Maldives wins “Most Exclusive Leisure Product” at OTM 2016

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Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation together with the tourism industry won the “Most Exclusive Leisure Product” award at India’s largest travel trade show which was held in Mumbai from the 18th to 20th February 2016. Maldives was one of the two destinations who won this title at the conclusion ceremony of OneWorld Travel Mart 2016. This exhibition, which is the best platform to focus on outbound tourism in India was spread over 25,000 sqm in housing the fairground.

Maldives was featured in a stand space of 60 sqm designed and tailored to portray the uniqueness of the destination using eye-catching photos of the beautiful destination. There was an estimated average of 3,000 unique individuals who visited the Maldives stand. Maldives showcased the exclusive destination by participating in the stand with a total of 26 industry professionals from 15 companies. In addition, the Visit Maldives Year 2016 campaign was promoted in surplus advertising options such as, billboards, pillar wraps, lanyard design and show carry bags.

India currently holds the 5th biggest market share of the arrivals. Taking this place in November 2015, India has a recorded figure of 52,368 tourists who visited in the year 2015. This figure is a 14.9% growth compared to the arrival number recorded in the year 2014. The Indian market accounted to 4.2% of the market in 2015, and is a very important market to focus on as it promises a lot of potential.

Maldives participates in OTM 2016

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Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation together with the tourism industry is currently taking part in the OneWorld Travel Mart 2016, which takes place in Mumbai, India from 18th – 20th February 2016. The exhibition is the most prominent and leading travel trade show of India, and is conducted in the largest travel market of India, Mumbai, at the Bombay Convention Centre. 26 participants from 15 industry co-exhibitor companies are taking part alongside MMPRC in the fair.

OneWorld Travel Mart 2016Organized and run by TTF, the most trusted market leader in India formed in 1989, OTM has become the best platform to focus on outbound tourism in India. More than 2,500 hotels, resorts, travel agents, tour operators and other travel service providers, state and country pavilions from around 70 different countries will take part in OTM 2016, which is the most alluring travel trade event that is organized and held in India. This year the exhibition will be spread over 25,000 sqm, housing the fairground which is expected to be visited by more than 12,000 travel trade visitors from all over India and abroad.

OneWorld Travel Mart 2016Maldives will be showcased in a stand space of 60 sqm designed to portray the uniqueness of the destination with very bold and alluring photos of holiday resort islands. More advertising such as billboards at the entry, pillar wrapping, lanyard design of exhibition badges and the show carry bags will be displaying and promoting the Visit Maldives Year 2016 campaign.

OneWorld Travel Mart 2016OTM is the most effective platform to market to the Indian travel industry as it caters to over 15 million outbound travellers spending over US$ 10 billion in India. As Mumbai is the biggest outbound tourist market in India, the city contributes over half of all overseas travel from the country.

OneWorld Travel Mart 2016India currently holds the 5th biggest market share of the arrivals. Taking this place in November 2015, India has a recorded figure of 52,368 tourists who visited in the year 2015. This figure is a 14.9% growth compared to the arrival number recorded in the year 2014. The Indian market accounted to 4.2% of the market in 2015, and is a very important market to focus on as it promises a lot of potential.

OneWorld Travel Mart 2016

Six Senses Laamu and the Soundtracks of Sunset

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LAAMU, Maldives – February 16, 2016 – The Maldives is one of the world’s best-known settings to experience colorful, incandescent sunsets and Chill Bar, with its over-water hammocks and comfortable seating is the ideal location to relish this sublime Indian Ocean spectacle. Skilled mixologists create a range of refreshing cocktails inspired by the all-time classics along with modern and innovative creations. Rotating resident DJ’s joins the Chill Bar team every evening and, with their own personal music style and influences, help create a unique ambiance for guests to enjoy their sundowners. Six Senses Laamu is happy to present resident DJs for 2016:

Sven van Hees will be on the decks of Chill Bar from March 7 to June 3. His music is described as “a timeless soundtrack to an endless summer”, while the tracks of his album GEMINI have been included in over 300 compilations, which include Café del Mar, Real Ibiza and Hed Kandi. In 2005 he started his own label, YOUR LIPS, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Having performed on all five continents, Sven is looking forward to his Chill Bar residency where he will be playing the very best in chill out, lounge at sundown, emotive soul and all things bliss.

Matthieu B takes over the turntables next and will be aboard from June 5 to August 31. Matthieu B has performed in various renowned clubs, such as the Rouge Pigalle and Le Paris Paris, following a residency in the Royal Monceau Hotel. His travels have taken him to countries such as Morocco, Italy, Tunisia and Portugal, constantly driving inspiration for him and influencing his music. Matthieu B says that the Maldives is the perfect place for his musical style and having the opportunity to mix in front of the most beautiful sunsets in the world is a real honor.

Mathieu Modeste known as Matmac closes the Aqua Season DJ residencies for 2016. He will be creating the perfect soundtracks for the perfect Maldivian sunsets from September 1 to November 27. Matmac adapts from the big Parisian clubs, such as the “287” and “Royal Pavilions” to the chill out mood of beaches such as Tunisia and Spain. He has worked alongside renowned DJs such as Rodriguez Jr. and Miguel Campbell, and says that it has always been his dream to perform in the Maldives. He looks forward to sharing his love for music, inspired by Maldivian sunsets.

Cayetano (Giorgos Bratanis) will be creating magical musical journeys at Chill Bar from November 28 to February 23, 2017. Following the success of his first album “Stroggilo Kitrino” in Greece and Italy, he moved to Spain in 1999, composing music mostly for theatre and film and that’s when he gained a reputation as a top keyboard and bass session musician and collaborated with a number of leading Spanish artists. He released “Focused” in 2006, which brought him international recognition. Cayetano says that his decade of global travels culminates with being a resident DJ in one of world’s most beautiful places.

Six Senses Laamu is excited to have all these talented artists in residence this year and the entire team is looking forward to their daily performances at Chill Bar, offering unique sound experiences to the resort’s guests.

About 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 to 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 over water and underwater, in addition to the Six Senses Spa.

About Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is a hotel and spa management company comprised of 10 resorts and 29 spas under the brand names Six Senses, Evason and Six Senses Spas. Six Senses operates resorts in far-flung locations of incredible natural beauty known for their distinctive and diverse design personalities. Each of the eight properties is supported by a leadership commitment to community, sustainability and wellness.

Six Senses Spas offers a wide range of holistic wellness, rejuvenation and beauty treatments administered under the guidance of expert therapists. Six Senses Spas operates 19 standalone spas in prestigious hotels and resorts as well as located aboard a ship and 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.

Sala Boutique Hotel

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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

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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.

Joss Stone, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi
Joss Stone, 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.

Arrival area, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi
PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi

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.

Dining, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi
PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi

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

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+—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

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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

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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

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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.

New Beginnings at Kuramathi Island Resort

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An island synonymous with change; Kuramathi Island Resort is underway to unveil the newest of its concepts March 2016. With a strong focus on the broadening tastes of today’s travellers, Kuramathi will showcase five unique villa types in addition to a range of new services.

Two-Bedroom Beach House, Kuramathi Island Resort
Two-Bedroom Beach House, Kuramathi Island Resort

The Two Bedroom Beach Houses are the ideal pick for families or friends travelling together; a duplex villa with individual living spaces. Deluxe Water Villas are set in the middle of the vast turquoise lagoon with steps down to azure waters, whilst Water Villas with Pool are either on the lagoon or on the house reef side. Meanwhile the Sunset Pool Villas and Sunset Water Villas with Pool are located on the sunset side of the island, just steps from the long stretch of the famous Kuramathi sand bank.

Deluxe Water Villa, Kuramathi Island Resort
Deluxe Water Villa, Kuramathi Island Resort

New restaurants and bars enlist themselves in the repertoire of facilities, with Kobe offering teppanyaki cuisine over the water, and Inguru set to tantalize taste buds with a potpourri of Asian fusion cuisine served with a hint of excellence. Guest favourites return with an upgrade, such as The Reef, and Laguna Bar which comes with its own infinity lap pool. Champagne Loft makes its mark as the idyllic spot to unwind with a glass, while admiring breath-taking sunsets.

Sunset Pool Villa, Kuramathi Island Resort
Sunset Pool Villa, Kuramathi Island Resort

Kuramathi Island Resort is eager to launch its innovative concepts this year in an island that is proud to provide a naturally Maldivian experience.

Deluxe Water Villa, Kuramathi Island Resort
Deluxe Water Villa, Kuramathi Island Resort