Arena Beach Maldives is located in Maafushi island in South Malé Atoll (Kaafu Atoll) Maldives. Arena Beach is conveniently situated right across the beachfront giving guests a spectacular view of the northern seashore and blue lagoons of the island.
Arena Beach Maldives offers deluxe and superior room standards. All rooms are equipped with 24-hour complimentary tea/coffee and water, in-room safe, mini bar and wireless broadband internet. The hotel also provides laundry service.
Arena Beach Maldives also provides a wide variety of daily excursions and day trips.These excursions include scuba diving, snorkelling, night fishing, sand bank picnics, dolphin cruise, manta watching, whale shark watching, picnic island trips and day trips to resorts.
Hotel Jen Malé, Maldives will host the finale of the Spice Route Challenge 2015; a cooking competition of Indian Cuisine by Non-Indians at Azur Restaurant at the rooftop. The finalists who excelled at the semifinal round on 29 August 2015 are four aspiring Maldivians; Miss Aminath Abdul Rasheed, Miss Aminath Maeysha, Miss Aishath Shifa and Mr. Mohamad Ashrag.
Hotel Jen General Manager, Ms Vathsala said “the finalists spend the last week at Hotel Jen familiarizing and working with their respective appointed buddy-chef of the hotel. They worked along and featured their dishes daily in the recently held one-week long BollyFOOD festival at Lime which showcased cuisines of various regions of India.” And for their efforts, Hotel Jen will honor the Most Popular People’s Chef Title. This title is the choice of the people, our BollyFOOD daily diners at Lime, who cast their votes for their most favorite dish and chef-finalist.
Hotel Jen General Manager, Ms Vathsala said “the finalists spend the last week at Hotel Jen familiarizing and working with their respective appointed buddy-chef of the hotel. They worked along and featured their dishes daily in the recently held one-week long BollyFOOD festival at Lime which showcased cuisines of various regions of India.” And for their efforts, Hotel Jen will honor the Most Popular People’s Chef Title. This title is the choice of the people, our BollyFOOD daily diners at Lime, who cast their votes for their most favorite dish and chef-finalist.
The finale today happening on the highest dining peak in the Maldives, at Hotel Jen’s Azur Restaurant will starts from 4.30pm with arrival of guests and competition proper from 5.00pm to 6.00pm. Judging and Prize Ceremony will take place between 6.15pm to 7.00pm at Lime Restaurant followed by celebratory refreshment.
The Spice Route Challenge is part of a bigger program called “The Taste of India” which is a month long festival organized by the High Commission of India in Maldives in conjunction to Golden Jubilee Friendship Celebration between Maldives and India; with collaboration with Hotel Jen Malé, Maldives for second year running and new partner, the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies of Maldives National University. This festival comprises of a series of activities from August 2015 including Spice Route Challenge, Kitchen Khiladi, Cultural Events and the BollyFOOD festival hosted by Hotel Jen from 7th to 11th September 2015.
Ms Vathsala concluded saying her special thanks and appreciation to the partners High Commission of India and the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies and also the sponsors including Ooredoo, State Bank of India, NBCC, Salsa Royal, Residency Resorts, Taj Exotica, Maldivian, Mohan Mutha, Agora, Coco Cola, Nisran Pvt Ltd, TVM and Maldives Gas who kindly provided the gas cylinders for the finale and the priceless efforts of all local media throughout this month long festival.
Local artists and some of the organizers are already in South Ari Atoll for the event.
7 local islands will be participating in this event which will see a special performance by famous singer Unoosha. She will be performing as part of the event’s finale to help raise awareness on the conservation of whale sharks in the area. This year, MWSF has been scheduled to coincide with International Whale Shark Day.
Unlike previous years, a science fest will be held prior to the event.
ScienceFEST will take place on the afternoon and evening of Friday 28th August on the island of Dhigurah, which was the first island to host MWSF. So, in addition to celebrating what is unique about the Marine Protected Area of the South Ari Atoll we will be supporting the sharing of vital resources and knowledge between Conservationists, Marine Biologists and Educators in the Maldives.
Maldives.com is proud to be the online partner of this very important event which has been playing a important role in bringing communities together to celebrate marine diversity and natural beauty of South Ari Atoll and the Maldives.
About Maldives Whale Shark Festival
Initiated in 2013 by Maldives Whale Shark Research Program (MWSRP), with the support of UK based artist Chloe Osborne and in partnership with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Festival is designed to provide the island communities of South Ari Atoll with the opportunity to celebrate the whale shark and the marine diversity of their atoll whilst fostering environmental sustainability and conservation at a grass roots level. Seeding the idea of an international collaboration between marine biologists and artists as well as by promoting the use of community art as a key tool for social and environmental education and engagement, the project seeks to boost local and national awareness and tourism to support future generations.
The MWSF is a collaboration between marine biologists, conservationists, artists, schools and island communities and aims to:
Celebrate the marine diversity of South Ari Atoll and its marine protected area (SAMPA)
Promote environmental awareness and conservation
Bring communities together through creative workshops
Support and showcase Maldivian culture through storytelling and craftsmanship
Contribute to the national cultural calendar
Invest in eco-tourism and support civic participation
Catalyze knowledge transfer between scientific researchers, island councils, educators, artists, students and community members to safeguard the future of the whale shark and it’s natural habitat
1030 Whale Shark Quiz
1130 Break for prayer, and lunch at school
1245 Island groups prepare for the parade
1315 Presentations on stage
1400 Start of procession
1515 Break for prayer, and afternoon tea at school
He competes against 450 chefs from across the Maldives to scoop top accolades in multiple categories
Chef Sobah, Soneva Fushi’s Chef de Cuisine at Mihiree Mithaa restaurant, has taken top honours at an International Culinary Event by winning the ‘Best Chef in the Maldives’ Award.
The talented Chef also scooped numerous other awards at the event, including the Best Chef in the Maldives (Maldivian category); Best Chef (International category); Hot cooking Lamb Gold Medal; Hot Cooking Beef Gold Medal; and Hot Cooking Seafood Bronze Medal; among others. The annual Food & Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) – International Culinary Challenge & Exhibition was held in August 2015 and attracted more than 450 Chefs from across the Maldives.
Chef Sobah, who has worked at Soneva Fushi since 2011, currently cooks at Mihiree Mithaa, Soneva Fushi’s open air beachfront restaurant that offers guests a wide selection of buffet dining options. Soon, Chef Sobah will head the new dining outlet at Soneva Fushi, aptly named ‘Sobah’s’; a fine-dining Maldivian restaurant set to open in the next few months.
Chef Sobah with Laurie Burr, Soneva Fushi’s GM
Built on the uninhabited island of Mendhoo, just 15 minutes by boat from Soneva Fushi, Sobah’s will serve traditional Maldivian cuisine with modern twists using traditional cooking methods. Sobah’s beach restaurant will seat 18 for dinner and will be open six days per week, subject to a minimum number of eight diners and weather conditions.
Chef Sobah learnt to cook at the Faculty of Hospitality in the Maldives. He specializes in preparing Maldivian, Sri Lankan, Vietnamese and Thai food using skills he learnt while living and working in those countries. He is famed for his Maldivian cuisine, which uses healthy, natural and fresh ingredients to produce clean flavours.
Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination with 57 spacious, multi-bedroom luxury beachfront villas that are hidden among dense foliage for ultimate privacy. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday personal butlers who know what you want before you want it. For more information about Soneva visit www.soneva.com
Christie’s International Real Estate, the company formed in 1995 by one of the world’s oldest art auction house Christie’s, has joined hands with Dutch Docklands of the Netherlands to develop luxury floating private islands in the Maldives.
Amillarah Private Islands photo by Dutch Docklands Maldives
The ‘Amillarah Private Islands’, by Dutch Docklands and New York based Christie’s International Real Estate, are unique tailor-made floating residences designed by famed Dutch architect Koen Olthuis, who was named one of the most influential people by Time Magazine.
Amillarah Private Islands
Amillarah in Dhivehi, the language of the Maldives means “own island” and are completely self-sustainable floating islands. The famed oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society is engaged with the project to ensure the homes are free from environmental impact, safe from rising sea levels, and to create a new underwater habitat for sea life. The project is to feature 10 exclusive villas on portable islands, complete with a private beach, a pool and a jetty to moor yachts.
Amillarah Private Islands
Dutch Docklands, that gained global media attention in 2011 for plans to build an 18-hole floating golf-course in the Maldives, was awarded five lagoons in Kaafu Atoll, all within 25 minutes of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (Malé airport) as part of a joint venture with the Maldivian government in 2011. The five-lagoon plan also includes 185 overwater luxury villas and a convention center.
A Dutch Docklands’ official said the designs for the floating islands are yet to be approved by the tourism ministry. However, the company hopes to begin construction by the end of the year.
Amillarah Private Islands
The luxury islands will be leased said the official. The Maldivian constitution was recently amended to allow foreigners to own land for the first time, but a US$1billion investment is required.
Dutch Docklands has previously said the five-lagoon project will cost US$500million. The Maldivian government holds five percent in the joint venture.
Dan Conn, the CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate said: “Buyers are able to customize the size, shape and style of their residence, within the broadest range of locations, beginning with this first opportunity in the Maldives.”
Amillarah Private Islands
“Each of these homes is an eco-friendly work of art that can be lived in, allowing consumers to not only create, but enjoy whatever kind of paradise they desire,” added Rick Moeser, Senior Vice President, Christie’s International Real Estate.
“We have not only created a new luxury global brand with ‘Amillarah Private Islands’ but also a new industry of private island development to cater to our most discerning clients,” said Paul van de Camp, CEO of Dutch Docklands, according to a press release.
Amillarah Private Islands
Dutch Docklands said the project will be the biggest floating development in the world “diversifying Maldivian fame and turning rising seas into prime real estate.”
Amillarah Private Islands
The five lagoons consist of 800 hectares of water. The environmental impact assessments for Dutch Docklands’ first project, the Ocean Flower, is complete and villas will be done within one and a half years. They cost upwards of US$1.5million.
Amillarah Private Islands
Amillarah properties will be launched in Dubai and Miami next, Christie’s has said.
The government of Maldives has terminated the development of the boutique surf resort —The Patina Thanburudhoo in Kaafu Atoll, home to world-class surf spots; Sultans and Honkeys.
The Tourism Ministry cited slow development in canceling the contract with Singapore-based Telos Investment. “This will allow local surfers, surfers from around the world and organizers of surf competition to use the island in the best possible way,” noted the Ministry of Tourism, and pledged to keep the island open to the public as a “surf heritage site.”
The Maldives Surfing Association (MSA) fought the decision to build a boutique surf resort in Thanburudhoo Island. Local surfers stood up against surf exclusivity, warning that developing a surf resort on the island will halve the number of breaks open to local surfers and particularly impact safari operators due to the limited access. The Maldives government is planning the construction of a bridge in Malé’s Raalhugandu, and the MSA has no doubt it will destroy the atoll’s best surf breaks where 90 percent of Maldivian surfers ride their share of waves.
Thanburudhoo island, which is 30 minutes away from the capital, is owned by the Maldives National Defence Force’s (MNDF) Welfare Company. It was leased to Telos in August 2012. Local surfers have welcomed “the end of surf exclusivity.”
Maamigili, the largest island in South Ari Atoll, is gearing up to host the 3rd annual Maldives Whale Shark Festival (MWSF).
With less than 10 days for the festival, which will take place on the 29th of this month, local artists and some of the organizers are already in South Ari Atoll prepping for the event.
Mahibadhoo Bodu Beru Performances as part of MWSFEST14
7 local islands will be participating in this year’s event which will see a special performance by famous singer Unoosha. She will be performing as part of the event’s finale to help raise awareness on the conservation of whale sharks in the area. This year, MWSF has been scheduled to coincide with International Whale Shark Day.
Dhigurah with their award winning Festival Mascot for MWSFEST14
Unlike previous years, a science fest will be held prior to the event. ScienceFEST will take place on the afternoon and evening of Friday 28th August on the island of Dhigurah, which was the first island to host MWSF. So, in addition to celebrating what is unique about the Marine Protected Area of the South Ari Atoll we will be supporting the sharing of vital resources and knowledge between Conservationists, Marine Biologists and Educators in the Maldives.
A Young Artist from Dhangethi Models her Festival Costume Design at for MWSFEST14
“This is an opportunity to learn more about this incredible creature and by working together, to showcase the outstanding natural beauty and artistic culture of the Maldives to a global audience”. Chloe Osborne, Festival Co-Director 2015.
Dhidhoo Performers in preparation for the Festival Procession for MWSFEST14
Maldives.com is proud to be the online partner of this very important event which has been playing a important role in bringing communities together to celebrate marine diversity and natural beauty of South Ari Atoll and the Maldives. Information on Maldives Whale Shark Festival Initiated in 2013 by Maldives Whale Shark Research Program (MWSRP), with the support of UK based artist Chloe Osborne and in partnership with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Festival is designed to provide the island communities of South Ari Atoll with the opportunity to celebrate the whale shark and the marine diversity of their atoll whilst fostering environmental sustainability and conservation at a grass roots level. Seeding the idea of an international collaboration between marine biologists and artists as well as by promoting the use of community art as a key tool for social and environmental education and engagement, the project seeks to boost local and national awareness and tourism to support future generations. The MWSF is a collaboration between marine biologists, conservationists, artists, schools and island communities and aims to: – Celebrate the marine diversity of South Ari Atoll and its marine protected area (SAMPA) – Promote environmental awareness and conservation – Bring communities together through creative workshops – Support and showcase Maldivian culture through storytelling and craftsmanship – Contribute to the national cultural calendar – Invest in eco-tourism and support civic participation – Catalyze knowledge transfer between scientific researchers, island councils, educators, artists, students and community members to safeguard the future of the whale shark and it’s natural habitat Previous and Future Festivals – The first Festival was held in 2013 and was hosted by the island community of Dhigurah – The second Festival was held in 2014 and was hosted by the island community of Dhangethi. The Festival in 2015 will be the 3rd Annual Maldives Whale Shark Festival and will be hosted by the island community of Maamigili – Sponsor dependent, the 4th Annual Whale Shark Festival will be hosted in 2016 by the island community of Fenfushi
Review — “I want my guests to emerge from the natural jungle into a landscaped garden,” says Paul Vincent Benedict Brown in his clipped English accent. He makes me stop and open my eyes to this subtle yet dramatic change in landscape, marking the natural entrance of Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island, one of the world’s most exclusive private islands.
Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island photo by Kerstin Pilz
Approaching by private speedboat, Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island looks just like every other small Maldivian island, a speck of green jungle surrounded by white sand and crystal clear ocean. Except, once you step on it, you realize that everything on this island is pure luxury. Even the sand is just that little bit finer and whiter and I soon lose track of my flip flops as I follow a barefoot Mr Brown on a whirlwind tour of this luxury resort hidden in the heart of a 1.4 hectare island.
There are 4 plus 1 villas created by award winning architect Guz Wilkinson. The spacious bedrooms sleep a total of 12 guests, each villa has pool access, with two villas, “my twins”, as Brown calls them, sharing one pool. And there is enough space to accommodate the security personnel if you chose to bring it.
Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island photo by Kerstin Pilz
My guided tour of the resort is a flurry of wow effects. Super-sized flat screens emerging magically from stands that look like old fashioned travelling trunks, curtains opening via remote control to reveal uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, a beach-side sculpture of jumping dolphins made from driftwood, bespoke furniture and art works, light fittings that look like art works, shell doorknobs, bathrooms to die for with backlit showers, outdoor baths and full-sized Acqua di Parma toiletries.
“Everything has to be full sized,” says Paul Vincent Benedict Brown, who was appointed as General Manager of Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island in June 2014. “It’s all about the guest here. If my guests want to have a spa treatment at 3 am, they can have it,” he says. Breakfast is from 2 am to 2 am, in other words, whenever. Wow!
Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island photo by Kerstin Pilz
Mr Brown certainly knows how to give his guests the royal treatment. He was trained in the Household of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and learned what guests want from a tropical luxury resort whilst working in LA for a Hollywood movie tycoon who had a beach house in Malibu.
“I can transform any space into an outdoor dining room or outdoor spa treatment room,” he says pointing out various spots under the canopy of native vegetation that provides cooling shade without obstructing views of the surrounding Indian Ocean. It’s all about my guests, they get whatever they want, he repeats his mantra.
Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island photo by Kerstin Pilz
There is also a small traditional old coral stone mosque valued by many of Mr Brown’s guests, amongst them no doubt those arriving by private jet from Saudi Arabia or Qatar, some are repeat visitors.
Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island photo by Kerstin Pilz
Like a stage choreographer Mr Brown has reserved the ultimate wow effect to last. Palm Residence, the split-level master residence. There’s a huge master bedroom, living and dining areas complete with a discreetly hidden work station he pulls out of the wall like a magician, indoor and outdoor showers with floor to ceiling views of the native jungle and ocean, a private Jacuzzi, a private infinity pool, a private library, a cocktail bar and an exclusive wine cellar. Wow!
Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island photo by Kerstin Pilz
All-inclusive luxury comes with a five-figure price tag a night. For that you get all of the above plus your private butler, your private chef, dive instructors and spa therapists on demand and a tailor made experience.
At the end of our tour Mr Brown checks his watch. It was a quick 50 minute tour he says, as if we’ve set some kind of record. If you are paying a small fortune for the privilege of an all-inclusive private island holiday, you certainly would want Mr Brown to be in charge of it.
Throughout our tour he’s discreetly instructed his staff, whom he addresses in his very formal English way as ‘Mr’ and their surnames, on how to improve their service. His magic has worked and my flip flops have reappeared on the jetty, just where the fine sand ends and my walk back into reality begins. Wow!
The Somerset Hotel is a refreshingly hip, designed with island sophistication in mind, and proudly personalized in both service and style.
A virtual personification of Malé, The Somerset reflects the city’s dynamic sightseeing, shopping and café culture, harmoniously juxtaposed with laid-back island life. Somerset guests can enjoy all the creature comforts expected of a top-class city hotel, authentically paired with unmistakably sunny Maldivian hospitality.
Perfectly positioned for guests to enjoy all that the bustling capital has to offer – whether city minded island hoppers, business travelers or transit tourists – the hotel is tucked away on a quiet street, yet conveniently located within walking distance to the boat jetties, local markets, cultural sights and vibrant restaurant and shopping scenes.
Somerset guests are invited on a cultural discovery; to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of Malé while confident and comfortable with the hotel as a base. At Somerset Hotel — a candy coloured city skyline meets azure waters and island vistas; humdrum city sounds are interspersed with the beat of lapping waterfront waves.
Review — For backpackers and surfers who want to experience a different side of Maldives, one which does not require spending thousands of dollars on high-end resorts, the island of Thulusdhoo in North Malé Atoll is a great alternative. The island is inhabited and is as beautiful as any other Maldivian island. This means, not only do you get to enjoy the pearly white beaches and turquoise waters, but you also get to see the real people of Maldives. It has a decent number of affordable guest houses and all the facilities that an ordinary holiday-maker would require.
Aerial view of Thulusdhoo – Photo by Ahmed Riyazi Mohamed
Thulusdhoo is a favorite spot for surfers because of its amazing surf point, Cokes-named after island’s famous Coca Cola bottling plant, the only Coca Cola plant in the world that makes the famous beverage from desalinated water. Daily ferries commute between the capital Malé and Thulusdhoo and the journey takes only an hour, which makes visiting the island extremely convenient.
Photo contributed by Canopus Maldives
Besides swimming, surfing, snorkeling and fishing, there is another fun thing to do in Thulusdhoo-stargazing. Yes, Stargazing! The reason I recommend stargazing in Thulusdhoo is because there is a large area of barren land on one side of the island.
Photo by Ahmed Riyazi Mohamed
Lying there, on the white sandy ground, on a clear night is the best feeling in the world. With no sound or light pollution, the Milky Way is so beautifully visible to the naked eye. On a clear night, there are so many shooting stars you’ll want to make a wish and fall asleep right there, to the sight of an endless sky full of glistening gems.
Every place is unique and has a special magic. Surfing and stargazing in Thulusdhoo is pretty magical. You just have to visit and find out.
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