to a nearby uninhabited island where a marquee, tables and chairs, and any other requested facilities including audio-visual equipment will be waiting for them.

They will spend the day on the white sandy private beach enjoying the sea, the sun, the traditional Bodu Beru band and the magnificent lunch prepared on the island by the resort's chef, which will include a BBQ with fresh fish, lobster and steak.

The resort's staff will take care of the set-up and service and the only thing that guests have to do is relax and enjoy themselves.

Amongst the other island attractions offered to incentives groups are half-day and full-day island excursions, using the resort's own boat to cruise out to the nearby island of Dhangheti, where there is a Maldivian cultural centre and plenty of opportunities to shop for local handicrafts and produce. Lunch is served on the boat while cruising.

Also available is night fishing, with plenty of drinks and snacks being served while the lines and nets are being cast, and the catch being prepared in the resort restaurant when the boat returns.

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is located at the South Ari Atoll in the Republic of Maldives.

Designed in a colonial style, with whitewashed timber accommodation and meandering boardwalks, this premier-level resort is the first overseas property of Thailand's leading hotel owner and operator, Centara Hotels & Resorts.

The choice of beachfront and over-water accommodation is divided into seven categories that range from 76 to 146 square metres in size.

The resort features a variety of dining options, pools, recreation activities, sports and fitness facilities, a bar and lounge with nightly entertainment, and its own spa village.

Private dinners can be arranged on the resort's beach, and team-building competitions such as volleyball, soccer and tennis can be staged within the resort.

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 shipwreck.

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is easily accessible from Male International Airport with an air transfer time of just 25 minutes or speedboat services in 85 minutes.

www.ftnnews.com

Privatisation of Maldives Airport Company reaches key RFP stage

The Maldives government is preparing to issue a Request for Proposals for a controlling stake in Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL), which manages Malé International Airport.

In October the government launched the process to sell a majority stake in the airport company, to fund the expansion and development of Malé International. MACL will also be restructured so that the privatised company is not responsible for air traffic and security services, as it is currently.


The government has employed the services of the International Finance Corporation, which advises on infrastructure projects, to help it find an investor.

To date, the government has progressed through Expressions of Interest and Request for Qualifications stages, with the formal RFP to short-listed companies to follow.

Turkey’s leading airports group TAV Airports Holding has said it will take part in the RFP, having been among those pre-qualified by the government.

In announcing the project, the government said: “The Maldives economy is highly tourism dependent; the industry accounts for 28% of GDP and 60% of foreign exchange earnings. Furthermore, over 90% of government tax revenues are derived from import duties and tourism-related taxes. In this context, a fully functioning, world-class international airport gains greater salience as the first access point for tourism.”

www.moodiereport.com

Maldives - Two proposals for the development Hanimaadhoo Airport presented to the President

Two proposals for the development of Hanimaadhoo Airport were presented to President Mohamed Nasheed today.

At two separate meetings held at the President’s Office this afternoon, two leading architects from Norway and Hong Kong presented their respective proposals and conceptual designs to the President.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the government of the Maldives and GMR Infrastructure Global Development Limited of India on 5 November 2009 to develop a trendsetting international airport in Hanimaadhoo.



The conceptual designs proposed under the aegis of the MoU are designed to preserve and enhance the natural beauty and the landscape of the island.

During the meeting, the two architects answered the questions from the government officials on the economic and structural feasibility of the projects.

Government has today decided to conduct further technical analysis of these projects proposed by GMR.

www.isria.com

Jumeirah Maldives opening in early 2011

The first property of Jumeirah in the Maldives to be managed by the Dubai-based management company, the Jumeirah Maldives is a re-development of Bolufushi Island on Kaafu Atoll. The resort integrates Jumeirah's distinctive world-class luxury into the Maldives' pristine natural environment. Built around the principles of sustainable development, all guest villas overlook a turquoise lagoon and are fashioned in a contemporary style.Expected opening date: Early 2011.


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See also: Jumeirah expands in Maldives with offering of luxury resort

Centara Maldives offers guests a Robinson Crusoe experience

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to emulate Daniel Defoe's fictional hero, Robinson Crusoe, and be left alone on a tropical island with only the sound of the breeze rustling the coconut palms, and the waves breaking over the reef for company?

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is giving its guests exactly that opportunity, although the experience is not as austere as it sounds.

Under the Robinson Crusoe Excursion, which is priced at USD325 per person, guests at the resort are taken after breakfast by speedboat to a nearby uninhabited island, and left there alone on the beach.

They are then free to wander the island, exploring the interior and swimming in the clear blue waters of the lagoon.

The castaways, unlike their considerably less fortunate predecessor, do not have to forage for their own food. Left on the beach with them is a magnificent cold lunch that has been prepared by the resort's chefs and which includes steamed lobster, roast beef tenderloin, a selection of salads, fresh fruit, dessert and cheese. A bottle of cold champagne is thoughtfully included to banish any feelings of melancholy.

There is something else that the Centara Crusoes have that poor Robinson would have found more useful than Man Friday, and that is a mobile phone. When they are ready to be picked up, they call the resort and the speedboat will return.

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is located at the South Ari Atoll in the Republic of Maldives.

Designed in a colonial style, with whitewashed timber accommodation and meandering boardwalks, this premier-level resort is the first overseas property of Thailand's leading hotel owner and operator, Centara Hotels & Resorts.

With its choice of luxurious beachfront and over-water accommodations, and with suites and villas available, the resort is an ideal venue for honeymooners and couples seeking a romantic break, and the Robinson Crusoe Excursion provides for the ultimate in luxury solitude.

The resort features a variety of dining options on an all inclusive basis, pools, recreation activities, sports and fitness facilities, a bar and lounge with nightly entertainment, and its own spa village.

Some of the world's best snorkeling and diving sites are within easy reach and there is a house reef complete with a dedicated sunken shipwreck.

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is easily accessible from Male International Airport with an air transfer time of just 25 minutes or speedboat services in 85 minutes.

www.etravelblackboard.com

New-Look Ocean Villas Opening in Beach House Maldives

As part of preparations for the opening of the first Waldorf Astoria Collection property in Asia Pacific on 1 March, Beach House Maldives has unveiled its new look Ocean Villas available for stays from early March.

The 17 Ocean Villas have been fully renovated to provide stunning over-water accommodation which retains the charm and tradition indigenous to the islands whilst offering modern, chic design features.

Stretching out onto the lagoon, the 110 square metre Villas have been enhanced to offer stylish and contemporary indoor-outdoor living. New wooden furniture on the private sundeck as well as a hammock and traditional Maldivian swing from which to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean make the outdoor living space a key feature of the Villa, with steps directly into the ocean for a secluded swim.

A new bed, inspired by local furniture styles has been especially designed for the resort with an entirely new luxury bedscape. Light colours, drapery, automatic Roman blinds, including a state of the art touch screen remote control, 42 inch LCD TV and Blu Ray Players are part of the room experience, while the partially open air bathroom with i–spa bathtub, has been enhanced with specially designed lighting and fittings.

Completely private, each stand-alone Villa provides an exclusive escape for guests and glass panelled floors allow quiet observation of the marine life throughout the day or in the evening moonlight.
The private island resort features 83 beautifully designed contemporary thatched villas including Beach Villas, Suites, Water Villas, Ocean Villas, one Grand Water Pavilion and a Grand Beach Pavilion. Each comes complete with a private pool and a butler to attend to every need.

The Villa upgrades are part of the ongoing re-branding project in line with the Waldorf Astoria Collection philosophy to bring luxurious, authentic experiences to its guests. Other highlights will include new F&B concepts across all restaurants including a new Maldivian Art Gallery and Café launched this month; an enhanced excursion and activity programme and a new Spa programme featuring Aromatherapy Associates, Ayurvedic and traditional Maldivian treatments, as well as the addition of direct seaplane transfers to the resort from Male International Airport.

www.breakingtravelnews.com

Huvafen Fushi Offers The Most Desirable Valentines Destination

In the season of love, Huvafen Fushi turns into an enticing lovers’ paradise as the most exclusive retreat in the Maldives offers a tempting Valentine’s treat for couples for the whole month of February.

From February 1st to 28th, the chic island retreat becomes the definitive destination for an intimate and seductive romantic getaway, made even more exciting by a Grecian mythology-inspired theme. The unrivalled offer includes a seven-night stay at the retreat’s famed beach bungalows, a couples’ treatment at LIME the world’s first underwater spa, and a romantic sandbank lunch on a secluded island all for a package price starting at US$12,108.

Romance is definitely in the air throughout the award-winning retreat, and couples coming in for their special Valentine’s package will feel the passionate vibe irresistible. Intimacy is guaranteed in the private and elegant beach bungalows, furnished with the latest and most luxurious amenities, including a private plunge pool that comes with a picture-perfect view of the Indian Ocean. At the poolside, the large lagoon-like infinity-edged pool bleeds into the watery horizon of the sea and is surrounded by four-poster day beds; by night, it's romantically lit with fibre-optic lights and reflects the inky sky.

The sandbank lunch treat allows couples to have a playful adventure on a secluded spot, where they can relive the thrills of courtship and take inspiration from the persuasive powers of Peitho, the mythological Greek goddess of persuasion and love.

When done, they are just a phone call away from a crew in-waiting ready to take them onto their next dreamy interlude – a couples’ treatment at the underwater spa for a relaxing and rejuvenating sensual experience.

The package comes with a special bonus treat – a complimentary 15 minutes extra on all other spa treatments in an iconic spa facility whose interiors are influenced by the colours and textures of the sea. Lasting rejuvenation through massage, body exotics, facial treatments, yoga, fitness programmes, spa cuisine and personalised programmes guarantee a complete wellness experience.

www.albawaba.com

Celebrity chef in the Maldives

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and Beach House Maldives, which will join the Waldorf Astoria Collection on 1 March, will offer guests the chance to learn gourmet secrets from Sarah Wiener, an Austrian celebrity chef visiting the Maldives between 24th February and 12th March 2010. Sarah Wiener is a high profile author, businesswoman and TV Chef based in Germany with shows including ‘The Culinary Adventures of Sarah Wiener’, combining her passion for travel and cooking. As well as operating four restaurants; a bistro at the Academy of Arts, restaurant at the ‘Hamburger Bahnhof’, ‘Das Kaffehaus’ at the Museum of Communication and ‘SpeiseZimmer’, Sarah also runs the ‘Sarah Wiener Foundation’ promoting healthy eating for children.



The first event will take place at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island on 24th of February where guests can join Sarah for a food and wine experience in the renowned under-ground Wine Cellar, followed by a similar event in Ithaa, the world’s first all-glass under-sea restaurant on 26th February. Sarah’s residency at Beach House Maldives, The Waldorf Astoria Collection will run from 8th March to 12th March, with dinner events at Medium Rare restaurant on 8th and 11th March, a dinner in The Cellar on Wednesday 10th March and food and Austrian wine pairing at the Herb Garden, home to the Chef’s plentiful herb supplies on 12th March.

The food and wine experiences cost from US$120 per person at Beach House Maldives, The Waldorf Astoria Collection for a four-course dinner at Medium Rare (not including wines) and from US$350 per person at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island based on a Wine Cellar dinner including food and wine (rates subject to 10% service charge). For further information on the resorts and bookings visit www.conradmaldives.com or www.beachhousecollection.com.For further information on Sarah Wiener visit www.sarahwiener.de

Korean Air to Fly to Maldives

Korean Air said Wednesday that it will provide charter flight services from Incheon International Airport to the Maldives, one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the Indian Ocean for Koreans.

The charter flights will be offered four times a week from April 25 to June 4, the airline said in a statement.

Formerly, Koreans travelling to the island had to change flights in Singapore and the total travel time was around 15 hours. The new direct service from Korea's largest airline will reduce travel time to around 9 hours, the airline said.



Korean Air plans to introduce regular flight services to the Maldives if demand for the flights to the island increases.

Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa launches new spa menu

New Spa Menu combines modern techniques with ancient traditions

The chance to detox, improve sleeping patterns, banish cellulite or feel the benefits of a natural ‘botox’ treatment are all part and parcel of the Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa’s newly launched spa menu.

The largest spa in the Maldives provides guests with a wealth of options to suit every goal, offering a range of facial, body and massage therapies, as well as beauty treatments, signature rituals and specialist honeymoon and men’s treatments based on the philosophy of ‘organic earth and vibrant sea’. A combination of Thalgo products, which draw upon the richness of the marine universe, as well as traditional Ayurvedic therapies overseen by the resident Ayurvedic Doctor provide both the benefits of modern technology with age-old healing traditions.

For a January detox, highlights include the Rasayana Arogya four-day Rejuvenation and Detox package, based on the yearly treatments taken by the kings and queens of ancient India. Designed to nourish cells and tissues, improve immunity, detoxify and support the harmony of body, mind and soul, the ritual incorporates a consultation with the Ayurvedic Doctor, an Abhyangam Massage, a Njavara Kizhi treatment using warmed rice poultices to balance individual Doshas, or Ksheera Sekam, a rejuvenating treatment using warmed medicated milkpoured onto the body.

This is followed by Shirodhara an invigorating body massage whereby warm oil is poured onto the forehead or ‘third eye’, or Ksheera Dhara, a similar full body massage treatment enhanced with the pouring of medicated milk over the third eye. The treatment concludes with Udwarthanam a detoxifying and exfoliating herbal massage and Steam Bath.
For an alternative approach to the detox process, the Pure Collagen by Thalgo treatment is designed to provide intensive hydration for sun-damaged skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles using pure native collagen extract.

The spa features 20 individual spa pavilions, including 5 dedicated Ayurvedic suites, hydrotherapy, plunge pools, sauna and steam, and a dedicated relaxation area overlooking the tranquil spa gardens. Yoga and Meditation are also available for individual and group tuition.

breakingtravelnews.com

Wedded bliss in the Maldives

Whether it’s a wedding ceremony at sunset or on a private sandbank, Sun Hotels & Resorts offer an unparalleled romantic island experience that will ensure the big day is both stress free and unforgettable.

From the traditional drummers escorting the bride down the sandy aisle and a tree planting ceremony to commemorate the wedding to a romantic dhoni sail afterwards and optional Maldivian traditional dress, Sun Hotels & Resorts can offer a number of personal touches which will make the occasion truly remarkable.



The wedding packages also include the full attention of a co-ordinator, the Gazee (master of ceremonies) and wedding certificate as well as a tropically decorated wedding parasol at chosen venue, cake, celebratory champagne, romantic candlelit dinner, photography and photo CD, in-villa breakfast the following morning and even a couples massage. The only decision to make is which resort to choose?

Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort (South Nilandhe Atoll) - The first glimpses of Vilu Reef taken from the seaplane shows off an island surrounded by lush vegetation, swaying coconut palms and pristine white sandy beaches. This authentic Maldivian resort offers a Sunset Wedding package which takes place under a traditional Maldivian wedding parasol. The bride-to-be will take part in a local Maldivian custom and get carried to and from the venue on a cradle escorted by a Boduberu troop

Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort (South Malé Atoll) - A beautiful island retreat with stunning beaches, abundant sandbanks and a spa, it’s a haven for those searching for privacy and passion. Olhuveli offers a Sunset Wedding under the resort’s decorated wedding parasol or for the ultimate tropical island ceremony, there’s a Private Sandbank Wedding option where the couple will be transported to a deserted island to take their vows

Sun Hotels & Resorts also offer the perfect setting to say ‘I do’ all over again with a Renewal of Vows package which allows couples to reaffirm commitment for each other on the sandy shore of the Maldives in a ceremony to preserve their love, romance and passion for a lifetime!

Tropical Sky (tropicalsky.co.uk) is offering seven nights at Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort in the Maldives inclusive of the wedding package from £3,698 per couple. Valid for selected dates in September 2010, the price includes accommodation on a half-board basis, return flights from London Gatwick, transfers and taxes.

Tropical Sky (tropicalsky.co.uk) is offering seven nights at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort in the Maldives inclusive of the wedding package from £3,874 per couple. Valid for selected dates in September 2010, the price includes accommodation on a half-board basis, return flights from London Gatwick, transfers and taxes.

* Resort weddings in the Maldives are purely ceremonial and not legally recognised.

www.easier.com

New Spa Concept For First Waldorf Astoria Collection Propert in Asia Pacific

Beach House Maldives, which will join the Waldorf Astoria Collection on 1 March 2010 following its re-branding from The Beach House at Manafaru, will launch a new spa programme in 2010 offering guests three distinct sensory experiences using Aromatherapy; Ayurveda and traditional Maldivian philosophies.

The new spa concept is designed to offer guests relaxing and pampering treatments befitting the luxurious island resort with a spiritual edge that reflects the local healing culture.

In conjunction with UK based Aromatherapy Associates; the Spa will launch a range of exclusive massage, body and facial treatments harnessing the qualities of 100% natural essential oils. With 12 signature oils each offering powerful therapeutic benefits for the body and mind, each guest will enjoy an individual consultation to ascertain the most suitable approach based on their emotional and physical needs.

The signature ‘Great Escape’ 90 minute aromatherapy discovery package combines an intense massage ritual drawn from a fusion of Eastern and Western philosophies, using Swedish and neuromuscular techniques to relieve muscular tension together with lymphatic drainage to encourage healthy circulation. Other highlights will include the ‘Body Clock’ an invigorating 90 minute jet lag treatment and a ‘Zesty Detox’ 60 minute anti-cellulite treatment.

For those seeking a more spiritual spa experience, the healing practices of Ayurveda using medicinal blending oils and herbs from India will also be available, with specialist consultations from the Ayurvedic doctor guiding guests towards the most suitable experience. Sirodhara, an invigorating full body massage using warm herbal oil together with a stream of enriched oil continuously poured on the forehead or ‘third eye’ is highly effective in providing a balancing effect on the deepest recesses of the brain. For an exfoliating treatment, Udavarthanam uses a special herbal powder to break up excess deposits and rid the body of cellulite, followed by a traditional steam bath with ayurvedic herbs to nourish and detoxify the body.

In line with the Waldorf Astoria Collection philosophy to create unique luxurious and authentic experiences for its guests; a range of traditional Maldivian remedies using natural ingredients from the island’s trees and plants will also be offered. The properties of fresh coconut, banana and tropical fruits will be complemented by signature potions from local healer, Dr Hassan Qasim.

Located at the heart of the island, the 800m2 Spa is a calming space for meditation built in tune with the natural vegetation; providing mind and body pavilions for relaxation and Yoga practice and ten private spa pavilions with outdoor bathroom and private courtyard including two Ayurvedic Suites.

The labyrinth design is an integral part of many religious cultures and an ancient meditation tool for achieving a contemplative state. The tropical maze offers time for guests to clear the mind before embarking on their chosen treatment, enhanced by a Breathing Ceremony led by the therapist before and after each treatment.

Separate hydrotherapy areas for men and women provide aroma steam rooms, saunas, Jacuzzis and chilled pools, whilst a relaxation lounge and Apothecary offer space for consultations.

www.breakingtravelnews.com

High tea in the Maldives

Beach House Maldives, which will join the Waldorf Astoria Collection on 1 March 2010, has launched a new Art Gallery offering guests the opportunity to sample a unique take on the traditional afternoon tea.

Local Maldivian ingredients are used to create a range of delicacies resembling English favourites but with a distinctly tropical twist, from Breadfruit Cake to a Maldivian Pine Nut and Coconut Scone.

Reflecting the historic tradition of Bileh Meeru Kurun or High Tea served to Maldivian Kings of old, the menu also echoes the current day practice on local islands.

A selection of hot teas and local juices are served to complement the menu with each drink enriched with holistic properties. From Gandhakoalhi Oshu Fani, a basil seed juice designed to enlight the senses, to Kulhifenu Sai, a spiced tea renowned for its healing and rejuvenating power; the ingredients are largely sourced from the island and offer a distinctly Maldivian flavour.

The Art Gallery is also home to local visiting artists who will be showcasing their work and offering demonstrations to guests. A local painter is currently in residence with visits from local Silversmith and Craftsmen scheduled for 2010.

The Art Gallery is part of an ongoing re-branding project which will see the resort become the first Waldorf Astoria Collection property in Asia Pacific from 1 March 2010 with a philosophy to bring luxurious, authentic experiences to its guests.

Highlights will include new F&B concepts across all restaurants; upgraded Villa interiors; an enhanced excursion and activity programme and a new Spa programme as well as the addition of direct seaplane transfers to the resort from Male International Airport.