VIP Guests at the Turtle Fest
Posted on June 5, 2016 at 5:45 am.
Written by Daniel Bosley
The Lhaviyani Turtle Fest took place this weekend on the island of Naifaru, bringing together groups from across the atoll to raise awareness about sea turtle conservation and waste management.
Visitors and NGOs from the capital Malé joined local people for entertainment and educational activities, though the guests of honour had been on the island for some time when the bodu beru drums signalled the start of proceedings.
Lhaviyani Turtle Fest 2016. Photo Credit: Naj
As songs were sung, faces painted, seminars given and games played, the VIPs kept out of sight. The dozens of eggs, laid by green turtles on the beach weeks earlier stayed out of the limelight, fenced in for protection from poachers by marine biologists based on the island.
The appearance of nests was as unusual as it was well-timed, providing the perfect backdrop as the rest of the community gathered to learn how to protect their endangered neighbours.
"It was a great opportunity to further raise awareness about the issues of egg poaching," said Fanny Vessaz of Naifaru's Atoll Marine Centre.
Five of the world's seven turtle species are found within the archipelago, all of which have been placed on the IUCN's red list for endangered species. Sighting the sleepy strokes of a hawksbill or an olive ridley is the highlight of many a visitors' trip, and the benefits of keeping the local population healthy is now a question of economics as well as ecology.
The eating of turtle eggs has been a part of Maldivian culture for centuries, though the consumption of turtle meat became widespread only after the removal on religious prohibitions in the late 1940s. Growing local consumption coupled with the rise in demand for tourist souvenirs in the 1970s put greater pressure on the turtle population.
But the waves of global tourism soon brought the conservation movement to the Maldives, with restrictions on the killing of turtles beginning in 1978. A 1995 moratorium on the catching and killing of turtle products was made permanent this year, while a ban on egg collection in specific islands has just been expanded to the whole country.
Rather than relying on legislation, however, the events organisers hope to spread the message that awareness-raising alongside waste management is key to protecting the species.
"In addition to the hunting of these sea turtles, marine debris are very dangerous," explained the marine centre's Ben Harris. "Therefore, preserving sea turtles has two faces – raising awareness about these animals to prevent poaching and about waste management to mitigate the marine debris issue."
Atoll Awareness
Presentations given during the event highlighted the damage caused to local turtle populations by marine litter, with plastic bags often mistaken for jellyfish and eaten. The frequent discovery of young turtles stranded in 'ghost nets' was also discussed. Not used by Maldivian fishermen, the nets can drift thousands of miles before injuring and killing turtles in Maldivian waters, and should be collected whenever found.
The festival – the first of its kind in the atoll – saw participation from organisations such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the UNDP, the IUCN, conservation groups, and local schools and colleges. Nearby resorts – which have become some of the main players in local turtle conservation – were also present, with staff from Amilla Fushi, Four Seasons and Kuredu all helping to spread the message.
Just opposite the colourful stalls lay a 20 foot turtle diagram, its frame filled in with locally collected waste to demonstrate the importance of better refuse management. The fishing nets in the head will take 40 years to break down, explained a handout being distributed nearby. 450 years will be needed to break down the plastic bottles in the flipper, and 20 years for the plastic bags in the stomach.
The beneficiaries of the enhanced awareness sloshed around in the tanks of the marine centre behind the festival. Unwanted pets nursed to full strength, these young turtles are being hand-reared until they are a year old, after which they will spend a few weeks in an open water cage preparing for their eventual release.
The natural survival rate of these juvenile turtles is 1 in 100, and that of those still protected in the nest 1 in 1000.
Everyone from the Lhaviyani Turtle Fest 2016 will try to ensure that human activities don't further narrow these odds. Everyone inside the eggs will appreciate the support.
Tags: accommodation, aerial, agoda, air taxi, all inclusive resort, amazing maldives, Asia, atoll, attraction, Beach, beach holiday, bed and breakfast, best hotels, blue lagoon, boat, booking, budget, bungalows, canoeing, charter, chartering, coconut palm, Cruising, destinations, discover maldives, dive locations, dive spots, Diving, excursions, fishing, Guest house, holiday, holiday packages, holiday reviews, Holidays, Honeymoon, honeymoon destinations, honeymoon packages, hospitality, Hotel, hotels, house reef, Indian Ocean, Island, island life, island nation, jet ski, lagoon, leisure, Lhaviyani Turtle Fest 2016, liveaboard, luxury, luxury hotels, luxury villas, Maldív-szigetek, maldivas, Maldive, maldive islands, maldiven, Maldiverna, Maldives, maldives accommodation, maldives holiday, maldives honeymoon, Maldives Hotels, maldives island, maldives luxury, maldives package, maldives photos, maldives picture, maldives resorts, Maldivian, Maldivoj, Malediivit, Malediven, Malediwy, Naifaru, Ocean, paradise, Pool, pristine beaches, private charters, promotions, renewal of vows, Resort, resort aerial, resort island, Resorts, Restaurants, retreats, retreats in paradise, safari, Sand, scuba diving, sea, seaplane, services, snorkelling, Spa, spa treatment, special offers, sunny side of life, Sunset, sunshine, surf breaks, Surfing, Swimming, top beaches, tour, tour agents, tourism, Travel, travel agents, travel guide, travel tips, trip, tropical, tropical paradise, Turtle Fest, underwater, Vacation, visitmaldives, water bungalows, water sports, white sandy beaches, windsurfing, yacht, yoga, Мальдивы, مالديف, मालदीव, モルディブ, 马尔代夫, 몰디브
Sale Coordinator
Posted on June 3, 2016 at 10:29 am.
Located upon a tropical island in the North Huvadhoo Atoll, this beachfront resort is truly a tropical paradise featuring palm coconuts, banyan trees, tropical flowers, and is surrounded by marvelous beaches. Offering the ultimate Maldivian experience, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is the first eco-friendly resort that is awarded the Green Globe certification in the construction and resort operations.
The property boast 50 villas that are beautifully designed to cater to the needs of all their guests. Offering an excellent variety of villas including Park Villas, Park Villas with Pool, and Park Water Villas, each unit has a private deck, living area, private garden, outdoor shower and bath, entertainment system, and TV.
The resort offers two excellent dining venues, The Dining Room and The Island Grill, offering excellent cuisine with imported beverages. A magnificent place of stay, the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa will give you a memorable one.
Apply before June 07, 2016
CV's sent with an application for another suitable position within the resort will not be considered.
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Kurumba Maldives Celebrates International Children's Day 2016
For the fourth consecutive year, Kurumba Maldives celebrated International Children's Day 2016 by welcoming 30 Maldivian children from the orphanage "Kudakudhinge Hiyaa" residing in Villingili island. Aged 9 to 16 years old, the children enjoyed an exciting afternoon at the Resort.
After a fun speedboat ride from Villingili island to Kurumba, the children were welcomed at the Conference Hall by Kurumba Maldives' Bodu Beru team, who performed a few songs for them. Then the children enjoyed a delicious buffet and sweet treats prepared by Kurumba's team of chefs, whilst some of our team members sang and danced for them. This encouraged the children to do the same in return. This was then followed by a Magician Show and fun team games, accompanied by Kurumba's mascots.
Ali Farooq, Assistant Food & Beverage Manager of Kurumba Maldives stated: "Kurumba Maldives endeavors to support our local community through events and projects like this. This year, we combined Maahefun – celebration marking the beginning of the Ramadan – and International Children's Day for the kids to enjoy."
Kurumba Maldives has an ongoing commitment to Kudakudhinge Hiyaa and over the past 2 years has provided numerous improvements to the orphanage's residential areas. These include upgrades to the kitchen, laundry, play areas, CCTV and installing new computers, along with providing ongoing consumables such as linen, cleaning equipment, toys and complimentary repairs and maintenance.
About Kurumba Maldives
Kurumba Maldives is set on a tropical island in the North Male' Atoll, conveniently situated a brief 10 minute speedboat 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 is the hallmarks of this classic Maldivian resort.
The resort offers an array of nine 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 unparalleled choice of dining experiences 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 families alike.
Over the years, Kurumba has played host to a variety of foreign dignitaries and Heads of State, including Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and former US Presidents Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. It has also been the recipient of numerous accolades and awards, including Maldives Leading Hotel (World Travel Awards) in 2010 and 2011, and Trip Advisor's Travellers' Choice Awards for Best Service and Luxury (2013) as well as the number one All-Inclusive resort in Asia (2014 and 2015), and number one best All-Inclusive resort in the world (2015).
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An Island to call your own: Introducing Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll
Off limits to everyone; limitless to you
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world's leading luxury hospitality company, today announced Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll, the first private island in the company's portfolio and the world's only exclusive-use UNESCO hideaway located in a World Biosphere Reserve.
Opening in late 2016, this secluded five-acre (two-hectare) oasis transcends the private island experience. "Entirely yours" from the moment of booking, the island's seven bedrooms, Beach House, Dive Centre, Oceans of Consciousness Spa and 62-foot (18.9-metre) yacht extend the spoils of the Maldives' only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to up to 22 guests on an exclusive basis.
Truly capturing the imagination, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah couples legendary care with limitless living. Alongside the Four Seasons Private Jet and the company's array of Extraordinary Experiences, the island showcases the company's commitment to offering the world's most discerning guests the best of a destination, while surrounded by the personalised service and attention to detail that are the hallmarks of Four Seasons.
"Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah will redefine exclusive luxury, opening as a tropical haven for those who seek an unprecedented experience of private luxury alongside Four Seasons legendary service," said Mike Crawford, President, Asia Pacific. "As the latest addition to our Extraordinary Experiences collection, the island speaks to the company's commitment to perfecting the guest experience and our ability to re-imagine the limits of luxury travel in creative and innovative ways. It's just one of the many ways we're constantly evolving our offerings to deliver the kind of memorable, fully-customised and exclusive experiences our guests want and value."
"At Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, guests can design their own experience," commented Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. "They can treat the island as a space to spend captivating moments with family and friends; a place to play to the extreme and explore to their heart's content; a secluded sanctuary to retreat and spa; the most exclusive VIP venue to celebrate and party; or an inspiring landscape to meet and motivate."
Maldives Private Island at Voavah, Baa Atoll
Many experiences – from year-round manta ray sightings to mind-expanding kids' activities – focus on the surrounding UNESCO territory, guided by a team that has already spent a decade protecting it. Indeed, Four Seasons developed Voavah in close coordination with local environmental consultancies to ensure proper maintenance of the balance between man and nature, culture and conservation – in keeping with the prerequisites of the Atoll's UNESCO Biosphere designation.
Voavah days revolve around the double-storey Beach House and adjacent white sands, crystal waters and abundant reef – all exemplary even by Maldivian standards. The Beach House hub offers an open-air living room, dining room, kitchen, pool deck, gym, library and loft lounge, while seven bedrooms span three separate locations: on the beach, over the lagoon or elevated in panoramic Mezzanine Suites.
As are all aspects of Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, dining on the island is tailored to the mood of island guests, meal by meal, from poolside to The Beach House dining room, at the water's edge or on a sandbank. A 62-foot (18.9-metre) private yacht – Voavah Summer – invites exploration of a dazzling and undisturbed UNESCO territory. From diving with whale sharks to snorkelling with year-round manta rays, swimming with neighbourhood turtles, fishing for dinner, visiting local islands, surfing unknown breaks and cruising into breathtaking Baa Atoll sunsets, the possibilities on Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah are endless.
Expanding horizons, The Oceans of Consciousness Spa offers bespoke over-water spa therapies and rituals; yoga, meditation and pranayama classes; high-end beauty treatments; and Rossano Ferretti hair consultant on call.
In the mood for a party? On Voavah, there are no neighbours, no paparazzi and the possibilities are endless. Groups can create one-of-a-kind birthday surprises and celebrations, fly in big name acts or create their own mini music festival or beach party, all perfected with a sprinkling of Voavah magic.
The island is accessible via a 40-minute seaplane transfer from Malé International Airport, or a 20-minute speedboat ride from Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah will be the fourth addition to the company's Maldives collection, including Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, and Four Seasons Explorer.
Four Seasons explorer near island
The experience of Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah will set the benchmark for private island travel, both due to the transfixing natural beauty of the island and the highly bespoke, privacy-protected service that epitomises Four Seasons. It is the very definition of an Extraordinary Experience. Such offerings invite travellers to see the world differently, with a level of access that is otherwise unavailable. The current collection of Four Seasons Extraordinary Experiences includes a wide range of unforgettable options, including those in:
Maui – Guests will soar by helicopter above towering waterfalls, rainforested peaks and a dormant volcano before touching down on Hana Ranch for a private tour and foraging expedition through the working ranch and organic farm. Guests will then enjoy a private lunch prepared by Four Seasons Executive Chef Craig Dryhurst and Hana Ranch's Chef Jon Watson featuring ingredients freshly picked from the farm.
San Diego – Armed with a waterproof camera and wetsuit, guests will capture the beauty of coastal California from sea to sky through an underwater photography expedition with Aaron Chang, considered by many to be the creator of modern surf and ocean photography. Following a morning of diving, guests will join Chang in a helicopter tour above the San Diego coastline to capture the perfect aerial shot of the breaking shore.
Cairo at Nile Plaza – Guests will relive the 7,000-year history of Egypt and the Pharaonic Empire by enjoying a spectacular sound and light show of the Pyramids at night. Narration and light displays will bring the history and mystery of the Egyptian empire to life, recounting the legends of ancient Pharaohs and the majestic Sphinx. Set against the backdrop of the Great Pyramid, guests will then enjoy a private dinner under the stars while listening to the gorgeous strains of the private Cairo Symphony Orchestra.
Cap-Ferrat – Guests will enjoy a private tour of Villa Santo Sospir, the legendary French Riviera estate that formerly belonged to socialite Francine Weisweiller and was once the favourite gathering place for celebrities, writers and artists such as Coco Chanel, Marlene Dietrich and Pablo Picasso. After exploring the Villa and taking in its many whimsical mosaics, murals and frescos, guests will enjoy a private dinner, prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Didier Aniès, overlooking the Mediterranean on the estate terrace.
Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru – Guests will channel their inner Jacques Cousteau during a journey of discovery in the underwater world of manta rays and whale sharks. Led by some of the world's leading experts on manta rays, guests will cruise the turquoise waters of the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, learning to spot the creatures in the water and helping to record essential environmental information and take identification photos. Taking their oceanic study to new depths, guests will then free-dive into the Indian Ocean to observe the manta rays and whale sharks in their natural habitat.
Sunset Water Villa, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Hangzhou – Guests will journey back in time on a traditional Chinese rowboat ride through one of Eastern China's most lush and fabled lakes, taking in majestic mountains, ancient temples, traditional pagodas and graceful bridges while sipping premium Hangzhou tea and sampling local delicacies from Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake.
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Anantara's Coral Protection and Regeneration Programme
Posted on May 26, 2016 at 8:44 am.
Anantara has launched their latest coral protection and regeneration programme, aiming and provide a safe environment in which life on the reef can thrive.
Named, 'Taking A Holistic Approach To Reef Protection' – HARP – the 5-year scheme is headed by marine biologists from Coral Reef CPR – conservationists, biologists and ecologists whose mission is to reduce threats and promote sustainable management of reef ecosystems.
"Some reefs in the Maldives are experiencing unusually high water temperatures which is causing coral bleaching," explained the organisation's lead scientist Dr Andrew Buckner.
"These coral animals contain symbiotic single-celled algae within their tissues, which provide the coral with up to 90% of its energy. Once stressed, the coral expels these algae, causing them to turn completely white."
Snorkelling, Anantara Kihavah Villas
Dr Bruckner noted that, despite the bleaching of the reef in the Maldives, the coral can recover. The atoll archipelago suffered extensive bleaching as a result of the intense 1998 El Nino, while the recently ended El Nino was said to have been the strongest in 20 years.
In addition to monitoring the water conditions at 10 points in South Malé and Baa atoll this year, the HARP programme saw the removal of the harmful Crown of Thorn starfish from around Anantara's three South Malé atoll properties in 2015. Following this project, Anantara have produced and distributed a manual outlining best practice for other resorts to follow.
As a result of this year's observations, Coral Reef CPR have discovered that temperatures on the reef have exceeded 30°C, rising as high as 32 – 33 °C in lagoonal environments.
"Under normal conditions, sea water temperatures should be 3-4 degrees cooler at depth but these high temperatures are extending beyond 35 metres depth," noted Dr Bruckner.
As well as being caused by the recent El Nino, Dr Bruckner noted that the sea has been unusually calm, allowing UV light to penetrate further down the reef.
"Due to stressful conditions corals in some areas in the Maldives began to pale in colour at the beginning of April and several sensitive species bleached white. By mid-April between 60-80% of corals on the reef we were monitoring were fully bleached or a very light yellow in colour."
Aerial, Anantara Kihavah Villas
On a more positive note, however, the researchers have discovered some corals that appear to have adapted to higher temperatures, with further plans made to analyse and encourage the wider growth of these so-called 'super corals'.
The HARP programme is set to build upon Anantara's award-winning conservation work, which has included coral regeneration programmes in place since 2011. Guests at Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli, Anantara Kihavah Villas or Naladhu Maldives can join the marine biologists on excursions as well as help to fund the project through the company's 'Dollars for Deeds' initiative.
The scheme sees guests invited to donate one dollar for each night of their stay, which is then matched dollar for dollar by Minor Hotels. Subsequent funds raised in the Maldives are committed over the next five years to the key areas of marine and coastal environment protection, environmental education, and community welfare.
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Arena Lodge Maldives
For travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of the Maldives, Arena Lodge Maldives is the perfect choice. The excitement of the city center is only 17 km away. Visitors to the hotel can take pleasure in touring the city's top attractions: Cocoa Thila Dive Site, Guraidhoo Kandu South, Last Stops.
At Arena Lodge Maldives, every effort is made to make guests feel comfortable. To do so, the hotel provides the best in services and amenities. A selection of top-class facilities such as free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour room service, room service, airport transfer, babysitting can be enjoyed at the hotel.
In addition, all guestrooms feature a variety of comforts. Many rooms even provide internet access – wireless, internet access – wireless (complimentary), non smoking rooms, air conditioning, wake-up service to please the most discerning guest. Throughout the day you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the water sports (motorized), water sports (non-motorized). Whatever your purpose of visit, Arena Lodge Maldives is an excellent choice for your stay in the Maldives.
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MATATO Maldives Travel Awards 2016 Press Release
Posted on May 19, 2016 at 5:53 pm.
Maldives Travel Awards by the Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO) will be organized and hosted by Think Advertising, on 22 May 2016 at Hotel Jen Malé Maldives.
The (MATATO) Maldives Travel Awards is a recognized label initiated with the idea of MATATO providing the tourism sector of Maldives with recognition for their facilities and service excellence provided to guests.
Awards are presented to nominees in different categories on various sector and standard basis. The Maldives Travel Awards aim to encourage & raise service standards within the Maldivian Tourism industry.
Award Categories:
LEADING LOCAL HOTEL/RESORT BRAND
LEADING FAMILY RESORT
LEADING LUXURY RESORT
LEADING ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT
MOST ROMANTIC RESORT
LEADING F&B RESORT
LEADING SURF RESORT
LEADING DESIGNER RESORT
LEADING DIVE RESORT
LEADING BEACH RESORT
LEADING ACTIVITY / WATER SPORTS CENTRE
Travel / Technology
LEADING MARKETING PROGRAMME
LEADING CSR PROGRAMME
LEADING TOURIST GUESTHOUSE ISLAND
LEADING BUSINESS HOTEL
Wellness / Spa
LEADING WELLNESS & SPA RESORT
LEADING WELLNESS & SPA BRAND / CHAIN
LEADING LIVEABOARD BRAND
LEADING LIVEABOARD
Aviation / Transport
LEADING DOMESTIC TRANSPORT PROVIDER
LEADING DOMESTIC AIRLINE
LEADING DIVE SCHOOL / CENTER
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Costa neoClassica to cruise into the Maldives this December
The new and exclusive two-week itinerary of Costa neoClassica to discover the colors of India and the beaches of the Maldives, for a unique and intense experience of culture and relaxation.
Departures from December 15, 2016 to March 10, 2017 with flights to Malé and Mumbai, and the possibility of dividing the cruise into two distinct 7-day segments.
Costa Cruises sets its sights on the Indian Ocean, announcing the arrival, in the 2016-2017 winter season, of a totally new itinerary in the array of cruises and package tours involving this destination. From December 15, 2016 to March 10, 2017, Costa neoClassica will depart from Malé or Mumbai—easily reached via flights —on an exclusive two-week journey in the Indian Ocean, around the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and India.
Created for all those travelers who prefer exotic and fascinating destinations and who seek new worlds and cultures, the "Colors of India, between Yin and Yang" itinerary will provide a unique and intense experience to those who wish to rediscover a closeness with nature and with the spirituality of ancient and different cultures, in the comfort and security of a cruise. Not just an escape from winter towards warm and sunny beaches, but an authentic cultural experience.
The cruise offered on board Costa neoClassica includes leisurely stops and overnight stays in order to allow our guests to enjoy a complete and intense experience, with the possibility of more than one excursion in the same location. It is the perfect cruise for discovering the fascinating contrasts of faraway destinations, beautiful beaches, and unchecked nature in a land that is a crossroads of religions and spirituality.
The itinerary starts out in the Maldives, where the ship will remain for two days at Malé, among the white atolls, shimmering beaches and blue waters of the coral reef. From Malé, thanks to Costa excursions, guests will be able to sail to Paradise Island Resort, an island wholly dedicated to well-being, beauty and relaxation.
Dolphin Pool, Paradise Island Resort & Spa
The next stop will be Sri Lanka, the island nation also known as Ceylon. Guests will go ashore at Colombo, where they will visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, one of the best-known attractions of the island: a 25-hectare park that the government of Sri Lanka has set aside for the care of elephants abandoned in the forest, of which there are more than 60 today.
From Colombo we head to India, with its thousand-year-old culture and its intense colors. The first stop in India will be Goa, known worldwide for its spectacular beaches and for its Portuguese colonial architecture. This territory, which is visited every year by hundreds of thousands of Indian and foreign tourists, is considered one of the 21 hotspots of biodiversity in the world. Guests will be able to choose a number of excursions, including a tour of the old city and of the capital, Panjim, and a visit to the Basilica de Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Costa neoClassica will then head for Mumbai, where it will stop for two whole days in order that its guests might fully savor the distinctive contrasts of the city. This fascinating and chaotic metropolis, capital of the state of Maharashtra, has the highest population of all of India's cities: here Costa guests will be able to admire the main attractions, including the Banganga Tank, an immense basin fed by the underwater river Bhogwati, where the faithful go to pray.
Heading back down the Indian coast, the journey will continue to New Mangalore before arriving at Cochin, in the federal state of Kerala, one of the main maritime ports in the country, where the ship will stop for two whole days. Among the possible excursions to choose from are a visit by tuk-tuk to the village of Kumbalangi and a houseboat ride in the Kerala Backwaters, in amongst the tropical canals of the Cochin hinterland, an incredibly vast system of lagoons rich in mangrove swamps and rainforests. Costa neoClassica will then return to Malé, ending the itinerary back at the Maldives, where our guests will be able to catch their flights back to Italy.
Once again, Costa Cruises confirms its ability to create exclusive itineraries in order to satisfy the needs of its guests, who will also have the choice of dividing the cruise in two separate weeklong segments. The complete itinerary offers the additional option of embarking at Mumbai, with all the same calls.
Tags: accommodation, aerial, agoda, air taxi, all inclusive resort, amazing maldives, Asia, atoll, attraction, Beach, beach holiday, bed and breakfast, best hotels, blue lagoon, boat, booking, budget, bungalows, canoeing, charter, chartering, coconut palm, costa, costa cruises, Costa neoClassica, Cruising, destinations, discover maldives, dive locations, dive spots, Diving, excursions, fishing, Guest house, holiday, holiday packages, holiday reviews, Holidays, Honeymoon, honeymoon destinations, honeymoon packages, hospitality, Hotel, hotels, house reef, Indian Ocean, Island, island life, island nation, jet ski, lagoon, leisure, liveaboard, luxury, luxury hotels, luxury villas, Maldív-szigetek, maldivas, Maldive, maldive islands, maldiven, Maldiverna, Maldives, maldives accommodation, maldives holiday, maldives honeymoon, Maldives Hotels, maldives island, maldives luxury, maldives package, maldives photos, maldives picture, maldives resorts, Maldivian, Maldivoj, Malediivit, Malediven, Malediwy, Ocean, paradise, paradise island resort, Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Pool, pristine beaches, private charters, promotions, renewal of vows, Resort, resort aerial, resort island, Resorts, Restaurants, retreats, retreats in paradise, safari, Sand, scuba diving, sea, seaplane, services, snorkelling, Spa, spa treatment, special offers, sunny side of life, Sunset, sunshine, surf breaks, Surfing, Swimming, top beaches, tour, tour agents, tourism, Travel, travel agents, travel guide, travel tips, trip, tropical, tropical paradise, underwater, Vacation, visitmaldives, water bungalows, water sports, white sandy beaches, windsurfing, yacht, yoga, Мальдивы, مالديف, मालदीव, モルディブ, 马尔代夫, 몰디브
Kanbili GH
Kanbili GH is located on the island of Himmafushi in North Malé Atoll, 15km away from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. The property provides transfers from the airport by boat, which takes approximately 20 minutes. Free WiFi is available in public areas. Complimentary transport to the bikini beach is provided. Each room here will provide you with air conditioning, a balcony and a terrace. Private bathroom comes with a shower. You can enjoy sea view from the room. Extras include a minibar and cable channels. At Kanbili you will find a shared lounge and spa bath. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including diving, windsurfing and snorkelling. The Male City is a 45 minute ferry ride away.
Tags: accommodation, aerial, agoda, air taxi, all inclusive resort, amazing maldives, Asia, atoll, attraction, Beach, beach holiday, bed and breakfast, best hotels, blue lagoon, boat, booking, budget, bungalows, canoeing, charter, chartering, coconut palm, Cruising, destinations, discover maldives, dive locations, dive spots, Diving, excursions, fishing, Guest house, Himmafushi, holiday, holiday packages, holiday reviews, Holidays, Honeymoon, honeymoon destinations, honeymoon packages, hospitality, Hotel, hotels, house reef, Indian Ocean, Island, island life, island nation, jet ski, kaafu atoll, Kanbili, Kanbili GH, Kanbili Guesthouse, lagoon, leisure, liveaboard, luxury, luxury hotels, luxury villas, Maldív-szigetek, maldivas, Maldive, maldive islands, maldiven, Maldiverna, Maldives, maldives accommodation, maldives holiday, maldives honeymoon, Maldives Hotels, maldives island, maldives luxury, maldives package, maldives photos, maldives picture, maldives resorts, Maldivian, Maldivoj, Malediivit, Malediven, Malediwy, Ocean, paradise, Pool, pristine beaches, private charters, promotions, renewal of vows, Resort, resort aerial, resort island, Resorts, Restaurants, retreats, retreats in paradise, safari, Sand, scuba diving, sea, seaplane, services, snorkelling, Spa, spa treatment, special offers, sunny side of life, Sunset, sunshine, surf breaks, Surfing, Swimming, top beaches, tour, tour agents, tourism, Travel, travel agents, travel guide, travel tips, trip, tropical, tropical paradise, underwater, Vacation, visitmaldives, water bungalows, water sports, white sandy beaches, windsurfing, yacht, yoga, Мальдивы, مالديف, मालदीव, モルディブ, 马尔代夫, 몰디브
Soneva reveals details of its newest resort — Soneva Jani
24 water villas and 1 island villa to open in October 2016 in the Maldives
All villas feature a retractable roof for stargazing
The resort is set in a 5.6km private lagoon
Soneva, the world-leading luxury resort operator, has revealed details of its newest resort, Soneva Jani, opening in October 2016 in the Maldives. The brand's newest luxury resort offering will comprise 24 water villas and one island villa, with additional island villas planned at a later stage.
Inspired by a word that means wisdom in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru, which is part of an uninhabited five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll. The highlight of the resort is its location within a 5.6 kilometer lagoon of crystal clear waters with uninterrupted 360° views of the Indian Ocean. The main island is fringed by pristine beaches and blanketed with lush tropical greenery.
Every water villa has a private pool and opens to its own stretch of lagoon, with some villas featuring slides going directly from the top deck into the lagoon below. The highlight of the villas is the retractable roof in the master bedroom, which slides back at the touch of a button so that guests can lie in bed and stargaze. Like all other Soneva properties, the spacious villas feature beautifully designed interiors by Eva Shivdasani, one of Soneva's co-founders, and are made from the highest quality sustainable materials.
"When we opened Soneva Gili more than 15 years ago, it stood out as a unique and new concept in luxury travel. It is my belief that Soneva Jani is even more revolutionary. There are many small details and improvements, for example at Soneva Gili, guests would often sleep on the top deck so that they could sleep under the stars. In each Soneva Jani Water Retreat or Reserve the master bedroom roof slides back at the press of a button. It closes automatically if it rains," said Sonu Shivdasani, founder and CEO of Soneva.
"We live in an ever more crowded and developed world. Soneva Jani is one of the lowest density resorts in the world. Just 25 Villas are built in an area that stretches nearly five kilometers. It is not an island resort. It is a lagoon with five private islands where only one of these will have development. When designing and building Soneva Jani, I was very mindful that when we open, the area should seem as natural and beautiful as the first day I laid eyes on it," he added. "Soneva Jani is one of the most anticipated hotel openings in the Indian Ocean this year. We have already witnessed a huge amount of interest, with the first few weeks fully booked within a few days of opening the booking system to the global travel trade."
Soneva Jani will include all of Soneva's popular features including a Spa, a dive centre, an observatory, a children's den, an Eco Centro, organic gardens and an outdoor Cinema Paradiso. The cinema will be the first 'silent cinema' in the Maldives, as guests will be given Bluetooth earphones to watch movies so as not to disturb the nesting wildlife in the area.
The resort will serve global cuisine at five dining outlets, and will feature Soneva's ubiquitous cheese, chocolate, ice-cream and charcuterie rooms that are complimentary for all guests. Various destination and specialty dining experiences will also be available.
"Soneva Jani is a place of incredible natural beauty. The waters in the lagoon have the most vibrant shades of blue that I have not seen anywhere else in the Maldives. We have an extensive array of marine life, including turtles, rays and occasionally dolphins, and the lagoon is an excellent place for kayaking, sailing and swimming as it is calm, shallow and extends for miles and miles. The villas are stunning and include all the attention to detail that Soneva is renowned for. Construction is progressing quickly and we are on track for an opening in October 2016," said Olivia Richli, the Pre-Opening and General Manager of Soneva Jani.
Soneva Jani includes 18 units of one-bedroom Water Retreats, four units of two-bedroom Water Retreats, one three-bedroom Water Retreat, 1 three-bedroom Water Reserve, and one four-bedroom Island Reserve.
In constructing the resort, Soneva kept its environmental impact as low as possible. The pools use seawater with UV filtration and the villas have been built over the sandy floors of the lagoon, with no damage to any part of the reef. Furthermore, solar PV will be a significant source of power generation at the resort, all waste-water will be collected and treated on-site, and water will also be produced on-site, including drinking water. Soneva's Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre will ensure that waste is recycled, while the extensive vegetable garden will give local produce for the restaurants based on organic principles.
The resort's soft opening is planned for October 01, 2016, while the official opening date is fixed at November 05, 2016. Bookings are now available from October 01, 2016 onwards.
In addition to Soneva Jani, Soneva owns and operates Soneva Fushi in the Maldives and Soneva Kiri in Thailand. Soneva in Aqua, an ultra luxurious yacht offering an experiential travel experience, was launched in the Maldives in 2015 and sails out of Soneva Fushi. For more information about Soneva visit www.soneva.com
Tags: accommodation, aerial, agoda, air taxi, all inclusive resort, amazing maldives, Asia, atoll, attraction, Beach, beach holiday, bed and breakfast, best hotels, blue lagoon, boat, booking, budget, bungalows, canoeing, charter, chartering, coconut palm, Cruising, destinations, discover maldives, dive locations, dive spots, Diving, excursions, fishing, Guest house, holiday, holiday packages, holiday reviews, Holidays, Honeymoon, honeymoon destinations, honeymoon packages, hospitality, Hotel, hotels, house reef, Indian Ocean, Island, island life, island nation, jet ski, lagoon, leisure, liveaboard, luxury, luxury hotels, luxury villas, Maldív-szigetek, maldivas, Maldive, maldive islands, maldiven, Maldiverna, Maldives, maldives accommodation, maldives holiday, maldives honeymoon, Maldives Hotels, maldives island, maldives luxury, maldives package, maldives photos, maldives picture, maldives resorts, Maldivian, Maldivoj, Malediivit, Malediven, Malediwy, Ocean, paradise, Pool, pristine beaches, private charters, promotions, renewal of vows, Resort, resort aerial, resort island, Resorts, Restaurants, retreats, retreats in paradise, safari, Sand, scuba diving, sea, seaplane, services, snorkelling, soneva, Soneva Fushi, soneva in aqua, Soneva Jani, Soneva Kiri, Spa, spa treatment, special offers, sunny side of life, Sunset, sunshine, surf breaks, Surfing, Swimming, top beaches, tour, tour agents, tourism, Travel, travel agents, travel guide, travel tips, trip, tropical, tropical paradise, underwater, Vacation, visitmaldives, water bungalows, water sports, white sandy beaches, windsurfing, yacht, yoga, Мальдивы, مالديف, मालदीव, モルディブ, 马尔代夫, 몰디브