MALDIVES NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2018 

LATEST NEWS

The Maldives Announces An 18.7% Increase In UK Visitor Figures During November 2017
The Maldives has announced an 18.7% increase in UK visitor arrivals during November 2017, when compared with the same month in 2016. In total, 9,579 UK visitors travelled to the Maldives during November 2017, compared with 8,073 in November 2016.  Furthermore, UK visitors represented 7.9% of all visitors to the Maldives in November 2017, with a total of 94,258 UK visitors travelling to the Maldives in the first 11 months of 2017, a 1.1% year-on-year increase.

With regards to worldwide arrivals to the Maldives, the island nation witnessed a year-on-year growth of 15.2% in November 2017, with 120,506 international tourists visiting the Maldives during November 2017. The total number of arrivals to the Maldives in 2017 stood at 1,246,502 by the end of November and when compared with the same period in 2016, total tourist arrivals have increased by 6.8%.
For more information, visit www.visitmaldives.com.

The Maldives Scoops Major Travel Awards As Best Place To Visit In 2017
The Maldives was presented with a host of impressive travel industry awards in 2017, confirming its status as one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world amid ambitious plans to increase its offering in 2018.

Recent awards include the coveted Condé Nast Traveller 'Best Islands For Places To Stay' award as well as Best in Travel's 'Best Holiday Destination', where it came second overall in Asia. The Maldives was also awarded three World Travel Awards: the 'Indian Ocean's Leading Beach Destination', the 'Indian Ocean's Leading Destination' and the 'Indian Ocean's Leading Dive Destination'. Furthermore, the Maldives also scooped the Reader's Choice Dive and Travel Awards' first prize for best 'Dreaming Area'.

Commenting on the multiple awards, the Minister of Tourism, Moosa Zameer said: “It is such a privilege and an honour to win these prestigious awards. These awards are a symbol of admiration and acceptance of the Maldives by visitors and are a great achievement for the joint efforts and hard work done by the government and the tourism industry of the Maldives. We will strive to further improve and expand our destination and at the same time maintain our brand positioning. The Maldives will remain a unique destination.” He also confirmed that the initiative Visit Maldives had been very successful, resulting in an 8% growth in tourist arrivals in 2017
For more information, visit www.visitmaldives.com.

MMPRCmprc Showcases Maldives Destination Product At Six International Trade Fairs
Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC) had a busy start to the year, attending six international trade fairs during January and February 2018 including FITUR in Madrid, Spain, OTM in Mumbai, India, EMITT in Turkey, Istanbul, BOOT in Dusseldorf, Germany, FESPO in Zurich, Switzerland, and BIT in Milan, Italy. These events not only provided a platform for MMPRC to showcase the expansive attractions available in the destination including local cuisines, adventure and wellness, but to also expand awareness of Maldives product among these different markets and target potential travellers from each country.
For more information, visit www.visitmaldives.com.

'DIVE' INTO 2018 WITH NEW OFFERS FROM THE MALDIVES

Learn To Dive On A Luxury Cruise With Carpe Diem Maldives
Introducing the scuba diving experience to all travellers, in 2018 Carpe Diem Maldives will offer beginner divers the ultimate dream holiday. For one week in July and a week in August, a 7-day cruise on Carpe Vita will be dedicated to 20 adventurous travellers looking to obtain their PADI Open Water Diver certification. Starting in Malé and ending in Baa Atoll, guests will experience the beauty of coral reefs and a myriad of fish starting from just three metres beneath the surface. The cruise will begin with dives in shallow and calm lagoons and once the fundamentals are firmly mastered, novice divers will have the chance to dive 20 metres below the surface. Each of these special trips will also include a snorkelling visit to the region's annual manta ray migration in Hanifaru Bay, Baa Atoll, a UNESCO protected marine biosphere area.
For more information or to book, visit www.carpediemmaldives.com.

Six Senses Laamu Opens Its Own Branded Dive Centre, Deep Blue Divers
Brand new for 2018, Six Senses Laamu will build on its already thriving dive and marine conservation culture with the opening of new dive centre - Deep Blue Divers - owned and operated by the resort. The new Deep Blue Divers centre will offer guests premier diving experiences in the lively and colourful reefs surrounding the resort and will focus on enhancing guest awareness, appreciation and understanding of the marine environment. The international team at Deep Blue Divers will be staffed by 10 dive instructors and dive masters who will offer both PADI courses and daily guided dive trips. The centre is fully PADI-certified and has received the PADI Green Star Award from its first month of operation. Deep Blue Divers has also partnered with Project Aware, who has listed them as '100% AWARE'. Both of these recognitions follow the dive centre's commitment to marine conservation and sustainable dive practices.
For more information, visit www.sixsenses.com/resorts/laamu/destination.

Soneva Fushi Offers Freediving Course With Resident Instructor Ken Kiriyama
This spring, Soneva Fushi will offers guests the chance to learn the art of Freedivng with resident instructor Ken Kiriyama, a highly experienced freediver. Having practiced yoga and pranayama since the age of 16, Ken uses these techniques as the foundation and preparation for Freediving and teaches guests how to feel calm and relaxed in the water, discouraging feelings of fear and anxiety and resulting in a meditative experience of “oneness” with the ocean. The freediving courses with Ken are available until 31 May 2018.
For more information, visit www.soneva.com/soneva-fushi.

PARTNER NEWS

Hard Rock International To Make Waves In Indian Ocean With Hard Rock Hotel Maldives
Hard Rock International has announced plans to expand its portfolio with Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and Hard Rock Cafe Maldives, slated to open 1 October 2018. The highly anticipated property will be part of the Emboodhoo Lagoon project, the first integrated resort destination in the Maldives located within one of the country's largest lagoons, Emboodhoo Falhu. The resort will be accessible via a 20-minute speedboat ride from the airport and will boast 178 expansive guestrooms, family suites, beach villas and one and two-bedroom overwater villas. Inspired by local Maldivian culture, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives will infuse contemporary design features with tropical architecture throughout the property, alongside regionally-inspired, authentic music memorabilia. The hotel will provide guests with exclusive brand offerings and amenities, including The Sound of Your Stay® music programme, offering complimentary use of Fender guitars and Crosley record players for in-room jam sessions.
For more information, visit www.hardrockhotels.com.

Mirihi Island Introduces Solo Travel Offer For Spring And Summer 2018
Mirihi Island will introduce a Solo Travel Offer for selected dates in spring and summer 2018, harnessing the trend for solo travel by removing the single supplements on select rooms. The bare-foot luxury boutique resort will offer solo travellers a private water or beach villa and those looking to socialise and meet like-minded people can book sunset sailing trips, whale shark safaris, diving trips, visits to a local island and sessions tasting the most comprehensive selection of fine rum in the whole of the Indian Ocean. Solo guests can also enjoy complimentary weekly beach cinemas, board games, table tennis, football and more.
For more information, visit www.mirihi.com.

Cheval Blanc Randheli Launches New Watsu Massage
The Cheval Blanc Spa has launched the Watsu massage – a modern hydrotherapeutical practise that combines elements of muscle stretching, joint mobilisation, massage and Shiatsu. The Watsu massage will enable guests to be transported to a state of ultimate relaxation and will be performed in villas to provide guests with complete privacy and comfort. The warm water relaxes and supports the muscles and spine and when combined with the weightlessness of the body, the spine, joints and muscles can be manipulated and freed in a way unique to water work.
For more information, visit www.chevalblanc.com/randheli/en.

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa To Offer Guests 10-Day Ballet Retreat In April 2018
From 5 – 15 April 2018, the celebrated ballerina Karis Scarlette, a former performer of the Royal Ballet in London and a qualified teacher from the Royal Opera House, will be Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa's Master in Residence, passing on the joy of ballet through inspiring and fun ballet classes for guests of all ages and skill levels. Remaining true to tradition by providing expert teaching in ballet technique, artistry, and strength training, Karis will ensure that guests achieve their fitness goals, while learning ballet in a relaxed environment.
For more information or to book, visit www.shangri-la.com/male/villingiliresort/offers/section/rooms-suites/details/rooms-suites/ballet-retreat-with-karis-scarlette/.

Velaa Private Island Unveils New Luxury Seaplane
A strict no drone rule, a ratio of 1:8 guests to staff and a mantra to fulfil every guest's requests however big or small, Velaa Private Island's new luxury seaplane allows guests to avoid wait times and effortlessly skip the crowds with a private, direct flight. Fitted with the finest leather and high-quality noise cancelling headsets, Velaa Private Island's Twin Otter 300 series seaplane is scheduled according to each guest's itinerary and caters to 9 guests instead of 15, allowing maximum space and comfort.  On board amenities are relevant and thoughtful – including complimentary iPads on which guests can select their activities and create a bespoke itinerary for their stay whilst children are kept amused with their own personal tablets. Additional offerings include a VIP welcome along with complimentary refreshments and the opportunity to freshen up in the private seaplane lounge.
For more information, visit www.velaaprivateisland.com.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives Offers Guests An Exciting Calendar Of Sessions From Masters Of Wellness
Niyama Private Islands Maldives will offer guests the chance to work on their new year's resolutions both inside and out with an exciting schedule of sessions from some of the world's most sought-after practitioners, including healer David Zenon from 20 February – 20 March, cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Alessi from 25 March – 5 April and health coach Paul Fernandes from 25 March – 20 April. The treatments and sessions at Niyama will provide travellers with the opportunity to focus on inner peace, spiritual healing, health and fitness.
For more information, visit www.niyama.com.

Kurumba Maldives Named 'Best Luxury Family Beach Resort In The World' By The World Luxury Hotel Awards 2017
Kurumba Maldives has been recognised as 2017's 'Best Luxury Family Beach Resort in the World' at the World Luxury Hotel Awards. The World Luxury Hotel Awards is the pinnacle of recognition of accomplishment by hotels in the luxury hospitality industry. Commenting on the international recognition Ryszard Majewski, General Manager of Kurumba Maldives, said: “It is an honour to receive this international recognition for what we do. We would like to thank all Kurumba Maldives' followers for casting their votes, and this achievement is a true reward for our team's commitment to service excellence. With our variety of entertainment, facilities, activities and social events there is plenty on offer for families in our resort. This prestigious accolade serves as an inspiration for us to continually improve and evolve in delivering unforgettable experiences to our guests.”
For more information, visit www.kurumba.com.

Sonvea Fushi Welcomes 3D Astronomy Technology
Soneva Fushi will bring the mysteries of the galaxies closer to home in 2018 with the opening of a new 3D telescope. Using cutting-edge 3D technology with a brand-new Meade telescope, Soneva Fushi's resident astronomers will be able to show guests the vast differences in distance between stars and other celestial objects. Mike Dalley, CEO of Inspiring Skies, the company responsible for installing the new telescope and 3D technology at Soneva Fushi, said: “This new technology will help revolutionise how we offer astronomy experiences to guests, as it gives depth of field to what people see while looking through the telescope. It means that, for example, while looking at an open cluster, some stars will appear closer while others further away”. Soneva is a pioneer for astronomy tourism in the Maldives, already operating observatories and providing guests with astronomy-related experiences at both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.
For more information, visit www.soneva.com/soneva-fushi.

PACKAGES

Learn To Dive On A Cruise With Carpe Diem Maldives, From £1,748 Per Person
Carpe Diem Maldives is offering travellers the chance to obtain their PADI Open Water Diver certificate with a seven-night Learn To Dive package onboard the boat Carpe Vita. Priced from approx. £1,748 ($2,363) per person, the package includes three meals daily plus snacks and soft drinks, PADI Open Water theory and practical training, three dives daily (except for on day of arrival and day before departure), and the use of tanks, weights, belts and equipment. The Learn To Dive cruises on Carpe Vita will run from 1 – 8 July and from 26 August – 2 September 2018.
For more information or to book a place on the Learn To Dive cruise, visit www.carpediemmaldives.com.

Mirihi Island Removes Single Supplements On Rooms For Solo Travellers In Spring And Summer 2018
Mirihi Island will remove its single supplements on rooms for travel during select dates in spring and summer 2018. Nightly singles rates from 20 May – 30 August 2018 are priced from £240 ($325) per person, per night, plus 10% service charge and 12% GST. The rate includes a complimentary upgrade from bed and breakfast to half-board and complimentary yoga six times a week.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.mirihi.com.
For further information on the Maldives, visit www.visitmaldives.com.