New Kandima Maldives, opening February 2017

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A new game-changing destination & lifestyle resort opening February 2017
Under new hospitality development company, Pulse Hotels & Resorts

Forget normal, the mundane. Out with the everyday, the expected. Kandima Maldives, opening in February 2017 is anything but ordinary – it is smart, playful and responsible.

Located on a lush tropical island in the Dhaalu Atoll, Kandima Maldives is just a 30-minute flight from Male International Airport, followed by a 20-minute boat ride to this seriously stylish island.

Kandima will offer guests the opportunity to experience the NEW Maldives in an exciting way. This new game-changing lifestyle resort will embody all the positive values of the Maldives, whilst adding its own innovative, vibrant and playful style.

This 3 km long island will be the first lifestyle resort in the country. More than just another beach holiday, it is an experience, offering timeout for adults and plenty of fun for children, not to mention island-living at its best, year round sunshine, water sports, top activities and a safe environment.

Kandima Maldives is perfect for those searching for quality, value and a contemporary and intelligent holiday experience. The goal is to help guests get the most out of their holiday, by making each stay unique, enjoyable and memorable. Kandima Maldives’ promise is that all guests will leave feeling energised, relaxed, inspired and above all, happy. What else makes Kandima Maldives different? Well everyone is welcome for a start. This lifestyle resort caters for guests of all ages; families, couples, groups of friends and of course honeymooners. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, wellbeing, sport, spa experiences or just family time, Kandima Maldives will have something for everyone.

Just play! At Kandima Maldives, it is all about genuine hospitality with a human touch and smart solutions that make use of the latest innovations – not to mention a playful spirit. Explore one of the most beautiful settings in the world through the Diving School & Marine Centre activities, or head to the state-of-the-art Watersports Centre where an experienced team will take you windsurfing, SUP, surfing, or on one of the Catamarans.

If relaxation is more your thing, then simply open the doors onto your own private decking area and enjoy endless tropical views, sign up to the daily yoga and meditation classes on offer, or dive into the outdoor pool. Measuring 100m this is set to be the largest pool in the Maldives.

Still not convinced? Then have a look at these other activities with more cool surprises still being developed: tennis courts, art studio, marine biology school, kids club, games room, library, gym, yoga studio and spa, Zumba classes, electric scooters, beach volleyball, petanque, arts and crafts lessons, …

Whether you want to dine as a group, or slope off to somewhere more intimate for a romantic meal for two – Kandima Maldives has the perfect place for you. The island offers cuisine to suit any gastronomic taste, boasting one of the largest selection of restaurants and bars in the country, with an incredible choice of ten different outlets, featuring flavours of the world from Chinese to Maldivian and Mediterranean.

The resort offers a choice of 274 stylishly designed studios, beach and aqua villas, with eleven different categories to choose from, all of which have a private terrace and endless tropical views to enjoy. Their locations at different points along the 3km long island makes the accommodation suitable for honeymooners and couples seeking privacy and families as well as group of friends looking for activity.

Kandima Maldives will use state of the art technology in order to elevate their guest’s experience. The new Kandima property management system is the first of its kind – it is smart unobtrusive technology that makes guests stays smoother and the new RFID wristband means that there is no need to carry a key or wallet. This advanced technology will enable Kandima to service guests to the highest level from booking to arrival, throughout their stay and beyond.

So why is Kandima Maldives investing in such game-changing technology? Of course to give the best possible service to all guests, to be easily accessible for everyone but as well to follow one of its values: to be responsible and reduce its carbon footprint due to reducing the islands waste and energy consumption. All water waste and glass are recycled, food composted, items responsibly packaged, energy saved through smart room controls and printed collateral radically reduced through the use of the app and interactive systems.

Available from £160 half board per person, based on two adults sharing.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Unveils Striking New Beach Villas

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Reinforcing its position as a champion of smart luxury, the iconic Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has emerged from refurbishment as one of the Maldives’ most applauded resorts.  In a strategic move to continually attract guests, the resort has invested US 3.2 million in redeveloping its award-winning beach villas which are set to launch this October.

The redevelopment has seen a full renovation of 34 beach villas and bathrooms and this was followed by the development of the Maldives’ first authentic Chinese restaurant Ufaa heralded by celebrity chef Jereme Leung. This award-winning concept is a culinary journey through China, which takes inspiration from the picturesque island surroundings.  

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island general manager Lyle Lewis said the villa refurbishment is aimed at engaging with customers to ensure Conrad Maldives was top of mind when deciding where to stay.  

“We are one of the most recognised brands in the Maldives’ hospitality market and with the launch of the beach villas we aim to further cement the resort’s position as one of the leader’s in the market. Each beach villa has been completely refurbished to a luxurious haven of comfort and style, and features spacious living areas that are illuminated with natural light and offer private access to the palm fringed beach,” states Lewis.  

The beach villas nurture a sense of relaxation through distinctive features including floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors leading directly to the beach, a skylight to provide a naturally illuminated space, and a new bathroom featuring the signature outdoor shower and bathing pavilion. The standout feature of the villa is the extension of the bedroom area which gives guests the option to create a second bedroom by simply closing the curtains to encircle the space. The second bedroom is ideal for young children, teens and parents craving a little bit of privacy.  

Beach Villa, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Beach Villa, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Celebrating its 20th anniversary of operations in the Maldives, the resort joined Hilton Worldwide in 1997 as Hilton Rangali Resort and Spa, and was rebranded to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in 2007 as the flagship resort in the company’s luxury portfolio. The refurbishment of the beach villas follows the substantial works completed in 2014, which saw Conrad Maldives Rangali Island develop Ranfinolhu Island which houses 570 team members, and is arguably one of the leading team member accommodations in the country.    

The refurbishment is a precursor to the resort being announced as one of the top 10 resorts in the Indian Ocean as part of Condé Nast Traveler’s 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards, announced on 18 October 2016. Voted by people who love travel, the resort was one of the award winners selected from more than 300,000 survey takers who submitted millions of ratings and 75,000 comments. This wonderful accolade follows the resort’s award-winning year which has seen the resort receive the Maldives’ ‘Leading water villa resort’ and the Indian Ocean’s ‘Leading hotel’ at the 2016 World Travel Awards. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is one of the world’s most recognised and celebrated resorts, and continues to demonstrate a commitment to industry, leadership and innovation.  

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travellers the ability to customise details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s pre-selecting bath amenities or checking in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.  

Beach Villa, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Beach Villa, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island also participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest loyalty programme where guests who book directly through www.conradhotels.com have access to benefits including the digital Conrad Concierge app and complimentary Wi-Fi at 26  Conrad hotels.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort Wins ‘Best Resort’ Award

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The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has won “Best Resort” in the Travel Weekly Asia 2016 Readers Choice Awards.

The stunning 53 all-pool villa resort in the south of the Maldives has wowed visitors since it opened in August 2015.

The award “honours the ‘best of the best’ in the travel industry,” said Travel Weekly Asia Group Publisher, Irene Chua.

Outrigger Resort Vice President Sales & Marketing, Mark Simmons, received the award on behalf of the property at the Readers Choice Awards ceremony in Singapore, 17 October.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

The General Manager of the resort, Mr John Allanson, said: “Outrigger is very proud of the latest accolade for the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort. We dedicate it to our hard working hosts who treat all guests as part of the Outrigger family.”

Comprising 29 Beach Pool Villas, 21 Ocean Pool Villas, two Lagoon Pool Villas and the masterful three-bedroom Grand Konotta Villa, the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort offers a complete sense of privacy and intimate luxury. The Outrigger has the largest average villa sizes in the Maldives.

Each winner in the awards was voted for by Travel Weekly Asia readers, a group comprising professionals from different specialties and expertise within the travel industry.

In December 2015, the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort also won the “Luxury Contemporary Resort of the Year,” in the Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards.

Outrigger was also hailed for the way it went about acquiring the resort. In October 2015 the property won first place for Single Asset Transaction of the Year in the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific Deal of the Year Awards.

The private island of Konotta is located 211 miles (340 kilometers) to the south of Malé and is accessible via a 55-minute flight from Malé to Kaadedhdhoo Airport followed by a scenic 30-minute journey on a luxurious private speedboat.

Festive Season in Elegant Style

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Recognising that guests of refinement relish a hassle-free holiday where personalised attention to their needs is paramount, Baros Maldives presents the perfect choice, with this season’s holiday theme being “Enjoying Island Elegance.”

Gold and white are the colours chosen for this year’s festivities, to reflect the grandeur of the occasion and the purity of the season of new beginnings.

The Festive Season begins at Baros on Thursday 22 December 2016 and celebrations continue until Monday 2 January 2017. A Festive Season Diary will be available in every Villa for guests to plan their activities.

There will be memorable experiences including discovering Baros at sea with guided snorkelling tours, coral gardening, and dolphin-watching cruises, and enjoying Baros on land with nature walks, sandbank cocktails, champagne and wine tastings, gourmet and gala dinners and jazz under the stars. In addition, there will be escorted island exploration tours and a shopping visit to Malé. A special treat is the bliss of being pampered in the Spa with a seductive Elegant Island Harmony ritual.

There will also be a unique Maldivian experience for dinner in the Palm Garden on 25 December and a Countdown Party with a band and fireworks on the deck of the Lime infinity swimming pool on 31 December. For early risers on 1 January 2017, there is a grand New Year Day’s breakfast. Jazz and cool music under the stars are featured on some evenings while the Sheesha and Cigar Lounge is open every night.

Milestone of 1,000,000th Visitor of Visit Maldives Year 2016

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Achieving yet another milestone of Visit Maldives Year 2016, Maldives proudly welcomed the one millionth visitor of 2016 today at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. Mrs. Alefiya Merchant from India who arrived on Air India flight this afternoon with her husband Mr. Ali Asgar Godhrawala for their honeymoon in Maldives was warmly welcomed by H. E. Akhilesh Mishra, the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, Mr. Hussain Lirar and Mr. Shazail Shiyam, Deputy Ministers of Tourism, Mr. Haris Mohamed, Acting Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and other senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, MMPRC, Maldives Airports Company Limited and representatives of the tourism industry.

Upon arrival, they were welcomed at the arrival terminal by officials from MMPRC, Department of Immigration and Maldives Airports Company Ltd, from where they were escorted to the VIP lounge in a procession of traditional Boduberu performance.

1,000,000th Visitor of Visit Maldives Year 2016
1,000,000th Visitor of Visit Maldives Year 2016

H.E. Akhilesh Mishra, Indian High Commissioner awarded them with a commemorative plaque. A special gift was also awarded by Mr. Haris Mohamed, Managing Director of MMPRC. The Lucky honeymoon couple also received a complimentary holiday package from Hurawalhi Resort. The prize was presented by Mr. Shazail Shiyam, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Ms. Cherry Zhuang, Sales and Marketing Manager of Crown and Champa Resorts.

Since the grand welcoming of the first visitor of Visit Maldives Year in the early morning of the 1st of January, milestones of reaching 500,000th and 750,000th were colourfully celebrated.

An Indian National being the distinguished one millionth visitor is of great significance to the Maldives providing a great opportunity to promote the Maldives as a tourist destination to the Indian market. India is a rapidly growing market having attained its position within the top ten single source markets climbing up to reaching amongst the top 5 source markets to the Maldives. Arrivals from India show a positive growth of 21.5% from January to July when compared to the same period in 2015. During this period in 2016 a total of 34,884 Indian tourists are recorded to have arrived in Maldives.

Equator Village

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Located on Addu Atoll’s former Royal Air Force (RAF) base, while RAF airstrip now being Gan International Airport,  this lush garden by the azure sea is alive with culture, history, nature and mystery.

Equator Village resort, named after being located 64 Km south of the equator, the resort provides guests with comfort and relaxation, offering easy access to nature’s finest. A tropical haven of old English charm delightfully mixed with the unique beauty of Southern Maldives, Equator Village is not your typical Maldives resort.

78 lovely bungalows opening into a lush courtyard garden. Spacious and cool, designed with simple European elegance, each bungalow has it’s own verandah overlooking the tropical blooms.

Opening to overlook the surrounding gardens, the Blue Lagoon Restaurant offers buffets of Western, Oriental and Eastern Asian and local cuisine. The wonderfully light and airy atmosphere, teamed with our friendly experienced staff makes every meal a warm welcoming addition to your holiday.

Just the right distance from the pool, restaurant and entertainment room, the Veragan Bar lights up the area in cheerfully warm splendor. A good selection of all-inclusive drinks is marked easily for your convenience. This is a place to relax, chill and swap stories with fellow travelers.

In water, on land or indoors there’s plenty of activities to engage yourself in. The large swimming pool has it’s own pool bar and overlooks the ocean. A wide variety of activities are available including mountain bicycles to tour the islands.

Diverland is a PADI 5 star Dive Centre that has been operating in Maldives since 1986. The Diverland Team takes you to the best dive spots in Maldives including the largest wreck dive site in the Maldives; a cargo shipwreck from 1946 – The British Loyalty. Manta can be seen all year round, and Addu is the only place in Maldives where Manta rays with over 5-meter wings spans are known to exist.

Four islands linked together by causeways. From Gan through Feydhoo, Maradhoo, and to the capital Hithadhoo. Three more islands – Meedhoo and Hithadhoo and Bushy island is a ferry ride away. Equator excursions are set to explore all of them in their natural and historical beauty.

Serena Spa offers a wide selection of aromatic oils, and age-old treatments to sooth your mind and body. Ancient Ayurvedic therapies, beauty treatments and packages specially designed to completely revive and revitalize all your senses after a day in the sun.

Guests will enjoy the facilities offered by the hotel, such as the large swimming pool which offers access to the beach, table tennis, volleyball, squash, snorkeling, and a tennis court. The unique part about this hotel is that guests have direct access to local villages, making it easy for guests to get a good glimpse of the Maldivian culture. Pick Equator Village Resort as your choice of stay when visiting Maldives for an unforgettable experience.

Adduan Returns To His Roots to Run Equator Village Resort

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When he was 24, Mohamed Waheed of Feydhoo, Addu City, made a trip that thousands of people from his southern atoll home have made before him: he got on a boat and sailed for Malé.

The capital’s economic heft has drawn Maldivians from across the archipelago for generations – something that Malé’s rampant overcrowding can attest. Once people make the trip to Malé, they normally stay there. But bucking this trend, Waheed has returned home.

On 1 September, he was appointed as Resort Manager at Equator Village in Gan. Waheed has joined an elite club of Maldivians who have worked their way up the career ladder to the rank of resort manager – the most senior position in any hotel.

Waheed started his career as a trainee receptionist at Villingili Beach Resort in 1986 before the island was converted from a resort into a suburb island of Malé. He then held numerous positions in resorts, rising to become Front Office Manager, then Assistant Manager and finally Assistant Resort Manager at Summer Island Maldives.

Kaimoo resorts, which own both Summer Island Maldives and Equator Village, then offered Waheed his dream job: as Resort Manager back home in Addu.

Commenting on his new job, Mohamed Waheed said:

“It’s such a privilege to return to Addu as a resort manager, more than 30 years since I left home. I hope other Maldivians, who have left their homes for Malé, also think about returning to help develop and improve their home islands.

“Addu has so much potential, especially in tourism: the atoll has Maldives’ best diving and you can explore the atoll on a bicycle thanks to the link road. I’m really looking forward to managing Equator Village and building on its success.”

Commenting on the appointment, Mohamed Manih Ahmed, Managing Director of Kaimoo THS Group said:

“Mr. Waheed has been a mainstay at Summer with two decades of distinguished service, and I understand his absence would be significantly felt on the island. I offer our congratulations. I am sure he will bring the same enthusiasm, dedication and vigor he has displayed at Summer to Equator.”

Equator Village is located in Gan, an island with an interesting colonial history. From 1956 – 1976 Gan was a British Royal Air Force Base, and many British servicemen and women who served there often return to the island to visit. They nearly always stay at Equator Village.

The resort is located in what used to be the RAF Sergeant’s Mess, and the hotel’s grounds still retain a unique colonial charm, with large trees, manicured lawns and English-style flower gardens.

Addu’s appeal isn’t just history, though: the diving here is some of the best in the Maldives. The Atoll’s best dive spot is arguably a shipwreck called British Loyalty. It was a fuel tanker that was attacked by the Germans during the Second World War. The ship’s sinking was the only known attack in the Maldives for the war’s duration. The unexplored caves, all year round manta ray sighting makes Addu one of the most spectacular dive atolls in the Maldives.

Addu also allows tourists to cycle from island to island via the link road, offering them a unique opportunity to experience Maldivian towns and villages, as well as go off the beaten track and seek out deserted beaches. Addu’s “Eedhigali Kilhi”, one of the largest mangroves in the Maldives is an environmentally protected area and a beautiful area for bird watching. Equator Village offers bicycles for guests to explore the atoll.

Today, the Equator Village has 78 spacious, simple and garden view bungalows. The hotel has a restaurant, poolside bar and a large swimming pool that overlooks the ocean. A wide variety of activities are available including squash, table tennis, tennis, and live music. The Serena Spa offers a wide selection of aromatic oils and wellness packages are available to sooth your mind and body.

Hotel Jen Malé Maldives organizes free medical day in conjunction with World Heart Day for the staffs

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Hotel Jen Malé Maldives by Shangri-la the popular hotel among tourists and businessmen in the heart of the capital city Malé, recently organized a Health Awareness Campaign in conjunction with World Heart Day 2016 for its employees as part of its initiative on corporate social responsible programs. In Partnership with IGMH Hospital Cardiac Dr. Ayesha Zara Naseem gave a highly comprehensive presentation on the importance of healthy living, diet and exercise to the employees who attended the seminar.

The campaign tackled about the causes of unhealthy routine which is mainly due to hectic work schedules and fast paced life, health is often neglected. Hence, Dr. Ayesha reminded that the best approach and easy method to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to plan out strategies which include a balanced diet, healthy eating habits and doing physical activities.

Dr. Ayesha also emphasized that a balanced diet includes maintaining low intake of salt and trans fats found in fast food and to include an aerobic routine or walking schedule daily to boost heart and physiological functions as well as to help reduce stress levels. Some of the significant benefits of having a healthy lifestyle include decrease risk of diabetics, blood pressure, heart disease, cholesterol and certain cancers.

Mr. Zafer Agacan General Manager of Hotel Jen Malé Maldives said: “As the success of an organization is directly related to the health and welfare of its employees, Hotel Jen Malé Maldives conducts a series of programs every year to educate and promote health. In our present day lifestyle, health is a factor that if often overlooked. However, as Dr. Ayesha pointed out, if corrective measures are actively implemented, such as healthy living, intake of a wholesome diet and inclusion of an active and regular exercise regimen, one can definitely maintain good health of body and mind.

The seminar brought together hotel management and staff across all departments who are reminded with the old passage ‘Health is Wealth’ which means a healthy body means a healthy lifestyle.

The seminar also included health checkup for the employees of Hotel Jen Malé Maldives which was provided for them free and which witnessed an enthusiastic response from the staffs and encouraging them to do regular check up to stay healthy and live a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Ayesha and Hotel Jen Malé Maldives indicated the need to implement the recommendations of such awareness camps and seminars underlines the importance of regular check-ups to detect problems that can be easily remedied and to make sure that the staff’s health is perfectly monitored.

Hotel staffs expressed their appreciation for the initiative of this day’s organization that confirms the commitment to their health and enhance communication and affiliation means.

Shangri-La and its properties are well knowns for the part in corporate social responsibility and raising awareness and contributing and conducting initiative awareness programs every year for their guest’s staffs and the society.

MATATO signs as Associate Partner for Travel Trade Show of Maldives

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Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO) has signed a MOU with Maldives Getaways Pvt Ltd to become an Associate Partner for first international Travel Trade Show of Maldives (TTM).

Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) is the platform that connects the travel trade community of the Maldives to the global network of travel agents easily and instantly. Staged annually in Maldives, TTM will be the leading global event for the luxury travel trade industry of Maldives. It will be a vibrant must attend business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of hoteliers to local & International travel professionals.

TTM aims to facilitate the tourism industry of Maldives to reach the ultimate target of 2 million tourists with over $3.5 billion in receipts by the end of 2020. More than 300 hoteliers, suppliers, related industries and travel professionals from Maldives and abroad are expected to visit TTM to network, negotiate and discover the latest industry opinion and trends in Maldives.

SPEED NETWORKING

Speed networking sessions bring together exhibitors and selected buyers in one-to-one meeting sessions. TTM will arrange meetings for up to 20 minutes to facilitate constructive meetings which will produce results! You can use this time to not only exchange cards and introduce but to brief products and services, discuss prices and even explore ways to work in the future.

The Venue & Dates

TTM 2017 will be held in Dharubaaruge, Male’ Maldives. TTM 2017 will be held in July 2017 from morning till evening, promising two full days of serious business.

Events & Facilities

Travel Talks – These are interactive talk sessions presented by the leading industry stakeholders of Maldives and the international travel market. These stakeholders are renowned professionals, industry experts, specialists and achievers, and research authors of the markets. The sessions will be scheduled in a flow that will not disrupt the meetings, ensuring not only business but a learning experience.

Predesigned state-of-the-art booths – Booths at TTM will be spaced and designed to meet the sole objective of hosting productive meetings. The booths will be equipped with all the necessary equipment and comfortable furniture to ensure the perfect environment.

Business Centre – TTM2017 will feature a comprehensive Business Centre with the perfect environment for buyers and exhibitors to network and hold additional meetings with prospected partners. The centre will include amenities and facilities such as concierge service, printing and photocopying, free Internet and Wi-Fi, luggage storage, phone charging stations, etc.

Meal and Refreshment Zone – The show will feature a trendy full scale meal and refreshment zone serving a rich variety of foods and drinks for the participants.

Photo and Art Gallery – TTM will feature a photo and art gallery that will exhibit the finest works of leading professional photographers and artists related to the travel and tourism world. The gallery will communicate breathtaking tales about Maldives, the history and the future of the tourism industry.

Closing Gala Event – TTM will host a VIP Closing Gala Event to mark the closing celebrations of the event. The Gala Event will feature keynote speakers who are international hospitality veterans; gift exchanging; a classy dinner with rich and exotic Maldivian tastes; live music by leading artists; and of course the opportunity to network with the highest executives, decision makers, and market shapers of the industry.

TTM Magazine – An official magazine of TTM will be published in English with a total of 3000 copies freely distributed at the event & other international travel trade shows. This magazine will include exhibitor profile, visitor profiles, and partner’s profiles and other important information regarding the Maldives as a tourism hub.

EXHIBITOR PROFILES

Resort and Hotels Chains and individual Resorts and Hotels, National and State Government Agencies, Industry Service Providers, Financial Institutions, Business/Luxury Travel Agents and Tour Operators, Destination Marketing and PR Companies, Insurance Companies, Marine and Land Transport Companies, Airlines; and News and Media Corporations.

VISITOR PROFILES

International Business/Luxury Travel Agents and Tour Operators, Destination Marketing and PR Companies, Travel Bloggers, Airlines; and News and Media Corporations.

TOTAL PARTICIPANTS

150 International Travel Agents & local travel agents
100 Resorts/Hotels
50 Partners/Journalists/Bloggers/PR Specialists/Media

For more details, please contact :
+960 3011720 | [email protected] | www.traveltrademaldives.com

Four Seasons Resort Maldives At Kuda Huraa Announces Launch of Game-Changing Water Villas

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Embrace an evolution in over-water living

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa unveils its brand new all-villa water accommodations – the country’s ultimate lagoon sanctuaries – in December 2016.

Completely renovated, refurbished and extended throughout, each vast oceanic haven has its own private 24 square metre (260 square foot) infinity pool, accessible through sliding glass doors from a brand new day bed alcove in the master bedroom.

New Water Villas, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

But that’s not all. At the furthermost end of each villa’s vastly extended wooden sun deck – past the loungers and huge over-water sunbathing net – an open-air pavilion takes the notion of overwater living to the very edge with a shaded sofa area, dining table for four, over-lagoon hammocks and steps into the warm crystal lagoon dotted with fish and corals.

Available with one, two or three bedrooms, each ocean-top retreat is spaced widely for privacy along wither the sunset or sunrise side of Kuda Huraa’s long water villa jetty.

New Water Villas, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

In addition to the daybed alcove and air-conditioned lounge area, internal highlights include a naturally lit walk-through wardrobe corridor and a huge marble bathroom complete with separate shower cubicle and freestanding ocean-view tub.

Contemporary interiors are inspired by the vibrant garden-fresh colours of Kuda Huraa and complemented by cool timber flooring. A handmade Maldivian thatch roof and distinctive architectural detailing draw on the traditions of generations of local craftsmen to complement the Resort’s sense of place. And upgraded in-room technology includes IPTV, full stereo system and 55-inch screen and espresso machine.

New Water Villas, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

“We feel really proud to be putting Kuda Huraa on the map again with these exceptional over-water accommodations,” commented the Resort’s General Manager Randy Shimabuku. “We know guests will love the extra space and innovative touches but when combined with our wonderful surf and dive options, new Island Spa sea sanctuary and baby turtle-rearing pools, we hope to be able to immerse them in the deepest possible marine-inspired experience that the Maldives has to offer.”

To be one of the first to experience Kuda Huraa’s new Water Villas contact the central reservations department of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at tel: (960) 66 00 888, email: [email protected] or book online.

New Water Villas, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa