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

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

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

Nomination Categories:

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

Genres:

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

Program:

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

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

About International Tourism Film Festival Maldives:

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

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

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

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

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

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives

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

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

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

Kuredu Resort’s Celebrities: Wahhab

Kuredu is continuing its Celebrities series by putting the resort’s Excursions Supervisor in the spotlight.

We are pleased to feature Abdul Wahhab Abdul Rahman, known to colleagues and guests as Wahhab.

Wahhab joined Kuredu in 1990 and before becoming the resort’s Excursion Coordinator and later Excursions Supervisor, he had kicked off his Kuredu career by working in the kitchen and as a waiter.

Twenty-seven years later and Wahhab ensures the smooth running of all excursions that our guests join to explore beyond Kuredu. Whether you fancy romantic excursions, fishing ventures, atoll cruises or island hopping trips, Wahhab is the right person to turn to for advice on which excursion would be the most suitable for your desired holiday pace and interests. According to Wahhab, the excursion that guests enjoy the most is the full day sailing as it is really the Maldives in a nutshell; you get to see picture-perfect lagoons, sugar-white beaches, you pass by local islands, plus the odds of seeing dolphins in the wild are high. With a bit of luck, manta rays make an appearance and top off your snorkelling experience. Wahhab still reminisces on two extraordinary manta ray events: ‘I saw a massive manta, it was about 4 meters from wingtip to wingtip! And this time last year, my snorkellers and myself were surrounded by 32 mantas, I will never forget that day!’ One of Wahhab’s favourite snorkelling sites is Kuredu Caves, which is famous for its resident green sea turtle community.

‘I saw a massive manta, it was about 4 meters from wingtip to wingtip! And this time last year, my snorkellers and myself were surrounded by 32 mantas, I will never forget that day!’

Wahhab enjoys the peace and quiet that the evenings blanket the atoll with: ‘My favourite time to sail across the atoll at sunset, especially at full moon. Everyone who spends their holiday at Kuredu should join us for the Sunset Cruise, it’s such a pleasant trip, not to mention the pods of spinner dolphins that regularly come to show off their talents.’

When Wahhab is not cruising the atoll and guiding snorkellers across nearby coral reefs, he can be seen playing badminton or volleyball. ‘I love everything about Kuredu, but especially the good-quality accommodation, management and owners’ endeavours at making the resort a pleasant place to work, as well as the delicious food and the various recreation options.’

To thank him for his years-long dedication, Wahhab was invited by the management to attend the World Travel Market in London, to Singapore and to Bangkok, where the team got to expand their horizons in the various fields of hospitality, experience big city life and bond with colleagues from Kuredu and other CCR resorts.

Wahhab is one of Kuredu’s longest-serving team members, yet his personality traits haven’t changed all that much in these twenty-seven years. He remains modest and humble, with a great appreciation of the little things that make Kuredu a truly special place for guests and team alike: ‘If I only had twenty-four hours at the resort, I’d like to stay in one of the Garden Bungalows, go on a Sunset Cruise, indulge in rice and curry at Bonthi Restaurant and enjoy the peacefulness at Sai Kotari.

Outrigger Maldives’ Earth Day 2017 celebration

Earth Day is a set on a date on which events are held worldwide to increase awareness and appreciation of the earth’s natural environment. Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and is celebrated in more than 192 countries every year.

More than 1 billion people worldwide participated in green acts around the globe during the Earth every year, sending a powerful message for action on climate change.

Best Dives Maldives and Outrigger Ozone has decided to carry out acts of green thought on 22nd of April:

  • 15:00: Lagoon/reef and beach cleaning will be carried out in our house reef with the collaboration of any volunteer Guests and Outrigger staff to clear the area of floating debris or other trash from the sea bottom. All hard work paid off with fresh coconut. Best Dives Team will provide snorkelling equipment.
  • 16:00: Kids club activity: “Sand sculptures on the beach”.
  • 21:00: Movie “Home” by Yann Arthus-Bertrand at Ozone Lounge.

The key of the “Earth from Above” and of “Home” is to show the beauty of the planet, and thereby to promote love for it (Yann Arthus-Bertrand).

“What do we know about life on Earth? How many species are we aware of? A tenth of them? A hundredth perhaps? What do we know about the bonds that link them?

The Earth is a miracle. Life remains a mystery. Every species has a role to play, every species has its place. None is futile or harmful. They all balance out.

We will switch off for 1-hour non-essential lights, air conditioning units and other equipment. Our guests will be requested to support this act on a voluntary basis from 19:30 till 20:30 on 22 April 2017.

During this hour in the Host area’ playground write with candles:CARING OF OUR HOME-EARTH”.

Farm to pool at Six Senses Laamu

Six Senses Laamu features an organic garden where 40 different herbs, vegetables, salad leaves and micro-herbs are grown. Chef Martin and his culinary team have teamed up with the gardeners to create a daily-changing menu, entirely based on fresh and organic ingredients, served by the pool at Sip Sip.

The menu features a different starter, salad, pizza and dessert every day for guests to choose from. “The idea is to offer guests an additional healthy set of light dish options to enjoy by the pool with locally sourced ingredients. Everything is prepared simply with no addition of processed or modified foods,” says Martin, executive chef.

Chef Martin shares one of his favorite, so far, Farm to Pool recipes for Six Senses Laamu Garden Salad.

Mixed lettuce
Baby spinach
Micro herbs
Three carrot slices
Sliced red radish
Four avocado slices
Lemon Juice
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
Flaxseed cracker

Wash and picked lettuce, spinach and micro herbs.
Make the dressing by mixing lemon juice, salt and pepper, slowly pour the olive oil.
Dress the lettuce and avocado, arrange in the bowl, garnish with micro herbs and flaxseed cracker.

For the flaxseed crackers

50 grams golden flaxseed
60 ml water

Pour the water over the flaxseed, mix and stir thoroughly.
Leave to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, stir regularly until the mix becomes thickened.
Spread the mix thinly over one dehydrator tray and score lightly with a spatula.
Dry for 12 to 36 hours.

From all the Farmers and Chefs at Six Senses Laamu: Meerukon’ Kaalacchey (Bon Appétit).

Chefs and gardening team working together, Six Senses Laamu
Chefs and gardening team working together, Six Senses Laamu

 

Six Senses Laamu Garden Salad, Six Senses Laamu
Six Senses Laamu Garden Salad, 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 of 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 overwater and underwater, in addition to the Six Senses Spa.

About Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas operates 11 resorts and 29 spas in 20 countries under the brand names Six Senses, Evason and Six Senses Spas. Aggressive development plans will triple the portfolio over the next five years with the resort, hotel and spa openings underway in Austria, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Fiji, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Nicaragua, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and the United States.

Six Senses operates resorts in far-flung locations of incredible natural beauty known for their distinctive and diverse design personalities. Each of the nine properties is supported by a leadership commitment to community, sustainability, wellness and design. Six Senses hotels which share the same vision and values found at their award-winning resorts will premiere in urban locations in 2019.

Six Senses Spas offers a wide range of holistic wellness, rejuvenation and beauty treatments administered under the guidance of expert therapists. Six Senses Spas are located in all Six Senses and Evason resorts; 18 additional standalone spas are located in prestigious hotels and resorts as well as 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.

Kandima Maldives’ exclusive health retreats with Nick Knowles and Yogi Luke Bache

Relax, Reset and Evolve

Located on a lush tropical island in the Dhaalu Atoll, Kandima Maldives is just a thirty-minute flight from Male International Airport, followed by a twenty-minute boat ride to this seriously stunning island. From August 2017, Kandima will offer guests the unique opportunity to experience these exclusive new retreats with TV presenter Nick Knowles and yoga doyen Luke Bache – a yoga retreat like no other!

It’s called “Relax, Reset and Evolve” and will be personally hosted four times this year by Nick Knowles himself and the thoroughly experienced yoga therapy instructor Luke Bache.

The retreats will combine the very best of yoga in picture perfect paradise surroundings at the brand new Oh-so Stylish Kandima Maldives. For those who participate, it’ll be one of the best gifts they could ever give to themselves!

Every “Relax, Reset and Evolve” retreat is specifically designed to inspire necessary life changes, both mentally and physically and to give guests the tools to form new habits to enable them to change their lifestyle and balance going forward. Through yoga, cooking and inspiring talks on stress reduction, better focus and wellbeing, this week is a truly transformational experience.

Nick and Luke met last year on BBC’s ‘The Retreat’. At the time Nick was working too hard and feeling burned out. Naturally, this had affected his mental and physical health. Through yoga, meditation and healthy eating, he quickly felt profound benefits in his body and mind. These tools have continued to help Nick in his daily life and inspired his hit book, ‘Proper Healthy Food’.

Over MANY coconuts and vegetarian meals, Nick and Luke bonded over a shared passion and enthusiasm to help others, excitedly discussing how they could share this information with others in an accessible way. The result – Week long “Relax, Rest and Evolve” retreats at the newly opened Kandima Maldives.

With over fourteen years’ experience, Luke, an internationally experienced Yoga teacher, Therapeutic Yoga and Mindfulness consultant. He has studied with the best teachers from around the world, from shaolin masters in qi gong, Thai monks and the most experienced yoga teachers. He has carefully curated the retreats with Nick so that guests will get the maximum benefit from their week in at Kandima.

What the Week Looks Like:

Each morning begins with a therapeutic yoga class tailored to a specific part of the body. These classes finish with a short mindful meditation, further calming the mind and nervous system.

During the afternoon there will either be a mindful movement class for cardio or a ‘yin’ yoga class that works on the connective tissue, ligaments and tendons helping to work into those particularly tight areas.

Every evening, Nick and Luke will lead inspiring talks about health and wellness or a guided total body relaxation class.

In addition, during the week, guests on the retreat will also have two massages at ‘esKape,’ the Kandima spa and attend three cookery classes. Cookery classes will include visits to the ‘chefs’ garden’ to pick your fresh herbs and vegetables.

Book now to avoid disappointment, limited spaces available

Dates:

6th-13th August, 13th-20th August,
29th October -5th November and 5th-12th November 2017

Available from $3,800 (£3,340) per person, based on two sharing or $5,375 (£4,300) for single occupancy. Price includes all activities mentioned and full board accommodation.

Amilla Fushi elevates spa retreat concept to fresh heights

Tree-Top Treatment: Amilla Fushi elevates spa retreat concept to fresh heights with new wellness tree houses by bodyism

Imagine escaping to an island home away from home, a uniquely serene wellness retreat surrounded only by lush swaying palms and endless tropical skies. Ascending to a private, pampering haven 12 metres up amongst the treetops, letting the cares of the bustling world fall away and succumbing to a revitalizing, blissful reverie where recharging and recovery are paramount. Wellness wishful thinking? Not at Amilla Fushi: an exclusive collaboration between this luxury Maldives resort and global healthy living phenomenon Bodyism has borne spectacular fruit, with the creation of the idyllic island’s new Wellness Tree Houses by Bodyism.

Tree House, Amilla Fushi
Tree House, Amilla Fushi

The new Wellness Tree Houses are private one-bedroom spa ‘nests’ with their own dedicated treatment suites, high in the treetops, where guests can enjoy a uniquely personal, inclusive wellness experience delivered by Bodyism Performance Specialists. After a personal ‘Body Oracle’ consultation, the Bodyism team helps Wellness Tree House guests to create their own programme from an integrated menu of Javvu Spa treatments and Bodyism fitness and wellness classes designed to re-establish energy flows, revive the mind, increase circulation and create a foundation for balance and health. Rates also include full board meals – and minibar snacks – from a specially designed Clean and Lean menu.

In addition to a private treetop treatment suite, the contemporary and sleek air-conditioned 220 sqm Wellness Tree Houses also feature their own cantilevered infinity pools looking out over the tree canopy; an indoor living room area with sofa and work desk; a spacious bathroom and outdoor showers. Guests who decide against a complete digital detox can also enjoy a 42 inch flat-screen TV and satellite channels.

Wellness Tree House, Amilla Fushi

The launch of the new Wellness Tree Houses and Amilla Fushi Maldives Spa Resort recently announced an exclusive partnership with Bodyism, follow hot on the heels of the opening of Amilla’s ‘spa village’, Javvu Spa, in October 2015. Situated under a canopy of banyan trees at the heart of the island, Javvu features 10 private 48 sqm treatment pods, a large open-plan fitness centre, contemporary personal training studio and outdoor ‘jungle gym’ – all overlooking the Indian Ocean. Yoga, pilates, meditation and pranayama are led on the spa jetty over the lagoon, while a buzzy, shaded communal space provides a sociable hub complete with interactive shopping, lifestyle consultations and the new Island Café by Clean and Lean.

Javvu’s holistic approach is founded on the three pillars of wellness – Movement, Spirituality and Spa. The integrated menu features results-driven spa treatments from a carefully edited selection of world-class brands; Bodyism wellness and fitness programmes and sessions using both the natural environment and the latest high-tech gym equipment; and ancient healing and energy therapies.

Located just 30 minutes by seaplane from Malé International, Amilla Fushi offers a choice of 54 Island Homes that hover over crystal clear waters, nestled among lush tree tops or hug the shores of pristine white sand; plus eight spectacular four- to eight-bedroom Beach Residences ideally suited to large families, groups of friends and VVIPs seeking the ultimate in space and privacy. Internationally renowned chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan heads up Amilla’s innovative restaurants, from the diverse, informal foodie hub Bazaar to the relaxed yet sophisticated overwater dining at the signature Lonu by Luke Mangan. Guests can even drop in o gourmet café and deli The Emperor General Store or The Wine Shop & Cellar Door to treat themselves to lighter snacks, a favourite bottle or a gourmet selection of artisanal cheeses. With an unrivalled range of purpose-designed multi-bedroom accommodation options and an exciting, inspiring and active Kids’ Club, Amilla Fushi is putting the Maldives on the map as a destination not just for couples, but for families and friends.

For more information or to book the Wellness Tree House by Bodyism package please visit http://www.amilla.mv/wellness-tree-house.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort Announces a Diverse Programme of Easter Family Fun

The resort’s new semi-submarine for underwater viewing and a marine education zone made from recycled materials show the best of the Maldives’ marine environment in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll

A big choice of activities or relaxation this Easter at the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
A big choice of activities or relaxation this Easter at the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort

The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has announced a thoughtful and varied programme of activities for families looking for a fantastic beach holiday in the tropics this Easter.

The Outrigger in the Maldives has also introduced a new semi-submarine for underwater viewing.

The staff have also created an ‘OZONE’ (Outrigger’s zone) marine education space from recycled materials under supervision of the resort’s full-time marine biologist.

“This Easter the Outrigger is a one-stop retreat for tropical holiday beach relaxation with an optional marine education twist,” says the resort’s General Manager John Allanson.

Here are the details:

An ‘Egg-selent’ Easter Programme

The Outrigger has hatched an egg-selent Easter programme of activities 14-17 April. The activities have been designed to satisfy adults, teens and kids alike.

The resort’s Coral Kids Club will invite youngsters to partake in Easter face painting, egg hunts, egg and spoon races, banana boat rides, Easter egg decoration, and kids’ movies on the beach.

Adults can chill and do sweet nothing or get in the Easter spirit with body and soul activities such as morning meditation or yoga, couples massage workshop, dolphin quest, sunrise or sunset fishing, Asian food festival on the beach, sunset cruises, and marine education talks at the pool bar with the resort’s marine biologist.

Teens may also like activities such as discover scuba diving, beat the management at foosball, try the stand-up board balance challenge, or join water polo with guests and staff.

And there is great food from executive chef Christopher Long and his kitchen, including an Asian food festival on the beach, a surf and turf BBQ and an introduction to Japanese food at Nala Rah with chef Endar.

There’s also a full list of  ‘out of the ordinary stuff’ such as local island excursions, equator cruises, surfing, renewal of vows, a castaway island experience and more.

For a full list of activities click here. For more information or to book contact your tour operator or the resort. Tel: +960 684 7770. Email: [email protected].

See the Underwater World of the Maldives – While Staying Dry

The semi-submersible submarine gets guests up close to the underwater world of the Maldives
The semi-submersible submarine gets guests up close to the underwater world of the Maldives

The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has introduced a 14-seat semi-submarine for viewing coral reefs and spotting local marine life such as manta rays, Hawksbill turtles, large shoals of fusiliers and the occasional friendly shark.

The daylight tour explores the beautiful house reef of Konotta. During the night tour fishes camouflage themselves reducing the brightness of their colour, assuming the hues of the barrier reef. With the semi-submarine’s fluo-light guests have the possibility to observe sea creatures usually invisible to the naked eye. Once back to the reef, schools of fish attracted by the night lights will surround the vessel: fusiliers, sometimes sharks or even some squid can be seen.

The semi-submersible submarine interior
The semi-submersible submarine interior

The semi-submarine makes its local excursions at the Outrigger at Konotta every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and costs USD95++ for the day time trip &  USD110++ for the night trip.

Further information: Tel: +960 684 7770. Email: [email protected]

For Guests: A Special Place for Marine Knowledge Created by Staff

The sustainable OZONE Hut – made for presentations and talks on marine life at the OutriggerOutrigger Resorts has a global marine conservation programme called OZONE (Outrigger’s zone). Inspired by the initiative, staff at the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort have created The OZONE Hut, an educational workspace to organise environmental campaigns and give presentations about the importance of preserving the underwater habitat of the Indian Ocean.

The OZONE Hut was built by the resort’s hosts in their spare time using recycled items such as used plywood, dried thatch from palm trees and old glass bottles. There are displays on the wall of different kinds of marine life.

“It’s a home-grown initiative to boost understanding and spread appreciation for the beauty of the underwater world of the Maldives,” says Caterina Fattori, the marine biologist of Best Dives Maldives who is based full-time on the island.

The sustainable OZONE Hut – made for presentations and talks on marine life at the OutriggerThe new OZONE Hut will be used for talks and presentations to guests interested in the marine ecology of the Maldives.  

For further information about the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort tel: +960 684 7770. Email: [email protected]. Or click here.

Celebrating International Women’s Day on Kuramathi

Today marks a first for Kuramathi where history is made on a very special day for all
the women out there; with the International Women’s Day celebrations. The resort is
hosting a reception for all female guests, staff members in collaboration with Maldivian
Red Crescent to deliver a powerful message; #beboldforchange, this year’s slogan.

Celebrating International Women’s Day on Kuramathi

Celebrating International Women’s Day on Kuramathi

A special presentation takes place at the sandbank along with signature cocktail

recipes during this gathering of all women on the island’s premises. The team
members of Kuramathi also demonstrate their unique skill set with the decorations on
offer, including sand art and 3D sand prints of messages, and hands in unison, a key
image that portrays the slogan of this year’s Women’s Day.

Celebrating International Women’s Day on KuramathiCelebrating International Women’s Day on Kuramathi

A vote of thanks to Maldivian Red Crescent for the partnership today for a successful
turnout and of course our motivated and talented team members for the amazing set
up portrayed at our sandbank. We hope you had fun, and Kuramathi wishes all the
women out there to be #boldforchange.

LUX* North Male Atoll – most innovative resort

Private panoramic perches on a pristine former picnic island – Olhahali

In November 2017 LUX* Resorts & Hotels will reveal this intimate luxury in an unexplored six-hectare island of Olhahali’s transformation into LUX* North Male Atoll.

A visual feast of nautical forms and tones, the resort is elegantly styled by Singapore design group Miaja in a scheme that blends superyacht panache with a vibrant South Beach pulse. It’s approach to contemporary architecture is unique for the Indian Ocean.

For the first time in the Maldives, each residence is crowned with a fully-featured 120m2 reef terrace – a magnificent private deck elevated five metres above the giant house lagoon – from which guests will be able to marvel at a unique perspective on the planet’s flat country. Big Green Egg BBQs, a rooftop bar, cinema and SONOS, a yoga plinth, starlight jacuzzi and outdoor games help to create the ultimate sky-lounge for people who love the high life.

Outdoor pool, LUX* North Male Atoll
LUX* North Male Atoll

Contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom residences are spread across the island, set on the beach, steps from the sea, or perched on stilts above the lagoon. Each of the 60 double storey residences sits either on the beach or overwater whose guests will benefit from a minimum living area of 255m2.

For the Overwater Residences, the reef itself is your playground – just pick up a snorkel and go explore the crystalline sea on your doorstep. With the three-floor penthouses, families and groups have ample space to spread themselves, as well as their own spa, steam room, fitness suite and oversized outdoor pool. You’ve never stayed anywhere like this before.

Two restaurants, Beach Rouge and a Café LUX*, a bar, wine cave, LUX* Me Spa and kids club complete the offering.

A short transfer from Malé by luxury speedboat, the intimate LUX* North Male Atoll resort disrupts the Maldivian mould by replacing traditional thatched villas with over-sized, penthouse residences.

Malé, New Air France Destination in the Maldives

As from 1st November 2017, Air France will be offering two weekly flights to Malé, the capital of the Maldives, on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

These flights will be operated by Boeing 777-200, equipped with the latest Air France travel cabins, with a capacity of 312 seats including 28 in Business, 24 in Premium Economy and 260 in Economy.

With this new destination, Air France is extending its services to the tourist destinations in the Indian Ocean, extremely popular with its customers.

“The arrival of Air France in Malé strengthens the company’s presence on top-of-the-range leisure destinations, a growing market where Air France, with the quality of products and services it offers its customers, is a leader. Air France is also the European leader in services to the Indian Ocean, a position further strengthened by this new destination”, declared Franck Terner, Air France CEO.

Flight Schedules (In Local Time)

AF222: leaves Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 20:50, arrives in Malé at 10:20 the following day;
AF223: leaves Malé at 13:05, arrives at Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 19:35

Flights operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays on departure from Paris and on Thursdays and Sundays on departure from Malé.

Air Frances’ Best Cabins

On board the Boeing 777 to Malé, passengers enjoy the comforts of a cocoon in the sky in the Business cabin and completely redesigned seats in the Premium Economy and Economy cabins.

In the Business cabin, the seat adapts to the shape of each individual, from seating position to a real 2-metre long bed. At the heart of the curved structure, each passenger creates their own space, enveloping and protective, according to their desires. The seat’s soft foam is designed to offer impeccable quality of sleep. The soft duvet and XXL-sized feather down pillow have also been designed with the passenger’s optimum sleeping comfort in mind. Each passenger also has a 16-inch (41 cm) wide HD touch screen.

In Premium Economy, customers enjoy new, softer seat cushions and a footrest with multiple positions, further improving the comfort in this cabin. In Economy, the new seat has been entirely redesigned, with additional legroom, new seat cushions, softer headrests and a wider tray table etc. There are also new features such as electric sockets and headphone holders. As far as inflight entertainment is concerned, the HD touch screens are considerably larger: 12 inches in Premium Economy and 9 inches in Economy. With movies, games and music, there are more than 1,000 hours of programmes available on demand.

Malé, the island capital, gateway to the atoll

Both an island and a city, Malé is the country’s economic, commercial and cultural capital. Malé is the gateway to the Maldives, extremely popular with travellers who come to admire its sandy beaches, the turquoise waters of its lagoons and its coral seabed rich in tropical flora and fauna.