Motions of the Ocean: Ballet at PER AQUUM resorts

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Until now the only type of ballet to be found in the Maldives has been the graceful antics of manta rays. PER AQUUM is changing the tempo this August with one-of-a-kind performances at PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi and PER AQUUM Niyama by Xander Parish and dancers from Russia’s renowned Mariinsky Ballet Company.

In another premiere for the island nation, the ensemble of ballet dancers, including first soloist, Xander Parish, will swap St Petersburg’s Theatre Square for a tropical beach backdrop as part of PULSE, PER AQUUM’s stream of avant-garde experiences. Overwater stages will spring up at each of PER AQUUM’s luxury island resorts in the Maldives as performances of Swan Lake, Scheherazade, Giselle, Carmen and Don Quixote come to life over two magical nights.

Photo courtesy of PER AQUUM

Guests at PER AQUUM Niyama will enjoy an exclusive performance on 21 August with an encore at PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi on 23 August. Xander Parish, originally from Yorkshire in the UK, was the first British dancer to be accepted into the Mariinsky company and will be joined by his hand-picked ensemble including Oksana Bondareva and Renata Shakirova.

Courtesy of PER AQUUM, budding ballerinas and ballerinos will also have a once in a lifetime chance to take centre stage themselves. True to form for PULSE which features immersive experiences, guests can get up close and personal with Xander and his dancers who will also be offering masterclasses at each resort during their visit.

PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi - Dream Island
PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi – Dream Island

A honeymooner’s delight, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi is an exclusive luxury resort, located just a 35 minute speedboat ride away from the international airport near the capital, Male. Encircled by one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, this private island paradise is home to the world’s first and only underwater spa. In contrast, the twin islands of Chill and Play at PER AQUUM Niyama, located 45 minutes south of Male by seaplane, offer immersive dining experiences as well as the world’s first underwater nightclub, recently restyled as a restaurant and lounge.

Guests who book directly via peraquum.com will receive exclusive benefits including an upgrade to half board at PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi and a 60-minute massage for two at PER AQUUM Niyama, as well as an invitation to the pre-event cocktail party and a host of surprises including a signed copy of Xander’s book – from PER AQUUM with love.

OZEN is Born!

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Lifestyle Luxury arrives in Malé Atoll!

OZEN BY ATMOSPHERE - EARTH VILLA - EXTERIOR VIEW - LANDSCAPE 01OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo opens its doors today – 15th July 2016, as per promise!

The resort has captured the imagination of one & all worldwide and within just a matter of 3 days into operations, the resort would be hitting an overall Occupancy of 90%! Truly an incredible achievement!

OZEN BY ATMOSPHERE - WIND VILLA WITH POOL - BEDROOM INTERIOROZEN at Maadhoo offers a unique & exclusive Luxury Holiday plan – The Atmosphere INDULGENCE™. The Exotic 90 villa resort presents its guests with an all-encompassing Luxury Beach holiday experience with all elements of the perfect luxury holiday in the Maldives, fully taken care of, upfront. As the key Tagline of the resort states “No Shocks. No Surprises. No Hidden Costs…JUST BLISS!”

OZEN BY ATMOSPHERE - WIND VILLA WITH POOL - BATHROOM VIEW OF SUNSETLocated just 35-minutes by a Luxury speedboat from Malé International Airport, on the idyllic island of Maadhoo in South Malé Atoll, OZEN brings a complete hassle-free lifestyle holiday offering, to those seeking a tranquil escape from the daily grind. The Atmosphere INDULGENCE™ plan even includes an exquisite fine-dining experience within the first Underwater restaurant in Malé Atoll – M6m (Acronym for Minus Six Meters!), at NO extra charge. This is certainly a FIRST in the Maldives.

OZEN BY ATMOSPHERE - EARTH VILLA - EXTERIOR WITH BEACH HUT - LANDSCAPEMr. Venkata Giri, General Manager of OZEN states, “Today is a very special day as we welcome our first guests to OZEN by Atmosphere. It is gratifying to see all our hard work come to fruition and our vision coming to life. My team & I are fully excited & prepared to take care of our discerning guests during the coming weeks. We look forward to welcoming many more to our home away from home during the coming months and create lasting memories!”

OZEN BY ATMOSPHERE - EARTH VILLA BEDROOM INTERIOR - WITH CANOPYOZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo is the third resort within the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts portfolio. After the successful launch of Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives in December 2013, the brand opened a wonderful & extremely popular four-star superior resort – OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli in November 2015.

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts intends to expand their portfolio with another two resorts during the coming year!

Champa Central Hotel

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Champa Central Hotel is a new 3 Star hotel conveniently located in the center of Malé. Good quality and affordable rates make it a popular choice for leisure and business travelers. It is a short walk from the main shopping area and popular tourist attractions such as the National Museum, Parliament Building and Old Friday Mosque.

Executive, Deluxe or Superior Room with comfortable amenities and Free WiFi are available.

Buffet breakfast or a’ la carte menu for lunch and dinner in the “Farivalhu” Restaurant, Room Service and Take Away services are provided.

Coffee Shop features a’ la carte menu of international and Asian dishes, sports events on large screen TV, board games, located on the 9th floor.

The Roof Top Restaurant, the highest restaurant in town, features an a’ la carte menu with a variety of international selections, specializing in Indian cuisine, located on the 10th floor

The hotel arranges sightseeing tour, water sports excursion and a weekly entertainment program including Maldives culture & history presentation, marine preservation slide show, board games such as chess, checkers and scrabble and a lending library where you can take or donate a book

A Business Center, and a Fitness Center is available

Meetings & Banquets – 2 large, modern venues with facilities and services to fulfill business or social event needs with setups for a maximum of 300 guests; and 2 smaller venues, coffee shop, and rooftop restaurant

Champa Central Hotel is the preferred venue for meeting space and banquets and is 
Managed by Crown & Champa Resorts

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island wins seven awards at the first annual World Luxury Restaurant Awards

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, is delighted to be the recipient of seven prestigious accolades at the Annual World Luxury Restaurant Awards, held at The Grand Kronenhof Hotel in Pontresina on June 18, 2016.  In recognition of the resort’s outstanding food and beverage offerings, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was awarded the following accolades at the World Luxury Restaurant Awards:

  • Mandhoo Spa Restaurant – Country Winner for ‘Luxury Scenic Setting’
  • Ufaa by Jereme Leung – Country Winner for Chinese Cuisine, Continent Winner for Best Head Chef
  • Ithaa Undersea Restaurant – Country Winner for ‘Fine Dining Cuisine’, Global Winner for ‘Luxury Scenic Setting’
  • Vilu Restaurant – Country Winner for ‘Best Wine Selection’, Finalist for ‘Fine Dining Cuisine’
  • Koko Grill – Country Winner for ‘Ambience/Romantic Atmosphere’  

Recognised globally for its excellent food and beverage offerings at its 12 restaurants and bars, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is a true gourmand’s delight, providing an array of international cuisines in a truly inspired setting. Conrad Maldives is world renowned for setting benchmarks in resort dining in the Maldives, being the first to create an undersea restaurant, Ithaa, the first to build an underground wine cellar, the first to establish a cheese bar, and the first to invite world-class chefs and winemakers to its islands.  

With 78 categories, the World Luxury Restaurant Awards recognises restaurants across the globe for their culinary excellence and memorable experiences, as well as assessing the quality of the atmosphere and service. The awards aim to provide luxury restaurants with increased recognition, as well as introduce them to potential new guests, both local and international. Votes come from both guests and industry experts, thus providing a balanced and unbiased outcome based on the food experience as a whole.  

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is delighted to add these awards to its growing list of accolades received in 2016, with the resort’s commitment to excellence also demonstrated through its success at the World Travel Awards earlier this year, where it was recognised in two highly coveted categories: ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel’ and ‘Maldives’ Leading Water Villa Resort’. These awards were voted for by travel and tourism professionals worldwide and recognise hotel leaders across the globe.  

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travellers the ability to customise details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s pre-selecting bath amenities or checking in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.  

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island also participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest loyalty program where guests who book directly through www.conradhotels.com have access to benefits including the digital Conrad Concierge app and complimentary Wi-Fi at 26  Conrad hotels.

Milaidhoo Maldives Sees Stars (and so do its guests!)

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Did you know that Milaidhoo is the first resort in the Maldives to have a star named after itself (in the constellation of Gemini at RA 6.462 and declination +18.50)? We liked the idea so much that we offer this service to our honeymooning guests too.

Gemini Constellation

In a country long-noted for luxury and romance, the boutique resort Milaidhoo Island Maldives sets a new standard for romantic gestures: it will name a star after its honeymooning guests as part of the ‘Perfect Honeymoon’ package.

The honeymooning couple will have a star in the night skies named after them and take home a naming certificate of registration and star chart so they can always find it. Guests can choose the name of their star and which constellation it’s in.

Gemini zodiac

The Perfect Honeymoon Package can be booked by couples who have a valid wedding certificate not more than six months old and are staying at least four nights in Milaidhoo. Room rates start at US$1,350 per night for two in a luxurious Pool Water Villa in November and the package includes:

  • Naming a star after the couple, with certificate and star chart
  • One utterly relaxing 60-minute spa treatment for two in a spa pavilion set on stilts over the ocean
  • A romantic three-course candlelit dinner on the deck of the guests’ villa
  • The resort’s signature honeymoon cake which awaits the guests in their villa on arrival along with a bottle of champagne and tropical fruit basket.

Not just another five star resort in the Maldives, Milaidhoo likes to do things differently: the resort calls it reinvented luxury. Naming stars after its honeymooning guests is just one of the many singular guest experiences offered by Milaidhoo, which prides itself on its ‘custom made and made for comfort’ service philosophy of only offering the very best in a way that’s individually tailored to each guest.

About Milaidhoo: We tell the story of a small island. Milaidhoo Island Maldives offers reinvented luxury and spacious outdoor living epitomizing the true contemporary Maldives.

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 35-minute seaplane flight from Maldives International Airport.

Stylish, intimate and natural; here our guests find a place where they truly belong. Milaidhoo Maldives is a member of The Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Big Bash in Baa Atoll – Finolhu Launches

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The Maldives newest resort is open for business after the grand opening of Finolhu in Baa Atoll took place this weekend.

Three days of festivities included fireworks, stilt walkers, and fifty shades of blue set against the backdrop of the marine biosphere.

Entertainment at the launch of the Maldives new ‘beach club haven’ was provided by artists including British singer and dancer Katherine Ellis, star DJs Burt Bevan, DJ Jaffa and Kissy Sell Out and synthpop masters the Cuban Brothers.

Finolhu Launch 1
Big Baa Blowout

Guests were invited to a retro beach party on Friday, followed by a bonfire and cocktails into the small hours. Day two saw cabaret themed performances while those still standing on day three were treated to a 60 and 70s themed blowout.

Just 30 minutes from the capital Male by seaplane, the island harks back to classic era of beach holidays with its retro design.

125 villas spread across the lagoon, the ocean, and the beach are accompanied by dining options across 6 restaurants, with specialisms including Cantonese and North African cuisine. Rustic seafood offerings are also available for those who stroll out on the island’s 1.8km sandbar.

Fish & Crab shack
Finolhu Feasting

The resort offers watersports activities and excursions around the scenic reefs of Baa atoll, while Cove Club embraces ‘massage, movement and chill’ – invites guests to work out, enjoy a spa treatment or just relax in the island’s wellness centre.

This weekend’s event is set to be continued with quarterly Finolhu BLHU events promising more atoll extravaganzas in the Maldives UNESCO reserve.

Finolhu is the second property to be opened by the Small Maldives Island Company, which introduced the luxury Amilla Fushi resort to Baa atoll in 2014.

Hotel Jen Male’ Maldives donates carpets to Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

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Hotel Jen Male’ Maldives current remodelling of the rooms and ballroom will benefit the Ministry of Islamic affairs with twenty-four rolls of usable carpet, that has been donated to Ministry of Islamic Affair today. With the help of Ministry of Islamic Affairs, these carpets will be used in the numerous mosques located in Male’ city and the islands thus helping to make the mosque facilities warmer and more inviting for Muslim worshipper in this auspicious month of Ramadan where during this time, mosques get the most number of people visiting to use it for their daily prayer hence these carpets will provide an added comfort.

Hotel Jen Carpet donation 1Hotel Jen Male’ Maldives receives so much support from the community that we are delighted to give back in such an impactful way said Mr. Salim Abdoolcader ,Director of Operation at Hotel Jen Male’ Maldives.” “We believe good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others, therefore Hotel Jen, striving to be a model corporate citizen is proud to contribute to the local community in ways that give purpose and meaning”.

Hotel Jen carpet donation 3Hotel Jen Male’ Maldives has always been committed to giving back to the community through material, time and monetary donations to make innovative social contributions, leveraging on its expertise and management resources as well as the broad range of knowledge and experience possessed by its colleagues to make a broader and more profound contribution. Organisations like Kuda Kudinge Hiyaa, Cancer Society, beautiful eyes Down syndrome association and Disability center in Guraidoo have benefitted from Hotel Jen within the past years.

“We are so thankful for Hotel Jen Male’ Maldives generosity” said the Islamic Ministries Executive Mohamed Rasheed Ibrahim “the carpets we received will augment the mosque aesthetic tremendously and are able to make a more comfortable praying space for the people of the Maldives”.

The management and the Staffs of Hotel Jen are passionate about societal concerns and giving back to the community. Hotel Jen assures that we will continue to support by helping the community.

Jumeirah Dhevanafushi Launches ‘Underwater Snorkeling Adventure’

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Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, situated in an idyllic and secluded location at the southernmost tip of the Maldives, invites guests to explore the resort’s incredible house reef with the newly unveiled ‘Underwater Snorkeling Adventure’ experience.

The package offers guests the chance to discover some of the world’s rarest, largest and most beautiful coral reefs under the guidance of Jumeirah’s Dhevanafushi’s expert marine biologist. The heart-shaped Meradhoo island is located on the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, 400 km from the capital Malé and is one of the most remote islands in the Maldives – perfect for anyone who really wants to ‘get away from it all.’

Guests will begin the morning with an exclusive opportunity to meet with the hotel’s marine biologist, who will talk about the importance of ecology and preserving the reef through an animated presentation. From there, guests will follow one of the resort’s experienced guides and plunge into the warm crystal clear waters, discovering a kaleidoscopic world teeming with marine life. The underwater snorkeling adventure offers the opportunity to listen to the parrotfish feeding off the coral, watch schools of vibrantly coloured reef fish swim by and search for sleeping octopuses by the rocks. Other finds may include trumpet fish, groupers, butterfly fish and wrasse and, if lucky, the guide may be able to find some turtles; further afield dolphins have been known to visit. Competent swimmers can even snorkel along the 850 metre stretch to the water bungalows, swimming along the house reef and diving past the drop-off into the deep blue ocean to discover some of the most incredible coral reefs the world has to offer.

Jumeirah Dhevanafushi
Jumeirah Dhevanafushi

The package also offers the opportunity to help with cleaning the house reef, and for anyone looking to go scuba diving during their stay, the resort’s PADI certified Meradhoo dive centre can accommodate beginners right the way through to experts.

The resort comprises 37 suites, including 21 villas on land and 16 over water Ocean Revives and Sanctuaries that are only accessible by boat. The over water villas are even equipped with a small ladder from the decking which leads directly into the azure waters of the ocean, perfect for more snorkelling.  All accommodation options offer a private pool and personal butler. Three restaurants and one cocktail bar offer mouth-watering delicacies and those looking for adventure may enjoy motorised or non-motorised water sports. Special excursions for couples can also be arranged including a romantic dinner cooked by a chef on the nearby private island Minimenza.

Hurawalhi — Maldives without limits

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With more than 1200 resorts to choose from in an area already world-renowned for its beauty – a new opening ought to be nothing short of spectacular to be worthy of interest. Hurawalhi in the Maldives is unparalleled, extraordinary and utterly original.  Environmentally innovative, a breath-taking underwater restaurant, a tropical Champagne Pavilion, stylish villas and an over 18s-only policy and with no other resorts as far as the eye can see – Hurawalhi offers its own take on Paradise.

This is the Maldives redefined; a truly unique five-star resort experience, nestled amongst the spectacular coral reefs of Lhaviyani Atoll, opening in October 2016.    

Just a 40-minute seaplane flight from Malé, here are a distinctive collection of superbly designed, exclusive and supremely spacious villas strung across the glittering lagoon – perfectly positioned, so that all guests can enjoy either sunrise or sunset panoramas. And with dining options that include on the beach, over the water, and even under the water, the philosophy here is that nothing is impossible.  

Offering 90 Villas including 60 Ocean Villas and 30 Beach Villas, Hurawalhi is a sanctuary of serenity for grown-ups who are seeking luxury and innovation. The residences are stylishly and beautifully conceived featuring soothing décor, sumptuous linens on king size beds, bleached wooden floors, and private terraces with panoramic views.   

With a strong environmental focus, Hurawalhi gives back to the Maldives as much as it gets. Using solar panels, its own water bottling plant, energy saving solutions, hot water recovery and an in-house marine biologist, Hurawalhi’s eco credentials are the finest in the Maldives.  

In addition, Hurawalhi is collaborating with WiseOceans, the marine conservation and education specialists. WiseOceans are teaming up with the resort’s own in-house 5* PADI instructors in order to provide educational guided dives and snorkelling through the spectacular nearby reefs and shipwrecks. The island is a nesting site for green turtles and WiseOceans are tasked with preserving this natural habitat as well as educating visitors on these beautiful and endangered creatures.  

The scene-stealer is the underwater restaurant, named 5.8 and will send senses soaring in this unparalleled setting, located 5.8 meters beneath the sea.  Each dish blends the best ingredients with innovation and style, resulting in a showcase of imaginative modern cuisine, combined with an incredible location, wine and service. Surrounded by out of this world marine views, the minimalist-designed restaurant keeps the focus outside; and rates high on romance – every table is set for just two. The menu concept is a multi-course tasting extravaganza also available with wine pairing options narrated by the sommelier.  

Coming up for air, above the water, the Aquarium restaurant offers staggering sea views by day and a romantic flicker of candlelight by night.  Serving a contemporary menu with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, organic and artisanal, a Teppanyaki grill, there is an emphasis on the freshest of local seafood and the finest quality of prime beef with delectable sushi, sashimi and tempura all prepared by a personal, highly skilled chef.  

Canneli is a third option for dining, serving international cuisine prepared to the highest standards whilst overlooking the tranquil Indian Ocean. Private beach dining al fresco under the stars is also encouraged, allowing guests to create once-in-a-lifetime memories in a romantic setting second to none, enjoying signature lobster and wagyu beef created by a personal chef. The seductively lit bar is directly on the beach with al fresco decking overlooking a glimmering pool and lagoon, and includes a comprehensive shisha selection.  

For activity seekers there is tennis, badminton and beach volleyball, with a sports fishing boat for deep-sea fishing.   There is incredible diving on offer including guided diving and snorkelling boat trips and a complete PADI 5* training centre. There are jet skis available as well as paragliding, water skiing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaks and catamarans.  

Hurawalhi’s blissful Duniye Spa brings visitors closer to nature overlooking the vibrant turquoise water. Duniye means “universe” and the name represents its philosophy: a universal approach to wellness, with treatments inspired by ancient and modern expertise from around the globe. A strong influence from the healing traditions of Asia and Africa can be seen in the spa’s repertoire, including the use of local ingredients and treatments inspired from traditional cultures. Channeling wholeness, simplicity, purity and quality, the spa uses only the highest quality chemical free, organic compound products from ‘Healing Earth™ – they are all free from petrochemicals, synthetics, colourants, DEA, preservatives and parabens.  

Indeed, there are countless reasons to visit the Maldives: dazzling white sands, cyan-blue seas, spectacular underwater life, and incredible sunsets. The opening of the extraordinary Hurawalhi ensures that this destination will remain unmissable in the years to come.

What’s exceptional:

  • 60% of the resort runs on sustainable solar energy with the majority of the villas being powered by solar panels. No Plastic Bottles – the resort has its own water bottling plant and sustainable energy throughout
  •      Best Diving in the Maldives with nearby Manta Rays, Nurse Sharks and world-class dive sites
  •      Largest and deepest underwater restaurant – 5.8 metres under the sea
  •      Adults-Only sanctuary on pure white sand on a crystal blue sea
  •      Duniye Spa uses only organic, preservative and chemical free products

1.3 Metres Underwater With A Semi-Submarine

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News Flash! Exciting times ahead for those keen on exploring the mysterious aquatic realm of the Maldives without even dipping a toe in the water! Sporting a wide toothy grin, this new red semi-submarine seats 12 people and offers the chance to sight the beauty of the famed prime dive/snorkelling spot of Madivaru. It measures 10min length and 2.45m in width. Aqua Sports & Fun runs this incredible sea voyage twice a week (on Fridays and Sundays) be sure to save a seat with your beloved on our semi-submarine!

Kuramathi is one of the first resorts to open among the resorts Maldives and is part of Universal Resorts of Universal Enterprises Private Ltd, a 100% Maldivian owned company, and the pioneers of tourism in the Maldives. An emerald jewel in the turquoise Maldivian waters, Kuramathi is a stunning island retreat with acres of luxuriant vegetation surrounded by spectacular beaches tapering into an endless sandbank. Villas blend contemporary design and nature, and are set on the beach, amongst lush gardens or over water.

Four poster beds, open-air bathrooms, rainfall showers or Jacuzzi, large outdoor decks with inviting daybeds or sun loungers, are just some of the creature-comforts enjoyed by our guests. Dining options are diverse with many restaurants, bars and great value all inclusive packages, topped off with Maldivian service – welcoming, genuine and friendly.