Ithaa Undersea Restaurant Celebrates 10th Anniversary

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The world’s first undersea restaurant invites the world to celebrate the occasion on April 15, 2015 One decade ago, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was spectacularly ‘sunk’ five metres into the waters of the Indian ocean and ever since it’s been the mecca for lovers of food, culture and architecture the world over. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Conrad Maldives will be hosting a Twitter Chat on Wednesday April 15, 2015 which will take place at 3pm GMT (10am EST). Conrad Maldives Rangali Island invites the world to join the conversation and celebrate the birthday of this world famous dining location by sharing their memories of Ithaa on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Throughout the week of Ithaa’s birthday, users are invited to share their photos and memories using the hashtag #IthaaTurns10 users.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Sitting like a pearl beneath the waves (Ithaa translates as ‘pearl’ in the Maldivian language of Dhivehi) the curved acrylic walls which give 180-degree panoramic views sets the trend for  unique dining. It became the world’s first aquarium-style undersea restaurant – indulging diners with stunning views of the surrounding lagoon, reefs and tropical fish. Consistently recognised as the most beautiful restaurant in the world, Ithaa is fast becoming a 21st Century travel icon, so it is no surprise it is regarded as one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive places to eat. “We are all excited to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of such an iconic restaurant” said Lyle Lewis, general manager, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. “I can think of no better way to celebrate such a momentous occasion than by sharing it with the whole world.” Envisioned by Mr. Ahmed Saleem of Crown Company PVT, owning company of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Mr. Saleem was inspired whilst travelling in Bali in 2001 and five years later Ithaa was brought to life by Mike Murphy of M J Murphy Limited in New Zealand who specialises in aquarium technology and at a cost of US $5 million, Ithaa took 85 tonnes of sand ballast (in sandbags) in order to be sunken onto the ocean bed. It wasn’t long before it became a cultural phenomenon and world-leader in beauty and cuisine that continues to intrigue and impress to this day. Program of Events

  • Memories of Ithaa – April 13-17, 2015

During the week of Ithaa’s 10th birthday, the resort will be posting content across its social media channels, inviting the world to share their memories of Ithaa and post photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

  • Ithaa’s 10th Birthday Twitter Chat at 3pm GMT (11am EST) on Wed April 15, 2015

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (@ConradMaldives) invites the world to celebrate Ithaa’s 10th anniversary through a live Twitter Chat. This global discussion will encourage fans of Ithaa to share their memories, photos and stories of this world famous and iconic restaurant. Follow @ConradMaldives on Twitter and join the chat using #IthaaTurns10 on Wednesday April 15, 2015 at 3pm GMT/10am EST

  • Exclusive Winemaker Dinner presented by Château Margaux  – April 15, 2015

To coincide with the date the restaurant first opened its doors – April 15 – Ithaa will host a Château Margaux sommelier dinner. The unrivalled wine estate of Château Margaux dates back to the 17th Century and is renowned for its grapes as its prices. A bottle of 1787 Château Margaux was sold for $225,000 making it one of the world’s most expensive wines. This is the first time Château Margaux has been invited to host at Conrad Maldives. For more information about Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, visit www.conradhotels.com/maldives

Coco Collection holds Savour 2015

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For food fanatics from around the world enjoying their luxurious stay at Coco Bodu Hithi in Maldives, Savour 2015 was a very literal taste of the good life. The event hosted by Coco Collection from 21st March to 3rd April saw Michelin Starred Chefs Frédéric Doucet, Nigel Haworth, Aktar Islam, Andrew Pern as well as Food & Beverage Specialist, Rogers Benham, who took turns to demonstrate master classes showcasing some of their signature dishes.

Soft shell crab, caraway tempura, south Indian tomato chutney, Chef Aktar Islam, Savour 2015
Soft shell crab, caraway tempura, south Indian tomato chutney, Chef Aktar Islam, Savour 2015
Tandoori, lamb cutlet, Chachumber salad, Chef Aktar Islam, Savour 2015
Tandoori, lamb cutlet, Chachumber salad, Chef Aktar Islam, Savour 2015
Mackerel, palm sugar and chili, Chef Aktar Islam, Savour 2015
Mackerel, palm sugar and chili, Chef Aktar Islam, Savour 2015
Chef Aktar Islam preparing a dish, Savour 2015
Chef Aktar Islam preparing a dish, Savour 2015
Chef Aktar Islam, Savour 2015
Chef Aktar Islam, Savour 2015

This was the first time such a sophisticated culinary event was held in the Maldives at such a grand scale and according to Coco Collection this event, which received overwhelming support, is going to become an annual event.

Chef Andrew Pern preparing Dressed King Crab with Green Herb Mayonnaise,Tomato & Basil Salad,Paramesan Crips, Bloody Mary Dressing, Savour 2015
Chef Andrew Pern preparing Dressed King Crab with Green Herb Mayonnaise,Tomato & Basil Salad,Paramesan Crips, Bloody Mary Dressing, Savour 2015
Breast of Duck with Candied Fennel, Cottage Cheese, Roast Peach, Yorkshire Relish, Chef Andrew Pern, Savour 2015
Breast of Duck with Candied Fennel, Cottage Cheese, Roast Peach, Yorkshire Relish, Chef Andrew Pern, Savour 2015

For the world renowned chefs and mixologist, most of whom are first timers in Maldives, it was love at first sight. The little paradise on earth is on the bucket lists of most people who dream of spending at least a few days enjoying the dreamy islands surrounded by white sandy beaches and vast turquoise lagoons. When asked about his experience in the Maldives, Chef Akhtar Islam remarked, “Since I landed here, I am in love and lost in Maldives!”-a view shared by the other chefs and mixologist as well. Thus the stunning island of Coco Bodu Hithi, which has a romantic and timeless charm, was the perfect setting for this amazing culinary experience. The master classes, dinners and cocktail parties were held at the 7 scenic indoor and outdoor restaurants and bars of the resort.

Chef Nigel Haworth preparing a dish, Savour 2015
Chef Nigel Haworth preparing a dish, Savour 2015
Warm Lobster Salad, Basil, Citrus, Champagne Dressing, Chef Nigel Haworth, Savour 2015
Warm Lobster Salad, Basil, Citrus, Champagne Dressing, Chef Nigel Haworth, Savour 2015
Chef Nigel Haworth, Savour 2015
Chef Nigel Haworth, Savour 2015

Prior to the event the General Manager at Coco Bodu Hithi, Georgiou Papazoglou said, “Coco Bodu Hithi has always been a haven for food aficionados and Savour 2015 offers an impressive lineup for our guests to indulge in world-class dining experiences throughout their stay. Holding true to our promise to offer an inspirational stay, this culinary journey will create moments to treasure for a lifetime.”

Overwater Villas, Coco Bodu Hithi
Overwater Villas, Coco Bodu Hithi

Savour 2015 was indeed a unique and rare experience for guests who not only got to taste delectable cuisines but interact with the world renowned chefs and learn some of their signature creations. Guests at Coco Bodu Hithi who were lucky enough to experience the culinary event were doubly sated. They enjoyed world-class food at one of the most luxurious and picturesque resorts in the beautiful Maldives.

Kurumba Maldives Celebrates Earth Hour

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Kurumba Maldives will be celebrating Earth Hour, this Saturday 28th March from 20:30 pm to 21:30 pm, local time and contributing to the Earth Hour movement which unites people to take action for the planet and aims to raise awareness of climate change.

During this hour, Kurumba will partake in this movement by turning off air conditioning units and lighting in staff areas, as well as exterior signage lighting and use candlelight in public areas, restaurants and bars. In-house guests have been invited to participate and do the same in their rooms and villas.

The inaugural Earth Hour movement started in Sydney, Australia in 2007. Since then the event has become a worldwide movement. In 2014, a record 162 countries took part in Earth Hour 2014, showing a huge amount of support from the Maldives, to the UK and beyond. The switch offs start in Samoa and continue finishing eventually in Tahiti.

Jason Kruse, General Manager of Kurumba Maldives commented: “climate change is the one of the biggest environmental challenges our planet faces today, and is especially important in the fragile Maldives. As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility program, we will continue to make efforts to reduce energy consumption, use sustainable energy and protect our environment. Every small action can make a difference”.

Akon To Perform In Maldives This January

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The Ministry of Tourism of the Maldives is organising a free concert in the capital city Malé for the 8th January with the acclaimed Senegalese-born and current US-based R&B and hip hop artist Akon.

The event was announced through a video message from Akon which was shown during the Tourist Arrival Countdown show held on New Year’s Eve where two Indian Bollywood musicians Salim – Sulaiman performed.

Salim - Sulaiman perfoming at National Football Stadium on New Year's Eve.
Salim – Sulaiman perfoming at National Football Stadium on New Year’s Eve. Photo credit: Haveeru

This is the second attempt by the four time grammy nominated artist to perform in the Maldives. The first attempt was in 2010 which was cancelled after the tickets were sold saying the technical assistance and security measures were not up to par.

The 2010 performance attempt was hugely opposed by the then Islamic Ministry and several religious groups. Speaking in response to public discord over two Indian musicians playing in the Maldives on New Year’s Eve and Akon’s performance scheduled for Thursday to the local daily newspaper Haveeru, Tourism Minister Adeeb said that foreign artists and musicians are invited to perform in the Maldives as a means to promote tourism and has nothing to do with religion and that they are simply a means to promote Maldives as a brand.

He also said “These shows are for promoting Maldives’ tourism. While the entire world has started to see Malé City as a lair that harbours members of the Islamic State or extremist militants, foreign artists performing here will show the world what the situation here is truly like. Maldives does not belong to the Islamic State.”

Pop/Dancehall/Reggae singer Sean Paul
Pop/Dancehall/Reggae singer Sean Paul

Akon’s announcement to perform in Maldives comes after Jamaican Grammy Award winning International star Sean Paul – who was supposed to perform during Tourism Arrival Countdown Show 2014 – cancelled at the last minute after a YouTube video was released threatening the artist with death if he performed in the Maldives.

Whale Sharks on land in South Ari Atoll: The Second Annual Maldives Whale Shark Festival

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Press Release: Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) and The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN Maldives) is collaborating with Maldivian artists to celebrate the whale shark in The Second Annual Maldives Whale Shark Festival. Hosted in Dhangethi, this year’s festival will be the culmination of months of community engagement workshops in which school students and community members have come together to create artwork representing their island and celebrating the marine diversity of South Ari Atoll and its Marine Protected Area (SAMPA).

This unique festival, which places island communities at the centre of creative decision making, will transform the host island on Saturday December 6th, festooning the streets with colour, filling the air with ‘Boduberu’ and providing an unmissable learning experience for over 250 people who have participated in its development. The carnival procession at 1pm will see 3 whale sharks swim above the heads of the crowd, a giant green turtle, butterfly fish and manta ray dance through the streets and a feast of brightly coloured costumes created by each island.

Considering the dimensions for their kinetic sculpture of a butterfly fish.
Considering the dimensions for their kinetic sculpture of a butterfly fish.

Each participating island has chosen a mascot to make and has been working with professional artists to realise their designs for large scale, kinetic sculptures and mobile recycled artwork and costumes. Inspired by the stories of their community they have been working with creative practitioner Fazail Lutfe to create high impact, theatrical presentations to share with festival goers. Weaving together the traditional forms of ‘Raivaru’ and ‘Boduberu’ with contemporary storytelling, each island will tell part of the Atoll’s story, giving voice to the area’s rich cultural heritage.

Local artists Nadee Rachey and Kareen Adam from Malé city have been leading on the artistic vision for the festival, collaborating with Festival Director Chloe Osborne from the UK, to provide a series of multi-disciplinary art workshops with 4 main islands – Dhigurah, Dhangethi, Dhiddhoo and Mandhoo, with support from neighbouring islands and resorts.

“This is just the beginning – we plan on putting the festival on the cultural calendar for the Maldives, bringing people from across the country and the world together to celebrate the rich marine and cultural diversity of the archipelago. Nowhere else is uniquely placed to support the collaboration between Marine Biologists and Artists, community members and international researchers. We look forward to building on this year’s success and, with thanks to our generous sponsors, to offering the opportunity to participate to more islands everywhere.”

Chloe Osborne – Festival Director, Maldives Shark Research Programme.

We hope to attract festival-goers from across the Atoll, Malé and beyond with this yearly opportunity to celebrate the craftsmanship and creativity of the island communities and to celebrate the area’s unique role in the International Whale Shark ecology.

The 2014 festival has been created with support from our technical partner IUCN Maldives with sponsorship from Voyages Maldives, FlyMe, Allied Insurance with Mirihi, Lux* Maldives, Lily Beach, Vilamendhoo, Holiday Island and Sun Island resorts, online partner Maldives.com, and our official hydration partner 100PLUS.

MWSRP programme coordinator Ibrahim Shameel added “For the past 5 months MWSRP have been working with the local islands to bring this festival to life. Along the way we have been fortunate enough to work with some amazing people without whom this festival would not be possible. The idea of a festival is still a very new concept to the communities but have been delighted at how the openly the idea has been received. Its been an inspiration and an honour to witness this festival bring people of all ages come together in a shared endeavour.”

Ends

Festival Background: Developed by MWSRP and IUCN Maldives in 2013, 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 promoting environmental sustainability and conservation at a grassroots level.. Seeding the idea of an international collaboration between marine biologists and artists and promoting the use of community art as a tool for social and environmental engagement, the project seeks to boost local and national awareness and tourism to support future generations.

Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme

The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) is a charity that carries out whale shark research and fosters community focused conservation initiative in the Maldives.

What initially began as a scientific expedition in 2006, the MWSRP has grown to become the only long term organisation dedicated to study the iconic, yet vulnerable whale shark species in the Maldives.

Our goal is simple: we seek to advance the field of whale shark knowledge and to advocate for sound conservation policy in the Maldives. By encouraging and valuing community and industry stakeholder participation, we are able to leverage the scientific research to safeguard the rich biodiversity and fragile marine ecosystems that are the basis for not only whale sharks, but also life, livelihood and culture in the Maldives.

Community mobilisation is one of our core values. Participation from the local residents of South Ari Atoll and throughout Maldives is very important to the work of MWSRP.

contact for more information: Richard Rees, Managing Director MWSRP
[email protected]

IUCN Maldives Marine Projects

The objectives of the IUCN Maldives Marine Projects were developed to address the environmental priorities and challenges that the Maldives faces. They include enhancing coral reef resilience (both social and ecological), supporting climate change adaptation, advancing marine species management and increasing environmental awareness across different sectors. These are ambitious but urgent priorities that require vision, dedication, perseverance and commitment by many individuals, groups and stakeholders of society in order to address them.

contact for more information: Ali Nizar, Communications Officer
[email protected]

Rifaee Rasheed, IUCN Social Sciences and Outreach Officer
[email protected]