retreats in paradise Archives | Page 18 of 24

Two all-time aquatic experiences with Manta Rays and The Golden Wall At Anantara Kihavah

Posted on September 17, 2015 at 12:10 pm.

Encounters with Manta Rays and Anantara Kihavah Villas‘ house reef ‘The Golden Wall’ are two lifetime experiences snorkellers of every ability shouldn’t miss out on. The manta ray is one of the most mysterious and largest fish in the ocean with wingspans of up to 5 metres or more and Anantara Kihavah Villas offers your best opportunity to encounter these amazing creatures in their natural annual migration to The Maldives.

Manta Ray and snorkeller at Hanifaru Bay, Anantara Kihavah Villas

Manta Rays and snorkelling at Hanifaru Bay, Anantara Kihavah Villas

“This year’s migration to Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll is particularly exciting,” says Joseph Lassus, Anantara Kihavah Villas resident Marine Biologist. “According to reports from the Manta Trust research team based in Baa Atoll, when the mantas arrived in May this year, there were more sightings of pregnant mantas than in the last 10 years. We are noticing this as well with the mothers getting bigger as the season progresses. With a pregnancy term of 12 – 13 months, this means that next year we can expect to see a lot of baby mantas in Hanifaru Bay. Already on a recent snorkeling trip we came across a newborn pup, which is really quite rare to see, roughly measuring 1.2 metres from wing-tip to wing-tip.”

Manta Ray pair and snorkeller at Hanifaru Bay, Anantara Kihavah Villas

Manta Rays at Hanifaru Bay, Anantara Kihavah Villas

Curious, friendly and, unlike stingrays or eagle rays, mantas do not have stingers. They feed on a variety of plankton, which accounts for their large, gaping mouths. Hanifaru Bay is situated in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO marine protected biosphere covering an area of 303 hectares. From May to November each year, huge amounts of krill and plankton here attract all kinds of marine life, making it the world’s largest natural manta ray feeding destination.

The Golden Wall House Reef , Anantara Kihavah Villas

Being the best place to spot manta rays in the Maldives, access to Hanifaru Bay is regulated by park rangers, who have close contact with Elements water sports centre at Anantara Kihavah Villas, giving our guides information on sightings before they head out on the 20 minute boat ride to the protected area. With no previous snorkelling experience required, tours depart 3-4 times a week from Anantara Kihavah Villas. Our tour guides scout the spots where mantas frequent, usually in Hanifaru Bay or in nearby currents where plankton and krill swim. Once in the water, snorkellers are then treated to an amazing underwater ballet whereby giant mantas glide and somersault in mesmerizing patterns. The mantas often swim within centimetres of snorkellers, always managing to avoid contact at the last second. On any given day visitors to Hanifaru Bay can see anywhere from a couple of mantas to more than a forty depending on plankton levels. Getting this close to these majestic creatures is truly an experience of a lifetime.

Colourful coral on The Golden Wall, Anantara Kihavah Villas

At Anantara Kihavah Villas itself, the house reef has become known by the local divers as ‘The Golden Wall’. Joseph explains, “The beauty of this dive site results from the incredible amount of sedentary life forms inhabiting the wall, completely covering its steep surface, edges and overhangs. This provides an immense variety of habitat to many local species of fish, lobsters, sea stars etc. The area is clearly dominated by widespread colonies of soft corals, these being of many different species displaying a huge range of colours, such as the orange, magenta or mauve spiky soft corals and cauliflower soft corals. To have this quite literally on our doorstep means an amazing dive no matter what the conditions are. Among all the bright colours displayed, the particular presence of yellow and golden coloured variations make it clear to any diver why this reef is best called The Golden Wall and a “must dive” reef when in the Maldives.”

Anantara Kihavah Villas provides a stylish haven just 35 minutes by seaplane from Malé. The Ocean Discovery Package for two persons is bookable on Anantara.com and includes five nights’ accommodation in a Beach Pool Villa or Over Water Pool Villa, daily buffet breakfast, and both guests enjoy a Dolphin Discovery excursion, a Turtle Quest or Manta Ray Snorkelling excursion, a choice of one Scuba Dive or one Scuba review course, a 30 minute Seabob water sport experience and a local island visit.

The Golden Wall, Anantara Kihavah Villas

Arena Beach Maldives

Posted on September 16, 2015 at 1:28 pm.

Written by Bob Harris

Arena Beach Maldives is located in Maafushi island in South Malé Atoll (Kaafu Atoll) Maldives. Arena Beach is conveniently situated right across the beachfront giving guests a spectacular view of the northern seashore and blue lagoons of the island.

Arena Beach Maldives offers deluxe and superior room standards. All rooms are equipped with 24-hour complimentary tea/coffee and water, in-room safe, mini bar and wireless broadband internet. The hotel also provides laundry service.

Arena Beach Maldives also provides a wide variety of daily excursions and day trips. These excursions include scuba diving, snorkelling, night fishing, sand bank picnics, dolphin cruise, manta watching, whale shark watching, picnic island trips and day trips to resorts.

The Spice Route Challenge 2015 Finale Indian Cuisine Cooking Challenge for Non-Indians

Posted on September 13, 2015 at 11:29 am.

Written by Maldives.com

Hotel Jen Malé, Maldives will host the finale of the Spice Route Challenge 2015; a cooking competition of Indian Cuisine by Non-Indians at Azur Restaurant at the rooftop. The finalists who excelled at the semifinal round on 29 August 2015 are four aspiring Maldivians; Miss Aminath Abdul Rasheed, Miss Aminath Maeysha, Miss Aishath Shifa and Mr. Mohamad Ashrag.

Hotel Jen General Manager, Ms Vathsala said “the finalists spend the last week at Hotel Jen familiarizing and working with their respective appointed buddy-chef of the hotel. They worked along and featured their dishes daily in the recently held one-week long BollyFOOD festival at Lime which showcased cuisines of various regions of India.” And for their efforts, Hotel Jen will honor the Most Popular People’s Chef Title. This title is the choice of the people, our BollyFOOD daily diners at Lime, who cast their votes for their most favorite dish and chef-finalist.

The finale today happening on the highest dining peak in the Maldives, at Hotel Jen’s Azur Restaurant will starts from 4.30pm with arrival of guests and competition proper from 5.00pm to 6.00pm. Judging and Prize Ceremony will take place between 6.15pm to 7.00pm at Lime Restaurant followed by celebratory refreshment.

The Spice Route Challenge is part of a bigger program called “The Taste of India” which is a month long festival organized by the High Commission of India in Maldives in conjunction to Golden Jubilee Friendship Celebration between Maldives and India; with collaboration with Hotel Jen Malé, Maldives for second year running and new partner, the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies of Maldives National University. This festival comprises of a series of activities from August 2015 including Spice Route Challenge, Kitchen Khiladi, Cultural Events and the BollyFOOD festival hosted by Hotel Jen from 7th to 11th September 2015.

Ms Vathsala concluded saying her special thanks and appreciation to the partners High Commission of India and the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies and also the sponsors including Ooredoo, State Bank of India, NBCC, Salsa Royal, Residency Resorts, Taj Exotica, Maldivian, Mohan Mutha, Agora, Coco Cola, Nisran Pvt Ltd, TVM and Maldives Gas who kindly provided the gas cylinders for the finale and the priceless efforts of all local media throughout this month long festival.

3RD ANNUAL MALDIVES WHALE SHARK FESTIVAL 2015

Posted on August 29, 2015 at 10:58 am.

Written by Maldives.com

Maamigili, the largest island in South Ari Atoll, is hosting the 3rd annual Maldives Whale Shark Festival (MWSF).

Local artists and some of the organizers are already in South Ari Atoll for the event.

7 local islands will be participating in this event which will see a special performance by famous singer Unoosha. She will be performing as part of the event’s finale to help raise awareness on the conservation of whale sharks in the area. This year, MWSF has been scheduled to coincide with International Whale Shark Day.

Unlike previous years, a science fest will be held prior to the event.

ScienceFEST will take place on the afternoon and evening of Friday 28th August on the island of Dhigurah, which was the first island to host MWSF. So, in addition to celebrating what is unique about the Marine Protected Area of the South Ari Atoll we will be supporting the sharing of vital resources and knowledge between Conservationists, Marine Biologists and Educators in the Maldives.

About Maldives Whale Shark Festival

Initiated in 2013 by Maldives Whale Shark Research Program (MWSRP), with the support of UK based artist Chloe Osborne and in partnership with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Festival is designed to provide the island communities of South Ari Atoll with the opportunity to celebrate the whale shark and the marine diversity of their atoll whilst fostering environmental sustainability and conservation at a grass roots level. Seeding the idea of an international collaboration between marine biologists and artists as well as by promoting the use of community art as a key tool for social and environmental education and engagement, the project seeks to boost local and national awareness and tourism to support future generations.

The MWSF is a collaboration between marine biologists, conservationists, artists, schools and island communities and aims to:

Celebrate the marine diversity of South Ari Atoll and its marine protected area (SAMPA)
Promote environmental awareness and conservation
Bring communities together through creative workshops
Support and showcase Maldivian culture through storytelling and craftsmanship
Contribute to the national cultural calendar
Invest in eco-tourism and support civic participation
Catalyze knowledge transfer between scientific researchers, island councils, educators, artists, students and community members to safeguard the future of the whale shark and it’s natural habitat

1030 Whale Shark Quiz

1130 Break for prayer, and lunch at school

1245 Island groups prepare for the parade

1315 Presentations on stage

1400 Start of procession

1515 Break for prayer, and afternoon tea at school

1545 Announcement of winners and host of 2016

1545 Bodu Beru performance with kite flying

Finale performance by Unoosha

1700 End of Festival

Soneva Fushi’s Chef Sobah Wins ‘Best Chef in the Maldives’ Award

Posted on August 27, 2015 at 2:04 pm.

Written by Maldives.com

He competes against 450 chefs from across the Maldives to scoop top accolades in multiple categories

Chef Sobah, Soneva Fushi’s Chef de Cuisine at Mihiree Mithaa restaurant, has taken top honours at an International Culinary Event by winning the ‘Best Chef in the Maldives’ Award.

The talented Chef also scooped numerous other awards at the event, including the Best Chef in the Maldives (Maldivian category); Best Chef (International category); Hot cooking Lamb Gold Medal; Hot Cooking Beef Gold Medal; and Hot Cooking Seafood Bronze Medal; among others. The annual Food & Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) – International Culinary Challenge & Exhibition was held in August 2015 and attracted more than 450 Chefs from across the Maldives.

Chef Sobah, who has worked at Soneva Fushi since 2011, currently cooks at Mihiree Mithaa, Soneva Fushi’s open air beachfront restaurant that offers guests a wide selection of buffet dining options. Soon, Chef Sobah will head the new dining outlet at Soneva Fushi, aptly named ‘Sobah’s’; a fine-dining Maldivian restaurant set to open in the next few months.

Chef Sobah with Laurie Burr, Soneva Fushi's GM — Chef Sobah with Laurie Burr, Soneva Fushi’s GM

Built on the uninhabited island of Mendhoo, just 15 minutes by boat from Soneva Fushi, Sobah’s will serve traditional Maldivian cuisine with modern twists using traditional cooking methods. Sobah’s beach restaurant will seat 18 for dinner and will be open six days per week, subject to a minimum number of eight diners and weather conditions.

Chef Sobah learnt to cook at the Faculty of Hospitality in the Maldives. He specializes in preparing Maldivian, Sri Lankan, Vietnamese and Thai food using skills he learnt while living and working in those countries. He is famed for his Maldivian cuisine, which uses healthy, natural and fresh ingredients to produce clean flavours.

Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination with 57 spacious, multi-bedroom luxury beachfront villas that are hidden among dense foliage for ultimate privacy. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday personal butlers who know what you want before you want it. For more information about Soneva visit www.soneva.com

Maldives Floating Islands Plans To Takeoff

Posted on August 20, 2015 at 10:54 am.

Written by Maldives.com

Christie’s International Real Estate, the company formed in 1995 by one of the world’s oldest art auction house Christie’s, has joined hands with Dutch Docklands of the Netherlands to develop luxury floating private islands in the Maldives.

The ‘Amillarah Private Islands’, by Dutch Docklands and New York based Christie’s International Real Estate, are unique tailor-made floating residences designed by famed Dutch architect Koen Olthuis, who was named one of the most influential people by Time Magazine.

Amillarah in Dhivehi, the language of the Maldives means “own island” and are completely self-sustainable floating islands. The famed oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society is engaged with the project to ensure the homes are free from environmental impact, safe from rising sea levels, and to create a new underwater habitat for sea life. The project is to feature 10 exclusive villas on portable islands, complete with a private beach, a pool and a jetty to moor yachts.

Dutch Docklands, that gained global media attention in 2011 for plans to build an 18-hole floating golf-course in the Maldives, was awarded five lagoons in Kaafu Atoll, all within 25 minutes of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (Malé airport) as part of a joint venture with the Maldivian government in 2011. The five-lagoon plan also includes 185 overwater luxury villas and a convention center.

A Dutch Docklands’ official said the designs for the floating islands are yet to be approved by the tourism ministry. However, the company hopes to begin construction by the end of the year.

The luxury islands will be leased said the official. The Maldivian constitution was recently amended to allow foreigners to own land for the first time, but a US$1billion investment is required.

Dutch Docklands has previously said the five-lagoon project will cost US$500million. The Maldivian government holds five percent in the joint venture.

Dan Conn, the CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate said: “Buyers are able to customize the size, shape and style of their residence, within the broadest range of locations, beginning with this first opportunity in the Maldives.”

“Each of these homes is an eco-friendly work of art that can be lived in, allowing consumers to not only create, but enjoy whatever kind of paradise they desire,” added Rick Moeser, Senior Vice President, Christie’s International Real Estate.

“We have not only created a new luxury global brand with ‘Amillarah Private Islands’ but also a new industry of private island development to cater to our most discerning clients,” said Paul van de Camp, CEO of Dutch Docklands, according to a press release.

Dutch Docklands said the project will be the biggest floating development in the world “diversifying Maldivian fame and turning rising seas into prime real estate.”

The five lagoons consist of 800 hectares of water. The environmental impact assessments for Dutch Docklands’ first project, the Ocean Flower, is complete and villas will be done within one and a half years. They cost upwards of US$1.5million.

Amillarah properties will be launched in Dubai and Miami next, Christie’s has said.

Great News For Surf Enthusiasts

Posted on August 18, 2015 at 7:43 pm.

Written by Maldives.com

The government of Maldives has terminated the development of the boutique surf resort —The Patina Thanburudhoo in Kaafu Atoll, home to world-class surf spots; Sultans and Honkeys.

The Tourism Ministry cited slow development in canceling the contract with Singapore-based Telos Investment. “This will allow local surfers, surfers from around the world and organizers of surf competition to use the island in the best possible way,” noted the Ministry of Tourism, and pledged to keep the island open to the public as a “surf heritage site.”

The Maldives Surfing Association (MSA) fought the decision to build a boutique surf resort in Thanburudhoo Island. Local surfers stood up against surf exclusivity, warning that developing a surf resort on the island will halve the number of breaks open to local surfers and particularly impact safari operators due to the limited access. The Maldives government is planning the construction of a bridge in Malé’s Raalhugandu, and the MSA has no doubt it will destroy the atoll’s best surf breaks where 90 percent of Maldivian surfers ride their share of waves.

Thanburudhoo island, which is 30 minutes away from the capital, is owned by the Maldives National Defence Force’s (MNDF) Welfare Company. It was leased to Telos in August 2012. Local surfers have welcomed “the end of surf exclusivity.”

Maamigili Getting Ready To Host Maldives Whale Shark Festival

Posted on August 18, 2015 at 4:48 pm.

Written by Maldives.com

Maamigili, the largest island in South Ari Atoll, is gearing up to host the 3rd annual Maldives Whale Shark Festival (MWSF).

With less than 10 days for the festival, which will take place on the 29th of this month, local artists and some of the organizers are already in South Ari Atoll prepping for the event.

Mahibadhoo Bodu Beru Performances as part of MWSFEST14

7 local islands will be participating in this year’s event which will see a special performance by famous singer Unoosha. She will be performing as part of the event’s finale to help raise awareness on the conservation of whale sharks in the area. This year, MWSF has been scheduled to coincide with International Whale Shark Day.

Dhigurah with their award winning Festival Mascot for MWSFEST14

Unlike previous years, a science fest will be held prior to the event. ScienceFEST will take place on the afternoon and evening of Friday 28th August on the island of Dhigurah, which was the first island to host MWSF. So, in addition to celebrating what is unique about the Marine Protected Area of the South Ari Atoll we will be supporting the sharing of vital resources and knowledge between Conservationists, Marine Biologists and Educators in the Maldives.

A Young Artist from Dhangethi Models her Festival Costume Design at for MWSFEST14

“This is an opportunity to learn more about this incredible creature and by working together, to showcase the outstanding natural beauty and artistic culture of the Maldives to a global audience”. Chloe Osborne, Festival Co-Director 2015.

Dhidhoo Performers in preparation for the Festival Procession for MWSFEST14

Maldives.com is proud to be the online partner of this very important event which has been playing a important role in bringing communities together to celebrate marine diversity and natural beauty of South Ari Atoll and the Maldives. Information on Maldives Whale Shark Festival Initiated in 2013 by Maldives Whale Shark Research Program (MWSRP), with the support of UK based artist Chloe Osborne and in partnership with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Festival is designed to provide the island communities of South Ari Atoll with the opportunity to celebrate the whale shark and the marine diversity of their atoll whilst fostering environmental sustainability and conservation at a grass roots level. Seeding the idea of an international collaboration between marine biologists and artists as well as by promoting the use of community art as a key tool for social and environmental education and engagement, the project seeks to boost local and national awareness and tourism to support future generations. The MWSF is a collaboration between marine biologists, conservationists, artists, schools and island communities and aims to: – Celebrate the marine diversity of South Ari Atoll and its marine protected area (SAMPA) – Promote environmental awareness and conservation – Bring communities together through creative workshops – Support and showcase Maldivian culture through storytelling and craftsmanship – Contribute to the national cultural calendar – Invest in eco-tourism and support civic participation – Catalyze knowledge transfer between scientific researchers, island councils, educators, artists, students and community members to safeguard the future of the whale shark and it’s natural habitat Previous and Future Festivals – The ﬁrst Festival was held in 2013 and was hosted by the island community of Dhigurah – The second Festival was held in 2014 and was hosted by the island community of Dhangethi. The Festival in 2015 will be the 3rd Annual Maldives Whale Shark Festival and will be hosted by the island community of Maamigili – Sponsor dependent, the 4th Annual Whale Shark Festival will be hosted in 2016 by the island community of Fenfushi

Review — How to do barefoot luxury in real style

Posted on August 18, 2015 at 3:21 pm.

Written by [email protected]

Review — “I want my guests to emerge from the natural jungle into a landscaped garden,” says Paul Vincent Benedict Brown in his clipped English accent. He makes me stop and open my eyes to this subtle yet dramatic change in landscape, marking the natural entrance of Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island, one of the world’s most exclusive private islands.

Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island photo by Kerstin Pilz

Approaching by private speedboat, Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island looks just like every other small Maldivian island, a speck of green jungle surrounded by white sand and crystal clear ocean. Except, once you step on it, you realize that everything on this island is pure luxury. Even the sand is just that little bit finer and whiter and I soon lose track of my flip flops as I follow a barefoot Mr Brown on a whirlwind tour of this luxury resort hidden in the heart of a 1.4 hectare island.

There are 4 plus 1 villas created by award winning architect Guz Wilkinson. The spacious bedrooms sleep a total of 12 guests, each villa has pool access, with two villas, “my twins”, as Brown calls them, sharing one pool. And there is enough space to accommodate the security personnel if you chose to bring it.

My guided tour of the resort is a flurry of wow effects. Super-sized flat screens emerging magically from stands that look like old fashioned travelling trunks, curtains opening via remote control to reveal uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, a beach-side sculpture of jumping dolphins made from driftwood, bespoke furniture and art works, light fittings that look like art works, shell doorknobs, bathrooms to die for with backlit showers, outdoor baths and full-sized Acqua di Parma toiletries.

“Everything has to be full sized,” says Paul Vincent Benedict Brown, who was appointed as General Manager of Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island in June 2014. “It’s all about the guest here. If my guests want to have a spa treatment at 3 am, they can have it,” he says. Breakfast is from 2 am to 2 am, in other words, whenever. Wow!

Mr Brown certainly knows how to give his guests the royal treatment. He was trained in the Household of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and learned what guests want from a tropical luxury resort whilst working in LA for a Hollywood movie tycoon who had a beach house in Malibu.

“I can transform any space into an outdoor dining room or outdoor spa treatment room,” he says pointing out various spots under the canopy of native vegetation that provides cooling shade without obstructing views of the surrounding Indian Ocean. It’s all about my guests, they get whatever they want, he repeats his mantra.

There is also a small traditional old coral stone mosque valued by many of Mr Brown’s guests, amongst them no doubt those arriving by private jet from Saudi Arabia or Qatar, some are repeat visitors.

Like a stage choreographer Mr Brown has reserved the ultimate wow effect to last. Palm Residence, the split-level master residence. There’s a huge master bedroom, living and dining areas complete with a discreetly hidden work station he pulls out of the wall like a magician, indoor and outdoor showers with floor to ceiling views of the native jungle and ocean, a private Jacuzzi, a private infinity pool, a private library, a cocktail bar and an exclusive wine cellar. Wow!

All-inclusive luxury comes with a five-figure price tag a night. For that you get all of the above plus your private butler, your private chef, dive instructors and spa therapists on demand and a tailor made experience.

At the end of our tour Mr Brown checks his watch. It was a quick 50 minute tour he says, as if we’ve set some kind of record. If you are paying a small fortune for the privilege of an all-inclusive private island holiday, you certainly would want Mr Brown to be in charge of it.

Throughout our tour he’s discreetly instructed his staff, whom he addresses in his very formal English way as ‘Mr’ and their surnames, on how to improve their service. His magic has worked and my flip flops have reappeared on the jetty, just where the fine sand ends and my walk back into reality begins. Wow!

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The Somerset Hotel

Posted on August 16, 2015 at 2:51 pm.

Written by Maldives.com

The Somerset Hotel is a refreshingly hip, designed with island sophistication in mind, and proudly personalized in both service and style.

A virtual personification of Malé, The Somerset reflects the city’s dynamic sightseeing, shopping and café culture, harmoniously juxtaposed with laid-back island life. Somerset guests can enjoy all the creature comforts expected of a top-class city hotel, authentically paired with unmistakably sunny Maldivian hospitality.

Perfectly positioned for guests to enjoy all that the bustling capital has to offer – whether city minded island hoppers, business travelers or transit tourists – the hotel is tucked away on a quiet street, yet conveniently located within walking distance to the boat jetties, local markets, cultural sights and vibrant restaurant and shopping scenes.

Somerset guests are invited on a cultural discovery; to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of Malé while confident and comfortable with the hotel as a base. At Somerset Hotel — a candy coloured city skyline meets azure waters and island vistas; humdrum city sounds are interspersed with the beat of lapping waterfront waves.