First Ice Rink in the Maldives opened by Russian Olympic Gold Medalist

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Jumeirah Vittaveli inaugurated the first ice rink in the Maldives with a celebrity performance by Russian Evgeni Plushenko, a former Olympic Gold medallist figure skater.

Jumeirah Vittaveli Ice Rink LaunchThe eco-friendly ice skating rink Ice Ice Maybe… is a world first to the Maldives and the 87 square meters offers plenty of space for pirouettes and ice hockey games.

Ice Ice Maybe - Jumeirah VittaveliAmit Majumder, General Manager, Jumeirah Vittaveli, said: “I congratulate the entire team for introducing a world-first to the Maldives. This eco-friendly ice skating rink on a tropical island is a true expression of our aim to ‘wow’ our guests, not just with genuine service from the heart but with innovative additions to our resort that provide extraordinary experiences to the adventurous traveller.

Ice Ice Maybe JV“An immense thank you also goes to the inimitable Evgeni Plushenko – we are honoured that such a world-class skater and enthralling performer as Evgeni was the first to leave his mark on our rink. I look forward to seeing the many happy guests when they try out our beachside ice rink while looking out over the ocean.”

The grand finale to the launch event was Evgeni Plushenko’s performance, he was later joined by his wife Yana Rudkovskaya and his 5-year-old son Aleksandr Plushenko, an ice skating wonderkid.

The country’s first ice skating rink Ice Ice Maybe… at Jumeirah Vittaveli has been manufactured using Glice®, a novel material from Switzerland that allows for eco-friendly ice rinks, eliminating the need to keep the ice rink cold. This enables guests to experience a world-first at Jumeirah Vittaveli when they go for a swim in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean, followed by a quick stroll across the beach to put on their ice skates and glide along the picturesque backdrop of a tropical winter wonderland.

The rink will be open from 12 – 6pm daily and access costs at USD 75 which includes 2 hours of ice skating, rental of equipment, a delicious ice cream sundae to enjoy post ice skating and a host of giveaways and souvenirs. All following entries will be charged at USD 50 and include gear and an ice cream sundae. The rink will be open for all ages, children below 8 years of age will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Jumeirah Vittaveli offers romantic escapes as well as a variety of land- and water-based activities, including a PADI Dive base, water sports centre, six restaurants and bars, and two lounges; an underground tasting room and a wine library will be opened soon. With its focus on cultural connection and organic experiences in a luxurious setting, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers guests a true Maldivian island experience.

About Jumeirah Vittaveli:
A 20-minute boat ride from Malé International Airport brings you to Jumeirah Vittaveli. Whether for an intimate escape or an indulgent family retreat, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers unmatched diversity, subtle luxury and personalised exploration. Impeccable choice and seamless service shape the character of this resort paradise, where every detail has been meticulously crafted to inspire journeys of discovery and enjoyment. Whether beach-side or over-water, all villas feature stunning interiors with private pools and access to the sandy shores or glistening waters. The sprawling 5-bedroom Royal Residence comes with private beach, spa, gym, two swimming pools, and its own dedicated restaurant. An inspirational Spa, a well-equipped overwater gymnasium, a children’s club and 5 star PADI dive centre mean guests are always able to try something new. The country’s first ice rink invites guests for a world first – ice skating on an eco-friendly synthetic ice rink, overlooking the powder soft beaches and crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.  

About Jumeirah Group:
Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, operates a world-class portfolio of hotels and resorts including the flagship Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts manages properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE; Bahrain and Kuwait in the Middle East; Frankfurt, London and Mallorca (Spain) in Europe; the Maldives and Shanghai in Asia. Jumeirah Group also operates the new upscale-casual brand, Zabeel House by JumeirahTM and runs the luxury serviced residences brand Jumeirah LivingTM with properties in London and Dubai; the wellness brand TaliseTM; Jumeirah Restaurant Group DubaiTM; Wild Wadi WaterparkTM; The Emirates Academy of Hospitality ManagementTM; Jumeirah SiriusTM, its global loyalty programme; and isme by Jumeirah™ an app based rewards programme in the UAE. Future openings include luxury hotels in the UAE, Indonesia, China, Oman, Jordan, Malaysia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
www.jumeirah.com

Jumeirah Vittaveli introduces first Ice Rink in the Maldives

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Jumeirah Vittaveli brings a new first to the Maldives this festive season with the opening of the destination’s first ice rink. The rink allows guests to be carried away into a small winter wonderland of their own while being enveloped by the warmth of the tropics.

An experience unlike any other, guests can take a dip in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, then step off the white sandy beaches and into a pair of skates to glide over the resort’s glistening ice skating rink. Launching shortly before Christmas, the ice rink adds a little more magic to this already enchanting season.

General Manager Amit Majumder comments: “The ice rink is a perfect expression of our goal to always wow guests. We have many guests who keep coming back to us and I often hear that one of the reasons for their returns is that they love to be surprised by our updates and developments each time they come. Apart from the ice rink, we have some exciting changes in our rooms and dining outlets upcoming, which we will announce in the near future.”

In its quest to constantly surprise guests, the resort management has found a way to transport winter cheer into a tropical climate while still adhering to their core sustainability beliefs as a Green Globe certified property. The ice rink has been built in partnership with Glice®, a company that manufactures artificial ice plates. Glice® offers ice skating indoor and outdoor anytime and in any climate conditions. Contrary to a conventional ice skating rink, a complex molecular technology makes Glice® synthetic ice rinks function entirely without water and at a zero-energy level.

Jumeirah Vittaveli’s festive season will be celebrated with a carnival around the globe theme this year. Guests will enjoy lavish gala dinners at Samsara Beach, live bands and dance troupes, Santa Claus will visit on Christmas Day, and December 31 will see a vibrant New Year’s party including DJ, fire dance, and fireworks.

The full programme of Jumeirah Vittaveli’s festive activities is available here.

Jumeirah Vittaveli unveils family fun offer

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Jumeirah Vittaveli has launched the Family Fun Offer to provide the whole family with an unforgettable experience this summer. Conveniently located just 20-minutes away from Malé’s international airport by luxury catamaran, the resort offers one of the largest children’s clubs in the Maldives.

The exclusive Family Fun Offer starts from USD 6,900* for a 4 night stay in a Two Bedroom Beach Villa with Pool and includes exclusive access to a private beach or lagoon, daily buffet breakfast, afternoon tea in villa and evening meals at Samsara, Fenesse or MU Grill, in addition to a fruit basket on arrival and beach BBQ with the family.

Activities available include a Maldivian cooking course, complimentary access to the Kuda Koli Kids Club and Teen Lounge, complimentary non-motorised watersports and snorkelling equipment, use of bicycles to explore the island and three hours of babysitting per stay. Children under the age of 17 can enjoy complimentary food on a full board basis (excluding Swarna) and a complimentary airport transfer. Wi-Fi access is available throughout the resort.

Kuda Koli Kids Club

At Kuda Koli Kids Club, children can make new friends, try creative activities, enjoy the club’s facilities and cool off in the shallow family swimming pool or teen lounge. The children’s programme enables every age group to take part in games and events.

Mini adventurers can take part in a treasure hunt to discover the island’s fauna and flora, dance enthusiasts can learn the traditional Maldivian Bodu Beru dance, and thrill seekers can try the inflatable banana boat ride.

The Underwater World

Explore the wonders of the Maldives underwater and hop onboard the semi-submerged boat which showcases this mysterious world. Discover the rainbow coral reefs and marine life on a journey through the depths of the Indian Ocean.

Families can enjoy time together while the excursion guide points out sights and explains the marine life. For adventurous guests, private experiences are offered where guests can observe the night-time wonders of the ocean or take a tour to one of the nearby shipwrecks.

Coral Protection

Jumeirah Vittaveli’s on-site marine biologist, Emily Armstrong-Smith, teaches both children and adults about the importance of coral protection and marine habitats. Once a week children can take part in a Junior Coral Ranger session, where they learn the importance of conservation and have the opportunity to plant their own coral and be part of the amazing conservation programme. Emily also leads guests on tours along the house reef where she has planted several coral nursery frames and closely monitors their progress.

Water Sports

Watersports enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling along the house reef. Those feeling even more adventurous can try flyboarding. This exhilarating water sport combines a jet ski turbine with a wakeboard, enabling guests to fly above the ocean or dive under like a dolphin.

To make a reservation please call +960 664 2020 or e-mail [email protected].

*Rates are subject to government taxes and service charge

 

Jumeirah Vittaveli appoints new Resident Manager

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Jumeirah Vittaveli has appointed Christopher Baker as the resort’s new Resident Manager.

An experienced hospitality professional, Christopher brings strong leadership and management skills to his new role. He first joined the Jumeirah Group early on in his career, for the opening of Jumeirah Beach Hotel and joins Jumeirah Vittaveli with excellent knowledge of the brand.

Christopher has filled managerial positions for a number of hospitality companies including Rosewood, Anantara Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels, and Emirates Hotels & Resorts, in countries such as Vietnam, UAE, Jordan, India and UK.

Amit Majumder, General Manager of Jumeirah Vittaveli, said: “We extend a warm welcome to Christopher who is now part of our island resort family – a Resident Manager with his experience means an essential addition to our team, and I look forward to the creative innovations he will bring to the table.

At Jumeirah Vittaveli, we constantly evolve and reinvent ourselves, while adhering to Jumeirah’s traditionally top level service standards and Christopher will play an integral part in the realization of our upcoming projects, from Food & Beverage offerings, to wellness services, to the reinvention of our most iconic overwater standalone villas, the Ocean Suites.”

Originally from the UK, Christopher studied at the Birmingham College of Food, Tourism, & Creative Studies, and started his managerial career as Head Chef at Oliver’s Restaurant, located in the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

Christopher joins General Manager Amit Majumder and his team at Jumeirah Vittaveli, an award-winning luxury island resort, situated only 20-minutes from the capital of Malé.

Jumeirah Vittaveli features a host of land- and water-based activities, including a PADI Dive base, water sports centre, four restaurants and two bars, and a Talise Spa with overwater and garden treatment rooms. With its focus on cultural connections and organic experiences in a luxurious setting, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers guests a true Maldivian island experience.

The Royal Residence Art Collection by Maha Al Mazrouei unveiled at Jumeirah Vittaveli

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Maha al Mazrouei, a gifted Emirati artist, has been commissioned by Jumeirah Vittaveli to design four pieces of bespoke art to celebrate the newly launched five-bedroom Royal Residence.

Maha al Mazrouei said: “I always feel a sense of calm when visiting the Maldivian islands – it’s heaven on Earth. I am so fascinated by god’s creation and all the components that you see when exploring the island, I wanted to create an art collection exclusive to Jumeirah Vittaveli to reflect this unique experience.”

Specialising in cubism and abstract styles, Maha has reimagined the Maldivian islands using oil based paints of blue and white hues, to match to the chic interiors and furnishings of the Royal Residence.

A twin painting now flanks the grand entrance to the Royal Residence and sets the mood for a tranquil island escape. A more daring and colourful piece decorates the private spa pavilion – this painting was inspired by the colourful gardens of the island. In the living area of the Sanctuary – the accommodation reserved for the host of any Royal Residence stay – hangs Maha’s breath-taking depiction of over- and underwater beauty in the Maldives. Infusing style and culture, Maha will host an intimate art exhibition at Jumeirah Vittaveli later this year.

Maha has been active in the creative world since 1993 when she co-founded the Tebra Art Group together with other female Emirati artists. With Tebra, Maha took part in various exhibitions and installations such as a mural for Dubai’s Shopping Festival in 1996.

One of Maha’s abstract paintings was also chosen as a stamp for the UAE postal authorities in 1996. In recent years, Maha has been producing an eclectic selection of solo art including a collection of murals featured at Jumeirah’s world renowned Burj Al Arab property and paintings inside the VIP Majlis at Dubai International Airport.

Maha’s colourful modern artworks showcased at the Royal Residence have been inspired by the Maldivian islands and add the final decorative touch to the property.

The Royal Residence at Jumeirah Vittaveli is the ultimate beachfront retreat. Designed for families and groups of friends looking for the ultimate in luxury, this stunning residence offers five bedrooms extending across 3,500 square meters of pure tranquillity.

Cocooned in a Maldivian hideaway, the Royal Residence is a resort all of its own. Home to two private swimming pools overlooking the private residence beach, a dedicated island grill restaurant offers live cooking and teppanyaki style cuisine set atop a Dhoni shaped deck.

Guests can also dine in the opulent dining room or relax in the sunken lounge which is surrounded by a fragrant lily pond and has its own overwater bar and sundeck.

The Royal Residence can accommodate 14 people with prices from $35,000 per night during high season.

To book please call +960 664 2020 or email: [email protected]

Enjoy Easter at Jumeirah Vittaveli in the Maldives

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Resort invites guests to the Mad Hatter’s tea party

Jumeirah Vittaveli brings a new twist to Easter this year with an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

Guests can expect captivating family entertainment, a lavish Easter dinner and a mesmerising tea party under the enchanting ‘Alice in Wonderland’ theme where the Mad Hatter, Cheshire cat, White Queen and Alice come to life. The Family Fun package starts from USD 2,968 and includes accommodation in a Two Bedroom Beach Suite, daily breakfast and dinner, a family Beach BBQ, a Maldivian Cooking Class and a babysitting service. Quote the promotional code “FAMILYJV” to avail the offer.

“The famous tea party from Alice in Wonderland is a dream canvas. We have created a quirky menu for our young guests, ranging from strawberry tiramisu, cotton candy, lollies, popsicles and chocolate mousse topped by a crispy hat decoration. We are excited to surprise our guests with our Easter culinary delights – traditional and novel at the same time!” said Francis Cornelius, Executive Sous Chef, Jumeirah Vittaveli.

Easter isn’t complete without the Easter Bunny and chocolate eggs – in keeping with the tropical mood, the Easter egg hunt will be transformed into a snorkelling adventure where kids will go hunting for eggs underwater. As guests cross the turquoise waters they’ll swim by an underwater party, where Alice and the Mad Hatter will be sipping on tea and waving to passers-by.

The Kuda Koli Kids Club will host Alice in Wonderland themed games including croquet with flamingos, a jabberwocky piñata, an obstacle race and an egg hunt. After a packed morning, the afternoon brings cakes, chocolates and potions. Tea will be served to guests as the boardwalk around Samsara restaurant is turned into a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Poised against the rich blue ocean, gazebos will be set up as a degustation menu of chocolates, treats, snacks and drinks are served.

Kuda Koli Kids Club, Jumeirah Vittaveli

The resident musician who also goes by the name of the main character ‘Alice’ will set the mood with violin and piano performances. On Easter Sunday, a host of entertainers will perform such as the Art of Poi fire dance, a magic show, LED light show and the Melody Duo live band as guests sit down by the Samsara beach and enjoy a traditional Easter dinner. Families can enjoy the resort’s land- and water-based activities, including a PADI Dive base, water sports centre, Kuda Koli Kids Club and babysitting services, four restaurants, two bars and a Talise Spa with overwater and garden treatment rooms. With its focus on cultural connection and organic experiences in a luxurious setting, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers guests a true Maldivian island experience.

Jumeirah Vittaveli Wins ‘Romantic Hotel/Resort of the year’ at Annual AsiaSpa Awards

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Jumeirah Vittaveli was awarded ‘Romantic Hotel/Resort of the Year’ at the internationally acclaimed AsiaSpa Awards, in the 12th annual awards gala in Hong Kong. Jumeirah Vittaveli was the only property in the Maldives recognised at the event.

Talise Spa, Jumeirah Vittaveli
Talise Spa, Jumeirah Vittaveli

Amit Majumder, General Manager, Jumeirah Vittaveli, said: “This is the seventh award the resort has collected this year and reflects its strong commitment to excellence in service and facilities. The awards also underlines our outstanding offerings when it comes to honeymoons and romantic escapes. The Maldives is traditionally a top destination for couples holidays, and to have been singled out in such a competitive landscape is a great honour. Couples will find the time and space here at Jumeirah Vittaveli to spend magical moments together, in an environment of astounding natural beauty.”

Jumeirah Vittaveli offers one of the most romantic villas in the Maldives with the Ocean Suites which sit majestically in the gentle lagoon, only a heartbeat away from the main island. These double-storey overwater suites are only accessible by boat and provide the ultimate in privacy and seclusion for guests. The resort recently launched a Suite Memories promotion which includes 30% discount from the Best Available Rate, as well as daily in-villa breakfast and in-villa spa bath for guests – so they never need to leave their romantic retreat until their departure day.

The AsiaSpa Awards™ were created by the AsiaSpa magazine in 2005. The prestigious accolades recognise leaders in Asia’s dynamic industry and set the benchmark for quality and innovation for spas in the region. Innovation and quality are integral to the AsiaSpa Awards, whose intent is to give credit to the spas and properties which continue to develop the industry. Now in its 12th year, the AsiaSpa Awards are respected for their uncompromised independence with a reputation for transparency and objectivity.

Jumeirah Vittaveli offers romantic escapes in villas and suites that all include private pools. The resort comprises a host of land- and water-based activities, including a PADI Dive base, water sports centre, four restaurants and two bars, and a Talise Spa with overwater and garden treatment rooms. With its focus on cultural connection and organic experiences in a luxurious setting, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers guests a true Maldivian island experience.

Talise Spa, Jumeirah Vittaveli
Talise Spa, Jumeirah Vittaveli

Jumeirah Vittaveli Appoints New Executive Committee Members

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Benedict Hopkins, Lijo John and Mike Audrain join the resort’s senior leadership team

Jumeirah Vittaveli in the Maldives, an award-winning luxury island resort with one of the best house reefs in the Malé atoll, has made a number of senior leadership appointments.

Benedict Hopkins is now the Director of Finance, Lijo John is the new Director of Revenue Management and Mike Audrain has been appointed Director of Human Resources.

Amit Majumder, the General Manager of Jumeirah Vittaveli, said: “A strong team is made of dedicated and experienced professionals and therefore I am very pleased to have Lijo, Mike and Benny as part of the Executive Committee. The collective knowledge and experience they bring to the team in their leadership roles is vital in taking the resort to greater heights through enriched guest and colleague experiences.”

A native of the UK, Benedict’s career has spanned many industries and continents. He previously worked with Jumeirah as Director of Finance at Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel, Azerbaijan and has worked across various industries including banking, auditing, risk management, bio-tech, mining and educational services across Russia, UK, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia. He entered the hospitality world as Finance Director at Soneva Fushi, Maldives.

An Indian national, Lijo began his career in Revenue Management in the Middle East where he worked with the Hilton Group of Hotels. During his time with Hilton, Lijo set up a Cluster Revenue Management Centre and developed his expertise in pricing strategy and rate structure. Lijo has worked in the Maldives before and held the position of Revenue Manager at One & Only Reethi Rah. He is familiar to the destination and unique market conditions that apply to his new role.

Hailing from the UK where he started his career, Mike’s career has given him a great insight into people management and training. He first worked with Eldridge and then with Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants. In the Middle East, Mike worked with Grand Millennium Abu Dhabi and Dusit Thani Dubai, before he moved on to his most recent role, as Director of Human Resources of the Morgan’s Hotel Group, at the Mondrian in Doha, Qatar. He has previously worked with Jumeirah, as HR and Development Manager, which was crucial in developing and implementing the expansion plan for the growth of the Jumeirah Living luxury serviced apartments.

Jumeirah Vittaveli Unveils 5-Bedroom Royal Residence

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The lavish Royal Residence will be the perfect playground for the extraordinary traveller – opens on January 2017

Jumeirah Vittaveli in the Maldives has announced the resort’s much anticipated Royal Residence will open in January 2017. The 5-bedroom / 6 bathroom retreat will cover 3,500 square metres and include a private beach, two pools, and a private arrival jetty.

Amit Majumder, General Manager, Jumeirah Vittaveli, said: “The Royal Residence adds another dimension of luxury to Jumeirah Vittaveli. This completely self-sufficient hideaway includes its own arrival jetty with overwater bar, an open air kitchen, restaurant, private beach, two pools, spa and gym, separate living and dining pavilion as well as separate service quarters. Guests can enjoy unrivalled privacy while still having all the activities and facilities of an award-winning resort at their fingertips. We have put much thought into planning out each little detail of the Royal Residence and I am confident that guests will be amazed by the level of service as well as privacy that they will experience when staying at this new ultimate tropical retreat.”

Entrance, Royal Residence, Jumeirah Vittaveli
Entrance, Jumeirah Vittaveli

The Royal Residence experience will begin as soon as guests arrive in the Maldives. They will receive priority customs service and a personal welcome at the airport, followed by a 20-minute luxury yacht transfer to the island. A traditional Maldivian Bodu Beru reception awaits, comprising a group of drummers and dancers who greet guests at the private jetty. The Royal Residence Manager will take everyone on a brief tour of the luxurious residence.

The journey will lead guests past a sunken lounge surrounded by a fragrant lily pond, to a full sized swimming pool looking out across the private beach. A dining room seating 10 with adjacent living room including Bang & Olufsen™ home theatre system is connected to the pool deck, with an open air Teppanyaki style live kitchen on the far end overlooking the infinite ocean. An indoor fully stocked kitchen and wine cellar by nolte™ is the domain of the personal chef, while separate service quarters house up to four additional personnel.

The Suite Master Bedroom, Jumeirah Vittaveli
The Suite Master Bedroom, Jumeirah Vittaveli

‘The Sanctuary’ (530sqm) includes the Master Bedroom, as well as a separate indoor living area, private spa treatment room and private gym outfitted with state-of-the-art Life Fitness™ equipment. An indoor bathroom with his and hers vanities and oversized stone bathtub by Kelly Hoppen™ is complemented by an outdoor bathing area featuring a Jacuzzi with inbuilt TV. ‘The Villas’ (240 sqm & 195 sqm), one with king-size bed and one with twin bed, flank The Sanctuary and pool to the North and South – both including their own private open air deck as well as walk-in wardrobe and stone bathtub. ‘The Suite’ connects through a portico to the Royal Residence and includes one king-sized and one twin bedded room, as well as separate living room and a 49 square metre private pool.

The Suite Exterior, Jumeirah Vittaveli
The Suite, Jumeirah Vittaveli

Guests of the Royal Residence will enjoy access to all facilities of Jumeirah Vittaveli via dedicated buggy and chauffeur, including a PADI Dive base, water sports centre, four restaurants and two bars, Kuda Koli Kids’ Club with family pool, and a Talise Spa with overwater and garden treatment rooms. With its focus on understated luxury and cultural connection, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers guests a true Maldivian island experience.

Jumeirah Vittaveli Voted ‘Maldives’ Leading Spa Resort’

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Jumeirah Vittaveli has won the World Travel Award 2016 for ‘Maldives’ Leading Spa Resort,’ at the Africa and Indian Ocean gala evening in Zanzibar.

Graham Kiy, General Manager at Jumeirah Vittaveli, said: “We are proud to have been awarded this outstanding recognition for Jumeirah Vittaveli and our Talise Spa, which is an integral part of the resort. Every day, our team strives to deliver superior service and an indulgent experience, ensuring our guests enjoy the paradise of the Maldives to the fullest. Part of this is providing culturally connected treatments, such as the use of pure Maldivian coconut oil within some of our treatments – produced on site and harvested from coconuts from the island, this is a favourite with our guests.”

Guests at Jumeirah Vittaveli can indulge in signature couple’s treatments such as the Vittaveli Romance which includes a full body massage followed by an intimate rich coconut milk bath. Guests can also request the spa team to prepare a romantic bath in their villa, complete with flower petals, strawberries and bubbly.

More information about the resort can be discovered on the official Jumeirah blog: ‘5 Reasons the Maldives is perfect for families’.

The World Travel Awards are voted for by travel and tourism professionals worldwide. Established in 1993, the awards are recognised as a world-class hallmark of quality. Each year a series of gala ceremonies are staged to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence in the tourism industry.

Graham Cooke, President of the World Travel Awards, said: “My congratulations to everybody who was nominated at the World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean gala ceremony this and especially those who picked up a trophy. As the first stop on our annual grand tour, the bar has certainly been set high for the rest of the year and I look forward to greeting all of our winners from this evening at the grand final in the Maldives in December.”