A thai themed boutique hotel conveniently located in the capital city Malé.
From World Tour to Dream Island – One Night with Joss Stone at PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi
As part of PULSE, PER AQUUM’s stream of immersive guest experiences, the global hospitality trendsetter presents an intimate private performance by Grammy award-winning soul singer, Joss Stone. On 28 February 2016, Joss will take to her most surreal stage ever, performing for one night only under the bright stars of the Indian Ocean at PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi.
The stuff of dreams, guests will touch down in the Maldives only to be whisked away on a luxury speedboat to PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, just 35 minutes from Malé, where they will be greeted with a bottle of Champagne to toast to days and nights of island fantasies. Guests can mingle with a lucky few as they savour hits from Joss’ latest album ‘Water for Your Soul’, featuring reggae rhythms, hip hop beats, and Joss’ distinctive vocals, as well as Irish fiddles, gospel choirs and flamenco guitars, along with a special pre-concert dinner.
The PULSE experience is part of Joss’ Total World Tour, an ambitious quest to play in every country across the globe, incorporating local instruments such as Bodu Beru, the Maldivian drum made from coconut tree trunks, into every performance, as well as impromptu jam sessions with local musicians.
Joss’ mission also includes getting the low down on each country’s environmental and humanitarian issues and helping to spread the word of local charities. At PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, home to one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, Joss will make her mark by planting coral with the resort’s resident marine biologist as part of the resort’s coral rehabilitation project. Joss will also be paying a visit to the Children’s Home, Kudakudhinge Hiya in the Villingili ward of Male, a charity which has been close to the PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi team’s heart since the resort opened nearly 12 years ago.
From R&B to R&R, rumour has it Joss will also be enjoying a subaquatic treatment at the resort’s famed LIME Spa – the world’s first underwater spa – as well as sampling the resort’s underground wine cellar, stocked with over 6,000 bottles including rare vintages. A vegetarian since birth, Joss is also likely to be spotted at Raw, the resort’s beloved overwater restaurant featuring all-organic dishes inspired by the East.
To make a reservation and to see the PULSE line-up for the rest of 2016, go to www.peraquum.com/pulse or email [email protected]
Discover the story of a small island — Milaidhoo
+—Milaidhoo Island Maldives reinvents luxury
This understated yet undeniably sophisticated 5 star boutique resort spans 13 acres with its design and concept proudly rooted in Maldivian culture. Set in Baa Atoll’s beautiful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this spectacular, secluded 50-villa island retreat is just a 30-minute seaplane flight from Maldives International Airport.
Milaidhoo Island offers reinvented luxury and spacious outdoor living epitomizing the true contemporary Maldives.
50 chapters of laidback island living
Milaidhoo Island tells the story of a destination where architectural details effortlessly mix with natural elements. Nestled in the lush tropical surroundings are twenty serene beach pool villas and thirty spacious overwater pool villas. The 50 villas are expressions of understated luxury created from the finest natural, local materials, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.
Custom made for guests’ personal comfort each villa is a private haven featuring the latest technology, a dedicated host and stunning ocean views from bed to bathtub.
World-class gourmet cuisine
Brimming with the freshest ingredients, Milaidhoo Island’s three restaurants appeal to all tastes and desires. Unique to the Maldives is the groundbreaking gourmet restaurant and lounge bar inspired by three traditional Dhoni sailing boats. Spectacular settings meet heartfelt hospitality, setting the scene for an unforgettable sensory experience.
Tales of tropical beauty, nature and harmony
The island may be small and intimate, but this sanctuary offers many places to meet or simply retreat. Milaidhoo Island has its own dive, marine and watersports centre, library and state-of-the-art gym. Set over the crystal clear water is the stylish island spa and open-air yoga and meditation pavilion.
Discover the story of a small island
Barefoot informality is at the very heart of this new and exclusive small, intimate and chic island. Built around nature, Milaidhoo Island offers a world-class iconic restaurant, a deeply relaxing environment, sustainable and contemporary design and genuine heartfelt hospitality.
For more information: www.milaidhoo.com
Maldives participates at FESPO 2016
Maldives is currently being represented in FESPO held in Zurich, Switzerland from 28 – 31 January 2015. Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation together (MMPRC) together with Reethi Beach Resort, Crown & Champa Resorts, Loama Resort Maldives and JA Maldives Pvt. Ltd., will be promoting the destination in the 4 day event. Moreover, Visit Maldives Year (VMY) 2016 will also be promoted at the Maldives stand.
The theme of the FESPO is “Ship Ahoy” dedicated to boat trips. FESPO is the largest holiday and travel fair in Switzerland and is increasingly becoming a key indicator for the tourism sector; it is an excellent platform and offers its visitors information for holidays and travel. The event is known to attract huge number of visitors from Switzerland and German speaking countries. FESPO 2015 attracted over 62,000 visitors including trade, media and consumers.
Switzerland is an important market to the Maldives; it is among the top 10 countries in terms of arrival to the Maldives. In 2015, 31,923 tourist arrivals were recorded from Switzerland. 2015 noted an increase of 1.4% in arrivals compared to 2014. Switzerland accounts for 2.6% of the total market share in 2015.
Maldives takes part at EMITT 2016
Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation together with the Tourism Industry is currently taking part in the East Mediterranean Tourism and Travel Exhibition (EMITT). 5 industry partners are taking part in the exhibition with the Deputy Managing Director, Mohamed Adam and Chief Operating Officer, Mohamed Hamzeel of MMPRC. The fair will go on from the 28th till the 31st of January 2016.
Organized and run by ITE Turkey, EMITT has the gained profound experience and expertise in the tourism and travel sector in the past 20 years. Combining the powerful global network and experience, EMITT will continue to create a more powerful synergy for the tourism industry.
A total of 4.500 companies, organizations and resorts from around 70 countries will take part in EMITT Tourism Exhibition, which is recognized as one of the leading tourism exhibitions in the world. The exhibition which will take place in 11 halls equaling to a total exhibition space of 70 thousand meter squares at Tuyap Exhibition and Convention Center. The fair will feature national pavilions, Turkey’s vacation destinations, winter and outdoor tourism destinations, hotels and tourism centers, tour operators, agencies and hotels as participants and a wide range of vibrant vacation destinations will be introduced to visitors.
Maldives will be showcased in a stand area of 60sqm, conceptually designed to expose the uniqueness with photos of Maldivian tranquil sceneries. More advertising spaces such as floor tiles, staircase footsteps and outdoor flags, demonstrated in different locations of the fairground will be displaying and promoting the Visit Maldives Year 2016 campaign.
Turkey is the leading market of East Mediterranean Europe, holding a total of 0.8% market share. The Turkish market has been growing and showed positive growth in the past few years, and is marked as a market with good potential. In the year 2015, a total of 10,200 tourists visited Maldives from Turkey, which is an increase of 17.7% when compared to the year 2014.
Michael Wieser named CEO at Lily Hotels and Resorts
Michael Wieser has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Lily Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd, owner and operator of Lily Beach Resort & Spa and Dhonakulhi Investments Pvt Ltd, owner and operator of Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. Formerly the Chief Operating Officer of Lily Hotels Pvt Ltd and Dhonakulhi Investment Pvt Ltd, the promotion will see Wieser take the helm to develop and grow the company whilst overseeing the implementation of all strategic and operational elements.
Wieser will work with his dedicated teams across luxury resorts Lily Hotels and Resorts and the Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, on products and services, e-commerce, construction, operations, quality assurance, as well as the sales and marketing. His three decades of experience spans the successful management of large-scale luxury hospitality groups, including Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
He was the Middle East Managing Director of the Domina Hotel Group, overseeing nine hotels in the region. During this time he was instrumental in the group’s rebranding and pioneering innovation, whilst managing a team of over 1,600 employees. Most recently, Wieser has played a key role in the $50 million renovation project of the Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury five-star property on Dhonakulhi Island, the second largest island in the Maldives.
In the lead-up to his promotion, Wieser demonstrated a track record of driving sales and profit to the newly unveiled resort, set to become one of the Indian Ocean’s most sought after addresses. Wieser brings a true passion for the industry to his new role and the belief that hotels, spas and residences should provide a sanctuary for guests to experience the true art of hospitality and luxury.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Unveils Its Annual Underwater Coral Christmas Tree
Celebrating the festive season with family and friends on sunkissed powdery white beaches by day and a starlit sky by night, guests were invited to join the team at Anantara Kihavah Villas for traditional carols as the resort’s festive lights were switched on for a fifth year, including the renowned and much-awaited underwater coral Christmas tree.
Christmas Corals 4 Metres Below
This year’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony illuminated the unique coral tree that has become a seasonal showcase element to the natural beauty of Anantara Kihavah Villas. Taking prime place of joy just beyond the viewing windows in the award-winning underwater restaurant Sea, the coral tree rests 4 meters below the water level, stands 2,5 metres tall by 2 meters wide, and is decorated with broken pieces of coral harvested from the ocean bed surrounding the resort.
The Indian Ocean’s abundance of marine life can be admired by descending into a connoisseur journey, indulging in an exquisite festive degustation menu paired by a vast array of new and old world wine selections from the world’s only underwater wine cellar. In addition to the neon fusiliers, parrotfish and surgeonfish all around, diners can feast their eyes day and night on the underwater coral tree displayed until 7 January 2016.
A Magical Wonderland of Sights, Sounds and Tastes
Crowning the resort’s festive theme, A Magical Wonderland of Sights, Sounds and Tastes, the countdown to New Year’s Eve 2016 begins with a sumptuous gala gourmet buffet on the beach. Entertainment throughout the evening will see the old year out in style and ring the new one in with suave.
Set on one of the most pristine Maldivian islands, Anantara Kihavah Villas offers unique guest experiences in unsurpassed luxury with 79 private pool villas surrounded by untouched natural beauty, poised over the water with sweeping ocean views or nestled along a pristine stretch of private beach. This luxury resort and private island is reached by a mesmerizing 30-minute seaplane journey from Male international airport. For more information on Anantara Kihavah Villas special offers visit http://kihavah-maldives.anantara.com/special-packages.aspx
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Acknowledged as Best Luxury Diving Resort Worldwide 2015
Surrounded 99.9% by crystal clear water, The Maldives is considered to be one of the leading dive destinations in the world. Baa Atoll is a jewel in the island nation’s crown and for any novice or serious diver planning on going there, Anantara Kihavah Villas has become known as the ‘must-go-to’ dive destination.
Award-Winning Luxury Diving
Renowned for the incredible density of marine life on the Anantara Kihavah Villas house reef, any dive here is sure to result in encounters with a broad variety of marine life. Recipient of Hotel of the Year Awards “Best Luxury Diving Resort Worldwide 2015”, Anantara Kihavah Villas offers an experience of diving that is second to none. Combine the Maldives Travel Award for the best beach resort in the Maldives with a thriving house reef, a professional team of divers with a resident marine biologist year round with a private Villa Hosts for every guest, and the holiday experience takes on new levels above and below the water surface.
Spectacular dives are just metres away from any of the 79 private pool villas when staying at Anantara Kihavah Villas. Javier Lazarus, manager of resort’s water sports centre, believes there are many reasons why the resort has been recognized as the best luxury diving resort worldwide in 2015.
“Our location is definitely unbeatable. Being a thila close to the Baa Atoll channel means that there is always a degree of current clearing the water, which helps corals to grow and thereby attracting bigger fish too. All of our dive groups are very small, we are often the only group diving on the reefs and we have multi-lingual teams who make sure every nationality staying with us feels at ease and comfortable in the water. But that alone isn’t enough, our diving equipment is of the highest quality from Scubapro, and we service all equipment regularly to pass quality inspections every month. We also offer personalized rental diving equipment, which means that once a guest rents it, they spend all their holiday at the resort with the same equipment.”
Diving with Top Class Service
Anantara Kihavah Villas provides a comprehensive range of luxury services and serves as a gateway to the myriad of experiences in the Baa Atoll region of The Maldives – from the magical underwater world to pristine beaches and the exploration of deserted islands and secluded lagoons. Jean-Marc Ma-Poon, General Manager at Anantara Kihavah Villas, says, “We are delighted to receive such this acknowledgement for our diving and watersports. The luxury element on the water is enhanced with our comfortable boats equipped with a shower, washroom, and also Lavazza coffee and fridge for chilled drinks. Straight after an amazing dive, our guests can reminisce in style over their marine life encounters; the boat ride to and from the resort becomes just as much a part of the whole dive experience as the diving itself.
For anyone looking to really personalize their underwater adventure, we offer dives from our luxury sailing yacht – The Ocean Whisperer – and combine this with different excursions. It’s a truly unique way to experience these waters”
The Paradise of Anantara Kihavah Villas is fascinating above and underwater. When staying on the luxury resort island, listening to the ocean lapping the shore or beneath your over water villa, it’s a gentle calling to explore the waters. Suddenly, new worlds open up to you filled with colourful coral, and schools of tropical fish. So take your sense of adventure to new levels and enjoy diving in the Best Luxury Diving Resort Worldwide at Anantara Kihavah Villas.
For more information on Anantara Kihavah Villas special offers visit http://kihavah-maldives.anantara.com/special-packages.aspx
Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort reveals its Grand Konotta Villa
Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort this week revealed its 600 square meter (6,400 sqft) Grand Konotta Villa, a stunning and inspirational three-bedroom over-water retreat suitable for travelers seeking the ultimate in memorable holiday locations for special occasions or sheer relaxation.
The Grand Konotta Villa is part of the award-winning Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort, which opened in August. The Villa is almost a resort within a resort. Guests can arrive by luxury speed boat at the Villa’s own private launch. Jet skis, speed boats, motorized and non-motorized water sport vessels can all be accessed straight from the villa’s private access steps.
Sleeping arrangements comprise a 65 sqm (700 sq ft) master bedroom with en suite five-fixture bathroom and a 24 sqm (258 sq ft) balcony with 180-degree ocean views. There are also two 56 sqm (602 sq ft) guest bedrooms and panoramic sunset views. All rooms feature natural stone finishes and walk-in cupboards.
The Villa has been designed for private dining and entertainment parties. It has a large kitchen and pantry, 24-hr butler service, and Outrigger chefs available to cook on demand. A huge 125 sqm (1,345 sq ft) sun deck features a 30 sqm (322 sq ft) pool.
Indoors, the two-story Villa reflects ocean colors with nautically themed art and decorative pieces, natural stone finishes, polished timber floors, clean white walls and a two-story void entry space with vertical circulation.
“Our beautiful Grand Konotta Villa with its inspirational seascapes helps our guests live their Maldivian holiday dream to the full,” says General Manager, Pascal Billon. “The Villa is the ultimate relaxing experience with a uniquely Maldivian sense of place.”
Although only officially available since 14 December, the Outrigger Konotta Villa has already been fully booked for 21 days from 19 December to 9 January 2016.
Early in the New Year Outrigger Resorts will announce a range of signature villa and suites across all its iconic beachfront properties from the Indian Ocean through Asia to the Pacific.
For queries about the Grand Konotta Villa email: [email protected] Tel: +960 684 7771
Astronaut Buzz Aldrin visits Gili Lankanfushi’s Private Reserve
Buzz Aldrin, one of the first two men to walk on the moon in 1969, was the first guest to stay at Gili Lankanfushi’s newly upgraded Private Reserve, the largest overwater villa in the world, when he visited with his family last month. A big fan of space, the sprawling 1,700 square meter villa was the perfect choice for the Aldrin clan, offering a vast all-natural, luxury hideaway, surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
“Everyone needs space! Having ample space is important to me. And I value my privacy too! The Private Reserve is so big you can probably even see it from space!” said Buzz.
Standing alone in the middle of the sparkling lagoon, 500 metres from the resort and accessible only by boat, the Private Reserve offers total privacy for those seeking respite from the limelight. The nearest villas are 300 metres away, guaranteeing total seclusion, while the incredible master suite offers guests further privacy within the villa itself. Built of wood and glass and sleeping up to 12 people, the three-bedroom Private Reserve is cleverly designed to give families and groups of friends ample indoor and outdoor living space to relax and share quality time together in idyllic surrounds. A new 63-metre freshwater swimming pool overlooks the lagoon, with jacuzzi and sun-decks, while a water slide from the top deck into the lagoon adds to the fun.
“This resort is the perfect family setting. You’re far away from distractions and you get to enjoy this beautiful place. I especially like to bring my family here as it’s a unique place to build long lasting memories. Within the Private Reserve, we still don’t crowd each other out, but we dine together a lot, it’s perfect.”
To ensure guests’ every need is met, the Private Reserve has two personal Mr Friday butlers on hand 24/7 (who can live-in if required). Meals are created to specific tastes by a personal chef using the very freshest ingredients and produce from the resort’s organic vegetable and herb gardens and fish caught daily by pole and line in the lagoon and all washed down with the vast selection of organic wines. A private spa with sauna and steam room, gym and state-of-the-art cinema save guests from needing to venture out if desired. For those wanting to explore beyond the villa, some of the best diving in the world is literally lapping at your toes and the resort’s Ocean Paradise Dive Centre offers unforgettable underwater experiences with expert instructors. According to Buzz, scuba diving is the closest thing to being in space.
“Scuba diving in the ocean has a similar freedom to being in space,” said Buzz. “Particularly when you’re upside down! I tend to spend most of my time underwater upside down. There are many, many more large schools of fish here than I’ve seen in many places. You get to see mantas and sharks and don’t have to go down deep.”
While the facilities of the resort – named the Best Hotel in the World by TripAdvisor in the Traveller’s Choice Awards 2015 – are just a short boat-ride away, the Private Reserve offers the ultimate in privacy and luxury. A truly special place that no guest wants to leave. Buzz was photographed by French photographer Cyril Mason, renowned for taking iconic photos of the world’s greatest sports people and adventurers.
Privacy. Exclusively. Yours.
Private Reserve Rates / night range from $11,000-$23,630. Plus local government taxes. Room-only basis. The Reserve sleeps up to twelve people.