Kurumba Maldives Refurbished The Beach Bar

Kurumba Maldives is embarking on a revitalization of its cocktail lounge and entertainment venue, the Beach Bar. The Beach Bar has evolved into a fusion of contemporary and classic Maldives.

The refreshed Beach Bar maintains traditional high wooden ceilings, wooden floors and external wooden decks combined with contemporary indoor and outdoor lounges, ottomans, pods and day beds. The external glass walls and doors have been removed and replaced with clear rolling blinds to allow more airflow and improve the views of the Indian Ocean and the adjacent beach.

By popular requests, the outdoor area of the Beach Bar has been redeveloped, allowing for an all new outdoor lounge areas and day beds surrounded by well-lit trees, offering a cozy and romantic feel. Guests can enjoy the beautiful starry skies of the Maldives; take in the cool breeze of the Indian Ocean while enjoying a mix of modern and classic cocktails, served by their attentive and friendly staff.

The Beach Bar is most popular with guests due to its diversity of nightly entertainment. Three different Bands play at Kurumba with their own range and style of music. One night per week is the Maldivian Bodu Beru dance and drums which encourages guest participation. Other nights, there is an open air DJ party, weekly guest cocktails, wine tastings and a jazz evening.

The Bar Manager, Upul Hettiarachchi has specially developed a delicious cocktail list suiting the tropics with themed bellini’s, martinis, mojitos, caprihinas, long drinks, classics and alcohol free versions. A perfect way to refresh after relaxing days under the sun or taking part in one of the many recreational activities that Kurumba has to offer.

The Beach Bar is one of three bars and nine restaurants on Kurumba Maldives. The other bars are the Sand Bar on the sunset end of the Island, Rendezvous for Karaoke, dance nights and live sports. The other restaurants include La Cucina serving Italian, Al Qasr a Middle Eastern Restaurant, Ming Court offering Chinese Cuisine, Kurumba Mahal serving Southern Indian, Hamakaze serving Japanese Tapan-yaki, Ocean Grill services Asian and Maldivian fusion, Kurumba Café services worldwide classics, Vihamana serving an international buffet and Room Service offering 24 hour in Villa dining. This makes Kurumba the ideal Maldivian Island for guest who likes to have a large choice of dining, beverages and entertainment experiences.

About Kurumba Maldives
Kurumba Maldives 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.

Naladhu - a Timeless Moment in the Maldives

Located in the aquatic setting of the Maldives, one of the world’s most celebrated tropical havens, Naladhu, Maldives offers a unique lifestyle to those who appreciate the sophistication and charm of times past.

Coupling the ingenious talents of Maldivian architect Mohammed Shafeeq and Thai-based interior designer Julian Coombs, Naladhu has captured the elegant aesthetics of a slightly colonial era, with hints of Sri Lankan regality in its design. However, the resort also proffers every modern convenience imaginable to the luxury traveller.

Naladhu means “pretty little island”, and each of the exclusive 19 ocean houses - each named after a Maldivian plant - has been designed to make every guest’s wish become reality. Situated on a private island ringed by coral gardens and vibrant marine life, where the stunning turquoise tones of the Indian Ocean are complemented by the exotic scent of nearby palm trees, Naladhu promises an unrivalled experience to those who savour the finer aspects of life.

Each elite dwelling is a colossal 300 square meters in size and punctuated by a lofty white-gabled roof, expansive glass panelled doors and generous living, dining and bedroom spaces. With a commitment to perfecting every detail, Naladhu fuses modern facilities with a sense of the nostalgia. White-washed timber wall panels juxtapose the zesty Indian motifs and colours of the house upholstery. Antique furnishings, such as an early 20th century writer’s desk and the decorous bar cabinet conjure up images of a romantic, bygone age.

Yet while the historic elements are intrinsic to Naladhu’s atmosphere, each detail of the Naladhu house has been conceived to serve every guest’s whim. A personal plunge pool, landscaped garden and vast teak sundeck make for an exotic experience within the privacy of the enclosure.

Bungalows each have a voluminous terrazzo bath tub with free-formed edges as well as an open-faced shower which allows for a view from within but remains hidden to anyone outside the house enclosure. Glass tiles gleam within the outdoor pool, inviting each guest to dive into its cool depths. Occupants can sit in the fragrant air at the private Sala and feast on the fruits of the gods whilst admiring the spectacular view.

Each Naladhu house contains an espresso machine, a fridge stocked with delicacies such as foie gras and vintage cheese and a wine cellar pre-stocked according to personal preferences. Wireless technology is available in every room and the audio equipment comprises of the best and latest Bose products. Disguised artfully at the foot of the bed is an expansive flat screen TV.

As highlighted within the resort’s features, the objective of Naladhu is to provide and pamper guests with unsurpassed quality and service. The personalized, “House Master” professional butler service ensures that every desire is met. It could involve an active outdoor itinerary, with adventures around the spectacular landscape of the Maldives, or an experience defined by the luxurious facilities available within the house confines.

Guests have the choice of dining under an open canopy of stars in their house Sala, or in the comfort of the Living Room restaurant. Otherwise, Naladhu has many unique dining options aimed at indulging romanticists. Meals can be served aboard a local dhoni (Maldivian boat) or perhaps on the Wave Breaker dining platform hovering over the ocean.

Every guest’s wish is Naladhu’s desire. Guests are invited to relish in the moments of their holiday and pander to all their senses. They can pamper out stresses with an exclusive in-house spa treatment or feast their eyes in the underwater colours of the Maldives with the aid of the resort’s PADI dive team.

Naladhu is a celebration of living. Every person’s life is the essence of their imagination and Naladhu provides the canvass and colour palette to those who wish to make their holiday picture perfect.

For reservations please telephone +960 664-4100 or email:
info@naladhu.com
.
For media enquiries please contact:
Ms. Marion Walsh
Brand Public Relations Director
Email:
mwalsh@naladhu.com
.
Tel: + 66 (0) 2877 5803 Ext. 28 Fax: + 66 (0) 2877 7497
Mobile: + 66 (0) 89 811 3829
For more information, visit
www.naladhu.com.

Royal Island Resort & Spa wins Indian Ocean's Luxury Romantic Hotel 2012

Royal Island Resort & Spa  has been awarded as Luxury Romantic Hotel  in the Indian Ocean at the World Luxury Hotel and Spa Awards 2012 ; the pinnacle of achievement for Luxury Hotels & Spas worldwide, which was celebrated in a glamorous extravaganza in Malaysia on October 13th, 2012.

During the extravagant ceremony held in Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport Hotel, some of the world’s most sought after hotels, resorts and private islands triumphed in winning the world’s most prestigious honors for luxury hotels at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2012. To be recognized as one at the World Luxury Hotel Awards was truly a thrilling moment for Royal Island Resort & Spa Set in the secluded island of Horubadhoo in the Baa Atoll, Royal Island Resort & Spa is just 118 km northwest of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.

Royal Island features luxury beach villas and suites with magnificent views of the Indian Ocean. With two world-class restaurants, three vibrant bars and lounges, combined with the lavish treatments of Araamu Spa, nothing could beat the romance-thick atmosphere at Royal Island Resort & Spa.

Royal Island offers the utmost in romance whether it’s a honeymoon, wedding anniversary, getaway with your soul mate or your dream wedding. Royal Weddings offer the perfect romantic package from preparations, rituals to photography. Making new vows, commitments and memories may not commemorate the years of togetherness, but can be a very romantic way to celebrate and re-kindle the love, respect and devotion for one another.

Our devotion to create an everlasting experience for our guests will continue to foster in service excellence. At Royal Island Resort & Spa; memories of sweet love is cherished forever.

For media relations, please contact us at pr@royal-island.com
Follow us on twitter.com/royalmaldives  , facebook.com/royalmaldives
Website www.royal-island.com

Visit to Malé – the capital Maldives

Visit to the small but busy capital is a must as it allows a glimpse into Maldivian urban life which is very different from the lifestyles in the resorts or the other inhabited islands. 

The Islamic Centre is not only the most famous architectural landmark in Malé, but also houses one of the biggest and finest mosques in the Southeast Asian region. The grand mosque that accommodates more than 5,000 worshippers; its golden dome and minaret are standouts that can be seen before reaching the shores of Malé and the ornate woodcarvings and Arabic calligraphy inside are magnificent tributes to the talents of Maldivians.

Visit to the small but busy capital is a must as it allows a glimpse into Maldivian urban life which is very different from the lifestyles in the resorts or the other inhabited islands.

The Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque) built in 1656 is another fascinating monument that is an essential stop on any tour of Malé. All the walls in the mosque are built with coral stones intricately carved with Arabic calligraphy and ornamental patterns; the roof, window frames and doors made of different kinds of wood such as teak, sandalwood and redwood. This mosque also displays breathtakingly beautiful coral carvings and expert lacquerwork done by Maldivians. There are also a number of ancient tombstones erected in memory of past sultans, heroes and nobles, in the mosques compound.

Medhu Ziyaaraiy is the shrine of Abu-al Barakath Yusuf al Barbaree – the Moroccan scholar believed to be responsible for the advent of Islam in the Maldives in 1153 AD; and is also a must-see monument.

Mulee-aage next to the Medhu Ziyaaraiy was originally built by Sultan Shamsudheen III for his son just before the First World War. The building was declared a government property when the sultan and his were banished in May 1936. Since then it has been used as an office complex by subsequent governments and when the country became a republic in 1953, Mulee-aage became the Presidential Palace. The present government also used it as such until the current Presidential Palace was completed in 1994.

 

Fish Market - Shopping Complex

 

Grand Mosque & Artificial Beach

 

City from top and Market

 

Old Hukuru Miskiy and Male

Activities and Experiences at Jumeirah Dhevanafushi

Situated in a unique position surrounded by some of the rarest, largest, and most beautiful corals in the world, 10 kilometres from the nearest island, Jumeirah Dhevanafushi is home to unique underwater wonders which are an absolute must-see during your stay. The waters that surround the island offer incredible adventure. Our PADI certified Best Dives dive and water sports centre provide a wide array of courses and expeditions. 

Please do speak to our professionals on your preferences; we’ll help select an activity that’s right for you – be it cruising down the calm waters on a kayak, finding the best spots to discover the coral gardens, or enjoying a sunset fishing trip.

Below is a selection of experiences for you to choose from and enjoy during your stay with us. For more information or to book prior to arrival, please contact: JDMreservations@jumeirah.com

Overwater Gymnasium

Stay fit with the latest state-of-the-art equipment in our overwater gymnasium, with panoramic views to inspire. Or take a private or group yoga class on the deck of the Talise Spa with our trained professionals. (Yoga class subject to availability).

Snorkelling with your Butler

Allow your personal butler to show you the best snorkelling on the island, with a private expedition. The coral gardens you’ll uncover will truly amaze. Look out for turtles, reef sharks, dolphins and the most incredible fish both big and small, all in the house reef that surrounds the island.

Talise Spa

Delight in holistic pampering at the overwater Talise Spa. Rebalance and refresh your mind, body and soul with a selection of tailor-made and signature rituals, all using 100% organic ingredients to facilitate the flow of healing energy.

Unique Dining Experiences

Our dining options spread far beyond the realm of the three unique restaurants, to offer unique experiences; dine on your own private stretch of beach, on a deserted island, or in the privacy of your own suite as your personal team of chefs prepare incredible courses to please your individual palate. The romantic sunken dug experience is delightful, as you sit on tables and chairs made from the sand, and stimulate your senses with the freshest meats and seafood. Or get a elevated view of the ocean from the privacy of ‘the bird’s nest’ at Mumayaz.

Watch the Sunset

Watch our glorious sunsets from the main pool, with a signature sundowner from our Khibar. 

Prestigious Valmont Spa at Constance Halaveli Resort, Maldives

Constance Halaveli Resort deserved another exceptional Spa on top of Spa de Constance and Ila products... hence the Valmont Spa was born.

Already well established as the ultimate luxury holiday get-away, Constance Halaveli is now set to position itself as an elite spa destination.

At Halaveli we have teamed up with Valmont, the exclusive Swiss skincare experts, to join the revered V35 – Valmont’s Prestige Spa Club.

From May, guests at Halaveli can indulge in the very latest cellular cosmetics and treatments from Valmont’s Magician of Time range.

Among the renowned Valmont treatments, our spa menu offers an exclusive treatment specifically created by the Swiss house - the Valmont After Diving Treatment. Devoted to restoring the skin and caring for the hair after diving, this 45-minute treatment features alternating hydrating masks and modelage massages to relieve congestion, while pampering the contour of the eye with a collagen mask.

Our spa is situated on stilts above the Indian Ocean, with wonderful views from each of the 10 cabins. Our other spa treatments at Halaveli use the very popular Spa de Constance and Ila organic products.

Staying at Halaveli is an escape into a thrillingly beautiful world. With gourmet delights, spectacular scuba diving and now a world-class spa, Halaveli is firmly placed as one of the world’s most desirable luxury resorts.

Wedding at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

A wedding at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is magical and unforgettable. Every wedding package starts with a spa treatment for the bride and groom at the Spa Retreat lasting between 30 -60 minutes with a choice of treatments including facials, full body or back massage, eye and lip treatments.

Ceremonies include a hammock of love (according to the location of villa), three-tier cake, bottle of chilled sparkling wine, celebrant to conduct the service, framed color certificate, decoration of altar and restaurant and your choice of music from a CD player. One CD-R of Photoshop-enhanced digital pictures of the ceremony (approximately 60 pictures) and one DVD video, NTSC or PAL system lasting approximately 20 minutes are provided.

After the ceremony the bride and groom will be treated to a bottle of sparkling wine and a private sunset cruise on a romantic dhoni. A private dinner is provided on the beach (subject to weather conditions) or in the Vilu Restaurant or Sunset Grill Restaurantwith a four course menu and glass of champagne and may include lobster. A personalised wedding menu and moonstone story and stone for the bride are also given to the wedding couple.

After the wedding ceremony a range of in-villa features are presented to the bride and groom and depending on the choice of wedding ceremony can include special newly-wed bed turn-down, congratulations card, yukata (two pieces), cotton or silk sarong, incense burner and sticks and in-villa champagne breakfast for the day after the ceremony.

Weddings and Honeymoons at Jumeirah Vittaveli Maldives Luxury Island

A fairy-tale setting for your dream day...

A mesmerising start to your fairy-tale day, Jumeirah Vittaveli is the ultimate destination for tropical weddings and honeymoons set in immeasurable paradise.

Spacious villas and suites provide unmatched views of the Indian Ocean, known for its magnificently clear waters. Miles of white sand, blue skies, verdant gardens and foliage complete this idyllic backdrop of untainted beauty.

Honeymoons to cherish at Jumeirah Vittaveli

At Jumeirah Vittaveli, find your perfect blend of spectacular beauty and impeccable choice. Located a short 20 minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport, this resort paradise has everything to make your perfect honeymoon desires come true.

The beach villas are complete with a private swimming pools, outdoor rain showers and bath, private beach access, sala day beds, and understated service against a backdrop of incredible ocean views. A wide selection of dining options awaits you from our overwater Mediterranean restaurant to a beach BBQ under the starry Maldivian skies. And if you prefer dining in seclusion, our team of award-winning chefs will prepare a sumptuous feast to be enjoyed in your villa or on the beach.

Book your honeymoon now, inclusive of the following benefits:

• 4 course candlelit dinner on the beach with a bottle of Champagne on an evening of your choice
• One hour couples signature massage at Talise Spa during your stay
• Champagne breakfast in your villa on one morning of your choice (advance reservation required)
• A romantic bath per stay prepared by Talise Spa
• Celebratory cake
• Late checkout**
• Complimentary return speed boat transfers (minimum stay four nights)

**Subject to availability.

Your Wedding at Jumeirah Vittaveli

The memories of your wedding day will last a lifetime. Jumeirah Vittaveli is here to ensure they are perfect. Against a backdrop of the mesmerising, unspoiled, Indian Ocean, wedding options await you that will surpass all expectations.

Capture these incredibly beautiful surroundings with our professional photographer, while our sumptuous menus andour dedicated wedding coordinator will make certain your special day is luxurious, effortless and truly unforgettable.

Our wedding package include the following services:

• Pre-wedding meeting with our wedding coordinator
• A dedicated area for the wedding ceremony, tastefully decorated with floral arrangements
• One manicure and pedicure for the bride during your stay
• A ‘Master of Ceremony’
• Bodhu Beru drummers for the ceremony
• Celebratory cake
• 4 course candle lit dinner on the beach with a bottle of champagne
• One hour couples signature massage at Talise Spa per stay
• One Romantic bath per stay prepared by Talise Spa
• Champagne breakfast in your villa for the morning after
• 100 professional digital photographs on CD
• Wedding certificate & wedding bouquet
• Return speed boat transfers (minimum 4 nights stay)
• Late checkout**

**Subject to availability.

Make your Booking
To make your booking
email: JVMreservations@jumeirah.com
or call +960 664 2020

A Maldives beach wedding in December for Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor!

The Saifeena marriage seems to be becoming the most overrated news in the Bollywood grapevine lately. However, laying the speculation to rest, Saif Ali Khan has finally confirmed that he will be tying the knot with Kareena Kapoor in December in Maldives.

And this time the news has come directly from the horse-mouth, Saif Ali Khan, who is basking in the joy of “Cocktail” success has confirmed his wedding venue and time. Khan told an Indian tabloid, “And the wedding is in Maldives...100 people...December not October!”

Khan and Kapoor have been dating for five years now but it was only around the beginning of 2012 that they officially declared that they would be tying the knot this year.

Khan’s mother, Actor Sharmila Tagore had earlier said the wedding date could be 16th October and the location would be the Pataudi Palace in Pataudi village. However, Khan surprised everyone when he denied having marked the date on his calendar.

Kapoor, who had been very open about her personal life also refused to mention a date saying it was Khan who would take the decision on the wedding date.

Amidst so much dilly-dallying by Sharmila Tagore, Khan, Kapoor and Soha Ali Khan, we aren't quite sure if this is the last we are hearing on this.

A Little History Of Malives

First archaeological study of the remains of early cultures on the Maldives began with the work of H.C.P. Bell, a British commissioner of the Ceylon Civil Service. Bell was shipwrecked on the islands in 1879, and returned several times to investigate ancient Buddhist ruins. He studied the ancient mounds, called havitta or ustubu (these names are derived from chaitiya or stupa) Although Bell asserted that the ancient Maldivians followed Theravada Buddhism, many local Buddhist archaeological remains now in the Malé Museum display in fact Mahayana and Vajrayana iconography.

In the early 11th century the Minicoy and Thiladhunmathi also possibaly other northern Atolls was conquered by the medieval Chola Tamil emperor Raja Raja Chola I, becoming a part of the Chola empire.

According to a legend from the Maldivian Folklore, in the early 12th century AD a medieval prince named Koimala nobleman of the Lion Race from Ceylon, sailed to Rasgetheemu island (literally King's Town) in North Maalhosmadulu Atoll and from there to Malé and established a kingdom there. By then, the Aadeetta (Sun) Dynasty had for sometime ceased to rule in Malé, possibly due to invasions by the Cholas of Southern India in the Tenth Century. The indigenous people in Malé Atoll, the Giraavaru invited Koimala to Malé and permitted him to be proclaimed king. Koimala Kalou (Lord Koimala) reigned as King Maanaabarana, was a king of the Homa (Lunar) Dynasty, which some historians call House of Theemuge. Since Koimala's reign, the Maldive throne was also known as the Singaasana (Lion Throne). Before then, and in some situations since, it was also known as the Saridhaaleys (Ivory Throne). Some Historians accredit Koimala of freeing the Maldives from Tamil Chola rule.

Several foreign travellers, mainly Arabs, had written about a kingdom over the Maldives ruled by a queen. This kingdom pre-dated Koimala's reign. al-Idrisi referring to the writings of earlier writers mentions the name of one of the queens. Her name was Damahaar. She was a member of the Aadeetta (Sun) dynasty. The Homa (Lunar) dynasty sovereigns inter-married with the Aaditta (Sun) Dynasty. This was why the formal titles of Maldive kings until 1968 contained references to "kula sudha ira" which meant "descended from the Moon and the Sun". No official records exist of the Aadeetta dynasty's reign. 

The conversion to Islam is mentioned in the ancient edicts written in copper plates from the end of the 12th century AD. There is also a locally well-known legend about a foreign saint (a Persian from the city of Tabriz or a Moroccan Berber according to the versions) who subdued a demon known as Rannamaari. Dhovemi Kalaminja who succeeded Koimala converted to Islam in the year AD 1153. Over the centuries, the islands have been visited and their development influenced by sailors and traders from countries on the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.