Park Hyatt Hadahaa’s Blue Journeys Dive and Activity Centre awarded PADI Green Star™

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Blue Journeys Dive and Activity Centre at Park Hyatt Hadahaa, Maldives was recently awarded the PADI Green Star™ award for its outstanding performance in initiating green business practices and supporting responsible conservation. By earning this award, Blue Journeys has established itself as a business that is both commercially and environmentally viable.

Aerial View, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

The PADI Green Star™ award recognizes dive centers and resorts that are dedicated to ensuring the sustainability and conservation of the diving industry. It identifies businesses that actively protect and care for the environment via initiatives such as energy-friendly transportation practices, use of sustainable materials, conservation leadership, water conservation and responsible energy use.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Blue Journeys has been a PADI Five Star certified dive center since August 2009, providing a full range of scuba diving education programs, equipment and experiences. PADI Five Star dive centers promote and encourage responsibility for marine environments. The center excels in offering quality services to divers by presenting a professional image and actively promoting the benefits of recreational scuba diving, snorkeling, dive travel and environmental protection.

Experience the Once-in-a-Lifetime spectacle of Coral Spawning this Easter in the Maldives

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Every year following the full moon, millions of coral across the Maldives simultaneously spawn and release their eggs creating an awe-inspiring, natural phenomenon and sight to behold. This year the mass coral spawning event is expected to occur during the week after the full moon on March 23rd 2016.

Guests who visit the Maldives during Easter will be able to participate in and observe this spectacle during a special coral spawning night safari arranged by Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. Those who prefer to stay on dry land can watch it directly on the beach via a webcam placed on the house reef.

To celebrate the annual event this year, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and nearby sister resorts, Angsana Ihuru and Angsana Velavaru, will arrange full moon dinner and drinks on their beaches for guests to appreciate this natural and rare wonder.   

Blackfoot Anemone Fish, Angsana Ihuru
Blackfoot Anemone Fish, Angsana Ihuru

Unknown to science until 1982, coral spawning is an incredible sight which can be detected from space, and one that is worthy of any discerning travellers’ ‘to do’ list. The exact timing of the event is still a mystery and witnessing the event requires patience and a spot of luck. Corals release their precious cargo into the water at night during the days following the March full moon but only if ocean temperatures, the tide and wind conditions are favourable.

Dr. Steven Newman, Director of Marine Conservation for Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, explains: “To have the opportunity to dive or snorkel when the coral spawning is taking place is an extraordinary experience. It only happens once a year and the fact that is difficult to predetermine exactly its timing, makes it even more incredible, it’s a spectacle worthy of anyone’s bucket list”. Dr. Newman continues: “Reproduction is governed by the tide, and usually we can see the spawning take place an hour or so after sunset, however in some cases we may have to wait until midnight, so patience is a virtue but it’s well worth the wait!”

“The natural environment and conservation of our fragile marine ecosystem are priority for us here in the Maldives, especially during this El Nino year. At our Marine Laboratory, we arrange daily activities where our guests have the opportunity to learn about the marine environment and how we can all work together to create a healthy marine ecosystem for everyone to enjoy. Our activities in connection to the coral spawning are a part of our ongoing CSR programmes at Banyan Tree and one of the highlights of the year”, Dr. Newman concludes.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Other marine environmental activities that guests can participate in at the three hotels in the Maldives include cleaning and planting of corals to support a healthy marine habitat, as well as conservation efforts to protect indigenous turtles.   

The coral spawning diving at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru costs from USD$60 per person.

SPECIAL OFFER
Extend your stay and enjoy the ‘Night on Us’ offer at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. Terms & conditions apply.

For more information and reservations, please visit: www.banyantree.com

Maldives wins “Most Exclusive Leisure Product” at OTM 2016

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Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation together with the tourism industry won the “Most Exclusive Leisure Product” award at India’s largest travel trade show which was held in Mumbai from the 18th to 20th February 2016. Maldives was one of the two destinations who won this title at the conclusion ceremony of OneWorld Travel Mart 2016. This exhibition, which is the best platform to focus on outbound tourism in India was spread over 25,000 sqm in housing the fairground.

Maldives was featured in a stand space of 60 sqm designed and tailored to portray the uniqueness of the destination using eye-catching photos of the beautiful destination. There was an estimated average of 3,000 unique individuals who visited the Maldives stand. Maldives showcased the exclusive destination by participating in the stand with a total of 26 industry professionals from 15 companies. In addition, the Visit Maldives Year 2016 campaign was promoted in surplus advertising options such as, billboards, pillar wraps, lanyard design and show carry bags.

India currently holds the 5th biggest market share of the arrivals. Taking this place in November 2015, India has a recorded figure of 52,368 tourists who visited in the year 2015. This figure is a 14.9% growth compared to the arrival number recorded in the year 2014. The Indian market accounted to 4.2% of the market in 2015, and is a very important market to focus on as it promises a lot of potential.

Maldives participates in OTM 2016

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Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation together with the tourism industry is currently taking part in the OneWorld Travel Mart 2016, which takes place in Mumbai, India from 18th – 20th February 2016. The exhibition is the most prominent and leading travel trade show of India, and is conducted in the largest travel market of India, Mumbai, at the Bombay Convention Centre. 26 participants from 15 industry co-exhibitor companies are taking part alongside MMPRC in the fair.

OneWorld Travel Mart 2016Organized and run by TTF, the most trusted market leader in India formed in 1989, OTM has become the best platform to focus on outbound tourism in India. More than 2,500 hotels, resorts, travel agents, tour operators and other travel service providers, state and country pavilions from around 70 different countries will take part in OTM 2016, which is the most alluring travel trade event that is organized and held in India. This year the exhibition will be spread over 25,000 sqm, housing the fairground which is expected to be visited by more than 12,000 travel trade visitors from all over India and abroad.

OneWorld Travel Mart 2016Maldives will be showcased in a stand space of 60 sqm designed to portray the uniqueness of the destination with very bold and alluring photos of holiday resort islands. More advertising such as billboards at the entry, pillar wrapping, lanyard design of exhibition badges and the show carry bags will be displaying and promoting the Visit Maldives Year 2016 campaign.

OneWorld Travel Mart 2016OTM is the most effective platform to market to the Indian travel industry as it caters to over 15 million outbound travellers spending over US$ 10 billion in India. As Mumbai is the biggest outbound tourist market in India, the city contributes over half of all overseas travel from the country.

OneWorld Travel Mart 2016India currently holds the 5th biggest market share of the arrivals. Taking this place in November 2015, India has a recorded figure of 52,368 tourists who visited in the year 2015. This figure is a 14.9% growth compared to the arrival number recorded in the year 2014. The Indian market accounted to 4.2% of the market in 2015, and is a very important market to focus on as it promises a lot of potential.

OneWorld Travel Mart 2016

Six Senses Laamu and the Soundtracks of Sunset

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LAAMU, Maldives – February 16, 2016 – The Maldives is one of the world’s best-known settings to experience colorful, incandescent sunsets and Chill Bar, with its over-water hammocks and comfortable seating is the ideal location to relish this sublime Indian Ocean spectacle. Skilled mixologists create a range of refreshing cocktails inspired by the all-time classics along with modern and innovative creations. Rotating resident DJ’s joins the Chill Bar team every evening and, with their own personal music style and influences, help create a unique ambiance for guests to enjoy their sundowners. Six Senses Laamu is happy to present resident DJs for 2016:

Sven van Hees will be on the decks of Chill Bar from March 7 to June 3. His music is described as “a timeless soundtrack to an endless summer”, while the tracks of his album GEMINI have been included in over 300 compilations, which include Café del Mar, Real Ibiza and Hed Kandi. In 2005 he started his own label, YOUR LIPS, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Having performed on all five continents, Sven is looking forward to his Chill Bar residency where he will be playing the very best in chill out, lounge at sundown, emotive soul and all things bliss.

Matthieu B takes over the turntables next and will be aboard from June 5 to August 31. Matthieu B has performed in various renowned clubs, such as the Rouge Pigalle and Le Paris Paris, following a residency in the Royal Monceau Hotel. His travels have taken him to countries such as Morocco, Italy, Tunisia and Portugal, constantly driving inspiration for him and influencing his music. Matthieu B says that the Maldives is the perfect place for his musical style and having the opportunity to mix in front of the most beautiful sunsets in the world is a real honor.

Mathieu Modeste known as Matmac closes the Aqua Season DJ residencies for 2016. He will be creating the perfect soundtracks for the perfect Maldivian sunsets from September 1 to November 27. Matmac adapts from the big Parisian clubs, such as the “287” and “Royal Pavilions” to the chill out mood of beaches such as Tunisia and Spain. He has worked alongside renowned DJs such as Rodriguez Jr. and Miguel Campbell, and says that it has always been his dream to perform in the Maldives. He looks forward to sharing his love for music, inspired by Maldivian sunsets.

Cayetano (Giorgos Bratanis) will be creating magical musical journeys at Chill Bar from November 28 to February 23, 2017. Following the success of his first album “Stroggilo Kitrino” in Greece and Italy, he moved to Spain in 1999, composing music mostly for theatre and film and that’s when he gained a reputation as a top keyboard and bass session musician and collaborated with a number of leading Spanish artists. He released “Focused” in 2006, which brought him international recognition. Cayetano says that his decade of global travels culminates with being a resident DJ in one of world’s most beautiful places.

Six Senses Laamu is excited to have all these talented artists in residence this year and the entire team is looking forward to their daily performances at Chill Bar, offering unique sound experiences to the resort’s guests.

About Six Senses Laamu
Six Senses Laamu is the only resort in the Laamu Atoll, deep in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by a beautiful coral house reef.
Most of the villas and facilities are built overwater, however beach villas and on-land dining is an option. All villas offer a sense of privacy and seclusion, with an amazing view to the Ocean and Maldivian nature.

Six Senses Laamu offers a wide range of dining options, with cuisines from around the world,a swimming pool with a sunken bar, an ice cream parlor, an overwater wine cellar and a signature Chill bar.

Many activities, excursions and options are available for everyone to enjoy, both over water and underwater, in addition to the Six Senses Spa.

About Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is a hotel and spa management company comprised of 10 resorts and 29 spas under the brand names Six Senses, Evason and Six Senses Spas. Six Senses operates resorts in far-flung locations of incredible natural beauty known for their distinctive and diverse design personalities. Each of the eight properties is supported by a leadership commitment to community, sustainability and wellness.

Six Senses Spas offers a wide range of holistic wellness, rejuvenation and beauty treatments administered under the guidance of expert therapists. Six Senses Spas operates 19 standalone spas in prestigious hotels and resorts as well as located aboard a ship and the premier class lounges of two major airports.

Evason introduces a collection of two unique resorts that follow the Six Senses philosophy of uncompromised responsibility to sustainability and to the community. Family friendly, these properties also provide a strong value focus while offering a vast array of guest services and personal attention.

Maldives celebrates the Chinese New Year 2016 in Maafushi

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The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation together with Ministry of Tourism endures the Visit Maldives Year 2016 campaign proudly by celebrating the Chinese New Year on today, 8th February 2016 in Maafushi. Chinese New Year is an important Chinese festival celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. It is also known as the Spring Festival, the literal translation of the modern Chinese name.

Since Chinese market is now the largest market to the Maldives in terms of arrivals, it is very important to keep up this continuous growth. Consequently organizing a targeted event to the Chinese market would greatly help to attract a large number of guests from the Chinese market for such events and festivals in the future.

The event is organized jointly with the Guesthouse Association of Maldives (GAM) and MMPRC to bring out the festival organized, Chief Guest of the function is Chinese Ambassador to Maldives Mr. Wang Fukang along with the officials attending the ceremony from MMPRC and Ministry of Tourism, as well as a number of major industry stakeholders.

Making the most of this event, the gala dinner at night is open for all tourists in Maafushi with Chinese cuisines, Chinese performances and Maldivian cultural performance such as Boduberu and cultural dances. Tickets for the Gala Dinner can be purchased from MMPRC, Maafushi, Hotel Jen, and Maldivian Holidays. As part of the event, a raffle draw will take place with exciting prices.

The Visit Maldives Year 2016 will be a yearlong campaign to boost the number of visitors and tourism receipts of the country. Chinese market holds almost 30% of the market share to Maldives helping to achieve the target arrivals for 2016.

Sala Boutique Hotel

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A thai themed boutique hotel conveniently located in the capital city Malé.

From World Tour to Dream Island – One Night with Joss Stone at PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi

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As part of PULSE, PER AQUUM’s stream of immersive guest experiences, the global hospitality trendsetter presents an intimate private performance by Grammy award-winning soul singer, Joss Stone. On 28 February 2016, Joss will take to her most surreal stage ever, performing for one night only under the bright stars of the Indian Ocean at PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi.

Joss Stone, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi
Joss Stone, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi

The stuff of dreams, guests will touch down in the Maldives only to be whisked away on a luxury speedboat to PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, just 35 minutes from Malé, where they will be greeted with a bottle of Champagne to toast to days and nights of island fantasies. Guests can mingle with a lucky few as they savour hits from Joss’ latest album ‘Water for Your Soul’, featuring reggae rhythms, hip hop beats, and Joss’ distinctive vocals, as well as Irish fiddles, gospel choirs and flamenco guitars, along with a special pre-concert dinner.

The PULSE experience is part of Joss’ Total World Tour, an ambitious quest to play in every country across the globe, incorporating local instruments such as Bodu Beru, the Maldivian drum made from coconut tree trunks, into every performance, as well as impromptu jam sessions with local musicians.

Arrival area, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi
PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi

Joss’ mission also includes getting the low down on each country’s environmental and humanitarian issues and helping to spread the word of local charities. At PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, home to one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, Joss will make her mark by planting coral with the resort’s resident marine biologist as part of the resort’s coral rehabilitation project. Joss will also be paying a visit to the Children’s Home, Kudakudhinge Hiya in the Villingili ward of Male, a charity which has been close to the PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi team’s heart since the resort opened nearly 12 years ago.

From R&B to R&R, rumour has it Joss will also be enjoying a subaquatic treatment at the resort’s famed LIME Spa – the world’s first underwater spa – as well as sampling the resort’s underground wine cellar, stocked with over 6,000 bottles including rare vintages. A vegetarian since birth, Joss is also likely to be spotted at Raw, the resort’s beloved overwater restaurant featuring all-organic dishes inspired by the East.

Dining, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi
PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi

To make a reservation and to see the PULSE line-up for the rest of 2016, go to www.peraquum.com/pulse or email [email protected]

Discover the story of a small island — Milaidhoo

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+—Milaidhoo Island Maldives reinvents luxury

This understated yet undeniably sophisticated 5 star boutique resort spans 13 acres with its design and concept proudly rooted in Maldivian culture. Set in Baa Atoll’s beautiful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this spectacular, secluded 50-villa island retreat is just a 30-minute seaplane flight from Maldives International Airport.

Milaidhoo Island offers reinvented luxury and spacious outdoor living epitomizing the true contemporary Maldives.

50 chapters of laidback island living

Milaidhoo Island tells the story of a destination where architectural details effortlessly mix with natural elements. Nestled in the lush tropical surroundings are twenty serene beach pool villas and thirty spacious overwater pool villas. The 50 villas are expressions of understated luxury created from the finest natural, local materials, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.

Custom made for guests’ personal comfort each villa is a private haven featuring the latest technology, a dedicated host and stunning ocean views from bed to bathtub.

World-class gourmet cuisine

Brimming with the freshest ingredients, Milaidhoo Island’s three restaurants appeal to all tastes and desires. Unique to the Maldives is the groundbreaking gourmet restaurant and lounge bar inspired by three traditional Dhoni sailing boats. Spectacular settings meet heartfelt hospitality, setting the scene for an unforgettable sensory experience.

Tales of tropical beauty, nature and harmony

The island may be small and intimate, but this sanctuary offers many places to meet or simply retreat. Milaidhoo Island has its own dive, marine and watersports centre, library and state-of-the-art gym. Set over the crystal clear water is the stylish island spa and open-air yoga and meditation pavilion.

Discover the story of a small island

Barefoot informality is at the very heart of this new and exclusive small, intimate and chic island. Built around nature, Milaidhoo Island offers a world-class iconic restaurant, a deeply relaxing environment, sustainable and contemporary design and genuine heartfelt hospitality.

For more information: www.milaidhoo.com

Maldives participates at FESPO 2016

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Maldives is currently being represented in FESPO held in Zurich, Switzerland from 28 – 31 January 2015. Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation together (MMPRC) together with Reethi Beach Resort, Crown & Champa Resorts, Loama Resort Maldives and JA Maldives Pvt. Ltd., will be promoting the destination in the 4 day event. Moreover, Visit Maldives Year (VMY) 2016 will also be promoted at the Maldives stand.

The theme of the FESPO is “Ship Ahoy” dedicated to boat trips. FESPO is the largest holiday and travel fair in Switzerland and is increasingly becoming a key indicator for the tourism sector; it is an excellent platform and offers its visitors information for holidays and travel. The event is known to attract huge number of visitors from Switzerland and German speaking countries. FESPO 2015 attracted over 62,000 visitors including trade, media and consumers.

Switzerland is an important market to the Maldives; it is among the top 10 countries in terms of arrival to the Maldives. In 2015, 31,923 tourist arrivals were recorded from Switzerland. 2015 noted an increase of 1.4% in arrivals compared to 2014. Switzerland accounts for 2.6% of the total market share in 2015.