Mookai Hotel

Mookai Hotel is just a few minutes away from the airport ferry terminal Mookai Hotel is an ideal choice for business travelers and tourists visiting the bustling city of Malé. With luxury Penthouse suites overlooking the city and the seascapes, fully equipped apartments and superior rooms, the hotel comes with a variety of attractive facilities like a rooftop swimming pool, whirl pool and jacuzzi set alongside a tropical terrace garden.

Spacious apartments and superior rooms, all fully air-conditioned, with free WiFi and equipped with modern amenities to make your stay in the city a more rewarding experience. With private balconies overlooking the ocean and the city, all rooms are well furnished and warmly designed.

Dining for hotel’s guests arranged by Kam Hotel, just across the street. You can order room service from Kam or just drop by for a sumptuous meal or leisurely coffee.

Kam Restaurant is loved both by locals and visitors for its excellent food, and especially popular lunch buffer. HACCP standard certified and featuring a well-rounded multi-cuisine menu, you will find both the food and environment and welcoming experience.

Two Michelin-starred chef Johannes King to host exclusive dinners at Niyama

German chef Johannes King jets into Niyama to host two exclusive five-course dinners. Owner of the Michelin-starred Söl’ring Hof, Chef Johannes will serve modern European cuisine paired with a selection of wines in a stunning setting 500m out in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

Chef Johannes began his career at the prestigious Franz Keller restaurant in Cologne specializing in French nouvelle cuisine. He then trained under master pastry chef Karl Schumacher at Vienna’s Konditorei Oberlaa, perfecting the traditional desserts for which the café is renowned. Chef Johannes relocated to Berlin to work at Henri Levy’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Maître, then joined the culinary team at the InterContinental in the upscale Tiergarten area.

Chef Johannes found his passion for fresh, seasonal, locally sourced dishes at Hôtel de la Poste on the Côte D’Or, known for its regional Burgundian cuisine. His experience here inspired him to open his own destination restaurant in 2000. Söl’ring Hof on the island of Sylt commands two Michelin stars and 17 Gault Millau points. Gourmands from far and wide have made the pilgrimage to the island to taste Chef Johannes’ modern textures and light flavors in a surreal landscape.

For two evenings only, on 29 January and 2 February 2018, Chef Johannes will bring the cuisine of Söl’ring Hof to Niyama’s Edge. Edge is a modern, fine dining paradise accessible only by speedboat. Set out over the lagoon tinged with the hues of sunset, Edge offers wrap-around seating under a billowing white canopy and sits above the Maldives’ only underwater playground, SubSix. Across Niyama’s two islands, Play and Chill, guests are treated to one-of-a-kind epicurean adventures, from Asian avant-garde cuisine in the treetops to South American barbeque deep in the jungle.

Luxury Cruiser, MV Sunset Queen relaunched

Since its launch in 2004, it has been one of the most sought after luxury cruiser in the Maldives. The popularity and demand for this cruiser is sure to rise with the relaunch. MV Sunset Queen offers a host of attractions ranging from its contemporary accommodation to its incorporation of open spaces – four decks. One of the highlights is Jacuzzi experience at the top deck coupled with stunning views. Opt to cruise with us for an array of possibilities which awaits you aboard. For divers, snorkelers and surfers alike our cruiser offers you unlimited spots in the pristine and inviting waters of the Maldives. We cater for your every need, with personalized attention to detail on each and every journey.

Why you will love it!

  • Spacious & contemporary designed accommodation. From 9 cabins we have transformed it to 7 spacious cabins.
  • Jacuzzi on the top deck with sun beds. Bask in the sun in style.
  • Host of possibilities for diving and snorkeling sites/ surfing points/ dessert island excursions/ island hopping to local islands/ visit to resorts/ fishing and BBQ.
  • All cabins are air-conditioned as well as restaurant & salon area.
  • En-suite Bathrooms with amenities as well as hot & cold fresh water.
  • Gastronomic delights made from fresh ingredients.
MV Sunset Queen
Sunset Queen

MV Sunset Queen is now available to book for private charters with the option for diving and surfing cruises.

For more information: www.sunsetqueenmaldives.com

Value Added Deals at Sun Siyam Resorts

Uncover Asia – Maldives & Sri Lanka combined offer!

Embark on a journey to uncover Asia’s hidden jewels in Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Book any of the Sun Siyam Resort property in the Maldives together with Sun Aqua Pasikudah in Sri Lanka and get 5% discount.

Included in this package are:

  • 5% discount as stated above on any room type and any meal plan
  • Luxurious villas with daily housekeeping and in-villa amenities
  • Complimentary in villa Wi-Fi

Terms and conditions are:

  • Stay dates from now onwards with no blackout dates, last check out date on November 1st, 2017.
  • Applicable where Maldives (stay at either The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Sun Aqua Vilu Reef or Olhuveli Beach & Spa) and Sri Lanka (Sun Aqua Pasikudah) are booked as a package at the same time.
  • Applicable when Sun Siyam Resorts are booked for the same travelers at the same time.
  • Discount is applicable on room rate based on the meal plan basis.
  • Discount is not applicable for extra person and other supplementary charges (transfer and meal plan supplements).
  • Combinable with other special offers.

Link: http://www.sunsiyam.com/offer/uncover-asia-maldives-sri-lanka-combinable-offer/

Free Dining Plan Upgrade at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives!

Experience a tropical retreat with extreme value additions on your stay! Book on any dining plan and get a complimentary upgrade to the next dining plan, at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives.

Only available for bookings through the official website, www.sunsiyam.com!

  • Book on Bed & Breakfast – Free Dinner on us!
  • Book on Half Board – Free Lunch on us!
  • Book on Full Board – Free upgrade to All Inclusive on us!

Included in this package are:

  • Complimentary meal plan upgrades
  • Complimentary accommodation is offered to children under 12 sharing with parents
  • Complimentary in villa Wi-Fi
  • Villa host
  • Selected non-motorized water sports

Terms and conditions are:

  • Stay dates from now onwards, last check out date September 30th, 2017
  • All offers are subject to availability at the time of reservation.
  • Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offer or contract and do not apply to groups.
  • Rates are per room, per night, vary by arrival date and/or length of stay, and do not include applicable taxes, service charges, levies, resort fees, gratuities or surcharges, unless otherwise noted.
  • Children under 12 stay free sharing parents bed. USD 6 green tax is applicable per child per night as per government regulations.
  • Half Board meal plan includes daily breakfast and dinner
  • Full Board meal plan includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • All Inclusive meal plan includes daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and selected beverages

Link: http://www.sunsiyam.com/offer/free-meal-plan-upgrade/

About Sun Siyam Resorts

A collection of hotel & resort brands born from the inspiration of Mr. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed. Led by his passion for creating a difference in the Maldives tourism industry that transforms the luxury hospitality experience. Sun Siyam Resorts has an esteemed portfolio of boutique luxury resorts operating in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, including:

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives
Olhuveli Beach & Spa Maldives
Sun Aqua Vilu Reef Maldives
Sun Aqua Pasikudah, Sri Lanka

For more information: www.sunsiyam.com

SpiceJet introducing direct flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Malé from May 10

From one beach town to the other, non-stop

Budget carrier SpiceJet is set to launch its first international flight from Thiruvananthapuram this month with a daily service to Malé.

With the launch of the new flight from May 10, the capital city of the Maldives will be connected to two destinations in Kerala — Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, an airline official said.

The new flight will be operated with Bombardier Q400, which has a seating capacity of 78.

The Gurugram-based budget airline operates 342 average daily flights to 46 destinations – 39 domestic and 7 international.

The airline has offered special introductory fares for the Thiruvananthapuram-Malé flight, the official added.

SpiceJet had earlier announced the launch of a flight service to Dhaka from Kolkata from May 16.

Book your tickets now for an introductory fare. Log on to www.spicejet.com

About SpiceJet

Spicejet is a low-cost airline headquartered in Gurgaon, India. It is the third largest airline in the country by the number of passengers carried, with a market share of 13.2% as of March 2017. The airline operates 312 daily flights to 55 destinations, including 45 Indian and 10 international destinations from its hubs at Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad.

Established as air taxi provider ModiLuft in 1994, the company was acquired by Indian entrepreneur Ajay Singh in 2004 and re-christened as SpiceJet. The airline operated its first flight in May 2005. Indian media baron Kalanithi Maran acquired a controlling stake in SpiceJet in June 2010 through Sun Group which was sold back to Ajay Singh in January 2015. The airline operates a fleet of Boeing 737 and Bombardier Dash aircraft.

Best Spa Hotel in the Maldives and five-star to The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives

An international five-star standard for the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives at the International Hotel Awards 2017

Best Spa Hotel in Maldives including an International five-star Standard is confirmed for The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives at the International Hotel Awards 2017. The announcement of the National and Regional winners and awarding will take place at The Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park Bangkok, Thailand at the Gala Event on 26th May.

The International Hotel Awards is the international five-star standard of hotel ratings. It is the only organization to provide five-star accolades at an international level. The International Hotel Awards global competition determines the finest hotels and hospitality companies in the world. Main purpose of these awards is in recognizing excellence in the hotel and hospitality industry on a global scale and to promote international standard. As such winning the much-deserved award brings forth The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives to an even higher level.

With the entire island a sanctuary of natural beauty, there is no need to hide away. Instead, The Spa by Thalgo at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is an open immersion – in organic earth and vibrant sea – the elements from which Ayurveda draws its centuries-old healing power.

At The Spa by Thalgo France, we have perfected this ancient holistic tradition, blending its timeless wisdom with contemporary practices found both East and West. Our resident Ayurvedic Doctor guides our guests on their own personalized journeys to wellness both during their stay and beyond. Meanwhile, expert practitioners – in traditional massage, authentic Maldivian-inspired rituals and world-renowned wellness practices – combine finely honed knowledge with a naturally healing touch. All this in a setting that mirrors the natural splendor of the island.

Wood, stone, water and light – all the fundamental elements of the earth – come together in perfect harmony in the design of the Spa’s 20 treatment rooms. Hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms and saunas are offered to complement your treatments. Meanwhile, dedicated relaxation areas are designed as natural sanctuaries, allowing you to take a moment before emerging renewed.

For more information: www.sunsiyam.com

Hurawalhi hosts Martin Stelfox’s Olive Ridley Project

Hurawalhi Maldives hosted Martin Stelfox, founder and CEO of the Olive Ridley Project, for a 4-day visit, during which the resort’s guests and team members received a lot of interesting information about sea turtles and about threats these magnificent animals are exposed to.

Martin joined our guests on two Turtle Tour snorkelling excursions; combined, we visited three different snorkel sites that are known to have resident populations of sea turtles – Kuredu Caves (a.k.a. Turtle Airport), Kuredu Lagoon and Komandoo House Reef – which allowed our guests to not only see these sleepyheads up close and personal, but also to get plenty of fascinating insights from Martin and Lisa, the resort’s resident marine biologist.

Founder of Olive Ridley Project Martin Stelfox, Hurawalhi Island Resort
Founder of Olive Ridley Project Martin Stelfox, Hurawalhi Island Resort

The Turtle Tours were charity events and it was with great pleasure to be able to make a generous donation to the Olive Ridley Project that will surely be beneficial to the organisation’s conservations and protection projects across the Indian Ocean.

To show our guest what lurks deeper down beneath the ocean surface, Martin happily accepted Prodivers’ invitation to dive at two of Lhaviyani Atoll’s famous dive sites, Kuredu Express and Kuredu Caves; in total, the divers spotted a whopping 16 green sea turtles! At Caves, the group even met two familiar turtles, Clio and Sapphire.

Founder of Olive Ridley Project Martin Stelfox, Hurawalhi Island Resort
Founder of Olive Ridley Project Martin Stelfox, Hurawalhi Island Resort

On Tuesday evening, at the weekly Prodivers’ Divers Night in Coco Bar, Martin gave a talk on sea turtle biology and the mission of the Olive Ridley Project.

To wrap up the visit, Martin joined the excursion to the Turtle Sanctuary at Naifaru to visit the 4 Olive ridley sea turtles that had to be transferred to Naifaru for rehabilitation after being rescued by Hurawalhi and Prodivers. Zoe Cox, the marine biologist of the sea turtle rehabilitation centre, was a great host.

On behalf of everyone at Hurawalhi, including guests who clearly appreciated the knowledge and passion he shared with us, we would like to thank Martin Stelfox for visiting the resort – we look forward to many more common turtle-related projects in the future!

Last but certainly not least, a big ‘well done’ to Paige, Lisa and Martin for having removed a ghost net from the nearby Latheef dive site and thereby prevented the reef from being further damaged and marine life being entrapped. 

Turtle, Hurawalhi hosts Martin Stelfox’s Olive Ridley Project
Turtle, House reef, Hurawalhi Island Resort

 

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Kuredu welcomes new General Manager Patrick de Staercke

Kuredu Island Resort & Spa, the Maldives’ second largest resort, has named Patrick de Staercke as its new General Manager.

To those who have had the pleasure to work with Patrick, the appointment does not come as a surprise. His professional background and excellent people skills have been a winning mix for bringing all resorts under his management to new heights; the popularity of one of the Maldives’ most romantic resorts, Komandoo, and the outstanding guest feedback that Hurawalhi is receiving, are examples of Patrick’s determination to exceed bottom line expectations and his drive to attain the best possible performance.

Patrick’s management skills, passion and customer orientation are on par with his bright personality, wit and accommodating nature, which inevitably results in good spirits running high throughout the team. This nourishing of positivity and keeping a strong focus on guest satisfaction and constant improvement of facilities and services are a prerequisite for any property to flourish; by having Patrick at the helm of the resort, we are certain that Kuredu will continue to be among the best-value resorts in the Maldives.

On behalf of everyone at Kuredu, we congratulate Patrick de Staercke on the appointment and wish him great success.

General Manager, Patrick de Staercke, Kuredu Island Resort & Spa, the Maldives

Mövenpick Hotels & Resort’s first resort in the Maldives

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives will offer contemporary elegance in Noonu Atoll

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to manage its first resort in the Maldives. The planned 105-unit resort, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives, will be situated on the remote Kuredhivaru Island in Noonu Atoll, providing a desirable sanctuary surrounded by pristine natural beauty in the exclusive northern part of the Maldives. It is scheduled to open during the second quarter of 2018.

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives

The contemporary tropical resort will combine comfort and style, with 33 Beach Villas and 72 Over Water Villas. While designed as a destination for relaxing and rejuvenating escapes offering a high degree of privacy, the resort will also feature an array of onsite recreational facilities to entertain a wide range of guests, from honeymooners to adventurous families.

Located in one of the Maldives’ most idyllic atolls, the resort will be one of the few exclusive properties in the area to offer guests an opportunity to completely immerse themselves in spectacular scenery and untouched nature. Many of the surrounding islands are still uninhabited.

“It’s no secret that the Maldives is a much sought after holiday destination that is still increasing in popularity and our spectacular resort represents a significant entry for Mövenpick into this world-renowned island hideaway,” said Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President Asia, Andrew Langdon. “We look forward to introduce our guests of Mövenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives to Mövenpick’s signature style, hospitality and service once it opens in 2018.”

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives
Over Water Villas, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives

Rich in marine life and excellent diving opportunities, the waters surrounding the resort will play an integral role in its appeal through a variety of above and underwater experiences. The resort will feature a comprehensive dive centre, beach sports activity centre, exclusive guest-only superyacht,  as well as a small-scale marine research centre and private marina.

The first Marine National Park (MNP) in the Maldives, which consists of a group of nine uninhabited islands commonly known as Edu Faru, is approximately 15 minutes from the resort via speedboat. The popular Christmas Tree Rock and Orimas Thila dive sites are also an easy boat ride away.

Exquisite culinary experiences are a cornerstone of the Mövenpick experience and the new Maldivian resort will offer five unique dining venues. Among these are a welcoming all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant with sunset views, a seafood restaurant, a grill bar and private dining room for special occasions.  

Enticing wellness and recreational facilities will include a luxurious spa with 14 private treatment rooms. Other features include a tranquil yoga pavilion, a state of the art gym, water sports centre, volleyball and tennis courts. The resort will also have a business centre, library and retail boutique to further ensure guests enjoy a convenient and carefree stay.

International Tourism Film Festival Maldives “Following The Equator” 2nd Annual event at the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives

The 2nd edition of International Tourism Film Festival Maldives is to be hosted by Sun Siyam Resorts. It is scheduled from 16th to 18th of November at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives. The concept being gathering talents of different ages, interests and backgrounds at one place. With the success of the first edition, we hope to have a much grand event this year, with international celebrities and media.

This year’s festival, extended over three days will be filled with special events which are impeccable in its entertaining and educating aspects. It is a platform for innovative work from both professionals and amateurs, in other words the perfect ground for networking.

Nomination Categories:

Tourism Destinations
Cultural Tourism
Environment & Eco-Tourism
Adventure Tourism
Ethnography & Society
Water
Cultural Connections
Hotels & Resorts
Tourism Services
National Productions (only for Maldivians)
Amateurs & Students (clips not more than 3 minutes)

Genres:

Documentary (not more than 60 minutes)
Promotional (not more than 15 minutes)
Commercials (not more than 60 seconds)

Program:

Master Classes
Opening Ceremony
Top Nominations
Competitions
Experts Discussion Open Forum
Closing Ceremony
Awards Party

An occasion such as this will unite all those with a deep love for art and tourism. We invite filmmakers and producers of all calibres to submit their content to be featured. The deadline to submit all entries is 21st July 2017. If you have not already, this is the perfect opportunity to show your creativity and share with the world your perception. Results will be communicated on 18th of September 2017.

About International Tourism Film Festival Maldives:

The International Tourism Film Festival Maldives brings together professionals, celebrities and guests from across the globe to share their passion for traveling and seeing the beauty of it, the love for art, tourism and sports.

Festival entries include movies about interesting and unique places all over the world.  Shedding light into the different cultures and histories of countries and their events: lasting from 1 to 13 minutes.

The first edition held in July 2016 witnessed celebrity figures including Ms. Yang Zi (Actress from China), Ms. Lizzie Cundy (British TV/radio presenter, showbiz, fashion & beauty advisor and model from UK), Ms. Mina Wattan Ramadhan Raheem (Socialite, social media influencer and a travel blogger from Middle East), Mr. Raul Richter (Actor, presenter and voice actor) from Germany with his fiancé  Ms. Valentina Pahde (Actress), Mr. Jumayyil (Maldivian Actor), Ms. Aishath Rishmy Rameez (Maldivian Actress) and Mr. Abdul Fathaah Abdul Gayoom (Maldivian Film Director) together with some amazing journalists from international media. The presence of CCTV6, a top TV channel from China, well-known tourism journalists from France, Italy, Middle East and Russia, and of course the local media of Maldives which included Public Service Media, Sun Media and Hotelier Maldives, have covered the 3-day event at Iru Fushi and made great news!

With contribution and sponsorship from major stakeholders in the industry the event was a great success. This year we anticipate the same at a grander level.

The 3-day event screens amazing clips from across the globe with breathtaking content related to tourism and nature. With an opening gala after cocktails at sunset, stretched over the magnificent beach and a grand finale showcasing the top nominees concludes with a grand dinner and awarding of winners.

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives

The event takes place at the multi award winning property of Sun Siyam group, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives, which is the flagship property within the group. Located in the unspoilt Noonu Atoll and set within 52 acres of white sands and exotic flora, here guests are immersed in a timeless culture. From the intuitive detail and personalised service that creates the most beautiful moments, to the sublime ambience that permeates each unforgettable taste, touch and experience. Since its brand launch in 2014 as The Sun Siyam, it has gained international recognition across the globe. The most recent ones include the award for the resort’s French Restaurant and Wine Cellar (Flavors) which received two global awards as the Best French Cuisine and Best Wine Selection, and the resort’s Spa (Spa by Thalgo) which received the Best Luxury Spa Resort in the Maldives at the first spa and restaurant gala event that was concluded at the exquisite 5-star Grand Hotel Kronenhof Pontresina, Switzerland, in June 2016. World Travel Awards have recognized the property as the winner for the Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort and Indian Ocean’s Best Resort Spa in 2016. It is also a winner at the World Luxury Hotel Awards.

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives makes it the perfect venue to host the International Tourism Film Festival Maldives.

For more information on venue: www.thesunsiyam.com
For more information on festival: www.itffm.net