Scaevola Travel acquires Atoll Explorer

Scaevola Travel has acquired Atoll Explorer diving cruiser from Universal Enterprises. The Male’-based travel agent specializes in the inbound market and its executive management shares more than 30 years of experience in the travel industry between them.

Atoll Explorer is a 20-cabin cruise boat offering facilities and entertainment for divers and non-divers alike, whether you want to explore the underwater world, soak up some tropical sun on the deck or enjoy a picnic on a sandbank.

A Scaevola Travel spokeswoman said: “We’re thrilled to announce our acquisition of Atoll Explorer which has been providing first class live aboard cruises for more than 15 years with clients returning year after year.

“She’s a firm favourite because she is very different to other boats in the Maldives. She is more than a standard safari boat; she offers just as much for non-divers as she does for divers. With the wonderful Captain Fulhu and his crew on hand to make them feel very welcome and all the attention to detail, people keep coming back time and time again!”

In 1996 Atoll Explorer became the first live aboard to offer first class cruising in the Maldives. The laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, comfortable facilities and all-inclusive meal plan are a winning combination. Guests love the on-board experience so much that many of them come back to repeat the experience time and time again. Some guests have even sailed on her more than 30 times.

There’s plenty to keep guests occupied on board including international buffets, picnics on uninhabited islands, fishing, snorkelling, visiting inhabited islands and local cultural shows.

She is also fully-equipped with a professional PADI dive team operated by Euro Divers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the team can offer a range of PADI courses as well as trips where you can spot turtles, rays, moray eels and all kinds of other colourful aquatic life.

Scaevola Travel was founded in 2009 and features more than 50 resorts in its portfolio. The company has its own exclusive agent in Shanghai (China) and also works with agents in Russia, Sweden, Belgium, Egypt, Germany and India. With the acquisition of Atoll Explorer, Scaevola Travel hopes to work with even more agents from around the world.

Maldivian – The National Carrier of Maldives welcomed its first A320 aircraft

Maldivian is proud to welcome today our first Airbus 320 aircraft at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. The engineering and operations team have worked diligently in readying the aircraft for flight next month.

The aircraft interior was modified to a three class configuration: 14 business, 24 premium and 114 economy class seats and was installed with an in-flight entertainment system.

Training, maintenance and operation procedures needed to be adapted to the specific characteristics of the A320, while ensuring an efficient and effective implementation schedule that will facilitate safe, effective, and sustained operations.

The aircraft was ferried from Toulouse, France to Maldives via Doha. The aircraft arrived at 1030hrs.

Velassaru Maldives Introduces Photography Lounge

As part of the continuous care to offer its guests the best experience, Velassaru has introduced a new photography service in the resort in a special lounge area called “Photography Lounge”.

This Photography Lounge was officially opened on 15th October 2012 in cooperation with Digiphoto, a partner of Event Imaging Solutions – a Kodak company based in Orlando. They currently operate in 450 sites worldwide and offer different Imaging applications adjusted to operating location.

Different photo packages will be available to the guests, and all the high quality images will be delivered in a folder, on a CD or a USB drive.

Resorts’ guests will be able to enjoy photo sessions, capture their best moments on the island and then select the desired images in the viewing lounge with the help of professional photographers.

Secluded but not isolated, Velassaru Maldives is located on a private coral island, surrounded by the finest white-sand beaches and a unique turquoise lagoon. It is only 25-minute ride from Male International Airport. Find your hideaway in chic villas with sophistication and privacy in every corner. Dine overlooking the stunning turquoise lagoon, under candlelight or starlight and indulge all your desires. A holiday you will never forget.’

Velassaru Resort is located in Velassaru Private Island which is 37km away from airport, this Luxury Island features 125 villas and transfer to the island provided by Speedboat and approximately 25 minutes to reach the resort from Male International Airport.

Maldivian Air Taxi to start scheduled seaplane flights

Maldivian Air Taxi (MAT) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Maldives to start scheduled seaplane flights to the local islands. At a special ceremony Minister of Transport & Communication, Dr. Ahmed Shamheed signed the MOU on behalf of the government and Lars Erik Nielson, Chairman of Maldivian Air Taxi signed the MOU.

Government have been discussing with MAT for a while and now they have agreed for to start the scheduled flights. Government agreed to waive navigation and concession charges. They also discussed on other concessions. “Very soon people living in remote corners of the country will start enjoying the flights. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Nielson for his personal efforts” Said Dr. Shamheed.

Lars Erik Nielsen said now they are making ground arrangements to start the flights and hope to begin flights within next month. “We have not decided on ticket fares as yet. Normally seaplane fares are expensive, but we expect to keep it at an affordable level for the people”. He further said they have enough seaplanes and crew for the new operation and will start as soon as the arrangements are done.

According to Dr. Shamheed, destinations for the flights are Fonadhoo Island in Shaviyani Atoll, Alifushi Island in Raa Atoll, Kaashidhoo Island in Male’ Atoll, Muli Island in Meemu Atoll and Kudahuvadhoo Island in Dhaalu Atoll. “These islands have no air connection. Seaplane flights to these islands will also connect to nearby islands. Our target is to start flight at the earliest possible” said Dr. Shamheed.

MAT is a privately owned seaplane operator and has been operating in Maldives since 1993. Until now they have only operated as a charter flight operator to the resort islands. This will be the first scheduled seaplane flights to start in Maldives. There are also seven airports in the country and they are serviced by Maldivian and FlyMe.

Explore the Unrivalled Underwater World of the Maldives with Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Dive Discovery Package.

The Maldives is home to a biodiversity of marine life that will thrill even the most experienced diver. Whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, dolphins and grey, white tip, hammerhead and nurse sharks (among others) vie for space in the warm, nutrient-rich water and numerous caverns in channels between the atolls.

Four Seasons Resorts Maldives four-night Dive Discovery packageoffers added value to divers at both its Resorts through December 20, 2012. 

Located in the North Malé Atoll, just 30 minutes speedboat ride from Malé, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is within five to 30 minutes of 30 excellent dive sites. Travel in a traditional dhoni – Maldivian boat – to sites including the renowned manta ray cleaning station at Sunlight Point (sightings through November) or the exciting 110-metre (360-foot) long cargo freighter wreck, just 45 minutes from the Resort.

A 30-minute seaplane flight from Malé airport, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru places guests in the heart of the Baa Atoll’s UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The Resort is surrounded by a host of newly discovered sites and pristine, untouched areas – many of which are also suitable for novice divers.

Both Resorts have Five-Star PADI IDC-licensed dive centres with multi-lingual instructors, extensive courses and daily dive trips. Dive equipment is available on a complimentary basis; high-tech digital cameras can be rented and professional videography is offered at a fee.

Zitahli Resorts & Spa Kuda-Funafaru

Zitahli Resorts & Spa Kuda-Funafaru is located in Kuda-Funafaru Private Island which is 180km away from airport, this Luxury Island features 50 villas and transfer to the island provided by Seaplane and approximately 45 minutes to reach the resort from Male International Airport

Vivanta by Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa

Vivanta by Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa is located in Hembadhu Private Island which is 32km away from airport, this Luxury Island features 62 villas and transfer to the island provided by Speedboat and approximately 50 minutes to reach the resort from Male International Airport.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort is located in Rangalifinolhu Private Island which is 90km away from airport, this Luxury Island features 150 villas and transfer to the island provided by Seaplane and approximately 30 minutes to reach the resort from Male International Airport.

Hardman Triumphs at World's Most Luxurious Surfing Event at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa as National Surf Champion Areef Wins the Domestic Event. Four Seasons Resorts Maldives take competition surfing five-star.

Australian surfing legend and two-time world champion Damien "Dooma" Hardman (Narrabeen, NSW, Australia) has won the second annual Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy – organized in conjunction with luxury surf pioneers Tropicsurf – after a sensational week of surfing from five former world champions.

The goofy-footer, age 46, narrowly defeated three-time world champion Tom Curren (USA), 48, in the Champions Trophy Final, following three days of intense competition at the world-class break of Sultan’s Point, located just off Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa.

Contested from August 27 to September 2, 2012, the event saw five world champions – Damien Hardman (Australia), Tom Curren (Australia), Mark Occhilupo (Australia), Martin Potter (Great Britain) and Phil Rajzman (Brazil) – compete across three divisions for the Grand Champions Trophy. Chelsea Hedges, 2005 ASP Women’s World Champion was forced to withdraw after suffering a collapsed lung while training for the event.

Hardman triumphed having returned to the competition for the second consecutive year. During a magical display of surfing excellence, he won both the Single and Twin-Fin divisions to scoop USD 6,000.00 in prize money, before adding another USD 10,000.00 to his total prize tally of USD 16,000.00 following victory in the final. He was denied a clean sweep by Curren’s victory in the Thruster Division.

Buzzing at the end of the contest, Hardman commented: “What a week, I’m stoked. To win two divisions and the Grand Final was a real buzz. I haven’t had a feeling like that since I finished competing.” He also paid tribute to his fellow competitors: “For our ages we are all surfing on top of our game and Curren was amazing today. It was a serious contest out there, but at the same time I had a lot of fun.”

This year’s event also saw eight local surfers battle it out at Sultan’s Point for the inaugural Four Seasons Maldives Domestic Champions Trophy – a thrilling showcase of local talent that was won by Hussain Areef, the country’s reigning national champion.

The trophies were presented by Maldivian Minister of Defense and National Security Mohamed Nazim, who watched the Champions Trophy Final from the three-deck, 39-metre luxury catamaran Four Seasons Explorer, the Maldives' ultimate surf vessel.

The event spilled onto the land with Kuda Huraa’s guests rubbing shoulders with the contest’s participants in the Resort’s vibrant village surround – home to competitors, judges and supporters alike for the duration of the contest. Guests booking Kuda Huraa’s all-inclusive four- or seven-night Champions Trophy package got right on top of the action with competition day passes aboard Four Seasons Explorer and three half-day surfing passes with Tropicsurf.

Following the enormous success of the second annual Surfing Champions Trophy and inaugural Domestic Champions Trophy, Four Seasons and Tropicsurf have vowed to make the events even bigger and better next year.

Four Seasons Resorts Maldives wish to thank its kind co-sponsors of the 2012 Surfing Champions Trophy: Surfboard Traders, Coastalwatch Plus, Wataniya, Dhiraagu, Coca-Cola and SAFCO; as well as its five contestants: two-time world champion and current Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champion Damien Hardman (Narrabeen, NSW, Australia); three-time world champion and true soul surfer, Tom Curren (USA); 1999 World Champion and last year’s Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champion, Mark Occhilupo (Tweeds Head, NSW, Australia); 1998 world champion and aerial-pioneer, Martin "Pottz" Potter (Great Britain); and Brazilian longboard master and 2007 World Champion, Phil Rajzman (Brazil).

Banyan Tree relaunches Maldives resort as all-pool villa property

Located just twenty minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport, award-winning Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru reopens on 1 September 2012 after a full renovation which now features private dipping pools adjacent to jet pools in each of the resort’s 48 villas. A long-time favoured resort that attracts substantial repeat guests, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has consistently achieved top ratings in TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice® Awards since 2008.  Following the refurbishment, guests may enjoy the luxury of their own pool and jet pool set within their villa’s private garden area.

Marine Conservation

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is home to a Marine Biology Lab, the first of its kind to be funded and built by a private resort. Guests may join the Marine Lab team to participate in activities such  as reef species inventory checks and reef clean ups. The laboratory is equipped with instruments for research into coral spawning, settlement and transplantation along with green sea turtle and reef shark conservation. The house reef is ideal for snorkeling straight off the beach; rays and fish are fed daily off the pier. Guests need only to walk along the shore to see trumpet fish, small sharks and the occasional turtle swimming by in the translucent lagoon.

Culinary Journeys

Guests may choose from local Maldivian or international cuisine at the beachfront Ilaafathi restaurant or star gaze with cocktails at the alfresco Naiboli bar. A plethora of destination dining options, complemented by the natural beauty of the Maldives, are also available.

With the Sandbank Dining experience, guests are whisked away in a speed boat to a private sandbank with options for breakfast, a picnic lunch or dinner amidst panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. A private butler ensures dedicated service while guests dine on local specialties amidst the most exclusive of settings. The Sunset Jetty experience is designed for the romantic at heart as it takes place on a rustic jetty overlooking the horizon.  Guests experience the dazzling Maldivian sunset Bedouin style while savouring chilled Champagne, canapés and a delightful shisha, or Arabic water pipe.  

Located on the beachfront, Shark Point Dining is complemented by gentle lapping waves and lagoon breezes. The menu features bounty from the Indian Ocean including sea scallops and fresh Maldivian lobster. Couples can dine with their bare feet in the powdery white sand at the Tuesday BBQ Dinner, also on the beach, in which a four-course meal offers tuna and beef fillet or Maldivian seafood.

Rejuvenation

For guests to relax and rejuvenate against the expansive backdrop of the Indian Ocean, Banyan Tree Spa Vabbinfaru features five spacious outdoor spa pavilions with lush tranquil settings, two massage beds and open-air showers. Three of the pavilions feature exotic copper bathtubs handcrafted in Sri Lanka and private Rain Mist Rooms especially equipped with rain shower and steam mist facilities.

Introductory Offer

To celebrate the reopening of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, guests who book for a minimum of two nights from now through 25 October 2012 for stays from now through 31 October 2012 are entitled to complimentary inclusions such as: complimentary daily breakfast, lunch and dinner for two persons, and a one-time Intimate Moments setup during their stay which features scented oils, candles around the pool and a complimentary bottle of red or sparkling wine. 

Guests are also entitled to a daily complimentary 60-minute spa massage (with an additional 30-minute refreshments and relaxation time) for two persons at Banyan Tree Spa Vabbinfaru.

For reservations, please call the Maldives reservation office: +960 676 7115. Alternatively, please email Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru:  reservations-vabbinfaru@banyantree.com.