LUX* Resorts & Hotels Wins Big at the TTG Travel Awards

Loading Maldives Offers.... LUX* Resorts & Hotels is delighted and proud to announce its success at the TTG Travel Awards 2016. The group was named 'Luxury Hotel & Resort Operator of the Year' for the third time by TTG, the global authority on luxury travel in the UK and the world.
“It is with great honour that we accept this prestigious award on behalf of everyone at LUX* Resorts & Hotels. It is through the passion and dedication of our fantastic teams that the Group is today performing at such levels and it is a strong testament on our unwavering commitment to deliver the best experience for our guests. LUX* Resorts & Hotels now look forward to 2017 where we will aim to continue creating unforgettable moments for all our guests,” said Julian Hagger, the Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at LUX* Resorts & Hotels.
“It’s incredible that our brand is being recognized once again by such a reputable industry expert. We are extremely grateful to the team for the hardware that goes in delivering incredible level of service and unique experience in each of the destination where we operate,” added the Chief Sales & Marketing Officer.
All the nominated hotel operators in this category had received high ratings by TTG agents and, as part of the awarding process, each operator was assessed by panels of industry figures. The agent rating made 50% of the score and judges’ decisions the remaining 50%. TTG Travel Trade Publishing is regarded as one of the world’s most influential trade publishers. The TTG Travel Awards is reputed as the most coveted and influential awards to be won in the travel industry.
LUX* Resorts & Hotels helps people to celebrate life by delivering consistently on the promise of a different kind of Luxury - hospitality that is Lighter, Brighter. The LUX* portfolio includes luxury resorts and hotels in Mauritius, Maldives, Reunion Island, China, Turkey, UAE, and Vietnam.

IHG to manage upcoming Maldives resorts

Loading Maldives Offers.... Singapore-based Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) has inked a management agreement with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) to manage an 83-room resort that will be open in Maldives in three to five years' time.

This will be the third resort that IHG will be managing for HPL. It will mark the first time that IHG will bring its global luxury brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, to the Maldives, said Jan Smits, IHG's chief executive for Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA).

The management contract for the upcoming InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort with HPL was inked on Monday. Construction has yet to begin, and neither HPL nor IHG would provide a number on the project's development value.

The other two existing HPL resorts managed by IHG are: Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, comprising 160 villas, which opened in December 2009; and the 148-room Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu which opened in March 2010.

The latest Maldives signing brings IHG's resort development pipeline to 13 across the AMEA region, reflecting a significant expansion programme, said Mr Smits.

Currently, the hotel and resort management chain operates 37 existing resorts across three brands (InterContinental, Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza) in the AMEA region.

HPL's new resort will be located on Maamunagau island, at the southern point of Raa Atoll (also known as the North Maalhosmadulu Atoll). International travellers can take a seaplane directly to the resort from Male's Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.

Besides enjoying the clear lagoon and pristine white beach, guests will have a range of food and beverage offerings to choose from at the resort's bar and restaurants.

"Young travellers may indulge in specially tailored meals from the InterContinental Planet Trekkers Menu before going off for an afternoon of fun at the Planet Trekkers Kids Club," IHG said.

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort will also feature a Club Lounge, pool and spa where guests can lounge and relax. The range of water sports include snorkeling, canoeing and jet skiing at the nearby sea sports centre.

Stephen Lau, chairman, HPL Hotels & Resorts, said: "We see huge potential to grow our resorts business in the Maldives, and Maamunagau island is the perfect setting to develop a luxury InterContinental resort."

As part of HPL's growth strategy, "we continuously seek the right opportunity to expand our portfolio across the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean region", he added.

Mr Smits of IHG noted that tourism contributed more than 40 per cent of Maldives' gross domestic product last year, and that "sentiments are positive as the country continues to be one of the world's most highly sought after travel destinations".

Another hotelier who has a presence in Maldives told The Business Times that room rates for Maldives resorts have generally fallen over the past year on the back of weaker demand.

Patronage by Chinese visitors, the number one market, has softened this year amid a weakening economy back home and slight fall in the yuan, among other factors. "Demand from Russia continues to be depressed due to the weak economy and rouble.

On a more positive note, demand from some other European countries has improved but resorts are coming up with more competitive packages to adjust for the weakness in the euro." Room rates in the Maldives are denominated in US dollars.

"That said, this is still a market that a lot of operators want to go to. The 'one resort, one island' policy in Maldives makes resorts here very exclusive compared to say Bali and Mauritius, where you have one big island and many resorts scattered over acres and acres of coastline."

- See more at: http://business.asiaone.com/news/hpl-appoints-ihg-manage-upcoming-83-room-maldives-resort#sthash.DBJZbzN1.dpuf

Mariya Shareef appointed as Resort Manager of Summer Island Maldives

Loading Maldives Offers....

On 1st September, Ms. Mariya Shareef was appointed as the Resort Manager of Summer Island Maldives, located in Kaafu atoll, becoming one of the few Maldivian women to hold the position of Resort Manager at a Maldivian resort.

Summer Island Maldives offers an all-inclusive holiday, with a variety of rooms including water villas, at 4 star prices. Summer Island Maldives Resort prides itself on offering tourists an authentically Maldivian, barefoot slice of paradise at an affordable price.

Ms..Mariya Shareef has lengthy range of expertise in the Maldivian tourism industry with a career spanning for fourteen years. She was previously the Business Development and Marketing Manager for the Kaimoo THS group.

In her new role, Ms. Mariya will take on the responsibility for the day-today management of the resort, advising the Board of Directors on strategy, and helping develop and grow the Summer Island Maldives brand.

 “Mari is young, energetic and full of exciting ideas and has an excellent gauge of the innovations and developments in global tourism. Mari’s experience, her academic achievements, and her natural business acumen will enable Summer Island Maldives to grow and consolidate its reputation as one of the most exciting holiday hotspots in the Maldives.” Said Mr. Mohamed Manih Ahmed, Managing Director of Kaimoo THS Group:

Commenting on her new appointment, Ms. Mariya Shareef said: “Summer Island Maldives has always been close to my heart. It’s not only the beautiful island that makes it special, but also the amazing team and their hard work. I am proud to be a part of this team, and I thank the directors for trusting me in this role. It’s a pleasure, every day, to see smiling faces and I’m confident that as a team we can continue to be one of the best resorts in the Maldives.”

Summer Island Maldives offers an all-inclusive holiday, with a variety of rooms including water villas, at 4 star prices and prides itself on offering tourists an authentically Maldivian, barefoot slice of paradise at an affordable price.

One of the Maldives’ first resorts, and owned completely by Maldivians, Summer Island Maldives recently underwent a complete redevelopment. The resort now boasts fresh and zesty rooms, a spa, international restaurants, a rustic beach bar, a dive center and water sports center. Summer Island Maldives retains, though, the family-friendly, natural atmosphere that has made it such a popular destination.

Affordable Luxury Beachy Hotels

Loading Maldives Offers....
Considered to be a popular holiday destination, the Maldives offers tourists a relaxed and laid back holiday lifestyle, and a break from their busy schedule. The Maldives consists of a chain of coral islands located Southwest of India and Sri Lanka. The isle nation is blessed with white sandy beaches, turquoise clear waters and sunny days throughout the year, and it is regarded as a top luxury holiday destination among celebrities. Enjoying a holiday in the Maldives typically comes with an affluent price tag, since it is truly a pristine environment. Beachy Hotel, a crowdfunding hotel project announces its opening, which aims to offer ultimate and affordable beach holidays combined with numerous environmental causes.

Beachy Hotel invites guests to enjoy the area like a local. The hotel's ethos, a “slow living” concept, enables its guests to come closer to nature and leave their busy lifestyle behind. The win-win scenario for tourists and the environment requires funding to get the hotel opened and the eco-friendly projects started. An Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign will be launched in early September, and supporters will enjoy numerous perks, such as discounted holiday accommodations and more, at a fraction of the cost of most luxury hotels in the range.

“Our concept of running the hotel will encompass a diverse range of eco-friendly components,” said Sham Mohamed, founder of Beachy Hotel. “Supporting our campaign enables the backers an unforgettable luxury holiday experience, and helps us to contribute to the environment. Taking environment conservation seriously, we have already devised most plans to conduct our programs once the project is funded.”

Elaborating Beachy Hotel's eco-friendly goals, the organization will initiate three eco-friendly programs. The first program involves the creation of a naturally formed coral garden, which will be planted and harvested by the organization. The corals act as the base of a healthy reef, which the marine fauna and fish depend upon, while boosting the well-being of the reef. The second program is a turtle nursery, which will increase the turtle survival rate by nursing baby turtles to maturity, and releasing them into the ocean. Lastly, Beachy Hotel plans to launch an awareness program, which will teach locals about the importance of environmental practices. Preserving the beauty of the Maldives, the hotel will also focus on protecting marine life species, such as whales, sharks and manta rays.

Along with a good cause, Beachy Hotel offers three accommodation types, all with abundant features: Standard, Deluxe and Sunset Rooms, which can be reserved at an amazing price by supporting the hotel's Indiegogo campaign. Numerous excursions and activities may be arranged with the hotel upon request. Guests may enjoy romantic cruises, fishing, kayaking, boarding, surfing and culture awareness events. The hotel also includes an à la carte café & bistro, which is exclusive to hotel guests, and serves Western and Asian cuisine.
Travelers may visit the Indiegogo campaign page to learn more about the project and the hotel.

About Beachy Hotel:
Coming soon, Beachy Hotel will offer beach holidays in the popular beach community, the Maldives, at affordable prices. With an environmental purpose, the company invites prospective guests to partner with them on various eco-friendly projects.
Beachy Hotel is asking for funding through Indiegogo in order to carry out its environmental projects and open the luxury hotel. Beachy Hotel offers three types of reward tiers for its supporters: Souvenir perks, Accommodation perks and Activity perks. Souvenir perks offer genuine Maldivian souvenirs, which will be shipped by December 2016. Accommodation perks offer discounted accommodation packages of 6 to 10 days at Beachy Hotel, and are valid until November 2019. Activity perks are add-on perks, which can be added-on an accommodation perk in order to spice up a holiday with various excursions and water sports activities, which is valid until November 2019. Support the cause and to enjoy a beach holiday.

Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge 2016 Winners Announced

Loading Maldives Offers....

The Maldives’ biggest culinary competition took place from 4 to 7th September with the winners of the Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge 2016 announced at an awards ceremony held at the Hulhule’ Island Hotel on the last day.

More than 300 chefs from over 40 hotels and resorts competed for the coveted trophies in 20 categories. The Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge or the ‘competition of culinary excellence’, is the most prestigious culinary competition in the Maldives.

The challenge was judged by a panel of 18 international judges.

Long-standing partner Bestbuy Maldives Pvt Ltd (BBM) sponsored the event.

The category sponsors for the International Culinary Challenge included Astra, Motha, IREKS, COSMOPOLITAN, Copacol, Colavita among others.

Hideaway Beach & Spa Maldives resort’s Christoph Pentzlin won the trophy for the Most Outstanding Chef.

Indra kumar Limbu from Hulhule Island Hotel was awarded Outstanding Pastry Chef.


Best Culinary Establishment award – ‘Alan Palmer Challenge Trophy’ was taken home by Per AQUUM Huvafen Fushi.

The Team Challenge’s winner were Kurumba Maldives (Kartick Palahisamy and Nanda Kumar Dharuman).

Vista Rooms Expands to Maldives

Loading Maldives Offers.... Vista Rooms, one of South Asia’s brands of budget stays has launched in Maldives. Targeting the affordable accommodation segment, Vista Rooms aims to make Maldives an affordable luxury for travelers.

“These are exciting times for us. Following our initial success in India and Sri Lanka, Maldives seemed the natural next step owing to its location and its growing draw of tourists,” said Ankita Sheth, Co-Founder of Vista Rooms.

“However, most travelers will not even consider Maldives because they think it’s beyond their reach. It is perceived as a luxury destination where a single night’s stay can cost hundreds of dollars. There are affordable yet comfortable places to stay available at less than Rs. 5000 per night and by partnering with select properties we aim to change this perception and make the beautiful islands accessible to more travelers.”

Vista Rooms works closely with their partners to ensure that travelers have a consistently smooth experience each time they stay at a property. This is done by embedding their technology at each of the partner hotels, and providing standard amenities across all properties, conducting mystery audits and connecting hotel partners to preferred vendors.

“As we continue to grow our network we are also constantly looking for new synergies. In the future we are looking at introducing special flight and hotel packages to make Maldives a viable holiday option even on a moderate budget,” said another Vista Rooms Co-Founder, Pranav Maheshwari.

Vista Rooms follows an asset and people-light model and plans to venture into 5 countries by the end of 2016. Having opened operations in Sri Lanka in March, Vista Rooms has already built the largest network of branded stays in the country with over 200 properties across 25 cities. The rapid growth in Sri Lanka is an apt testimonial to Vista Rooms’ aggressive growth plans. Catering to a large, untapped demand segment, the online startup believes that the application of modern technology, standardized experiences and stellar customer service will uplift the segment and create greater demand.

Indian Singer Aditya Narayan in Adaaran Resorts Maldives

Loading Maldives Offers....

Popular Indian Singer Aditya Narayan who will be visiting the Maldives in September is going to be hosted by Adaaran Resorts.

Aditya Narayan’s visit to the Maldives will see the total number of Bollywood actors to visited the country during recent years’ increase. Amithab Bachan with his family, Jaqueline Fernandez, Karina Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor are some of the big names in the Indian film industry to have visited the Maldives lately. An astonishing rise in the world renowned tourist destinations popularity in the Bollywood has been noticed in the recent years.

Aditya Narayan Jha, commonly known as Aditya Narayan, is an Indian Bollywood actor, television host, composer and singer.

He began his acting career as a child, when Narayan was spotted by producer and director Subhash Ghai who signed Aditya for his upcoming film Pardes, starring the likes of Shah Rukh Khan and Mahima Chaudhary. His second film was Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota, Narayan's role as in the movie earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 1999 Zee Cine Awards.

As a child artist, Narayan performed more than 100 songs, his most successful song was Chhota Baccha Jaan Ke from the film Masoom in 1996, It earned him his first major film award, the Screen Awards Critics’ Best Child Singer in 1997. He also received a special jury award at the Screen Awards as best child singer for the same song.

After studies his return to India saw him become the anchor for the show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007. His career saw him tour North America and the West Indies and active roles in movies such as ‘’Shaapit Hua’’, and also singing for movies "Tattad Tattad". Narayan is still the host for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.

Maldives has recently chosen Indian actors as ambassadors to promote the destination such as Prateik Babbar. The number of visitors from India to the Maldives has also risen significantly.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Wins Awards at World Spa Awards

Loading Maldives Offers....

Located among the unspoiled islands of Noonu Atoll in the Maldives, a scenic 45-minute sea plane journey from Male’ the multi-award-winning resort The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. The resort has been recognized for its luxurious and innovative Spa by Thalgo, receiving two awards this year from Indian Ocean's Best Resort Spa and Maldives's Best Resort Spa.

World Spa Awards is a dynamic awards program, launched in 2015 and designed to drive up standards within spa tourism by rewarding the organizations that are the leaders in the field.

"Spa by Thalgo's double-recognition at the World Spa Awards is a wonderful affirmation of our efforts to provide both sophisticated travelers and spa visitors to Maldives with a flawless and contemporary spa experience connected to authentic influences and ancient rituals. The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi's now nine awards and accolades for 2016 are a testament to the brand's commitment toward setting new benchmarks for luxury experiences in Maldives." said The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi's General Manager, Abdulla Thamheed.

The winner of the World Spa Awards 2016 was announced at a red carpet Gala Ceremony held on 4th September 2016, at the Forte Sardina Resort in Italy.

The Spa by Thalgo set amongst lush landscapes and winding pebble paths offers twenty treatment rooms affording ultimate privacy and luxury. These treatment rooms are equipped with foot baths and vitality baths, whilst offering unique treatments. It is also the only spa in Maldives to offer Fish Spa therapy.

The Spa by Thalgo offers the widest variety of treatments including: Anti-Ageing Facials, Body Therapies, Facial Therapies, Slimming Treatments, Massage Therapies, Ayurvedic Therapies, Ayurvedic Rituals, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional Maldivian Treatments, Signature Experiences and also Spa Packages & Spa Days. The island's experts also guide guests on a journey of self-discovery through series of classes on yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, Pranayama and Pilates.

World Spa Awards Winners marked the highlight of a year-long search for the very best spas on the global front, commending and recognizing outstanding achievements in service excellence and rewarding those spas that have raised the bar within a highly competitive industry over the past year, putting the spotlight on those representing only the finest standards.

Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort to welcome World Travel Awards Grand Final 2016

Loading Maldives Offers....

Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, an idyllic-paradise nestled amid lush tropical vegetation in the Maldives, has been selected to host the World Travel Awards Grand Final 2016.

The prestigious red-carpet event will take place on December 2nd, welcoming industry leaders from around the globe to this internationally acclaimed destination.

World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke said: “It is an honour to reveal the World Travel Awards will return to the Maldives in December for our Grand Final 2016.

“This is truly one of the most sought after destinations anywhere on earth, and it will be our pleasure to welcome our nominees to what promises to be the highlight of the tourism calendar.

“Preparations are already underway for the event and I look forward to greeting the leaders of our booming industry to the Maldives later this year.”

With its beautifully designed villas standing over turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and endless sea views the resort if the perfect location to toast the leaders in international hospitality.

“We are honoured to host the Grand Final of World Travel Awards 2016 at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, and equally delighted to be welcoming the best of the best to this amazing destination.

“Our group, Sun Siyam Resorts, has already won a couple of accolades at the regional ceremonies and cannot wait for the global announcements in December,” said Evgenia Boyankova, Group Director of Business Development, Sun Siyam Resorts.

World Travel Awards, too, will be celebrating, rewarding its global winners at the end of the Grand Tour 2016.

Regional Gala Ceremonies have already taken place in Tanzania and Peru, with stops scheduled in Italy, Jamaica, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates before the end of the year.

Winners from each regional celebration progress to the Grand Final in December.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective successes within each key geographical region.

World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries, and international print and broadcast media.

Maldives to host World Travel Awards Grand Final 2016

Loading Maldives Offers....
If you wonder who is managing the world’s best travel companies, you should fly to Maldives to meet them in person at the Oscars of the travel industry; World Travel Awards Grand Final 2016 which will take place at the Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort on December 2, 2016. The prestigious red-carpet event will welcome industry leaders from around the globe to this internationally acclaimed destination.

World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke said: “It is an honour to reveal the World Travel Awards will return to the Maldives in December for our Grand Final 2016.

“This is truly one of the most sought after destinations anywhere on earth, and it will be our pleasure to welcome our nominees to what promises to be the highlight of the tourism calendar.

“Preparations are already underway for the event and I look forward to greeting the leaders of our booming industry to the Maldives later this year.”

With its beautifully designed villas standing over turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and endless sea views the resort if the perfect location to toast the leaders in international hospitality.

“We are honoured to host the Grand Final of World Travel Awards 2016 at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, and equally delighted to be welcoming the best of the best to this amazing destination.

“Our group, Sun Siyam Resorts, has already won a couple of accolades at the regional ceremonies and cannot wait for the global announcements in December,” said Evgenia Boyankova, Group Director of Business Development, Sun Siyam Resorts.

World Travel Awards, too, will be celebrating, rewarding its global winners at the end of the Grand Tour 2016.

Regional Gala Ceremonies have already taken place in Tanzania and Peru, with stops scheduled in Italy, Jamaica, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates before the end of the year.

Winners from each regional celebration progress to the Grand Final in December.

South African Butler Academy to hold Training Session in Maldives

Loading Maldives Offers....

The South African Butler Academy will conduct a 10-day “open” International Hotel & Resort Butler Training in the Maldives on the 12th of September 2016.

The renowned butler school based in Cape Town, South Africa have partnered with the exquisite Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa to hold the session.

The academy, had previously held training sessions for the Hilton Hotels and the Queen Mary 2 cruise liner. The Maldives tourism industry with so many professionals with potentials will be the South African Butler Academy’s next stop to share their knowledge and train the individuals attending in the art of hospitality.

The Butler Academy train their candidates in Hotel, Lodge, Corporate Butler Training and Hospitality Training courses, guaranteed to make them experts in the field. The candidates also get to learn invaluable different sets of skills such as Child Care and Au Pairing skills, Concierge service & Valeting Skills and even Pets and Animal Care.

Individuals at the training session will get the opportunity to upgrade their skills and learn from one of the leading Butler Schools in the World.

The South African Butler Academy holds such training sessions frequently throughout the world and their candidates are esteemed for providing an excellent seven-star service.

Maldives on a budget

Loading Maldives Offers....

The Maldives is one of the most prestigious holiday destinations in the world and a dream honeymoon hotspot.

With power-white beaches and unbelievably crystal-clear waters, it's easy to see why the island country draws thousands of tourists every year.

Many are put off by the hefty price tags of exclusive resorts and the famous over-water bungalows.

But if you're desperate to visit the beautiful archipelago, you'll be thrilled to hear you can get flights and accommodation for under a grand.

Budget travel company Holidaypirates.com has found a 10-night holiday to the Maldives for just £725.

The amazing deal includes return flights from London Heathrow to Male, boat transfers and 10 nights accommodation on the island of Maafushi.

The hotel is the well-reviewed Arena Lodge Maldives, which is rated 4/5 on Tripadvisor and has been awarded the "Certificate of Excellence".

Prices vary slightly depending when you go, but these costing are based on tourists travelling between December 4 and December 15.

The average temperature in the Maldives at this time of year is around 27C, with highs of 29.

This deal is insanely good, so if you fancy a pre-Christmas break in paradise you better get booking fast!

Price breakdown for 2 adults sharing:

Flights – £940 / 2 = £470 per person

Hotel – £426.90 / 2 = £213.45 per person

Shared speed boat transfers – £84 / 2 = £42 per person

Total cost of holiday £1450.90 / 2 = £725 per person

Condé Nast’s award for The Best Islands in the World goes to the Maldives

Loading Maldives Offers....

The Maldives have taken the award for the best islands in the world in the Travel Magazine Condé Nast’s Readers Travel Awards. After competing with worthy adversaries such as Seychelles and the Greek islands, the Maldives took home the award after being set aside by the magazine’s readers as having the best beaches and the most fantastic places to stay.

Other than the best islands awards, resorts from the Maldives also swept away some of the awards such as the Best Spa award won by One & Only Reethi Rah Resort.

Condé Nast is a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine founded in 1987 and is based in the United States of America. The magazine has won 25 National Magazine Awards and has an entirely separate UK version of the magazine. Last year’s Reader’s Choice Awards had been participated by more than 128,000 travelers from around the world.
Maldives has been competing at the very top of the luxury hospitality industry for quite some time now.  resorts from the country are famous throughout the world for the fresh atmosphere and sandy white beaches that travelers desire so much. Maldives has been on the lips of travelers looking to spend their vacation on a tropical island paradise.