Qatar Airways announces ‘To Maldives, with love. Qatar Airways’ global contest

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Qatar Airways today has announced a global contest on its social media called “To Maldives, With Love. Qatar Airways,” effective 24th January. Winners will be announced on 14th February, 2013.

The contest is hosted on the airline’s social media: http://facebook.com/qatarairways, http://twitter.com/qatarairways, and on its website, http://Qatarairways.com/maldiveswithlove. Visitors simply register online, giving them a chance for themselves and a companion to experience the airline’s 5-star services from its global network to Maldives.

Entrants gain additional chances to win by referring friends, who place the friend’s email address in a referred-by field on the entry form.

An amazing line-up of prizes are offered, with the Grand Prize consisting of two (2) Qatar Airways Business Class tickets from anywhere in its global network to Doha, connecting to Malé, the capital of the Maldives. The winners will also receive a 1-night stay at the W Doha, sea-plane transfers from Malé to W Retreat Maldives, for a 3-night stay.

The First Prize consists of two (2) Qatar Airways upgradable tickets from anywhere in its global network to Malé, with boat transfers to Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.  The Second Prize consists of two (2) Qatar Airways Economy Class tickets anywhere the airline flies worldwide.

Qatar Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker added: “our global network is well-suited to reach the Maldives, with 14 flights weekly to the capital of this beautiful collection of atolls.”

“Qatar Airways’ social media fan-base has rapidly expanded, recently eclipsing the half-million fan total on Facebook. It is our objective to use such networks to bring our award-winning brand closer to our customers.” he said.

“The To Maldives, With Love. Qatar Airways. Contest gives our social media customers an opportunity to discover the great products of Qatar Airways and Starwood Hotels in one of the most breathtaking of settings imaginable.”

One of the world’s fastest growing airlines, Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 15 years of operations, currently flying a modern fleet of 116 aircraft to 123 key business and leisure destinations worldwide. Qatar Airways operates 14 flights weekly between Doha and the Maldives.

W Retreat Maldives  features 78 private retreats, from the Beach Oasis to the Ocean Oasis perched above a crystal clear lagoon. Escape suites are designed for amplified luxury, and the Ocean Haven suite is the ultimate island getaway.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa  is only 15 minutes by boat from Malé Airport, and features 156 guest rooms and 20 Ociean Villas, making it easier than ever to slip into the rhythm of idyllic island living.

W Doha Hotel & Residences (whoteldoha.com) is where casual glamour meets Doha’s urban energy. This centrally-located property consisting of 441 guest rooms and suites was named the Middle East’s leading business hotel in 2012 by World Travel Awards.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia (February 20); Chengdu, China (March 19); Chicago, USA (April 10); and Salalah, Oman (May 22).

Source : Maldives Promotion House

Introducing the New Adults-Only Serenity Pool at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa.

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The opening of the new Serenity Pool at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa adds an atmospheric adults-only alternative to the Resort’s existing infinity pool, pristine beaches and Tiffany-blue lagoon.

Located at the southern tip of the island adjacent to the Reef Club restaurant, the sweeping 395 square metre (4,250 square foot) free-form pool, ringed by a spacious wooden deck, is an adults-only sanctuary offering tranquil loungers and day beds, over-sea whirlpool, and night-time swimming in a secluded beachfront location.

Guests are invited to enjoy the pool as well as the new Reef Club Pool Menu. Choose from a selection of stone oven pizzas, paninis and salads or keep cool with signature Reef Floats, from the Pink Coral (Bombay Sapphire, strawberry puree, Sprite, and strawberry ice cream) to the Sting Ray (Bacardi, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Coke and vanilla ice cream).

Open daily to guests aged 14 years and above, the Serenity Pool offers the best of both worlds: peaceful daytime lazing and undisturbed evening dips while savouring the Maldivian sunset.

Commenting on the opening of the new pool, Kuda Huraa’s General Manager Tulio Hochkoeppler says: “It’s great to be able to offer our adult guests a tranquil haven away from the buzz of the main pool. Reef Club’s sophisticated atmosphere and secluded beachfront offers the perfect complement to the Serenity Pool.”

Luxury Maldives Resorts - Conrad Maldives Whale Sharks

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Luxury Maldives Resorts - Conrad Maldives Whale Sharks

Paradise for friends: The Maldives without the honeymoon romance is just as heavenly

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‘Look! The houses are made of Lego!’ exclaims the young boy behind me as we swoop onto the runway on Male, the capital island of the Maldives. 

He is not wrong - the buildings do indeed look like brightly coloured blocks, jumbled together in a concentration. It is the first, and last, built-up area I’ll see for a while.

From the skies I was greeted by polka dot islands scattered across blue water punctuated only with bright bursts of white sand surrounding lush green centres. Oft described as paradise, my first glimpse of the Maldives certainly seems on point. Childlike-glee is appropriate, whatever your age. - (See also: Maldives Luxury Islands)

I find it hard to wipe the inane grin from my face as we jump onto a seaplane and take to the skies again, this time heading 320km north to Iruveli, our island destination in the Maldives’ northern-most atoll, Haa Alif.

For a place specialising in laid-back luxury, the seaplane is a thrilling and adventurous way to arrive. And when we dock, I can’t help but hum the theme tune to Indiana Jones as we weave through the foliage-laden pathways to our private villas, but it’s the last high-octane moment of the whole trip. From the moment my feet hit the sand, time slows, and every muscle starts to relax.

We are staying at The Beach House, a five-star resort which opened in July 2012. Made up of 83 hideaways – from water villas daintily tip-toeing in the turquoise shallows to beach suites leading straight onto velveteen sand, Beach House is a new incarnation for the petite 34-acre island.

Read more http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2263870/The-Beach-House-Maldives-heavenly-youre-honeymooner.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

Secret Paradise launches independent & affordable, adventure travel in the Maldives

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Secret Paradise PVT Ltd, a Maldives based travel company, has this month launched Affordable Adventure Travel Packages. They have taken the opportunity that now exists in the Maldives to allow tourists to stay in local island guesthouses and have created a more affordable Maldives travel option.

Secret Paradise packages combine local island life with watersport activities, excursions and relaxation. Travelling by public ferry between local islands in North and South Male Atoll, travellers will be able to share breakfast and dinner with a local family; participate in traditional Maldivian singing and dancing; join in with a lesson at the local school and learn how a boat is built at the local boat yard. Other activities more commonly associated with the Maldives include discovering the abundance of marine life through snorkeling or SCUBA diving; windsurfing; surfing; sunset dolphin cruises; beach BBQs and fishing. Secret Paradise have also taken into account the restriction of the consumption of alcohol and the wearing of bikinis on local islands and ensure guests benefit from excursions to picnic islands and resorts where the laws do not apply.

Packages range from 3 days to 15 days and start from as little as US$220 per person. For travellers who perhaps still wish to experience resort life in the Maldives or are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, the 3 & 4 day packages offer an excellent way to combine both styles of holiday, particularly as all packages start and finish at Male International Airport and should a package not entirely suit the team at Secret Paradise are able to customize.

So if you feel like it is time to sit in the shade of a palm tree, slip off your shoes and adventure Maldivian style contact the Secret Paradise team at sales@secretparadise.mv or check out the website www.secretparadise.mv

About Secret Paradise PVT Ltd.

The company formed this year is owned by Male businessman, Mr Mohamed Ziyad and developed and managed by Ruth Franklin, a former General Manager for the UK  retailer BHS. Following 27 years’ service with the retailer, owned by Sir Philip Green, which included management of the BHS flagship store in Oxford Street London, Miss Franklin packed her suitcase, gathered her SCUBA dive gear and headed for a new challenge in the Maldives, a destination she was no stranger to having  visited the archipelago on 30 occasions during the past 10 years.

Based in Hulhumale, just 15 minutes by speed boat from Male, the capital of the Maldives, Secret Paradise offers ‘dream holidays at dream prices’. Secret Paradise ‘are committed to providing affordable Maldivian holiday options. They believe the idyllic white beaches, turquoise lagoons, clear warm waters and coral reefs abundant with marine flora and fauna should be available to everyone. They offer independent travel, local guest houses, safari boats and resorts that are affordable, comfortable and give a warm welcome allowing guests to experience the best from the paradise the team call home.

http://www.secretparadise.mv/index.php

Top 10 Luxury Maldives Resorts for Honeymoon Holiday

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From the most quixotic destinations to spend your honeymoon at, we are imparting to you the perfect serenity and tranquility along with nature’s pearl like islands. The white sand heavens are all about ravishing and the warm feeling of enjoying beauty in the arms of your loved one.

Begin your special vacation with the sight of navy blue seas and endless sunshine creating sparkles in the water. Bold clouds that mould up with the breeze, and smiling faces that will welcome you to your resort of choice. From rose petal decorated beds to traditional candle lit baths, you will enjoy the very intimate luxury in your own private space, where all you would want to do is melt love with your partner and forget about the rest of the world.

Picture enjoying the very best massage treatments at a private beach, while laying right next to your lover, your muscles being treated and your stress disappearing away into thin air, while hearing the nature’s music of smooth waves and feeling the cool breeze on your skin. Enjoy the special couple’s spa for the honeymooners available at these very secluded hideaways.

Spend your day in bed and savor the private butler service, order fine cuisine right to your suite and let your taste buds relish the gourmet food of your choice. These Luxury Maldives Resorts are certain to awaken the romantic person inside you while you enjoy the luxury of the villas and awing interiors with your significant other.

If you’re looking for the fun, take reward of being at the sunny side of life for your honeymoon, do dip in the crystal clear blue waters and witness the fabulous marine life. Don’t miss the perfect conditions to go fishing and get the catches of your life. Try aquatics and choose from a vast range of watersports, or just take a dip in the lagoon from your own water villa while enjoying a cocktail with your newly married lover.

What could be more amorous than watching the sunset fade from orange and blue to shades of pink and purple, followed by the sky lit with shining stars as it gets dark. Cruise around the calm waters at night and wish upon a shooting star, or sunbathe in the day at the sundeck of a yacht and unwind. Whether your honeymoon is all about romance, exploration, or even activities, best of our honeymoon destinations will have precisely what you’re hunting for.

Numbered below are the top 10  Luxury Maldives Resorts from the ALPHA MALDIVES collection, these peculiar resorts are custom picked by travel mortals who are experient in luxury holiday for honeymooners, selections are made on several facts concerning the privacy as main fact to ensure all the honeymooners the amatory vacation.

1. W Retreat Maldives Resort & Spa

2. Huvafen Fushi Resort & Spa

3. Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi Resort & Spa

4. Baros Maldives Resort & Spa

5. Anantara Kihavah Resort

6. Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru Resort

7. Conrad Maldives Rangali Resort & Spa

8. Constance Halaveli Resort & Spa

9. Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa

10. Dusit Thani Maldives Resort & Spa

Author: Afza Hassan (ALPHA MALDIVES)

Aerial view of 35 Maldives Luxury Resorts

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002 Aerial view of Anantara Dhigu

001 Aerial view of Adhaaran Club Rannaalhi

003 Aerial view of Anantara Kihavah

004 Aerial view of Angsana Ihuru

005 Aerial view of Angsana Velavaru

006 Aerial view of Bandos Island Resort

007 Aerial view of Baros Maldives

008 Aerial view of Coco Palm Bodu Hithi

010 Aerial view of Cocoa Island

011 Aerial view of Conrad Rangali

009 Aerial view of Coco Palm DhuniKolhu

012 Aerial view of Constance Halaveli

013 Aerial view of Dusit Thani Resort

014 Aerial view of Landaa Giravaru

015 Aerial view of Hilton Iru Fushi

016 Aerial view of Huvafen Fushi

018 Aerial view of Jumeirah Dhevanafushi

017 Aerial view of Island Hideaway

020 Aerial view of Kuramathi Island

021 Aerial view of Kurumba

023 Aerial view of LUX Maldives

022 Aerial view of Lily Beach Resort

024 Aerial view of Mirihi Island Resort

025 Aerial view of Naladhu Resort

026 Aerial view of One&Only Reethi Rah 

027 Aerial view of Paradise Island Resort

028 Aerial view of Shangri-La's Villingili

029 Aerial view of Sheraton Full Moon

030 Aerial view of Soneva Fushi

031 Aerial view of The Rania Experience

032 Aerial view of Velassaru

033 Aerial view of Viceroy

035 Aerial view of W Retreat

034 Aerial view of Vivanta Taj CoralReef 

019 Aerial view of Kanuhuraa Resort

Veli Spa Offers A New Destination Treatment - Spa Under The Stars

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Kurumba Maldives Veli Spa has announced a new destination spa treatment for couples called Spa Under The Stars. Key elements of the Maldives have been used in developing this inspired treatment. A unique bathing ritual with a local Maldivian Sarong called a Feyli is used whilst watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean. This is followed by a unique cowrie shell massage using local hand pressed Coconut oil. The cowrie shell is historic in the Maldives as prior to tourism, the main export earners were fishing and the trade of cowrie shells.

The coconut oil is purchased from a local Island named Fuvahmulah, located in the Nyaviyani Atoll and is made by both local men and women. The women play the important role in cooking the oil, while the men collect the firewood and coconuts required. There are numerous ways practiced to make virgin oil, but the most vigilant is to extract a large scale from over-riped, dried coconut kernel (copra), the kernel is separated from the shell when the water inside has dried. To extract the oil, the copra is sundried or grated/grinded and boiled in water at a certain temperature to satin the formula. The formula is purely natural, no machines are used to make the oil and no trees are cut down.

The treatment is completed with the modern touches of champagne & chocolate dipped fruits served to compliment the journey while enjoying the stars on your own lazy bean bag on the beach.

Sales and Marketing Manager Leah Haguisan stated “this new treatment highlights the ongoing commitment by Kurumba to offer its guests an inspiring and a complete Maldivian experience. Our team is always looking at ways to seek historic Maldivian traditions and use within our experience. The concept of the resort provides our guests with a choice of enriching experiences that allow a renewed appreciation of life” 

About Kurumba Maldives 

Kurumba Maldives Resort is set on a tropical island in the North Male’ Atoll, conveniently situated a brief 10 minute speed boat 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 are the hallmarks of this classic Maldivian resort.

The resort offers an array of eight 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 unparallel 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.