Month of Wellness at Jumeirah Vittaveli

Written by

Nutrition Chef and Meditation Guru will teach guests healthier lifestyles

Jumeirah Vittaveli has announced the resort’s annual Talise Wellness Month, featuring guest resident Talise Nutrition Executive Chef Gabi Kurz.

Following the successful Wellness Month in 2015, this year’s event will take place from 15 March to 15 April 2016 and continues the tradition by offering guests exclusive programmes including meditation, yoga, fitness classes, special spa treatments and healthy nutrition cooking classes. To complement these wellness activities, the daily breakfast and dinner buffet at Samsara will include a Talise Nutrition corner.

The resort is delighted to welcome back Chef Gabriele Kurz to spearhead the Talise Nutrition Menu. Chef Gabi is the Talise Wellness Executive Chef for the Jumeirah Group Portfolio of hotels and resorts and curated the popular Nutrition Menu last year. During her residency she will launch a new Talise set menu at the resort’s fine dining restaurant Fenesse. Chef Gabi will be at Jumeirah Vittaveli from 23-30 March. During her stay, she will also host cooking classes and demonstrations. Guests can learn how to create healthy dishes out of local and international ingredients to improve their diet not only on vacation but also when at home. For more information follow chef Gabi on Instagram to see her recipe ideas or read Chef Gabi’s blog.

Jumeirah Vittaveli’s Talise Spa and Fitness will conduct daily wellness activities throughout the month. Guest Practitioner Winnie Rode, an internationally renowned meditation and philosophy teacher and sound and music therapist, will visit the resort from March 14-24. He will hold both private and group meditation classes and perform his unique singing bowl sound massages.

Winnie has been teaching philosophy and meditation for more than 20 years. He began his education as a monk in a Tibetan monastery and today, his teachings are mainly based on the Dzogchen tradition.

Jumeirah Vittaveli offers luxury romantic escapes and indulgent family retreats, as well as a host of land- and water-based activities, including a PADI Dive base, water sports centre, four restaurants and two bars, Kuda Koli Kids’ Club with family pool, and a Talise Spa with overwater and garden treatment rooms. With its focus on cultural connection and organic experiences, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers guests a true Maldivian island experience.

Sail Away on your Sense of Freedom at Six Senses Laamu

Written by

There can be no better way to enjoy the turquoise lagoon and deep-blue ocean waters of the Maldives than cruising on a private yacht. And now Six Senses Laamu makes this a reality with the latest addition to its experiences offerings –  a day on the Sense of Freedom.

Guests can enjoy this beautiful yacht all to themselves for a cruise around the atoll, a picnic on a deserted island, snorkeling at Blue Lagoon, a visit to the sandbank for sunset cocktails or just enjoy the yacht with all its luxury amenities. This is truly an out of the ordinary experience equally suitable for those wanting a romantic escape or a family getaway.

A day on the Sense of Freedom at Six Senses Laamu
A day on the Sense of Freedom at Six Senses Laamu

Sense of Freedom is a 37-foot (12.80 meter) Riviera 37 Flybridge; a luxury yacht with a large cockpit and two cabins able to accommodate six guests plus crew. The cabins include a master bedroom, an adjacent cabin with bunk beds and bathroom facilities inclusive of a shower. It also features a living room area and a small galley. The big fly bridge is designed to offer a view from the top, for those who wish to feel the ocean breeze while cruising.

The resort’s experienced captain and his crew invite guests to embark on an extraordinary adventure that starts in the late morning and finishes well past sunset with a dinner on the beach. As for dinner, the menu is subject to guests’ catch. The crew will provide poles and line and will show the traditional Maldivian way of fishing.

Approaching the deserted island, guests can jump off the yacht and snorkel around the colorful reef or simply enjoy its sandy beach. A picnic will be prepared on the island with their menu of choice, along with a bottle of Champagne and fresh coconuts. For those who wish to sit back and relax under the shade of the coconut trees, sun-loungers are provided.

Snorkeling around the deserted island
Snorkeling around the deserted island

In the late afternoon the Sense of Freedom will make its way back to the resort, making one last stop on the private sandbank just before the sun sets. Bartenders wait with special signature sunset cocktails. The evening ends with a private barbecue on the beach, where chefs will cook the catch of the day! In the unlikely event that guests were unable to catch a fish, they can count on the chefs to ensure that a freshly caught reef fish is available.

The package includes:

– A day trip on the Sense of Freedom
– Snorkeling and fishing equipment
– Picnic on a deserted island, with Champagne, fresh coconuts and a fresh fruit basket
– Sunset cocktails on the private sandbank
– Private beach barbecue dinner

The price for two guests on the Sense of Freedom for a day is USD 2,800 and is subject to 10 percent service charge and 12 percent GST. This experience can be customized. For more information please contact [email protected]

Gahaa

Written by

Gahaa is designed to suit for larger groups who wish for a short getaway. Families and large group of friends who have come aboard Gahaa are among our repeat clients who have become accustomed to Gahaa’s services.

Find yourself unwinding with a stroll on countless sands and endless green or visit an island to experience the unique lifestyle of the Maldivians. At night, revel to the beat of Boduberu and experience Maldivian culture in style. Gahaa promises to take you to such extents to make sure that its the perfect way to make the infinite ocean your home for a few days.

ITB 2016 officially inaugurated at Messe Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Written by

The biggest travel trade fair of the world, ITB 2016 has been officially inaugurated today, 9th March 2016 at the Maldivian stand. The honors of the ribbon cutting at the Maldives’ stand were performed by the Minister of Tourism Honorable Mr.Moosa Zameer and Secretary General of UNWTO Mr.Taleb Rifai. This year, the exhibition celebrates its 50th anniversary and Maldives is the official partner country of the fair. At the inaugural ceremony, the ribbon cutting at Maldives stand was the first activity in the running order, which was followed by ITB Convention at the Berlin City Cube.

ITB 2016 OpeningTo rejoice and appreciate the Maldivian tourism industry and its prominence to the country, Maldives will be hosting a special evening dedicated to the industry stakeholders, trade partners and exhibiting companies at Berlin tonight. This special event “Maldivian Night” is one of the most favorite activities of the tourism industry and will be attended by more than 600 individuals. Hosted at the Wasserwerk, Hohenzollerndamm, a historic dining lounging hall in Bundesallee, Berlin. A number of industry invitees, trade partners, media representatives and government representatives from Maldives will be attending this special Maldivian Evening.

To start off the evening with, the invitees will be welcomed with special drinks after the registration at the entrance, which will be accompanied by live and calm band music. After seating the guests, the Minister of Tourism HE Moosa Zameer will address a welcome note and a promotional video of the destination will be released. Maldivian performances will then take place, for the guests to enjoy before the buffet dinner. Cultural performances and ‘Boduberu’ will accompany the guests during dinner. After a raffle draw amongst the guests and awarding special prizes to the winners, the Maldivian Evening will then be concluded with live DJ.

Kurumba Maldives Launches New Website

Written by

Kurumba Maldives is proud to announce the launch of its new website.

Developed by QUO, the new website has been designed to be more user-friendly, particularly for mobile and tablet users.

Video content has been added, to assist with exploring experiences, facilities and services within the island. The second stage of development will be launched in the coming weeks and will include an upgraded booking engine, a live chat functionality, an interactive Blog site and an updated guest reviews page.

Kurumba Maldives

The distinctive character of Kurumba emerges through this new concept and design, particularly in reference to the choices the island has to offer and its unique and enriching guest experiences, continuing with our commitment to provide more for our guests than resorts further afield.

Jason Kruse, General Manager at Kurumba Maldives stated: “It is Kurumba Maldives’ wish to offer an accurate and complete overview of Kurumba Maldives, the Maldives in Full Colour brand, and the guest experience whilst managing guest expectations and queries. It has become more user-friendly, with simple navigation and clear features. We strive to give our guests as much information as possible, which will be very useful for those who wish to prepare their holiday in advance, as well as those who can’t wait to arrive, with menus, excursions, night entertainment and facilities, etc.”

About Kurumba Maldives

Kurumba Maldives is set on a tropical island in the North Malé Atoll, conveniently situated a brief 10 minute speedboat ride from the airport. Dotted with coconut trees that are the island’s namesake, Kurumba was the first private island resort in the Maldives. Beautiful gardens, palm fringed white sandy beaches and a vibrant house reef is the hallmarks of this classic Maldivian resort.

The resort offers an array of nine styles of accommodation, ranging from comfortable Superior rooms to the spacious Royal Residence, spread amongst the island’s lush tropical gardens with easy access to the beach. With eight different restaurants to choose from Kurumba Maldives will charm you with its unparalleled choice of dining experience and a wide range of recreation activities and entertainment. All while maintaining idyllic refuges and quiet spaces of relaxation to create the perfect balance for a holiday in paradise, perfect for honeymooners and family alike.

Over the years, Kurumba has played host to a variety of foreign dignitaries and Heads of State, including Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and former US Presidents Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. It has also been the recipient of numerous accolades and awards, including Maldives Leading Hotel (World Travel Awards) in 2010 and 2011, and Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for Best Service and Luxury (2013) as well as the number one All-Inclusive resort in Asia (2014 and 2015), and number one best All-Inclusive resort in the world (2015).

Official Press Conference & Opening Gala Ceremony of ITB 2016 takes place in Berlin, Germany

Written by

The official press conference of ITB 2016 was held this afternoon, by ITB Berlin at Funkturm Lounge in Messe Berlin, the fair venue. The Minister of Tourism Honorable Moosa Zameer was present in the official panel along with the ITB officials and organizers to riposte any queries by the press about ITB and Maldives being this year’s partner country. Seniors of MMPRC and MOT also participated in this official press conference as Maldivian government officials.

ITB Berlin 2016Maldives will officially start off the biggest event of the Visit Maldives Year 2016 on 8th March night at the Opening Gala Ceremony of the world’s largest travel trade fair, ITB Berlin 2016. With a total of more than 2,500 invitees attending this special ceremony which marks the 50th anniversary of ITB Berlin, Maldives celebrates being the partner host country of the exhibition. The Maldivian Tourism Minister, Honorable Moosa Zameer will be leading the Maldivian delegation, including ministers, senior government representatives, and industry stakeholders together with MMPRC and Ministry of Tourism.

The Gala will feature a special play by 57 talented performers, artists and musicians from Maldives that will be the main event of this special ceremony. The musical dance will focus on the traditions of Maldives, and how development aroused in the small islands of Maldives.

A musician will blow a conch shell, thus resembling the start of the performance. The play will be distributed into different traditional and folk Maldivian dances, of which each will have a narration; the general facts about Maldives and the portrayed tradition, activity or custom will be covered likewise in the narration. These dances and performance arts will focus on showing the pride that the nation withholds to have such a diverse existence.

ITB Berlin 2016The central point of this whole musical of the opening ceremony is on a ‘Dhoni’ (a Maldivian built traditional boat) and its transformation through the years of how it has evolved into the present. An image of a ‘Dhoni’ is also used in the main logo of the ITB Berlin 50th edition, to resemble Maldives being the partner host country, and to add a traditional Maldivian touch to the branding.

An exquisite dinner hosted by Maldives, after the opening ceremony will feature different varieties of Maldivian mouthwatering dishes to serve the taste buds of all the opening gala invitees. ITB has been the most prominent fair for the tourism industry for decades, and expects exceptional success this year as well.

World champion freediver Christian Redl returns to LUX* South Ari Atoll – Maldives for the 5th edition of the island’s Underwater Festival

Written by

To live a life where gravity and time are relative is every freediver’s dream. This year’s LUX* South Ari Atoll Underwater Festival gets up-close and personal with world record holder Christian Redl set to host apnea courses from the 3rd to 9th of April 2016 and reveal how this life-changing sport has irreversibly shaped his life. When the Austrian-born athlete is not engaged in action-packed underwater filming projects to raise awareness on the endangered population of sharks, he holds his breath during the low temperatures of lakes in the Austrian Alps partaking in ever-challenging extreme sports events. ‘Freediving changed completely my life’ says Christian, ‘and the Underwater Festival in the Maldives is where I am able to share what I love the most while being in my element’.

Christian Redl, Marc Hillsheim, LUX* South Ari Atoll

The resort’s diving center operated by Euro-divers enhances the weeklong event with the expertise of German photographer Marc Hillesheim. Underwater photography workshops, freediving photo sessions and guided photography dives are just few of the exciting additions to the Festival. But in today’s world no photo goes unnoticed! That’s why the Underwater Festival hosts an Instagram contest for guests wanting to share their underwater discoveries on the social network and invites in-house participants to tag their images with the hashtags #LUXUNDERWATER #LUXONEBREATH and #NOGRAVITYMALDIVES to win a great deal of prizes.

Besides being able to refer to the Marine Biology Center as source of information on the resident population of whale sharks, guests will also be involved in the exciting findings of Olive Ridley Project’s team and Senior Project Scientist Doc. Jillian Hudgins. Often appointed as marine consultant by the Maldivian Government, Doc. Hudgins co-founded O.R.P. in 2013 with the intent to promote marine ecosystem health and resiliency in the Indian Ocean and its sea turtles. ‘Sustainable tourism is a community effort that starts with small steps and goes a great length’ says General Manager Glenn Daniels, ‘this is why we endeavor to combine healthy water sports with light learning and offer a week of underwater adventures that is as exhilarating as it is enlightening’.

Christian Redl, Marc Hillsheim, LUX* South Ari Atoll

During the day, freediving classes, underwater photography courses and guided expeditions to responsible snorkeling with whale sharks and sea turtles enrich the fifth edition of the Underwater Festival. At night, our passionate experts conduct presentations and underwater-themed movies screened under the stars. Having recently unveiled the resort Signature Pool Water Villas, guests booking those adults-only overwater cocoons with infinity pools during the Festival period, are entitled to one complimentary freediving course per person.

Christian Redl, Marc Hillsheim, LUX* South Ari Atoll

For further information or queries, please contact Dolores Semeraro, Cluster Director of PR & Communications, Maldives [email protected]

Maldivian delegation leaves to attend the biggest event of Visit Maldives Year 2016, ITB Berlin

Written by

A total of 57 entertainers and recitalists, who will be attending ITB Berlin as a major spotlight of the special performances conducted in the gala opening and Maldivian stand, will leave to Berlin on the 4th March (Friday) morning. 6 media representatives from 4 different news channels will also be leaving with the entertainment team to attend the fair which will be hosted in the Messe Berlin GmbH, in Berlin, Germany from 9 – 13 March 2016.

Government officials and technical team from MMPRC and MOT who will be attending the fair has already left to Berlin on the 2nd of March 2016. The leading delegation of ministers and senior government representatives will be joining the team later for the opening ceremony of ITB on 8th March 2016. Maldivian delegation will be headed by Minister of Tourism honorable Moosa Zameer. This year the Maldivian troupe has a total of 281 representatives from 96 industry stake holding companies in addition to government officials representing the country.

In 2016, ITB Berlin celebrates their 50th anniversary and Maldives is the partner host country of the fair, which is the major highlight of the Visit Maldives Year 2016 campaign. The core event, ITB Gala Opening Night will be hosted by Maldives on the 8th March (Tuesday) night, showcasing one of the biggest entertainment performances to an audience of over 2500 viewers. Major activities carried out as the host country include, press conference, panel discussions, ITB Blogger Speed Dating, ITB travel raffle, ITB Kinderland, ITB travel raffle, The Grand Finale of ITB 2016 and festive closing ceremony. Maldivian Night, an exquisite dinner night for the Maldivian tourism industry participants and their special invitees will also be hosted on the 9th March night by MMPRC and MOT.

Maldives will be showcased in four areas this year; Main stand in Hall 5.2a, Adventure travel, responsible stand in Hall 4.1, Media stand in Hall 5.3 and in the South Entrance. In the floor space of 583 square meters which will stage the Maldivian stand, cultural performances, handicrafts display, spa experience by Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, sand art, calligraphy and tasting Maldivian delicacies will be featured. These special activities have been organized to get Maldives the maximum possible exposure and attraction by the visitors and trade parties participating in the world’s largest travel trade exhibition.

The 2016 annual 24-hour ‘10 to 10 Rannamaari wreck’ diving event returns to Angsana Ihuru

Written by

Diving, snorkeling and swimming with Nemo on a shipwreck in the Indian Ocean is what diving dreams are made of. Angsana Ihuru’s annual 24-hour diving event in and around Rannamaari, the resort’s very own shipwreck, will take place once again on 25th April 2016.

Lion Fish, Angsana Ihuru
Lionfish, Angsana Ihuru

Showcasing the beauty of the Indian Ocean on the 17th anniversary of when ‘Rannamaari’ was sunk off the house reef of Angsana Ihuru, divers and snorkelers will be given up close and personal access to the ever-changing world of the tropical ocean landscape.  Six dives will take place over a 24-hour period, from dawn to dusk; whilst underwater cameras will be strategically placed around the resort’s shipwreck streaming live footage to Angsana Ihuru’s guests and globally via www.angsana.com.  

Streaming worldwide via the live webcast, the 24-hour ‘10 to 10 Rannamaari wreck’ diving event will bring its house shipwreck to life.  Offering one of the most vibrant house reefs in the Maldives, teeming with treasures of the great underwater world, marine friends here come in all shapes and sizes. Adventure-seekers looking for chance encounters with dolphins, sharks, moray eels and sea turtles will be thrilled to know that these creatures have made the resort and its shipwreck their home.  For guests who prefer to be out of the water, sunset boat trips for dolphin watching and an early morning swim with whale sharks are a must.

Blackfoot Anemonefish, Angsana Ihuru
Blackfoot Anemonefish, Angsana Ihuru

Home to the only shipwreck found on a house reef in the Maldives, Angsana Ihuru has become world-renowned for its diving and snorkeling experiences.  Guests with young children will enjoy their own “Finding Nemo” adventure as clown fish are local residents of the reef.  Kids should also be encouraged to be on the watch as awe-inspiring creatures such as sharks, stingrays and eagle rays cavort in the reef.

For guests who wish to take formal training in snorkeling and diving, Angsana Ihuru offers professional programs for both adults and children.  Ideally located for scuba diving lessons, students do not need to venture far from the resort as the house reef is easily accessible from the beach.  In addition, a number of world-class dive sites within a radius of less than 50 minutes by boat will ensure that no diving adventure is ever the same.  The dive centre has a team of experienced, multi-lingual instructors that conduct classes across all levels, from beginners to intermediate learners.

When guests visit Angsana Ihuru, one important point to note is that the beauty of nature around does not come by accident. For many years, the resort’s staff and guests have been stewards of conservation, ensuring that the area in which they operate in is protected.  A cause that is close the resort’s heart is the preservation of the coral, sea turtles, manta rays and sharks.  When staying at Angsana Ihuru, guests can participate in pioneering coral planting programmes under the supervision of the resort’s Marine Conservation team, creating a lasting memory that serves a good cause.

Diving starts at 87 USD per single dive.  For more information about Angsana Ihuru and the “Night on us“ offer please visit www.angsana.com   

For reservations please call +960 664 3502 or email [email protected] for more information.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Unveils Three Bedroom Beach Pool Residence

Written by

In a destination as luxurious as the Maldives, it is hard to top the extravagant experiences already available. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas rises to the challenge with the unveiling of its one-of-a-kind Three-Bedroom Beach Pool Residence. Secluded in a green cocoon of island lushness, the Residence was specially designed to host fantasy-filled holiday escapes in a private sanctuary for families and intimate groups. The villa offers a world apart to enjoy together, with an impressive 1,050 square metres of luxurious space, taking a cue from the famous lines of the poet Kahlil Gibran: “Let there be spaces in your togetherness and let the winds of the heavens dance between you.”

Three Bedroom Beach Pool Residence, Anantara Kihavah Villas
Three Bedroom Beach Pool Residence, Anantara Kihavah Villas

Ultimate Luxury Nestled Along White Sand Beach and Turquoise Waters

The Residence’s discerning guests arrive at the island via an unforgettable seaplane ride over blue jewel-tone waters. Greeted at the jetty, each family or group of friends is escorted along a white-sand path cutting through dense tropical jungle, passing the chef’s herb garden – ready to add its flavours to private dinners – and ushered through the Residence’s private entrance.

Inside, guests find themselves in a designer-draped haven borrowing elegant accents from Thailand, Morocco and India. Teak columns punctuate spaces of pristine white purity. Daybeds float over the infinity-edge pool and the water features of courtyard bathrooms. Swaying palms rise through the sprawling wooden deck.

By day, guests can luxuriate in Anantara Spa treatments, delivered in the privacy of the Residence’s spa sala, and a variety of imaginative indulgences. In the central villa living area, a full multimedia suite invites for a private cinema experience on the 55-inch 3D LED TV with Bose home theatre system. A humidor adds a distinctive touch to the central bar, while a painting easel awaits colourful bursts of natural inspiration.

By night, guests are welcome to immerse themselves in the pool, twinkling with fibre-optic lights to mirror the night sky of the Indian Ocean. An adjacent Jacuzzi pool and sunken dining cabana invite with more spaces to relax. Retreating to each of the three bedrooms, guests can drift to sleep in oversized king beds or enjoy a late night soak in two-person bathtubs while savouring an exquisite bottle from their bedroom’s own custom-stocked wine cabinet.

Three Bedroom Beach Pool Residence, Anantara Kihavah Villas
Three Bedroom Beach Pool Residence, Anantara Kihavah Villas

Expanding the Possibilities for Island Getaways

“The Three Bedroom Beach Pool Residence caters to guests who dream big,” explained Jean-Marc Ma-Poon, the resort’s General Manager. “We’re addressing the growing demand for larger accommodation.”

The spacious Residence comfortably accommodates up to six adults and six children, or nine adults. Extending the hideaway even more, a lush orchid garden pathway leads to a connecting door and an adjoining Beach Pool Villa, which can increase the retreat to four bedrooms – along with another infinity pool and dining pavilion.

In addition to the pools, beach access points pierce the towering walls of greenery leading to the island’s immaculate white sands and the treasures of the house reef waiting to be snorkeled and explored at any time.

Three Bedroom Beach Pool Residence, Anantara Kihavah Villas
Three Bedroom Beach Pool Residence, Anantara Kihavah Villas

Jewel in the Crown

Guests wishing to enjoy the Three Bedroom Beach Pool Residence in total privacy are welcome to do so, never leaving its embrace. A personal Villa Host is on hand 24 hours a day catering to all requests. Beyond its walled gardens, unsurpassed beauty and a variety of glittering experiences abound – from the over and underwater dining of Sea.Fire.Salt.Sky. to the adrenaline rush of sea bobbing and graceful encounters with manta rays on bespoke excursions.

Set on one of the most picturesque Maldivian islands, Anantara Kihavah Villas features 79 private pool sanctuaries either poised over water with sweeping ocean views or nestled along a stretch of private beach. The Three Bedroom Beach Pool Residence is the jewel in its crown, for guests who demand the pinnacle of spacious luxury.

Aerial view, Anantara Kihavah Villas
Anantara Kihavah Villas

For more information and bookings, please visit http://kihavah-maldives.anantara.com