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]

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 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.”

Month of Wellness at Jumeirah Vittaveli

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Nutrition Chef and Meditation Guru will teach guests healthier lifestyles

Jumeirah Vittaveli has announced the resort’s annual Talise Wellness Month, featuring guest resident Talise Nutrition Executive Chef Gabi Kurz.

Following the successful Wellness Month in 2015, this year’s event will take place from 15 March to 15 April 2016 and continues the tradition by offering guests exclusive programmes including meditation, yoga, fitness classes, special spa treatments and healthy nutrition cooking classes. To complement these wellness activities, the daily breakfast and dinner buffet at Samsara will include a Talise Nutrition corner.

The resort is delighted to welcome back Chef Gabriele Kurz to spearhead the Talise Nutrition Menu. Chef Gabi is the Talise Wellness Executive Chef for the Jumeirah Group Portfolio of hotels and resorts and curated the popular Nutrition Menu last year. During her residency she will launch a new Talise set menu at the resort’s fine dining restaurant Fenesse. Chef Gabi will be at Jumeirah Vittaveli from 23-30 March. During her stay, she will also host cooking classes and demonstrations. Guests can learn how to create healthy dishes out of local and international ingredients to improve their diet not only on vacation but also when at home. For more information follow chef Gabi on Instagram to see her recipe ideas or read Chef Gabi’s blog.

Jumeirah Vittaveli’s Talise Spa and Fitness will conduct daily wellness activities throughout the month. Guest Practitioner Winnie Rode, an internationally renowned meditation and philosophy teacher and sound and music therapist, will visit the resort from March 14-24. He will hold both private and group meditation classes and perform his unique singing bowl sound massages.

Winnie has been teaching philosophy and meditation for more than 20 years. He began his education as a monk in a Tibetan monastery and today, his teachings are mainly based on the Dzogchen tradition.

Jumeirah Vittaveli offers luxury romantic escapes and indulgent family retreats, as well as a host of land- and water-based activities, 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 cultural connection and organic experiences, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers guests a true Maldivian island experience.