Amari Havodda Maldives Lead by Leonhard

Christoph Leonhard will lead
Amari Havodda Maldives

Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group has appointed Christoph Leonhard to the position of general manager at Amari Havodda Maldives.

With 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Leonhard started his career with ONYX Hospitality Group in 2000 as executive assistant manager at Amari Watergate Bangkok.

He returned in December 2009 to take on the role of general manager of Amari Koh Samui.

He then joined Amari Hua Hin in 2013 as general manager, where he continued the success of the resort, following its opening in 2012.

In his new role, Leonhard will bring his expertise to the Amari Havodda Maldives resort which opened in February of this year.

ONYX Hospitality Group operates several diverse yet complementary brands –Amari, Shama and OZO – each catering to the distinctive requirements of today’s business and leisure travellers.

ONYX reaches beyond its Thai roots to offer innovative management solutions across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions.

Special marine activities in July announced by Outrigger in the Maldives

Guests are invited to join new trips, experiences and insights focusing on marine conservation and knowledge, starting in July

Visitors to the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort in July will be able to join the resort’s in-house marine biologist to participate on a range of activities such as PADI Women Dive Day, Shark Awareness Day, and International Plastic Bag Free Day.

In addition, the property is unveiling a turtle quest trip, stargazing cruise and snorkelling with a marine biologist.

On 3 July, the island’s resident marine biologist Caterina Fattori of Best Dives Maldives will conduct a presentation on marine debris at the resort pool bar. Globally, 80% of marine litter is plastic. Around eight million tons of plastic is dumped into the world’s oceans every year. The majority of this waste comes from China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

For Shark Awareness Day on 14 July Ms Fattori will do a presentation on sharks at the pool bar. Children at the resort will be invited to the Kid’s Club for shark-related ‘edutainment’. There are over 400 types of shark ranging in size from six inches (15cm) to 45 feet (13.5m) around the world. Sharks have been around for 400 million years. They predate dinosaurs.

On 16 July, Outrigger will invite all ladies staying to do a scuba dive, preceded by a free first breath underwater session in the resort pool for beginners.

Guests at the Outrigger can also join a new tour called Turtle Quest which visits a newly discovered Hawksbill turtle family on a nearby reef.

Snorkelling with Ms Fattori will become a regular feature. In each trip she will give a detailed pre-dive briefing on the barrier reef and help with identification of species. She has also introduced sunset snorkelling for insights into a different range of species that can be seen under water in the evening.

Ms Fattori has also been in charge of a coral restoration project at the Outrigger, which is part of Outrigger’s worldwide Ozone (Outrigger’s Zone) marine conservation initiative. Guests can also inspect this by snorkel or scuba dives, accompanied by the marine biologist.

“We can create marine excursions and study trips to suit all levels of interest and diving capability,” says Ms Fattori. “Indeed, quite a few of our guests don’t scuba dive but just enjoy our marine briefing sessions and some snorkelling. We have marine experiences for all levels.”

Enjoy the Maldives in the Monsoon

Maldives; the image that immediately comes to mind is of a beautiful, breezy and sunny paradise, complete with snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing and other such amazing activities. But unfortunately, this weather doesn’t last all year round. If you happen to visit sometime between May and November, you’ll have to face torrential rains, and the absolutely worrisome question, “Now, what do I do?”

That’s why we’ve come up with this list of fun things you can do in Maldives, all year round, and regardless of the weather. But first, let’s check out the advantages of visiting Maldives in the rainy season (yes, there are quite a few)!

Firstly, one of the major advantages of visiting Maldives during off-season is that even rooms in five-star hotels are available at a very low rate. Similarly, the prices of all outdoor activities are slashed, so your vacation will cost you just a fraction of the normal cost.

Secondly, you’ll have the place pretty much to yourself, as the crowds will be missing, so you’ll actually get the peace and quiet that you’re looking for. That’s why the following activities will be perfect for your idyllic sojourn in paradise!

1) Spas

Maldives is famous for its spas, and you’ll find there’s one in every resort. You can pretty much enjoy them in any weather, but you’ll have extra fun when it’s raining outside, and you’re being pampered in the warmth inside.

2) Scuba diving

Yes, scuba diving is very much possible even in the monsoons. The water visibility is reliably high and the variety of marine life is quite astounding. That said, the monsoons can affect the ideal places to scuba dive. Usually, the east side of the atolls is better in the dry season and the west side in the wet.

3) Swimming

At first glance, swimming might seem like an activity for a sunny day, but not when you’re dealing with a luxurious, heated indoor pool. Even if you opt to swim outside, there’s something really magical about swimming in the rain and the water often seems even warmer when you do so. In many ways, it’s even better than swimming in the sun!

Though there are numerous ways of planning your Maldives vacation, it’s always advisable to do it through a travel company that can point you in the right direction, as far as hotels, travel and sightseeing goes.

“Maldives is one of our favourite holiday destinations, regardless of the season, says Nidhi Batra, co-founder of Nirvana Excursions, a boutique travel company based in Navi Mumbai.
“We have an excellent network within the country, that ensures that our travellers get the best deals, whether it’s for a five-star resort or any of the numerous activities and adventures available. We’ve also personally travelled to Maldives innumerable times and hence, can recommend the best places to stay and the most ideal things to do during off-season.”

RezLive.com organises FAM trip to Sri Lanka & Maldives

RezLive.com India, recently rewarded the loyal patronage of their Indian travel agents by extending the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka and Maldives in association with Sri Lankan Airlines, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, Lily Beach Resort & Spa Maldives and OZO Colombo & Kandy Sri Lanka. The FAM trip was conducted from June 15-21, 2016.

During the stay the group stayed at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, Lily Beach Resort & Spa Maldives and OZO Colombo and Kandy Sri Lanka and got a chance to explore the properties and the destination.

Jaal Shah, Group Managing Director, RezLive.com commented, “The FAM trip was a good opportunity to let the agents experience the hotels along with other popular attractions in the city, which will help them advice clients planning a trip to Sri Lanka and Maldives accordingly. The group enjoyed the trip and was very satisfied with the properties visited, Sri Lankan Airlines on flight service and local sightseeing. We plan to host more familiarization trips in the future as this is a great way to promote the city and receive more visitors from the region.”

By Travellers JA Manafaru Maldives Voted Among Top Three Best Hotels

JA Resorts & Hotels’ island beach resort, JA Manafaru, has been voted as one of the most popular hotels in the Maldives on TripAdvisor, whose popularity ratings are considered as one of the most authentic. The resort that is a favourite among honeymooners and family holidaymakers aline is currently ranked in the top five out of 192 hotels and resorts in the Maldives. The resort has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence  from TripAdvisor for the consistent reviews it has been receiving by the travellers.

JA Resort & Hotels prides itself on delivering heartfelt hospitality at its properties and JA Manafaru portrays the epitome on that sentiment. On a review a traveller commented on TripAdvisor, “ “If you have a special request, the staff will bend over backward to accommodate. You will leave like you are leaving friends behind.” Another guest took to the travel site to state: “Everything is exceptional from the accommodation to the food but what sets this place apart is the staff.”

JA Manafaru offers guests a unique and exquisite holiday experience through activities such as a Maldivian cooking classes, a castaway experience on a private island and some of the best dolphin sighting in this part of the Island Ocean. It is also the perfect haven for families looking for relaxation and action in the sunshine.

The resort also gives guests a chance to sample some of the finest world cuisine at seven restaurants and bars on the island. The resort is situated on a 35-acre private island with a soft, white sandy beach on the northern-most Haa Alif atoll. It is accessible via a 75-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport or speedboat transfer from Hanimaadhoo Airport.

JA Resorts & Hotels is also well-known in the Indian Ocean for its successful management of the luxurious Enchanted Island Resort in Seychelles. A newly-wed guest staying at the resort recently wrote, “My husband and I could not have asked for more from our honeymoon at Enchanted Island Resort.”

“We are delighted that our commitment to providing deeply caring and thoughtfully crafted experiences to our guests at JA Manafaru and Enchanted Island Resort has been recognised by travellers from across the world.”, stated David Thomson, COO of the JA Resorts and Hotels. He added that, “The Maldives is home to some of the world’s most luxurious properties and it is an honour to be voted by guests as one of the top three hotel offerings in the world. We have worked hard to showcase our brand of heartfelt hospitality at our properties in the Indian Ocean and the continued acknowledgement of our work is extremely rewarding. The appreciation that JA Manafaru and Enchanted Island Resort have received from TripAdvisor is a testament to the exquisite and uniquely beautiful offering we deliver to our guests.”

With Kuoni’s new push Win a Maldives break

 Kuoni is offering agents the chance to win a getaway to the Maldives, in celebration of the release of its latest Indian Ocean & Arabia brochure, which features new resorts throughout Sri Lanka and Maldives.

The operator has teamed up with Kuramathi Island Resort Maldives to offer a seven-night full-board break in a deluxe water villa with boat transfers for stays between July 1 and December 23, 2016.

To enter agents must make bookings to the resort before June 30 and email their booking references to agency@kuoni.co.uk. A winner will be selected at random on Friday July 1.

The expanded collection includes new five-star properties such as the newly opened Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa in Sri Lanka (left), which features an 18-hole golf course, and Anantara Kalutara, which has a wellbeing focus and is due to open in July on the
south-west coast.

Also in the destination and located close to Yala national park, Kuoni has added the Uga Chena Huts, consisting of 14 individual cabins, each with a private pool and two game drives per day, as part of an all-inclusive programme.

Meanwhile, new openings in the Maldives include Milaidhoo Island, part of Baa Atoll, a Unesco World Biosphere Reserve, and Makunudu Island, which features 36 refurbished beach bungalows.

Sheena Paton, Kuoni commercial and product manager for the Indian Ocean, said: “With international brands now investing in Sri Lanka there have been more luxury products opening in the destination.

“We are also seeing a number of new resorts opening in the Maldives with more planned for the future.”

She added that Abu Dhabi was also developing as a destination.

“In the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is developing further as a cultural destination with much more to offer than just a stopover. The latest brochure has added a hand-picked selection of new properties in these destinations.”

Outstanding Recognition for Jumeirah Group At The World Luxury Travel Awards™

Jumeirah Group won seven awards at the World Luxury Spa Awards and the World Luxury Restaurant Awards™ Gala 2016 in Switzerland. Jumeirah Vittaveli won three awards at the ceremony - the resort’s Talise spa was named ‘Best Luxury Wellness Spa,’ in the Maldives; the restaurant Fenesse won ‘Best French Cuisine’ in the Maldives; and the Indian restaurant Swarna won ‘Best Indian Cuisine’ in Asia.

Talise Spa at Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, also in the Maldives, was named ‘Best Luxury Hideaway Spa’ in the Indian Ocean; Talise Spa at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa in was named best ‘Luxury Fitness Spa’ in Asia and ‘Best Luxury Destination Spa’ in Kuwait; and Talise Spa at Jumeirah Bodrum Palace   won best Luxury Wellness Spa in Turkey.

Graham Kiy, General Manager at Jumeirah Vittaveli, said: “This is an outstanding recognition for Jumeirah Group, our resort and a tremendous honour for the entire team. Wellness, relaxation and excellent dining offerings are an essential ingredient of a perfect tropical island holiday. We are humbled to have been recognised as leaders in these disciplines.“

The World Luxury Spa Awards gives recognition and thanks to the luxury spa industry, setting benchmarks in quality, innovation and service for spas around the globe. Established as the world’s leading awards initiative for Luxury Spas, The World Luxury Spa Awards sets the spotlight on spas, attracting the attention of global spa-goers and industry experts. Voting is based on service excellence and is cast by spa guests.

The World Luxury Restaurant Awards™ inspires excellence and ignites healthy competition in the luxury restaurant industry. Voting is based on the food experience as a whole, combined with aspects of service excellence, presentation, quality and menu choices. Votes are mainly cast by guests, but also by industry professionals that approve and support the nominated establishments

About Jumeirah Group:

Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, operates a world-class portfolio of hotels and resorts including the flagship Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts manages properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Kuwait in the Middle East; Baku, Bodrum, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Mallorca (Spain);the Maldives and Shanghai in Asia. Jumeirah Group also runs the luxury serviced residences brand Jumeirah LivingTM with properties in London and Dubai; the new contemporary lifestyle hotel brand VenuTM; the wellness brand TaliseTM; Jumeirah Restaurant Group DubaiTM; Wild Wadi WaterparkTM; The Emirates Academy of Hospitality ManagementTM; and SiriusTM, its global loyalty programme. Future openings include luxury and lifestyle hotels in China, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Mauritius, Oman, Russia and the UAE. www.jumeirah.com

In December Kandima Maldives to be open

A contemporary new lifestyle resort opening December 2016 under new hospitality group, Pulse Hotels & Resorts

Located on a lush tropical island in the Dhaalu Atoll, Kandima Maldives will offer guests the opportunity to experience the Maldives in a new way. This contemporary lifestyle resort will embody all the positive values of the Maldives, whilst adding its own innovative, vibrant and playful style. Kandima will be the first lifestyle resort in the country, offering more than just a beach holiday; instead it will offer an experience, giving guests the opportunity to get involved and create memories.

This game-changing resort is set to be anything but ordinary, and cater for guests of all ages; couples, groups of friends and of course honeymooners. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, wellbeing, sport, spa experiences or just family time, Kandima Maldives will have something for everyone.

Kandima Maldives is perfect for those searching for quality, value and a contemporary and intelligent holiday experience. The goal at this resort is to help guests get the most out of their holiday, by making each stay unique, enjoyable and memorable. Kandima Maldives’ promise is that all guests will leave feeling energised, relaxed, inspired and above all, happy.

To enhance the experience, Kandima Maldives has a first class infrastructure on the island, boasting the longest pool in
the Maldives, tennis courts, an art studio, marine biology school, kids club, games room, library, gym, yoga studio and spa. There is plenty to keep everyone occupied and the array of activities and events on offer is endless, including a huge choice of watersports, diving or snorkelling near the house reef, yoga, Zumba, bicycles, beach volleyball, petanque, arts and crafts lessons, and much more.

In addition, the island offers one of the largest selection of F&B outlets in the country, with an incredible choice of ten delicious restaurants and bars, all featuring unique and individual menus offering flavours of the world from Chinese and Japanese to authentic Maldivian and Mediterranean. So whether it be tropical or traditional, Kandima has something to suit everyone’s tastes.

The resort offers a choice of 274 stylishly designed studios and villas, with eleven different categories to choose from, all of which have a private terrace and endless tropical views to enjoy. Their locations at different points along the 3km long island makes the accommodation suitable for both honeymooners seeking privacy and families looking for activity. Categories include;
• Beach & Sky Studio: A two storey villa, guests can choose between a Sky or a Beach Studio. 138 studios in total, situated along the main beach, all with their own private terrace or balcony.
• Family Sky Studio: 6 interconnecting sky studios with separate living room. The Family Sky Studio’s sleep up to 8 people.
• Beach Villa with Jacuzzi: 30 spacious beachfront villas all with their own private deck, Jacuzzi, and of course endless ocean views.
• Beach Pool Villa: 20 stunning beachfront villas, all with their own private pool, Jacuzzi and private deck.
• Aqua Villa: 30 stylish overwater villas with private deck, offering endless views of the beautiful Indian Ocean.
• Aqua Villa with Jacuzzi: 30 stylish and spacious overwater villas with private deck and Jacuzzi.
• Aqua Pool Villa: 20 stunning overwater villas all with their own private deck, swimming pool, and of course endless ocean views.

HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS: VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND, MALDIVES

Velaa Private Island is definitely a honeymoon spot vying for first position on our ‘wildest dreams’ list.

Located in the breathtaking Noonu Atoll, 187km north of Malé, Velaa Private Island has been designed purely with luxury in mind. Privacy and comfort are must-haves, while the resort’s architecture and design allows the stunning Indian Ocean scenery to take centre stage.

There are a variety of different accommodation options on offer (all of them remarkable in their own right) but our pick for honeymooners would be the aptly-named Romantic Pool Residence, an ultra-private one-bedroom villa, suspended above the lagoon, boasting uninterrupted views over the ocean.

You can only reach it by boat (so no chance of being disturbed here) but the villa does come with its own private chef and butler, to give you more time to enjoy the Jacuzzi, sundeck and sunken bath which all offer unparalleled views over the stunning Maldivian scenery. You can even enjoy a treatment in the villa’s very own spa.

What more could you possibly want from a honeymoon?

Win the chance to surf The Maldives with Jamie O’Brien and Shane Dorian

How would you like the chance to head off to the Maldives for a week long trip with Jamie O’Brien and Shane Dorian, hanging out with the pair of them, catching a few waves and helping to raise money towards a good cause in the process? Well that scenario is a very real possibility for one lucky winner who makes a donation to More Than Sport through a competition being run by Omaze.com

Pledges start at just $10 for 100 entries to the competition and the winner will not only get to surf and hang out with Shane and Jamie, but will also get the chance to watch things unfold at the invite only Surfing Champions Trophy. You will also share a dawn patrol with Shane, ride the giant Sasquatch blindfolded with J.O.B, and receive coaching and surfing tips from the pair of them whilst also enjoying the delights of the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa resort. The Maldives is truly one of the best places on the planet to surf so just imagine what it would be like to share it with two of the biggest names in the sport too.

As well as the basic $10 donation, there are loads of other pledge amounts available and all score you varying amounts of entries to the competition as well as some amazing goodies from wax bundles and J.O.B autographed beater boards to custom boards from JC Hawaii signed by Shane. At time of writing there are still 38 days left to enter the competition, and the lucky winner will also receive flights and the stay at Four Seasons Resort.

What are you waiting for, for just $10 you can help make a difference and improve lives whilst also giving yourself a chance to go on what will probably be the most entertaining and crazy surf trip you ever will. To check out the full details and enter head over to the Omaze website.

You can slaps see Jamie’s Instagram video revealing the trip.