Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru

Cast away on a secluded coral atoll in the paradisiacal Maldives archipelago, you experience a sense of magic, romance and tranquility at Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru that’s second to none. Time moves imperceptibly, while the gentle touch of the warm sun makes you recall wondrous dreams once forgotten. You’ll find paradise here – catching the salty tang of the sea breeze as you wake up in the morning, swimming in between the wondrous sea creatures that dwell forty feet below, luxuriating in the pampered comfort of your own elegant villa and marveling at the magnificent splash of stars in the night.

Location

North Male’ Atoll

Distance from the Airport

17 Kilometers (20 minutes from Airport by Speedboat)

Number of Rooms

48

Credit Cards Accepted

Amex, Visa, Master cards

Room Types

Vabbinfaru Villa

Stay at the lavish Vabbinfaru Villa for an extravagant beach hideaway with a personal touch. Enjoy the luxury of a large landscaped garden with ocean views, al fresco living pavilion, beach ‘sala’ pavilion, sundeck, jet pool and outdoor shower. Ample space makes the Vabbinfaru Villa ideal for small wedding parties; yet, priceless privacy can be found within each villa. Sit back and let the shooting stars fall into your lap.

Deluxe Beachfront Villa

The natural beauty of Vabbinfaru Island can now be experienced in the plush comfort of the new Deluxe Beachfront Villa. The stylish interior has been designed to be bright and breezy – it opens on to a large sundeck at the front that leads to the powder-soft beach and into a glitzy bathroom at the back with an outdoor jet pool and garden shower. Here you can take part in the play of nature and count the hues of the changing sky, as the stunning sunrise, sunset and star-filled night sky leave their shimmering reflections on the lagoon.

Deluxe Oceanview Villa

The new Deluxe Oceanview Villa invites you to relish the heavenly tranquility of an enchanting garden from your own pavilion. While featuring the same facilities and comfort as a Deluxe Beachfront Villa, the secluded garden setting of the new Deluxe Oceanview Villa is much treasured for its generous space, privacy and shady greenery. The beach peeps through the leaves and entices you to soak up a golden tan, laze around and see your footsteps disappear in the sand as the winds blow from the sea. A heavenly place to pamper yourself with an in-villa BBQ.

Beachfront Villa

With its private outdoor jet pool and sundeck, the Beachfront Villa is ideally suited for a romantic getaway. Watch the spectacular ocean vista unfold from the terrace, while the balmy sea breeze cools the room. Or step onto the silky sand of the beach and swim above the virtually untouched house reef with its glorious display of color and the occasional trumpet fish, harmless baby shark and turtle.

Oceanview Villa

The Oceanview Villa delivers unparalleled privacy with its very own open-air jet pool on a wooden patio and a sala (pavilion) in the walled garden. Relax under the shade of the pavilion while sipping your cocktail. Immerse yourself in the bubbling waters of the jet pool and feel the tension seep away from your body as you drift off to the sound of waves lapping on the picture-perfect shores.

Room Facilities

Vabbinfaru Villa
(The villa can be combined with two adjoining Deluxe Beachfront Villas)

Large landscaped garden
Al fresco living pavilion
Outdoor jet pool
Sundeck
Outdoor shower
Four-poster king-sized bed
Recessed sitting area
Hot and cold fresh water shower
Air-conditioning
CD player
IDD telephone
Private safe
Hair dryer
Bathrobes
Mini-bar
Coffee/ tea maker
Please note that there is no television in the villa. Paradise never had eyes for TV @ Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru.
Deluxe Beachfront Villa

Outdoor jet pool
Sundeck
Small courtyard garden with an open-air shower
Four-poster king-sized bed
Recessed sitting area
Hot and cold fresh water shower
Air-conditioning
IDD telephone
Private safe
Hair dryer
Bathrobes
Mini-bar
Coffee/ tea maker
Please note that there is no television in the villa. Paradise never had eyes for TV @ Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru.

Deluxe Oceanview Villa

Landscaped walled garden
Garden pavilion
Outdoor jet pool
Sundeck
Outdoor shower
Four-poster king-sized bed
Recessed sitting area
Hot and cold fresh water shower
Air-conditioning
IDD telephone
Private safe
Hair dryer
Bathrobes
Mini-bar
Coffee/ tea maker
Please note that there is no television in the villa. Paradise never had eyes for TV @ Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru.

Beachfront Villa

Outdoor jet pool
Sundeck
Small courtyard garden
Four-poster king-sized bed
Recessed sitting area
Hot and cold fresh water shower
Air-conditioning
IDD telephone
Private safe
Hair dryer
Bathrobes
Mini-bar
Coffee/ tea maker
Please note that there is no television in the villa. Paradise never had eyes for TV @ Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru.

Oceanview Villa

Landscaped walled garden
Garden pavilion
Outdoor jet pool
Sundeck
Four-poster king-sized bed
Recessed sitting area
Hot and cold fresh water shower
Air-conditioning
IDD telephone
Private safe
Hair dryer
Bathrobes
Mini-bar
Coffee/ tea maker
Please note that there is no television in the villa. Paradise never had eyes for TV @ Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru.

Food Outlets
Ilaafathi Restaurant

Tuck into scrumptious Maldivian and International treats in the casual setting of Ilaafathi restaurant. Set right on the beach with a natural Alang-Alang roof, this beachfront eatery serves extravagant buffet breakfasts and superb set dinners that will make you come back for more.

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Naiboli Bar

Appetizing snacks are served all day long at our open-air Naiboli Bar, along with your favorite cocktails. You can while away many happy hours here chatting with friends, having a game of snooker, or simply unwinding in the warm and friendly atmosphere. Perfect for a light appetite in the middle of the day.

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Private Dining

Fancy having a wildly romantic candlelit barbecue dinner in the intimacy of your villa or by the beach? We’ll arrange that for you and even provide you with your very own private chef and waiter. Spoilt by our attentive service and fine cuisine, you will feel pampered like royalty.

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Sandbank Dining

Have you ever dreamt of sweeping your loved one off the feet with a romantic dinner that is out of this world? Let your imagination run wild and we’ll make your dreams come true by taking you to a stunning sandbank by speedboat. The breathtaking view of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean will whet your appetite, revealing the magical night sky of a billion stars and the hypnotic melody of the ocean. Once ushered to a table of gourmet victuals and champagne, with only the moon and torches lighting your feast, the universe is reduced to just the two of you. What a wonderful way to start the evening. Simply perfect.

Recreational Facilities

Scuba diving
Snorkeling
Windsurfing
Catamaran sailing
Parasailing
Canoeing
Water skiing
Wake boarding
Ringo and banana boat riding
Beach volleyball
Library and board games
Marine biology classes and snorkeling excursions with our own marine biologist
Guided excursions (island hopping, Malé shopping, night fishing)

Conrad Maldives Resort & Spa (Hilton)

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Anantara Resort & Spa Maldives

Long celebrated as the ultimate romantic destination, the Maldivian islands are the very definition of tropical paradise. Anantara Resort Maldives offers luxury, impeccable style and Anantara’s signature warmth and gracious service.

Let the beauty of Anantara touch you are in the Maldives

Choose from four types of deluxe accommodation, all tastefully furnished and equipped with the latest technology.

In addition to the standard conveniences of an electronic in-room safe, individually controlled air conditioning, and IDD telephone, enjoy your own personal surround sound plasma screen TV with DVD, MP3 player, gourmet mini bar, and our spectacular indoor/outdoor bathrooms.

Location: Male’ Atoll
Distance from the Airport: 50 Km
Number of Rooms: 110
Credit Cards Accepted: Amex, Visa, Master

Room Types

Beach Front Villa

Luxuriate in 110sqm of understated elegance in each of our 68 Beach Front Villas. Take in the endless vista of white sands and the ever-changing hues of the Maldivian seas from your terrazzo bathtub, made for two. At the end of a sun-filled day, cool off under the outdoor rain shower and unwind on your very own terrace.

Deluxe beach Front Pool Villa

Add a tantalizing plunge pool within the Deluxe Beach Front Villas, by selecting one of our two lavish, 165sqm Beach Front Pool Villas. An immaculate beach in the front, the serene pool in the back garden, and you are at the centre of a postcard-perfect island destination.

Deluxe Over Water Suite

Situated offshore, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, rediscover the meaning of serenity in your very own over-water suite. Our 38 suites, connected to the island by a wooden walkway, offer an exceptionally spacious 132sqm of indulgence. Lounge on your private water-front sun deck and enjoy unbroken views of endless blue. Slip into the warm lagoon waters just inches below, at any hour of the day. Or, relax in the over-sized infinity-edge bathtub no need to daydream just open your eyes.

Deluxe Over Water Pool Suite

Welcome to complete bliss. Indulge in one of the 2 exclusive pool suites, offering an expansive 182sqm of signature Anantara luxury. Situated at the end of the wooden piers, far out into the ocean, you may feel like the only couple on earth and we welcome you to enjoy this intimacy.

While away tranquil days soaking in your private freshwater plunge pool. Or, dive into the lagoon from your private over-water sun deck. Wind down together in the infinity-edge bath tub. The tropical island experience of a lifetime awaits.

The six restaurants offers Sample stunning, innovative culinary creations by the master chef. Enjoy a sundown cocktail against a breathtaking backdrop of unspoiled tropical beauty. Savour a light snack with sand beneath your feet. Indulge in whatever takes your fancy.

Anantara Spa – Pamper. Enliven. Release. Unwind. Spoil your body, soul and mind with a selection of our world-renowned signature treatments, alluring bath & steam rituals and holistic therapies. The perfect end or beginning of a perfect day.

Rediscover what it means to relax. Or, let the stunning surroundings invigorate you. Dive into the unexplored world of marine life in the crystal clear waters around you. Take full advantage of the resort’s world-renowned PADI 5 dive centre, which offers a full range of courses. Snorkel leisurely on the edge of the lagoon or peruse the Maldives’ fabled coral gardens on our daily snorkeling trips.

If you’ve seen enough of the reef’s spectacular aquatic landscape and wildlife, come up for some air and enjoy our free-of-charge non-motorized water sports

Room Facilities

Air-Conditioning
Bathrobe
Coffee and Tea Making Facilities
Hair Dryer

Hot & Cold water

IDD Telephone

Maldivian Swing

Mini Bar

Open air shower

Outdoor Jacuzzi

Private Garden

Queen-sized bed

Room Safe

Sun Lounger

Veranda

Resort Facilities
Travel Desk

Food Outlets eep End

Recreational Facilities

Infinity Pool

Slip slide into the tranquil waters of our freshwater infinity-edge pool. Gaze out across the expanse of an aquamarine sea as you float, soak or splash your worries away.

Gym/Fitness Centre

our on-site fitness centre and gym will offer you everything you expect to keep you looking and feeling good-but with a completely unexpected view.

Yoga

Gain physical poise and mental peace through ancient exercises drawn from centuries of South Asian wisdom. Yoga is available from professional instructors beachside while more seasoned aficionados can take it up a notch on their own.

Water Sports Centre

The warm waters of the Indian Ocean will beckon from the moment you arrive. Give in. Snorkel on adjacent reefs. Kayak through the softly rolling waves to nearby islands and sand banks. Sail around the atoll on a catamaran. Explore the Maldivian heritage of reef and deep-sea fishing.

Anantara Cooking School

At Anantara, you will be treated to an array of inspired culinary creations. Why not learn the tricks of the trade with a cooking class from our resident master chefs? Learn to recreate traditional Maldivian or Thai and fusion creations to impress your friends back home.

Bodu Huraa

For even more recreational diversions, visit this nearby enclave of island fun and relaxation.

Excursions

Lost islands. Sunset treats. Dips into culture. At Anantara, serenity is the buzzword but some sights beg to be discovered.

Naladhu, Maldives – Luxurious New Resort Named Hottest in Conde Nast Traveler Hot List

The Conde Nast Traveler Hot List recognizes hotels and resorts for design, service and ambiance, making it one of the most coveted designations. Each y ear, an anonymous group of writers evaluates new hotels and resorts around the world for the publication. Naladhu was chosen as one of only 138 properties whose offerings surpass expectations. Of the chosen properties, each is awarded a “Hot”, “Hotter” or “Hottest” title, Naladhu, Maldives claimed the position as “Hottest” in the magazine’s listing.

In describing Naladhu, Conde Nast Traveler says “this intimate resort provides a level of privacy and personal attention impressive even in the Maldives”. In addition “Dedicated butlers, or VGCs (Very Good Chaps), exceed expectations with quiet, smiling service”.

The magazine concluded “Naladhu represents the Maldives’ most convenient exclusive destination yet”.

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

Naladhu has captured the elegant aesthetics of a slightly colonial era, with hints of Sri Lankan regality in its design. However, the resort also proffers every modern convenience imaginable to the luxury traveller. Naladhu means “pretty little island”, and each of the exclusive 19 Houses — each named after a Maldivian plant — has been designed to make every guest’s wish become reality.

With a commitment to perfecting every detail, Naladhu fuses modern facilities with a sense of the nostalgia. White-washed timber wall panels juxtapose the zesty Indian motifs and colours of the house upholstery. Antique furnishings, such as an early 20th century writer’s desk and the decorous bar cabinet conjure up images of a romantic, bygone age.

Naladhu provides the canvass and colour palette to those who wish to make their holiday picture perfect.

For reservations please telephone +960 664-4100 or email: info@naladhu.com.

For media enquiries please contact: Ms. Marion Walsh Brand Director Public Relations Email: mwalsh@naladhu.com Tel: + 66 (0) 2877 5803 Ext. 28 Mobile: + 66 (0) 89 811 3829 http://www.naladhu.com/.

Conrad revises corporate identity

Monday, 23rd April 2007

The move from Conrad Hotels to Conrad Hotels & Resorts comes at a time of extensive growth and development for the luxury brand and emphasises the fast-evolving portfolio of Conrad’s hotels and resorts globally.

The transformation will be most noticeable in the new name, Conrad Hotels & Resorts as well as being reflected in distinct visual refinements to the brand and hotel logos.

With a number of new resort projects set to join the Conrad portfolio over the next two years, the new corporate identity will highlight the message that Conrad Hotels & Resorts appeals to both leisure and business travellers, while simultaneously underlining the ever-increasing importance of leisure travel within the luxury market.

Says Richard Blamey, Senior Vice President Brand Management, Conrad Hotels & Resorts:

This is an exciting time for the luxury travel market and undoubtedly for Conrad. The decision to revitalize the brand identity is testament to our global growth, with each new opening showcasing the World of Conrad, a world that celebrates individuality in every sense. We welcome the opportunity to further strengthen the influence of Conrad Hotels & Resorts around the world.

Conrad Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio currently includes 18 luxury award-winning properties in leading urban and resort destinations globally. New Conrad Hotels & Resorts are in conversion in the Maldives and under development in Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, the Bahamas, Las Vegas and Koh Samui.

Source: Conrad Hotels and Resorts

Maldives Hilton on Rangali Island set November as a target date to meet the transition from Maldives Hilton to Conrad Maldives. This also comes at a time while Hilton seeks more opportunities in the Maldives to build a resort with Hilton brand on it.

Maldives celebrates record March tourist arrival

Maldives tourism continuously rides its wave to success as records for March showed an increase of 18.1 percent in visitor arrivals, from 2006’s 54,596 to this year’s 64,485, according to the tourist arrival statistics. The highest ever March arrival recorded before this year was in 2004 before tsunami hit the Maldives.
Arrival numbers to the Maldives from all generating markets have been positive so far this year, indicating an impressive recovery from the period of instability experienced in the tourism industry during the year 2005.

Over 194,279 tourists have visited the Maldives until March 2007, which is an increase of 15.9 percent growth compared to the same period of 2006. This is also the highest ever recorded tourist arrival in a first quarter.

Italy is still leading the inbound market with a share of 21.5 percent, followed by United Kingdom with 16.7 percent, Germany with 10.8 percent, France with 10.5 percent, Japan with 5.6 percent, Switzerland and Russia with 4.2 percent with slightly more Swiss.

The strong growth shows a promising tourism year for the Maldives set to break all records. Outlook on May and June Maldives holiday bookings show a little, slowdown, yet last quarter booking showing encouraging results.

A guide to the best spas in beach resort islands for your Maldives holidays

If the next flip of your desktop calendar lands on a page with a week or two marked “Maldives Holidays”, than you may want to consider this to make the best of your stay in the Maldives.

My best guess is that you are probably travelling a long distance such as flying from Europe, Australia, or East Asia considering the proportion of travelers to the Maldives from the mentioned regions. Also, I suspect that living in such regions, like in a hive of activities, you are already tired and want relax! Relax! …yes how about starting with a revitalizing foot massage or a Jet lag massage in some of the best health spas in the world?

Yes! Maldives is known to host some of the best health spas in the world with amazing innovations.

Let me start my spa tease for you with the innovation I just told about.

Aquum Spa at Huvafen Fushi Maldives

With the world’s first underwater massage treatment rooms, Huvafen Fushi, a small luxury spa, is a place where the depths of the water element can be experienced like nowhere else. This is where Maldives underwater beauty meets with world class luxury.

Huvafen Fushi pampers you to your imagination, well into the mix of modern and historical treatments. Their treatments are designed to revitalize your sense and body with luxury pampering. Aquum Spa at Huvafen Fushi has 4 single treatment rooms, 2 couples treatment rooms, 2 underwater couples treatment rooms, Manicure and pedicure bay, Boutique, Relaxation lounge, “Degrees” with steam, sauna, Ice room, Gymnasium, Lonu Veyo: Outdoor Salt water floatation pool, Male and female changing rooms, Reception and a Raw Restaurant.

Huvafen Packages include: Indulgence, Island Touch, Especially for Him, Reconnection and many more treatments specifically designed to enable a more spiritually stable self through rejuvenation of body and mind.

The Hideaway Spa at Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi Maldives Spa Resort and Marina

If pampering your body and soul is your idea of heaven, the Hideaway Spa [GP:IslandHideaway] by Mandara has it all. Created with sensitivity to the guest experience, the design emphasis is on space, privacy and luxury…

With tens of varieties of massages, Island Hideaway is a true hideaway for enhancing your body and soul, located in the most unusual area for resorts in the Maldives.

Hideaway Spa, Managed by Mandara Spa features…
- Carefully selected finishes to overwhelm all of one’s senses
- A combination of coconut & teak timber furnishing,
- Sukayambi stone, java rosso tumble stone, pink slate, onyx and silk fabrics with internal waterways, waterfall walls, sand floors makes the entire Spa a “Sanctuary for the body and mind”
- Hand-picked well trained masseurs to blend in well with the resort philosophy and attention to detail
- 4 Spa land villas, 2 Lagoon Spa Villas which offer an intimate and romantic experience

The Island Spa at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

With the spa on its own tiny island the Island Spa bench marks on the quality of the services. The Island Spa at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa [GP:KudaHuraa] has its own island. You can feel as one with the Indian Ocean in this serene hideaway within a hideaway. Let the gentle rhythms of the earth soothe your senses, allowing cares and tensions to dissolve and wash away.

Sail in a wooden dhoni (traditional Maldivian boat) across the lagoon to the island. There, luxuriate in one of seven thatched spa pavilions that are positioned over the water, open to the ocean breezes and panoramic vistas of endless blue sky and sea. Each treatment pavilion features a viewing port in the deck so that guests enjoying a massage can contemplate the aquatic playground below.

Island spa provides multitude of spa treatments for you and a week treatment can have you feeling revitalized and more energetic of one more good year. With nearly one hundred treatments, Island spa is one of catch you will never want to miss.

Sen Spa at Full Moon Maldives

Similar to Island Spa of Four Seasons Maldives, Sen Spa, Managed by Aquum Spa, in Full Moon Maldives [GP:FullMoon] is also on a separate tiny island of probably a few hundred square meters, and offers an exciting range of treatments.

To make you feel closet to the heavens, the architecture of Sen Spa draws on the inspiration of ancient Maldives. The design is drawn from an ancestry of care and wisdom, of balance and serenity. The Sen Spa offers spirited experiences with water to bring about lasting rejuvenation.

The variety of treatments of the Spa merges east with west using the universal and life-giving properties of fresh seawater, nutritious sea plants, minerals as well as herbs. Sen Spa, similar to many other spas, offers each visitor a complimentary health consultation.

Sen Spa also serves with tens of treatment for the tourists and booking this services in advance can be a good idea.

Palm Beach Spa at Palm Beach Resort and Spa

Palm Beach Spa is located right on the edge of the island, where you can enjoy unique treatments while relaxing by the turquoise Indian Ocean.

Palm Beach Spa is one of the largest spas available in the Maldives, designed into five different areas, each one of them offering its unique rejuvenating traditions of the East and exotic native rituals.
The SPA offers a wide range of treatments, among which you’ll find: manicure, pedicure, waxing, body and face massages helping to rejuvenate and enhance your body and soul.

Laguna Spa at Laguna Maldives

Laguna Spa [GP:Laguna] has everything you need from the ultimate pampering experience for couples, to soothing treatments for sun lovers and healing remedies for sufferers of modern day stress, Laguna Spa has a therapy perfect for you.

Laguna Spa with an exotic variety of Massages, Body Works, Facials and Salon Treatments features rejuvenation therapies inspired by India’s ancient holistic Ayurveda or “knowledge of life”. Allow your senses to be lulled into a peaceful state by the welcoming smiles and soothing, skilled hands of treatment therapists as they employ traditional restoratives, herbs, oils, spices and flowers combined with time honored rituals to balance body, mind and soul.

Maldives Spas now create benchmark for the world standard. Some spa brands even branched out from the Maldives into the international service heavens. My idea is that if you get to get Spa services in the Maldives and it is heavenly yet, Maldives without a spa treatment is as heavenly too.

Will soon have a Maldives Spa Guide within the Maldives Online Guide!