Finolhu, Baa Atoll, Maldives

It’s back to the glamorous Baja beach days of the 1960s for this new all-villa resort in the UNESCO biosphere reserve of Baa Atoll in The Maldives. Located 30 minutes by speedboat from sister property Amilla Fushi (and a 30-minute sea plane ride from Male), the just-opened Finolhu features 125 villas (many overwater and more than half with private pools) arrayed by beach and lagoon on a pristine atoll claiming a 1.8km-long snow-white sand bank and impossibly blue waters.

The mood is retro beach party with a double-height club hosting classic movies, demode arcade games and a lively entertainment program featuring DJs, weekly pool parties and monthly full moon knees-up on the sand bar.

The resort is not just for the “beach-erati” however; families are catered for as well with a kids club and schedule of teen activities, including all manner of watersports, games and cooking classes.

The Marine Hub features an underwater biosphere and offers diving, snorkelling and guided ocean excursions. The room inventory encompasses 41 overwater lagoon villas with direct ocean access, 41 overwater ocean villas with private freshwater 6m swimming pools as well as one and two-bedroom beach digs with private pools.

Expect king beds, indoor and outdoor bathrooms, flat screen TV with satellite channels, free high-speed Wi-Fi, unguents from Britain’s popular Neal’s Yard Remedies and, in keeping with the retro vibe, vintage-style Marshall speakers.

DON’T MISS: Kicking back in the groovy Cove Club with fitness centre, beach gym and 10 “treatment divans”, each celebrating a diva of the 60s or 70s.

DINING IN AND OUT: Executive chef Nishantha Parana oversees the signature Kanusan, located on the tip of the island with wonderful Indian Ocean views and an overwater bar. The Asian kitchen dishes up dumplings, noodles, laksas, curries and stir fries. Try the abalone with Asian leaves or fried softshell crab with green mango salad. In the Baahaa Grill, chefs deliver the spice blends of North Africa, perhaps a Libyan fish tagine or mezze platter. The resort’s old-fashioned milk bar specialises in healthy snacks.

ASK THE CONCIERGE: Swim, stroll or jump a classic Maldivian dhoni boat to that long and lovely sand bank where you’ll find the rustic Fish & Crab Shack; settle in beneath the coconut palms with a bucket of prawns and glass of rose.

CHECKING IN: Villas from $US750 ($990). Full board meal plans $US120 a day; half board, $US70.

ACCOMMODATION BUZZ

A new luxury hotel brand will debut in Sydney’s Chatswood this December; Silkari Suites will feature 212 studios, apartments and suites; projects in the pipeline include a resort and spa on NSW’s south coast featuring a championship golf course • The remarkable landscape of the South Australian Flinders Ranges will serve as a salve for lucky guests signing up to meditation guru and stress
buster Jacqui Lewis’s mindfulness retreat
at Wild Bush Luxury’s Arkaba from September 4-7; the all-inclusive per-person cost of $3475 includes guided wildlife safaris, homestead digs and luxury swag camping
• Brisbane’s new Oaks Woolloongabba is posting an opening special of $119 a room with Wi-Fi; 5km from the CBD, the $47 million new-build features 80 serviced apartments with private balconies • New York’s prestigious Waldorf Astoria on swanky Park Avenue is set to close in 2017 for a mammoth three-year refurbishment that is expected to see up to two-thirds of the 1400-plus guestrooms transformed into private apartments.

Ballet Dancers Rocked the Maldivian Night at Per Aquum Resort

Until now the only type of ballet to be found in Maldives has been the graceful antics of manta rays.

That is about to change. An ensemble of ballet dancers from Russia’s renowned Mariinsky Ballet Company, including first soloist, Xander Parish, will swap St Petersburg’s Theatre Square for a tropical beach backdrop as part of Pulse, Per Aquum’s stream of avant-garde experiences.

Overwater stages will spring up at Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi and Per Aquum Niyama resorts in Maldives as performances of Swan Lake, Scheherazade, Giselle, Carmen and Don Quixote come to life over two magical nights.

Guests at Per Aquum Niyama will be able to enjoy an exclusive performance on 21 August with an encore at Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi on 23 August.

 Xander Parish, originally from Yorkshire in England, was the first British dancer to be accepted into the Mariinsky company and will be joined by his hand-picked ensemble including Oksana Bondareva and Renata Shakirova.

Courtesy of Per Aquum, budding ballerinas and ballerinos will also have a once in a lifetime chance to take centre stage themselves as Xander and his dancers will also be offering masterclasses at each resort during their visit.

Guests who book directly via Per Aquum’s website will receive exclusive benefits including an upgrade to half board at Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi and a 60-minute massage for two at Per Aquum Niyama, as well as an invitation to the pre-event cocktail party and a host of surprises including a signed copy of Xander’s book – from Per Aquum with love.

Luxury hits seaplanes as Maldivian begin operations of eighth seaplane

Maldives’ national airline, ‘Maldivian’ began operations of its eighth sea plane Wednesday, and adds luxury to the method of transportation which is frequently used by tourists in the Maldives. The DH-6 Twin Otter Aircraft has an interior designed for the comfort of its passengers. As such, the flight is air conditioned, and seats are reflective to that of private jets.

During a ceremony held at the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport to commence operations of the flight, Head of Administration of Island Aviation Service, Ali Nashath revealed that the opportunity to charter the plane is now available for interested parties. He added that both individuals and resorts would be able to charter the plane for their needs.

While it has only been two years since the company began seaplane services, they have achieved a number of goals they set out for the two years. Speaking to the media, Nashath stated that the company will be bringing in two more seaplanes this year, as it is one of their goals to have 10 planes in their fleet within the two years.

The company revealed that the ninth seaplane is slated to arrive late August or early September, while the tenth will arrive by November latest.

During the short ceremony, Sheeraz Rashid –Manager, Commercial and Facilities at Maldivian Seaplane – revealed that the company intends to add more luxury seaplanes to their fleet depending on the demand for them. He noted how the country had always needed one, as the demand for high-end resorts is extremely high in the Maldives.

W Maldives Appoints Chef Ilias Kafalis as New Director of Cuisine

Housing five vibrant dining venues in one resort is an uphill struggle, but W Maldives does it effortlessly. With the appointment of Ilias Kafalis as its new Director of Cuisine, they aim to raise the standards even higher as the experienced chef brings his expertise to the Maldives.

With 15 years of knowledge behind him, Chef Ilias has seen the industry in Greece, Cyprus, France, China and Qatar. He joins W Maldives from InterContinental Hotel & Resort - Doha, Qatar.

Born in city of Athens, Chef Ilias holds a degree in Culinary Arts from the Hospitality School of Galaxidi in Greece. His gastronomical career took its baby steps in Nice, France, followed by a three year culinary journey under the helm of a 3* Michelin Chef Alain Ducasse and 2* Michelin Chef Helene Darroze. In Paris he also worked for such luxury catering companies as Potel & Chabot, Saint Clair and Fauchon Epicerie.

“We are ecstatic to have Ilias join our resort and lead our very talented kitchen talents” said Anton Birnbaum, General Manager, W Maldives. “He has tremendous experience, a very impressive resume and possesses excellent leadership and management skills.”

2011 saw Chef Ilias’ talent reaching to millions as he participated in the Greek 2011 edition of the famous cooking show TOP CHEF, where he made it through to the semi-finals. He is also the author of the culinary book “A Look on the Modern Greek Cuisin”.

Famous figures such as Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni, Jacques Chirac and Andrés Iniesta – an FC Barcelona professional football player – have been lucky to have tasted the dishes prepared by the talented Chef.

Chef Ilias believes that this will provide him a new beginning in the Maldives, and aims to create a food culture that will concentrate on sourcing the best of the local produce.

“Taking the lead at W Maldives will truly mark a new beginning for me in the country. I aim to bring here my own menu of French Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of Asian and Arabic flavours. I would like to create a food culture that will concentrate on sourcing the best of the local produce and making everything we do sustainable by using the freshest and organic ingredients possible,” Chef Ilias said.

The private five star island which provides a new cutting edge, contemporary lifestyle experience and an exclusive escape boasts some of the most unique dining experiences in the industry. These include; Kitchen, Fire, Fish, and Private Dining. The first being a bistro, second a beachfront grill, third a seafood specialty and fourth the option to dine in seclusion as the resort takes care of it all.

Maldives resort offered exclusive access to new rooms to UK divers

Maldives-based Eriyadu Resort is offering exclusive access to its newly completed Beach Club rooms to UK divers booking with Regaldive.

The resort's 16 Beach Club rooms are in a two-storey block and boast panoramic views. Just minutes away from the main restaurant and dive centre, the Beach Club rooms are in a prime location.

Located on North Male Atoll, Eriyadu Island offers a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere and wonderful diving. The house reef around Eriyadu is breath-taking and offers a wide variety of marine life with more than 350 different species of fish.

Some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives are located nearby, making the island a diver's paradise.

BURROW, HAMILTON, MACHADO & AREEF PRIMED FOR MALDIVES ACTION

The 2016 Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy line up is complete and it is one of the most star studded the unique event has seen. Joining Pipe specialists Jamie O’Brien, former Championship Tour competitor and WSL deputy commissioner Travis Logie and 2015 event champion Shane Dorian will be Taj Burrow, Bethany Hamilton, Rob Machado and local champion Hussain ‘Iboo’ Areef.

Taj Burrow is a surfer that needs minimal introduction. Taj is known for his cheerful demeanor and dynamic surfing. The West Australian burst onto the scene in 1999 with a groundbreaking profile movie (SaboTaj) and impressive competitive results, Burrow finished No.2 in the world in his rookie season. He stayed on tour for almost two decades and notched up 12 CT victories. After calling this year’s Fiji Pro his last CT event, Burrow now has more time on his hands to attend more diverse events like the Four Seasons Maldives Champions Trophy.

“This event looks incredible,” Burrow said. “The waves in the Maldives look so fun and the resort looks amazing – there was no way I could knock this one back. The crew surfing in it this year is unreal. I can’t wait to get over there with my girls.”

Bethany Hamilton was born and raised on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai where surfing became a strong part of her life from a young age. Hamilton began to enjoy much competitive success from a young age winning a number of local and regional events. In 2003, Hamilton lost her arm when she was attacked by a tiger shark while surfing near her home. Exhibiting her trademark determination and love of surfing, Bethany returned to competition just seven months later, placing 5th in the 2004 NSSA nationals (winning it the following year).

A truly inspirational soul surfer, Bethany’s career highlights include: Hawaiian State Champion, T&C Pipeline Women’s Pro winner (2007), Surf n Sea Pipeline Women’s Pro winner (2014), and 3rd place at this year’s Fiji Women’s Pro. Hamilton’s competitive prowess coupled with her strong passion for surfing.

“I’m so excited to have fun surfing with the boys in the Maldives’ pristine waves,” Hamilton said. “It’ll be fun and interesting competing on twin and single fin boards. I’m Looking forward to a cruise time with my family and enjoying our time in paradise.”

Considered one of the smoothest surfers of his generation, Californian Rob Machado is an iconic soul surfer, spending over the last decade travelling the world surfing the most perfect waves he can find, usually on different and experimental equipment. Some people forget however that through the nineties, Machado was a solid fixture in the WSL CT top 10, even making it to World No. 2 in 1995 and was seen as a formidable opponent by his fellow competitors.

Machado’s ability on boards of all shapes and sizes will see him as a major threat when competition gets underway at the 2016 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy.

“I’ve always been a massive fan of this event,” Machado said. “Having the three different board types in one event is a really cool concept – it just sounds like an amazing event in an amazing location.”

Event coordinator, Mark Winson of Tropicsurf, predicts the most exciting year yet with this incredible and diverse line-up of competitors.

“There’s no guessing which way this will go, and that’s what makes it so exciting,” Winson said. “Spectators are in for an electrifying show of surfing skills.”

For the first time in the event’s history a local wildcard will go head to head with the world’s best in the main event. Hussain ‘Iboo’ Areef is widely recognised as Maldives’ national surfing hero. The reigning Domestic Champions Trophy winner and successful Maldives Open campaigner will be a legitimate threat on the world stage of the Champions Trophy.

“I am honoured to have this opportunity to surf in the Four Seasons Champions Trophy this year”, Areef said. “I am so stoked to be able to surf with my heroes. Thank you Four Seasons for giving a Maldivian a chance to participate in this event. I’m really looking forward to it”

Equally as exciting is the announcement that the upcoming Maldives Open surfing event will be used as the selection competition to determine the highest placed local surfer for future Champion Trophy’s. Mark Winson of Tropicsurf sees this as one of the most thrilling evolutions of the Champions Trophy.

“There is so much surfing talent here in the Maldives and the Maldives Open is widely regarded as the highest level of domestic competition in the country, Winson said. “It’s the perfect opportunity for local surfers to earn unequalled bragging rights, a share of US$25k prize money, and the Champions Trophy. I’m sure that Iboo and surfers just like him will be real contenders in this event for years to come”

Maldives Open contest organiser and president of the MBBA Fuku Areef explains that;

“Local surfers are really excited to see one of our own go head to head with the world’s best. It’s a tremendous opportunity for Iboo on the world stage and we’re confident that he will do really well. Furthermore, to now have the Maldives Open as the qualification event for future Champions Trophy’s is a great opportunity for any Maldivian surfer to put themselves up against the likes of surfers like Shane Dorian or Taj Burrow. That’s such a great step forward for local surfers and the Champions Trophy concept”

The 2016 Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy will run from August 8-14. For more information head to www.WorldSurfLeague.com, www.surfingchampionstrophy.com or check out the WSL app.

About the event: Unique in many ways, the Surfing Champions Trophy determines heat times based on age and tests skill across three divisions: single-fin, twin-fin, and thruster.  Places are granted by invitation-only to six world champions in a battle for inner-circle kudos and a US$25,000 prize pot. Each heat is run with a timing handicap per competitor’s age; so, the older the competitor the more time they have in the water.

The event is hosted aboard Four Seasons Explorer – the Maldives’ ultimate surf vessel. Fans can get up close to the action with onboard VIP passes, while the ‘surf tour’ experience continues with shoulder-rubbing events back at Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa, which plays host to the contest’s competitors, judges and Tropicsurf partners (the pros behind Kuda Huraa’s surf operation.)

Exploring the Magical Maldives...

For a first time visitor the Maldives must seriously blow people’s minds, the most effortlessly beautiful and serene setting – this place is heaven. Question is which island do you grace with your presence? I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Maldives before and I would have to say that when there, seaplane travel is generally better than a boat transfer as the aerial views are breathtaking and it makes it easy to island hop. Seaplanes can only travel in the daytime so any flights arriving after 4pm may need to take a speedboat.

The most important point for the Maldives is that if you are into water-sports stay somewhere with good house reef especially if people are keen to snorkel, otherwise the visit can be disappointing as there is not much snorkeling around some of the islands.

As a general rule, and most people would say this, I’d try to avoid June and July as the sea tends to be very choppy and the weather isn’t great. When the weather is better and the sea is calm you really see the Maldivian beauty in all its perfect light!

This beautifully exclusive island is a 40-minute flight from Male, located in the Baa Atoll, if you’re looking for sheer luxury – this is it. With breathtaking rooms and suites and a fabulous reef nearby for snorkeling this is an ideal place for anyone up for filling their days lazily with swimming, strolling and totally relaxing whilst wanting for nothing. You can wander around the island or cycle if you’re feeling slightly more adventurous to get from A to B.

One of the first things you notice is that the service is excellent and the staff seriously attentive, they focus on what makes their guests happy and at ease. The dining options are great, with a choice of three different restaurants and various bars on the island. Sitting with your feet dipped in the water whilst you sip your cocktails is so refreshing and such a great touch. The owner is a business man who fell in love with the Maldives but felt everywhere he stayed fell short of total seamless luxury so he created VELAA meaning everything should be perfect – and it is truly wonderful.

Worth noting is the incredible spa, perched out to sea on its own purpose built hut it looks as beautiful outside as it is in. The treatments are all ‘My Blend by Clarins’ and whatever part of the spa you’re in you are guaranteed beautiful views, there are little huts for treatments or out on stilts over the water, and an amazing Jacuzzi also perched out on the water. Worth trying is one of the cloud9 stress relief treatments and if you can face a shock, the snow room – bizarre to feel freezing in the beach setting but supposedly great for your energy levels and skin toning.

Sri Lanka’s Hayleys buys Maldive island resort for US$23mn

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s Hayleys group said it had bought an island resort in the Maldives for US$23 million which will complement its city hotels and resorts portfolio in Sri Lanka.

The acquisition was made by Hayleys subsidiary Luxury Resort (Pvt) Ltd., incorporated in the Maldives, a stock exchange filing said.

It bought Kudarah Island Resort Maldives located in South Ari Atoll which has 51 luxury villas close to the popular Kudarah Thila dive site.

The resort will be branded Amaya Kudarah Maldives and be under management of Amaya Leisure.

SURF'S UP AT GILI LANKANFUSHI

Escape the UAE heat this summer and enjoy a luxury surfing trip to the stunning Maldives

Dreaming of an active summer break, but also want to throw a little luxury into the mix? Luckily you can now get the best of both worlds at idyllic Maldives’ resort Gili Lankanfushi, with the opening of a new top-notch surf shack on the island.

Voted Trip Advisor’s 'Best Hotel in the World' just last year, Gili Lankanfushi shares the same stretch of reef as the famous ‘Jails’ surf break, where even the most experienced surfers can push their performance. Situated in the stunning North Male Atoll, some of the best breaks in the country lie right on its doorstep, a quick hop, step and boat ride from the resort’s front door (which is only a twenty minute boat ride from the airport, too).

Teaming up with renowned surfing company Tropicsurf, who specialise in combing the very best surfing with the very best resorts, you’ll be in the most experienced of hands thanks to bespoke lessons and surf trips tailored to your very own needs. What’s more, options range from an hours’ beginners lesson to all-day excursions, perfect for those looking to make a day of it. Sounds like the dream summer trip to us, and all just a quick four hour plane journey from Dubai! Count us in…

Stunning aerial views of Gili Lankanfushi

Sit back and relax on a hammock mid surf! 

OZEN at Maadhoo: The Atmosphere Indulgence

It’s yet another beautiful day in the luxurious paradise of Maldives, as it welcomes the brand new ‘OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo’ – the latest luxury opening in the island destination. The resort which opened its doors to the world yesterday brings lifestyle luxury to the Male’ Atoll, and is expected to hit 90% occupancy after being open for just three days.

OZEN at Maadhoo offers a unique and exclusive luxury holiday plan; The Atmosphere INDULGENCE™.  The Exotic 90 villa resort presents its guests with an all-encompassing Luxury Beach holiday experience with all elements of the perfect luxury holiday in the Maldives, fully taken care of, upfront.

About 35-minutes away by a Luxury speedboat from Malé International Airport, on the idyllic island of Maadhoo in South Malé Atoll, OZEN brings a complete hassle-free lifestyle holiday offering, to those seeking a tranquil escape from the daily grind. The Atmosphere INDULGENCE™ plan even includes an exquisite fine-dining experience within the first Underwater restaurant in Male` Atoll – M6m (Acronym for Minus Six Meters!), at no extra charge – a first in the Maldives which will prove on to be a unique feature of the resort.

“Today is a very special day as we welcome our first guests to OZEN by Atmosphere. It is gratifying to see all our hard work come to fruition and our vision coming to life. My team & I are fully excited & prepared to take care of our discerning guests during the coming weeks. We look forward to welcoming many more to our home away from home during the coming months and create lasting memories,” Mr. Venkata Giri, General Manager of OZEN said.

OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo is the third resort within the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts portfolio. After the successful launch of Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives in December 2013, the brand opened a wonderful & extremely popular four star superior resort – OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli in November 2015.

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts intends to expand their portfolio with another two resorts during the coming year!