World’s Most Expensive Coffee Made From Elephant Dung?

World News - Anantara Resorts, one of the world’s most expensive resort chains, has debuted some of the world’s costliest coffee at its Maldives Resorts properties. Just one thing though: The coffee beans are harvested from elephant dung.

The coffee is also offered at Anantara’s Golden Triangle property in Thailand.

The coffee beans, called Black Ivory and priced at $1,100 per kilogram, are digested by an elephant before you drink it.

There are only 50 kilograms, or about 110 pounds, currently for sale.

According to the resort, Black Ivory coffee beans are “naturally refined” by Thai elephants. Research indicates that during digestion, the enzymes of the elephant break down coffee protein, according to the resort. Protein is one of the factors responsible for bitterness in coffee: less protein, less bitterness.

The coffee is ground by hand and brewed table side in a four-minute process. The fragrance is said to be floral and chocolate and the taste “milk chocolate, nutty, earthy with hints of spice and red berries.”

Thai Arabica beans are picked from an altitude of 1500 meters (about 5000 feet) and fed to the elephants. “Once deposited by the elephants, the individual beans are handpicked by mahouts (elephant trainer and care giver) and their wives and sun dried.”

Refinement of the coffee takes place at the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, an elephant conservation program. According to the resort, 8 percent of sales will fund an elephant veterinarian specialist to provide free care to the animals. Additional funds will be used to provide medicine and a new laboratory.

Black Ivory isn’t the first coffee in the world to come out of animal dung. Civet coffee, priced at several hundred dollars per pound, is harvested from the civet cats’ of Southeast Asia’s excrement.

By GENEVIEVE SHAW BROWN  via GOOD MORNING AMERICA

More about Anantara Maldives

A Taste of Maldives’ Cheval Blanc: Hublot’s Randheli Oceanographic 4000

Hublot pays tribute to the elegant Cheval Blanc Randheli, a luxury Maison in the Maldives, with the Hublot Randhelo Oceanographic 4000. This special diver’s watch is available only at Cheval Blanc Randheli and withstands a pressure at the extreme depth of 4000 meters.

In order to be described as a “montre de plongée” (diver’s watch), resistant to the pressure exerted at the record depth of 4,000 metres, the watch had to meet the exacting specifications of the international standards of Swiss Watchmaking (NIHS).

It’s seal was tested by Hublot in a Roxer tank, submerged and pressurized to the equivalent of 5,000 metres. To ensure the watertightness of the watch and to resist this extreme pressure, the synthetic sapphire crystal is 6.5 thick. This is thicker than normal, but is reasonable for this level of resistance. The caseback is screw-down made of grade 2 titanium, an extremely strong stainless material.

Its case is made of titanium, which makes the Oceanographic 4000 light on the wrist. From the brightness standpoint, the time and elapsed time measured by the flange must be legible from a distance of 25 centimeters in the dark. To meet this requirement, the dial, the flange and the hands of the Oceanographic 4000 have been optimized to have a larger surface area treated with SuperLuminova™, a luminescent material emitting a yellow color

The watch’s reading method has been made as safe as possible through the use of an internal rotating flange that is unidirectional and rack-driven, with a dive time indicator.

For more information visit www.hublot.com

Velaa Resort is a Czech billionaire's gift of love to Maldives

He has visited the Maldives 38 times. He had travelled to many other well known locations long before he found Maldives. However, the 43 year old Czech Republic Billionnaire Jiri Smejc's heart was won by the beautiful Maldives and the heart-felt hospitality of the Maldivians.

He made Maldives his stop-over destination during his business trips and the holiday destination with his family. Smejc and his wife gifted their love to the Maldives.

His heart filled up with the quality services Maldives provided him when he stayed in the Maldives for weeks every year. The butlers in his attendance, the room attendants and the waiters who served him at the restaurants became his friends. He found friends he could trust in the Maldives within a short period of time.

Through all the things that he appreciated, he had one problem: the lack of a place to enjoy absolutely private moments in peace. The beginning of the thought to create the phenomenal resort - Velaa Private Island - now developed in Noonu atoll was the solution to his problem. To portray in a unique way, the beauty of the country that stole his heart became the aim of this billionaire.

"This resort has never been a business project. This is work done to make a dream come true," said Smejc, the owner of the most extravagant resort in the Maldives who had begun the development project four years ago.

The uniqueness of Velaa, which finally opened in last December, is proof of the love Smejc bestowed upon the Maldives; which is why all the services and the facilities at the resort is concentrated on "private moments". Velaa represents the taste of tourists. To make a place for people to come and enjoy with no restrictions and complete freedom was the greatest gift Smejc had presented the Maldives with.

"The owner wanted to create a vacation home or a place people can come to spend their vacations, which had everything that lacked in other places. The whole concept of the island is based on this. The owner personally wanted to develop a luxury resort with perfect services. The Velaa resort you see today is that dream made into a reality," said Mohamed Nihaj, a close friend of Smej and who oversaw the development of the resort from day one.

Velaa is also a life-size gift from Smejc to all the Maldivian people who had served him sincerely and kind-heartedly. Those Maldivians who had served him earlier to his satisfaction are now staff members of Velaa. He has extraordinary trust on them. While he has many billion-dollar investments worldwide, he had left his MVR5 billion investment's steering wheel completely upon the hands of his friends. Every member of staff at Velaa is a special friend of his.

Staff comments that though he is the owner of the resort, Smejc is a kind and 'a cool boss'; he plays and jokes with the staff and talks to staff politely, kindly and in a friendly manner. Although he is the owner of the most extravagant Maldives Resort, he does not have a bossy attitude. You can only see his kind heartedness and gentle manners.

"He talks closely, like a friend with all his staff, with no regard for levels or posts. He pays special attention to make time to spend with them when he is here. He does not have a room made better than the normal guest rooms here just because he is the owner. He leads a simple life," Nihaj, who also serves as the resident manager of the resort, said.

Though his life is portrayed very "carefree and cool" here, he is a billionaire behind many serious business operations and investments. He has shares galore at various banks, insurance companies and media. Investing in a small country such as the Maldives is not a big deal for him. His goal is not profit either.

Velaa, owned by Smejc and his wife Radka, is the symbol of the love they had found in the Maldives. It is an invaluable gift given by the couple to the nation that brings cool breezes to the heart. For all the tourists that visit the Maldives and the 40 years of Maldivian tourism Industry, this symbol of love by Smejc is more than enough.

Source: Ahmed Naif, Haveeru Online

Rated Most Beautiful Restaurant in the World as Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has been awarded the ‘Most Beautiful Restaurant In the World’ by the New York Daily News.  Ithaa was selected as the “most beautiful dining destination on the planet” for its “stunning, unparalleled views”.  Guests dine under a ceiling made of transparent acrylic that offers panoramic 180-degree views where schools of rainbow-coloured, tropical fish and sharks glide overhead as guests tuck into dishes such as caviar, duck agnolotti and Maldivian lobster carpaccio.

While compiling the list, editors looked at “restaurants that had won awards and accolades for their design, the clout of the designer, location, and the destination’s overall reputation, be it from reputed sources like the Michelin guide or press reviews”.

Chef Ayyoub Salameh, who created the outstanding menu at Ithaa, was delighted at the recognition his signature restaurant has received, saying, “I think of my food in musical terms: I want diners to be able to hear the music of the food.  I hope it brings a smile to their face.  Ithaa is a very romantic place and I hope the food we’ve created create a talking point between the two diners at the table.  Don’t be shy: although I may not be there at the table, I’m speaking to the diners through the food.  If they can feel that, then I think the meal has been a success.”

Gorgeous gourmet eateries: The world's 10 most beautiful restaurants

The world’s most beautiful restaurant is located five meters below the sea in the Maldives and offers panoramic views of the marine underworld.

According to a ranking compiled by food blog The Daily Meal, the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at the luxury Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort is the most beautiful dining destination on the planet, not for cascading crystal chandeliers, gold-gilded decor or high end art, but for the stunning, unparalleled view.
Guests dine under a vaulted ceiling made of transparent acrylic that offers panoramic 180-degree views of the ocean and marine life.

Schools of rainbow-colored, tropical fish and sharks glide overhead as guests tuck into dishes like duck agnolotti and Maldivian lobster carpaccio, and the restaurant is illuminated by blue-green hues of the sea above.

For the list, editors looked at restaurants that had won awards and accolades for their design, the clout of the designer, location, and the destination’s overall reputation, be it from reputed sources like the Michelin guide or press reviews.


Taking the second spot is The Four Seasons Restaurant in New York, designed by celebrated architects Philip Johnson and Mies van der Rohe. The Grill was called “the city’s greatest dining room” by New York Magazine and is also known as America’s “most powerful lunchroom.”
Walnut-paneled walls and soaring, two story windows characterize the Grill, while The Pool Room is described as more airy and romantic.

And in the No. 3 spot is Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse in Monte Carlo, a sumptuously decorated restaurant in the style of Versailles splendor.
Here are the top 10 most beautiful restaurants in the world, according to

The Daily Meal:
1. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
2. The Four Seasons, New York, U.S.A.
3. Le Louis XV, Monte Carlo, Monaco
4. La Maison 1888, Da Nang, Vietnam
5. Tori Tori, Polanco, Mexico
6. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India
7. L’Opera, Paris, France
8. Maiden’s Tower, Istanbul, Turkey
9. Hakkasan, Beverly Hills, U.S.A.
10. Mugaritz, Rentería, Spain

The Underwater Festival Returns to LUX* Maldives, 16-20 APRIL 2014

LUX* Maldives is proud to announce the third edition of the ‘Underwater Festival’, taking place on the island from 16 to 20 April 2014. Co-sponsoring the event, the leading diving company Euro-Divers presents an array of activities ranging from scuba diving to few of the most beautiful dive sites in the word, freediving with the whale sharks, under-the-stars evening screenings with the resident marine biologist as well as free diving and apnea courses. Following a successful week of apnea courses held at the resort last November 2013, Austrian world champion freediver Christian Redl returns to LUX* Maldives to host freediving courses during the Underwater Festival.

‘I am truly excited to return to LUX* Maldives and work with the Euro-Divers team for the Underwater Festival’ says Christian Redl ‘I am always keen to promote freediving around the world and the Maldives are the perfect settings for this event.’

Christian Redl currently holds several freediving world records ranging from two distance world records under ice: 100 meters with fins and 150 meters aided by a scooter as well as a dive through a 101m long cave in Mexico.

Operating several diving centers worldwide, Euro-Divers is one the leading diving operators in the Maldives and now offers PADI freediving course throughout their diving centers in the country. Jean-Jacques Mayol, son of freediving legend Jacques Mayol, as well as English world champion freediver Sara Campbell are among the freedivers that have been working with the team of Euro-Divers in the past to further enhance the professionalism of the course.

During the Underwater Festival Euro-divers team will also present a selection of new freediving equipment recently launched by Aqua Lung. The range of equipment will be available during the courses for all the participants and will then become an official part of the daily freediving courses offered at the resort. ‘The Maldives are renowned for their incredible underwater scenery and the dive sites around LUX* Maldives are listed among the best in the country’ says Kai Hromadko, Regional Operations Manager of Euro-Divers Maldives ‘the Festival gives us the opportunity to showcase this hidden beauty both scuba diving and freediving. It is a pleasure to welcome back Christian Redl to our team and we look forward to a great week of underwater fun!’

LUX* Maldives is an active supporter of the researches conducted to develop the South Ari Marine Protected Area and operates a Marine Biology Center to enhance guests’ awareness on marine life and year-round presence of whale sharks along the back reef of the resort.

Dive into an inspired celebration with a surreal underwater wedding at Anantara Kihavah Villas

Couples dreaming of a fantasy wedding in a truly unique kind of paradise can descend into the Indian Ocean’s dazzling depths for a surreal underwater ceremony at Anantara Kihavah Villas in the breathtaking Maldives, as part of the resort’s Dive Wedding package.

In this adventurous ceremony, couples are surrounded by mesmerising marine life as they sign their wedding certificate.  The rings exchanged underwater are presented in a shell that offers a wonderful keepsake, and every precious moment is captured by an experienced underwater photographer from Elements Kihavah, the resort’s diving school and water sports centre.

After the underwater ceremony, newlyweds are also spoiled on dry land, beginning with hair styling and make-up for the bride by a professional beautician in preparation for a special evening celebration.  Dining by Design on the beach, couples savour a sumptuous lobster and seafood barbecue, served with a bottle of wine, as a butler tends to every need.  Anantara’s signature Slumber Guru experience offers an evening of blissfully intimate in-villa rituals, including a sensual bath and massage to soothing music, as well as host of relaxing bedtime gifts.  Waking up in paradise, an indulgent start to married life is enjoyed with an in-villa champagne breakfast.  While by taking part in the resort’s coral adoption programme, the couple can return in the future, perhaps to celebrate an anniversary, to see how their corals have blossomed over time.

Extending the possibilities, Anantara Kihavah Villas’ additional wedding packages include ceremonies on a postcard perfect beach, in the exclusive underwater restaurant and wine cellar ‘Sea’, and aboard a luxury yacht, for an Inspired Celebration that offers a unique journey of romantic discovery.

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas’ Inspired Celebrations concept invites couples to create their own love story from start to finish, beginning with the perfect surprise proposal and dream wedding, to the honeymoon of a lifetime and unforgettable anniversaries.

Escape to W Retreat & Spa Maldives, the best gateway to declare your love.

Abandon the expected and experience the newly W underwater wedding. Get ready to celebrate your love fifteen meters under beautiful blue waters surrounded by thousands of colorful exotic fish and breathtaking corals. Mathew Chunky, the Retreat’s W Insider says “This is a once in a lifetime experience. The house-reef is absolutely magnificent and you can often see turtles, eagle rays and sharks swimming around.” You can also say “I do“ on white sands overlooking the sparkling Indian Ocean. Celebrate with a romantic outdoor reception, lit by vibrant lanterns, and toast your big day with a signature cocktail or two. 

Go to Gaathafushi, W Maldives’ own private island for your honeymoon. Indulge in exquisite serenity while exploring the surrounding lagoon or hanging out on the signature W Bed under a thatched roof with a glass of Champagne. Indulge in fine cuisine by Executive Chef, Severin Huerlimann, while catching amazing sunset views. 

Connect with your inner peace and go along with the pace of island life. Experience one of the 78 Retreats, either on the beachside or overwater giving you access to endless Indian Ocean views. Succumb to an inviting concept of dazzling blue waters, spectacular reefs and pristine sands infused with style and soul. Flirt with adventure over the water with adrenaline filled water sports activities, or discover the best dives spots with DOWNUNDER, PADI certified team of dive masters. 

Let your fabulous dreams come true with the ultimate Whatever/Whenever services. Sit back and relax we will take care of the rest. 

For more information on W Retreat & Spa Maldives https://www.alphamaldives.com/resort/w-retreat-spa_25_home_0.html

Soneva Fushi invites shark savers to freedive and swim with sharks in their sanctuary

Regional Director of Shark Savers and leader of the ”I’m FINished with Fins” campaign, Jonn Lu was invited to sustainable luxury resort in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi to freedive with sharks in the UNESCO Biosphere protected Baa Atoll.

A hobby scuba diving instructor and freediver, Jonn Lu jumped at the chance to launch Soneva Fushi’s new freediving experience. As the first resort in the Indian Ocean to offer freediving to resort guests, Soneva Fushi has enlisted the expertise of Danish-Japanese Freediving Instructor and athlete, Ken Kiriyama, who is also the Danish National Team freediver, to guide and share the magical experience of exploring the underwater world in one held breath.

Jonn Lu said: ”It was a privilege to be in the Maldives to swim in an ocean that provides sharks with protection against shark fishing. Freediving is a very unique way to experience the ocean with the lowest possible environmental impact; all that’s required is a swimsuit and and a mask, and sometimes perhaps a pair of fins. This is by far the purest way to be in the ocean with marine life, without being encumbered by heavy scuba diving accoutrements. In a similar way, this is how our ancestors experienced the ocean for thousands of years.”

Soneva Fushi owners, Sonu and Eva Shivdasani have actively campaigned for many years to champion the conservation agenda for the Maldivian shark population. The Maldivian government commendably introduced a ban on shark fishing in all its waters in 2010. The ban is a great step forward for shark conservation and prevents fishermen from hunting sharks in up to 12 nautical miles (22 kilometres) off the atoll coasts. Soneva Fushi is the newest corporate supporter of the “FINished with FINS” campaign and Sonu and Eva say that they are proud to be invited to play the role of Corporate Campaign Ambassadors for the Maldives. In their role, they will endeavor to recruit other corporates to join the campaign, and to assist in plans to help thwart illegal catchment of sharks by poachers in Maldivian waters.

Soneva Fushi has reintroduced Freediving Course for the peak season (till April/May 2014); one centered upon the foundations of breath, awareness, relaxation, safety and knowledge. Some people freedive for fun and to observe marine life, and others for the meditative and introspective nature of the sport. There are also those who want to improve their aquatic skills, depth and time, or to experience a break-through.

How about a romantic getaway aboard in a luxury submarine?

If you have a bottomless bank account and a love that goes deeper than the ocean, a British travel outfit has created a package that allows lovers to make their own tsunami waves in a romantic getaway aboard a luxury submarine.

OK, so it's not yellow. But for adventurous couples who may have already inducted themselves into the Mile High Club at 35 000 feet, Oliver's Travels has adapted a leisure submarine with luxury furnishings and "sound-proof living accommodations” as part of their Mile Low Club.

The underwater marine hotel called "Lovers Deep" can be moored near the coral reef off the coast of St. Lucia or near a sunken battleship in the Red Sea.

But love at the bottom of the ocean doesn't come cheap. You'll need to cough up $292 800 per night for a stay on the submarine vessel.

For the tidy sum of an average, middle-class suburban home, guests get a captain, a private chef and butler, speedboat transfers and optional add-ons that include helicopter transfers, beach landing, two-person shower, and champagne-soaked breakfast.

For good measure, the agency will throw in a rose petal scattering service.

Guests who book the submarine accommodations as part of their honeymoon package in 2014 are also being offered a free lovers' dinner menu that includes oysters, caviar and chocolate fondant with essence of pomegranate.

Lovers Deep is the latest in a new travel trend rising to the surface. In response to the banality of skyscraping properties, more and more hoteliers are plumbing the depths of the ocean for new and innovative lodging experiences.

The Manta Resort, for instance, offers a striking underwater room off the coast of Tanzania that includes a suite built four meters below the surface of the Indian Ocean, backlit by underwater spotlights.

Perhaps one of the best existing examples is the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island hotel, which consistently makes it onto travel bucket lists and most-exclusive lists.

Set five metres below the surface, the fine dining restaurant features 180-degree views of the coral gardens.

And the blueprints for a futuristic-looking luxury Maldives Resort reveal plans to build a spaceship-like edifice seven metres above water on five pillars. The lower deck, meanwhile, will be built up to 30 metres below the surface.

Source: http://travel.iafrica.com/bulletinboard/903285.html