ROBIN ESROCK
MALDIVES— From Thursday’s Globe and Mail

A travel writer’s honeymoon is not something to be taken lightly. The right destination has to be exotic yet decadent, adventurous yet romantic. Months are ticking down to my wedding this summer, and as I search for the ultimate honeymoon locale, my mind keeps returning to the Soneva Gili resort in the Maldives.

A nation of coral islands located south of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives represents pure self-indulgent escape. You see it on every paradise calendar: white sand, blue water, total privacy.

Like most tourists, I quickly departed the overcrowded island capital of Malé for the island resorts. While alcohol is illegal in Malé (my bottle of duty-free rum was even confiscated at the airport), the resorts function as their own kingdoms, accessible by boat or floatplane. On the island of Lankanfushi, just 20 minutes by speedboat from the capital, Soneva Gili has its own wine cellar, cures its own hams and serves cocktails and beer at the bar. The resort even sets its clock an hour later than the rest of the country, giving its guests more time in the day, literally running in its own time zone.

Forty-five villas built over the water branch off from the island, and are designed to be friendly on the environment and the eye. Ranging from 2,250 square feet to an incredible 15,000 square feet in the five-building “private reserve” area, the villas offer decks, large bathrooms, Bose surround-sound systems, Wi-Fi and a glass-walled shower accessible via an enclosed sea pool. Upstairs, the patio has a double bed, should you wish to sleep directly under the stars.

The attention to detail in each villa is staggering, with simple yet stylish decor that comes from spending plenty of time, thought and dollars. They call it “intelligent luxury.” Every window and deck looks onto the crystal sea, in which tropical fish, stingrays and harmless, small reef sharks swim right beneath your feet. The villas, like the resort itself, are designed for couples to enjoy their privacy, pampering and relaxation. I met honeymooners from the United States, Spain, Russia, France and Japan doing exactly that.

Soneva Gili belongs to the Six Senses chain of luxury resorts and spas, well known for an elite clientele including business and showbiz celebrities. Villas start at $1,000 a night, with meals and activities extra, and I got the feeling if I had to ask how much things cost, I really didn’t want to know.

On arrival, guests are greeted with a canvas bag for their shoes, labelled “No News, No Shoes.” Just in case I might step on anything sharp, the beaches and boardwalks are swept every day. As for the rest of the world, well, it may as well have not existed.

Each villa has its own bikes to pedal around the resort, along three main wooden jetties holding each villa like a pea in a pod. Lit up at night, the jetties look like runways, sparkling under the canvas of stars. Lavish buffets or à la carte meals are served on the beach, at the over-water bar, or brought to the villa for a romantic candlelight dinner. The cellar, built around a large piece of wood that washed up on the beach, stocks 500 wines, and the resort grows its own organic vegetables. Staff from around the world serve every whim, organizing sunset cruises, reef dives or whatever guests ask of them.

Of course, every honeymoon needs a spa. Specifically one that accommodates couples, since the missus might not be amenable to the beautiful blond Swedish masseuse rubbing me down. International therapists work out of the Six Senses Spa, offering various massages, facials, body wraps, yoga classes and Ayurvedic treatments. The couples room has thoughtful glass-bottom windows, to admire the marine life during the massage.

The water sports, diving, snorkelling, kayaking and windsurfing are all excellent and I quickly realized that if my marriage could survive figuring out how to sail a catamaran, we’d be in calm waters. I found a well-stocked book and movie library, and a gym too, which I avoided. Somehow, even though the resort was full, the island felt sparse and empty. Those craving absolute privacy, like the occasional Russian oligarch, can book one of the seven Crusoe Residences, accessible only by private pontoon and featuring a floating sundeck.

Rising sea levels, however, are threatening the very existence of the Maldives, which is just 2.3 metres at its highest point. With its 1,192 islands spread out over 90,000 square kilometres, many will soon be completely submerged. It makes the Maldives that much more precious and exotic, like a gem slowly slipping away into the sea. The ocean villas at the Soneva Gili await honeymooners like a dream, albeit an expensive one far beyond the budget of this travel writer. It may have been a plum assignment to shoot a TV show, but I envied the couples on my solo assignment. My search for the ultimate honeymoon destination continues.

Source: theglobeandmail.com

© 2011, admin. All rights reserved.

World’s first ever underwater cabinet meeting was chaired by the President Mohamed Nasheed. The meeting was conducted at a depth of six meters (20 feet) just north of the capital Male’.

While in the underwater meeting the cabinet including president and the vice-president signed a document ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December, calling on all nations to cut their carbon emissions.
Ministers spent half an hour on the sea bed and communicated with white boards and hand signals.

World's first ever Cabinet meeting Underwater - Maldives

They will also participate in a bicycle ride in the capital Male later in the day.

source: http://presidencymaldives.gov.mv/

© 2009, admin. All rights reserved.

British Airways is to launch its new thrice-weekly direct flights from Gatwick to Male, Maldives from October 25, 2009.
The new service will be the first time ever British Airways has offered flights to the Maldives. As of now, the new flights to Male will depart on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

Holidays in The Maldives will introduce British Airways customers to a fantastic selection of tiny palm fringed coral islands each with its own exclusive resort hotel. Each of these international standard hotels in the Maldives is four or five stars in quality offering a great range of activities such as diving, snorkelling, sailing and fishing, or you can simply laze your days away sunbathing on a stunning white, sandy beach.

The routes will be operated by Boeing 777 aircraft with a three-class configuration: World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and Club WorldBritish Airways is to launch its new thrice-weekly direct flights from Gatwick to Male, Maldives from October 25, 2009.The new service will be the first time ever British Airways has offered flights to the Maldives. As of now, the new flights to Male will depart on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

Holidays in The Maldives will introduce British Airways customers to a fantastic selection of tiny palm fringed coral islands each with its own exclusive resort hotel.

Each of these international standard hotels in the Maldives is four or five stars in quality offering a great range of activities such as diving, snorkelling, sailing and fishing, or you can simply laze your days away sunbathing on a stunning white, sandy beach.

The routes will be operated by Boeing 777 aircraft with a three-class configuration: World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and Club World.

Source: pr-canada.net

© 2009, admin. All rights reserved.

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives : 7 nights from £1945 pp – SAVE £1895pp – DEPARTS 4th October 2009

Recently opened in July, this ultra-luxurious resort is the first of its kind to be found south of the equator in the Maldives. Seven nights are available on a full board basis from £1945 pp, saving £1895 pp.

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa Maldives

This includes international flights from London and onwards to Gan, transfers to and from the island, a CHI spa experience for 2, a guided nature trail tour, a bicycle tour and 7 nights full board accommodation in a pool villa with a private pool. Based on two sharing, departing on 4th October 2009.

For more information please visit Shangri-La Maldives

Shangri-La Villiongili Maldives Photos

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Read more about Maldives Resorts

© 2009, admin. All rights reserved.

In deed the luxury travelers love the Maldives Holidays and the luxury it has to offer. In the Maldives are famous for the sunny white beaches, turquoise blue lagoons and tropical climate, the Maldives is also popular for its luxury class resorts accommodation.

A luxury traveler must pamper oneself with the deluxe amenities. Luxury resorts in the Maldives offer you private hideaways with the concept – no shoes, no news. it offers to you being as lazy, naughty and active as you want withing the frame of the world class luxury. Surrounded by the calm, natural beauty and pampered with extravagant amenities, you will soon master the art of doing nothing and be happy about it!

The luxury resorts of the Maldives, offer satisfaction-guaranteed hospitality and top in class customer service. From elegant and stylish villas with private swimming pools and Jacuzzis, top notch dining and spa facilities will make your luxurious holiday one that you would treasure all your life.

In the Maldives you will experience the taste of splendor and luxury in the heart of a natural paradise.

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© 2008 – 2010, admin. All rights reserved.

This September, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will treat guests to a taste of France with a two-day event hosted by world-renowned wine-maker Grand Cru Château Palmer.

Thomas Duroux, CEO of the acclaimed Bordeaux vineyard since 2004, will bring his wealth of expertise to the Maldives, joining forces with the resort’s Executive Chef to offer guests an insight into the intricacies and joy in wine tasting and pairing.

On Thursday 4th September, Duroux will head under-water to host a dinner in Ithaa, the resorts renowned all-glass under-sea restaurant. A six course menu tailored to a range of exquisite Chateau Palmer wine varieties will include gourmet highlights such as Yellow fin tuna tartar with black Osetra caviar and crispy sage served with Alter Ego de Chateau Palmer, 2004. Friday 5th September will see Duroux head two metres underground to Rangali Island’s Wine Cellar, home to half of the resort’s 30,000 bottles of wine and the setting for regular dégustation dinners.

From Black olive risotto with White Valrhona chocolate teamed with a  Chateau d’yguem 1990, to Berry Parfait mille feuille with clove & raspberry jelly and Badiane Sorbet paired with a 2002 vintage; guests will be guaranteed a unique gourmet experience. Bought in 1814 by an English General, the Chateau Palmer estate has long established itself as one of the leading wine-makers in the Margaux region of Bordeaux. Thomas Duroux has a decade of winemaking experience in areas as diverse as Bordeaux, Hungary, South Africa, California and Italy.

His exposure to such a wealth of different wine regions has resulted in a truly innovative approach, combining long-standing traditions with modern oenological expertise. A Chateau Palmer Wine evening at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island costs $480pp/£241 including wines.

© 2008, admin. All rights reserved.

LUXURY RESORT TO OPEN IN 2009

SINGAPORE – (13 June 2008) Carlson Hotels Worldwide – Asia Pacific, one of the world’s largest privately-owned hotel companies, has appointed Kerstin Poetzsch as Director of Sales for The Regent Maldives, the luxury resort which is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2009. The spectacular property will be a 50-villa luxury resort on a secluded coral island, located 50 minutes by eaplane from the capital city of Male.

Poetzsch joins the pre-opening team of The Regent Maldives following more than a decade of industry experience with some of the world’s leading hospitality groups in Europe,Middle East and Asia such as ‘Schlosshotel Buhlerhohe’ in Germany and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai. Prior to her new role, Poetzsch was with the five-star Kanuhura Resort in the Maldives where she was responsible for sales and marketing activities during the hotel’s multi-million dollar refurbishment programme.

“Kerstin’s comprehensive knowledge and experience in luxury hospitality sales will be a key asset to this new role. She will help establish the Regent brand in the market particularly during the pre-opening stage of the hotel,” said Frank Trampert, Executive Vice President-Revenue Generation, Carlson Hotels Worldwide – Asia Pacific.

The Regent Maldives is one of five Regent hotels and resorts currently under development in Asia. The Regent Bangkok and The Regent Phuket Cape Panwa in Thailand are also scheduled for opening next year, together with The Regent Manila Bay in the Philippines. In addition, The Regent Kuala Lumpur will open in the third quarter of 2011. The group currently manages Regent hotels in Beijing and Shanghai.

Carlson Hotels Worldwide is the world’s ninth largest ranked by the number of properties it manages worldwide. In Asia Pacific, Carlson Hotels Worldwide is the largest international hotel group operating in India, and has more than 9,000 hotel rooms under management in 11 countries across the region.

For information, please contact:

Sarada Chellam/Angela Leow Gray/ Charlene Lum
ICON International Communications

Tel: + 65 6220 2623
schellam@iconinternational.com.sg
algray@iconinternational.com.sg
clum@iconinternational.com.sg

© 2008, admin. All rights reserved.

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)

© 2008, admin. All rights reserved.

Located in the Indian Ocean, sunny, unique and unspoiled, the Maldives is an archipelago comprising 1,190 low-lying coral islands scattered across the equator, in groups of 26 naturally occurring atolls which are divided into 20 for administrative purposes.

Maldives Islands are characterized by palm fringed islands with sparkling white beaches, turquoise lagoons, clear warm waters and coral reefs teeming with abundant varieties of marine flora and fauna and thus they posses unique tourism resources though in a one-sided way, namely in the submarine and littoral environment of the islands, lagoons and reefs, associated with the year-round tropical climate.

The Maldives offer the perfect romantic holiday. This cluster of over 1000 islands lies just south of Sri Lanka and is surrounded by the shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean continue to fascinate visitors, as it has fascinated others in the past, for thousands of years. Marco Polo, the Venetian traveler referred to the Maldives as the “flowers of the Indies”, For Ibn Batuta, who traveled extensively during the 14th century and actually lived on the islands, the Maldives was one of the wonders of the world.

This idyllic paradise offers pristine beaches and sheltered reefs teeming with tropical fish. The clear underwater visibility and abundance of coral life make the Maldives one of the world’s best dive destinations. Many of the palm-fringed islands are un-inhabited offering privacy and seclusion whilst other islands offer a choice of sophisticated restaurants and bars. Perfect for honeymoons or a pampering retreat, this exotic destination provides the ultimate in luxury and relaxation. Beautiful resorts offer facilities from thrill-seeking water-sports to revitalizing spas and over-water villas, perfect for enjoying an Indian Ocean sunset. This tranquil paradise has an irresistible allure.

Atolls that form the Maldives were formed about 65 to 200 million years ago from the crust of a deceased volcanic mountain range. The atolls (the word atoll was adapted to English from its Maldivian origin “atholhu”) are formed from coral barrier reefs. The part of the reefs which protrude from the sea form into islands, as destroyed coral parts gather thus giving them the attribute of white sandy beaches. Having being protected by the reefs, the lagoons are calm and crystal-clear with abundant species of fish and coral.

Holiday in the Maldives and visit the finest beach destination in the world. Every one of the ninety or so Maldives island-resorts offers the idyllic postcard view of talcum-soft, white sand beach between palm grove and coral lagoon. And when the sun has set, sublimely, over the Indian Ocean, there is time to savour exquisite cuisine and unwind in your romantic room or villa.

Some of the Maldives holiday highlights include

• Water villas – most resorts offer private villas with direct lagoon access.
• Spa treatments – relaxing treatment derived from ancient Indian and Asian traditions and local ingredients.
• Island Hoping – discover Maldivian culture with a visit to the craft shops and fishing communities of the residential islands.
• Diving – Explore the colorful underwater world of the amazing house reefs under expert supervision on a scuba-diving programme.
• Other Activities – Excursions such as island hopping, deep-sea fishing, dolphin watching and seaplane sightseeing for the very best view of these magical islands.

© 2008, admin. All rights reserved.

Tourism is the largest industry in the Maldives. 30% of the GDP and 70% of the foreign exchange that flows into the country is through the tourism sector. Also, over 90% of the government tax revenue comes from tourism related taxes and import duties.

Fishing is the second leading economic sector of the Maldives. A significant amount of country’s income is generated through export of live fish and other fish/marine products. Recent diversification of agricultural land use allowed horticulture and fishery.

Largely constrained by the limitedness of cultivable land and domestic labour, agriculture and manufacturing play only a minor role in the economy of the Maldives.

Other economic activities in the Maldives include garment production, boat building and handicraft production. However, these are not major income generating activities and accounts only for about 16% of the GDP.

The GDP of Maldives totaled US$435 million in 2000 – about US$1,400 per capita. The Maldives has experienced relatively low inflation in recent years. Real GDP growth averaged about 10% in the 1980s. It expanded by an exceptional 16.2% in 1990, declined to 4% in 1993, and has since bounced back to the 7% to 9% range.

© 2008 – 2009, admin. All rights reserved.

The first ever commercial Sky-Diving (Boogie) event in the Maldives will be held in Gan (Addu Atoll) from 13th to 21st February 2007. This event is being organized by Skydive-Nuggets of Germany and Island Aviation Services. Similar Boogie events will be organized in the future and dates will be announced on www.island.com.mv

During this period, 25 to 30 professional skydivers will be performing the first ever boogie in the Maldives.

In addition to this, individuals who wish to experience this extreme sport are welcome to make reservations in advance for their Tandem jumps.

For more information, please contact:

Hussein Rasheed

Reservation & Ticketing Department

Island Aviation Services

Tel: +960 3335544

Email: hussein@island.com.mv or sales@island.com.mv

© 2007 – 2008, MOG. All rights reserved.