MALDIVES NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2019
LATEST NEWS

The Maldives Is Named As The 'World's Leading Dive Destination 2018'
The Maldives was named as the 'World's Leading Dive Destination 2018' at the World Travel Awards held in December 2018 in Lisbon, Portugal. In addition, the following five Maldivian resorts were also recognised at the awards evening, which is renowned as the 'Oscars of the travel industry':

• World's Leading Airport Resort 2018: Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives
• World's Leading Honeymoon Resort 2018: Jumeirah Vittaveli, Maldives
• World's Leading Luxury Private Island Resort 2018: Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives
• World's Leading Water Villa Resort 2018: Sun Aqua Vilu Reef, Maldives
• World's Most Romantic Resort 2018: Baros Maldives

For further information on the Maldives, visit www.visitmaldives.com.

WELLNESS WONDERS: WELLBEING IN THE MALDIVES

New Wellness Offerings At The Nautilus
The spa offering at the new Nautilus resort is dedicated to freedom of movement, contemplation and reconnection. With no appointments necessary, guest treatments are served in-house, in the resort's floating spa pavilions or on the beach. The spa's core offering will be a four-hour treatment that is designed to suit an individual and their needs. To ensure individual requirements of guests are met, personal preferences are identified in advance to form a personal blueprint.
For more information, visit www.thenautilusmaldives.com.

New Heavenly Spa by Westin™ at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort's signature branded spa concept, the Heavenly Spa by Westin™ stays true to one of Westin's pillars, 'Stay Well', reflecting Westin's commitment to wellness, and allowing guests to replenish the mind and body with a personal sensory experience. The resort uses spa products from the French brand THÉMAÉ, which draws its inspiration from the Japanese art and culture of tea. Due to its high polyphenol content, tea helps slow the appearance of the visible signs of ageing by neutralising the free radicals responsible for the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Westin's 'Stay Well' pillar is further reflected in the resort's state-of-the-art gym, fresh and healthy cuisine and also the resort library, which further encourages relaxation.

For more information, visit www.westin.com/maldivesmiriandhoo.

Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa To Host Wellness Expert Adrienne LDN in April 2019
As part of Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives ongoing Master in Residence programme, the resort has announced its latest partnership with London's leading wellness expert and Adidas Global Ambassador, Adrienne LDN. Heralded the 'new face of wellness' by Vogue, Adrienne will bring her fitness expertise to Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa for an exclusive 10-day residency from 9th – 19th April 2019, providing guests with private PT sessions, total body workouts, morning mobility classes and sessions for children. Adrienne's residency will also see the launch of a brand new 5km running trail, which will allow guests to explore the surrounding jungle and coastline.

For more information, visit www.shangri-la.com/male/villingiliresort/.

New Spa Package at Amari Havodda Maldives
During January and February 2019, Breeze Spa at Amari Havodda Maldives is offering an exclusive spa package utilising 24K gold into their exclusive signature mood massage and crystal fresh facial. Exclusively at Amari Havodda Maldives, chosen signature mood massage oils are blended with 24K gold powder to enhance the skin's circulation and add extra anti-ageing properties to relaxing massages of choice.

For more information, visit www.amari.com/havodda-maldives/.

Rock Om® In The Maldives With Hard Rock Hotel Maldives
Combine the quietness of yoga with the sound of music and you'll get Rock Om®, Hard Rock's signature yoga programme in the Maldives and around the world. Whether it's from the comfort of a room, suite or villa or around the property, the combination of serene yoga and vibrant music will allow guests to relax and refresh. Guests at Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, which is due to open in June 2019, can also take advantage of four treatment rooms. From the Hard Rock Signature Rhythm and Motion treatments to massages, body scrubs, wraps, facials, and special children's treatments, there's something on the menu for everyone.

For more information, visit www.hardrockhotels.com/maldives.

New Year, New You at Anantara
Anantara Veli, Anantara Dhigu and Naladhu Private Island are inviting guests to kick off 2019 with invigorating wellness activities and treatments. At Anantara Veli, Balance Wellness by Anantara offers an indulgent selection of relaxing and rejuvenating spa therapies, and the resort has recently added a long list of specialised treatments by renowned French skincare brand, Biologique Recherche. Furthermore, at Anantara Dhigu, guests can sink into a blissful treatment at Anantara Spa, which was named the World's Best Spa Brand at the World Spa Awards 2018.

For more information, visit www.anantara.com.

Amilla Fushi and Finolhu To Host Wellness Artisans
Amilla Fushi and Finolhu will invite guests to put themselves on a path of wellness this year with a roster of visiting wellness artisans. A team of international specialists will bring guests a range of gentle and nurturing holistic approaches to take them on a journey of self-discovery and deep relaxation. To kick off the New Year, the resorts will welcome the following experts:

• Dela Catudal, an Invitation to a Path of Complete Wellbeing, from 17th January – 7th February 2019 at Amilla Fushi and from 9th February – 28th February 2019 at Finolhu
• Dave Catudel brings Health Transformation Skills to the Maldives from 17th January – 7th February 2019 at Amilla Fushi and from 9th February – 28th February 2019 at Finolhu
• Coco Ryoko Maruno brings Kundalini Yoga and Energy Healing to Finolhu from 16th –29th January 2019

For more information, visit www.finolhu.com and www.amilla.mv.

Rest and Replenish Wellness Retreat at Jumeirah Vittaveli
The ila Rest and Replenish Wellness Retreat at Jumeirah Vittaveli, Maldives encourages guests to take time out from their hectic lifestyle immerse themselves in an environment that deeply relaxes and restores the whole nervous system. Every aspect of the retreat is bespoke and curated. From the Sattvic diet menu specially created by the resort's Executive Chef to the deeply healing therapies, from Chakra balancing to 432 sound healing and meditation sessions, the programme will nourish both the mind and body. Anti-gravity yoga, sunrise yoga on board a Dhoni, as well as snorkelling and diving, will all naturally restore balance, harmony and inner-peace.

For more information, visit www.jumeirah.com/Maldives/Vittaveli-Hotel.‎

Maldivian Spa Properties To Exhibit at TTM 2019
Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) 2019 is set to welcome award-winning spa exhibitors from 20th – 22nd April 2019. Exhibitors at the travel trade show will include the prestigious Iridium Spa of St. Regis Maldives, which was named at the world's best resort spa at the 2018 World Spa Awards. Additional spas set to exhibit at TTM 2019 include Six Senses Spa at Soneva Fushi, The Spa Retreat and Over Water Spa at Conrad Maldives, plus the Javvu spa of Amilla Fushi.

For more information and to register for the event, visit www.traveltrademaldives.com.

Digital Detox With A Dream Yacht Charter Sailing Holiday
Travellers can explore the stunning islands of the Maldives from the water on a sailing holiday with Dream Yacht Charter. For a complete break from the pressures of modern day life, guests aboard the yacht are encouraged to turn off their phone and indulge in a digital detox. On fully-equipped catamarans, guests can enjoy the physical benefits of being at sea in the fresh air and exercise through swimming, snorkelling and paddle boarding. Sleeping a maximum of 12 people in up to six double en-suite cabins, Dream Yacht Charter's catamaran is a floating boutique hotel, with the world's largest swimming pool – the ocean!

For more information, visit www.dreamyachtcharter.com.

PARTNER NEWS

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island Officially Opened By The President Of The Maldives
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island was officially opened on 26th December 2018 by H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, The President of the Republic of Maldives. In the presence of the honourable Minister of Tourism and Minister of Planning, the President celebrated the opening of the luxury all-inclusive private island and recognised its important impact on the future of the luxury travel landscape in the Maldives. With just 15 residences, the resort can be booked entirely for exclusive use from £62,455 - £102,296 ($80,000 - $140,000) per night, depending on the season. Alternatively, residences can also be booked from £2,966 ($3,800) per night.

For more information, visit www.kudadoo.com.

Coco Collection Sponsors Stand Up For Our Seas 2019
On 21st February 2019, Coco Collection will be sponsoring an unprecedented 100km stand up paddle board expedition around Baa Atoll, Maldives. Four amazing women will be embarking on this incredible adventure, all to raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution, discarded fishing gear, and climate change. The team will include veterinary surgeons Dr Cal Major and Dr Claire Petros from the UK, plus ocean advocates Dhafeena “Dhafy” Hassan Ibrahim and Shaaziya “Saazu” Saeed from the Maldives.

To watch a video about the expedition, visit https://youtu.be/56PF0fXV3IM

For more information, visit www.cococollection.com.

Sun Siyam Welcomes The First Guests At Sun Aqua Iru Veli
Sun Aqua Iru Veli welcomed its first guests on 15th December 2018. Set on Aluvifushi, a secluded, previously uninhabited private island forming part of the South Nilandhe Atoll, Sun Aqua Iru Veli is a premium all-inclusive resort that offers guests island indulgence with a playful twist. Each of the 125 light-filled beach and over-water suites reflect the island's unspoilt beauty and are individually-decorated in natural tones and local artworks.

For more information, visit www.iru-veli.com.

Baros Maldives Unveils New Villa Collection: The Baros Suites
Baros Maldives, an award-winning boutique island retreat in the Maldives, has announced the addition of two distinctive new suites to its collection of villas. Named as the Baros Suites, each suite of 200sqm features a spacious, luxurious bedroom, a concealed, semi open-air bathroom and a large living area with sliding glass doors opening on to a wooden deck with sun loungers and dining area, a swimming pool and a thatched gazebo with a traditional swing overlooking the ocean.

For more information, visit www.baros.com/villas-maldives/baros-suites.

Celebrating The Time Of Ocean At Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa will be hosting a specially crafted event, The Time of Ocean, from 17th February – 16th March 2019. Throughout this time, the resort will be organising educational and exciting activities that revolve around protecting and sustaining the fragile oceans – from diving and snorkeling excursions, marine talks, underwater quests, dishes that pay homage to the Maldivian culture and spa treatments that are based on the history of local holistic wellness.

For more information, visit www.parkhyattmaldives.com.

Fushifaru Maldives Appoints New Director Of Food & Beverage
Francesco Cavarretta has been appointed as Director of Food & Beverage at Fushifaru Maldives, a resort located on the Northeast border of Lhaviyani Atoll. Francesco is an experienced Chef with over 20 years of culinary experience in food & beverage industry and in his new position, Francesco will oversee the food and beverage operations, private dining and create curated dining experiences for all guests.

For more information, visit www.fushifaru.com.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort Hosts UK Michelin Star Chef James Mackenzie
Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort welcomed the culinary creations of UK Michelin Star guest chef James Mackenzie from 4th – 14th January 2019. While at the Outrigger, Mackenzie, the head chef and proprietor of the Pipe and Glass in South Dalton, Yorkshire, England, held a cooking class on the beach and presented a special five-course wine pairing menu prepared by him on two evenings.

For more information, visit www.outrigger.com.

Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort Unveils New Beach Villas
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort has unveiled its luxuriously refurbished beach villas. Nestled in the island foliage, the updated beach villas retain the resort's relaxed beach ambiance, now with a refreshed palette of sophisticated neutral tones that reflect the island's natural hues. Along with an internal transformation, the villa bathrooms have been rejuvenated and on each villa terrace a traditional Maldivian swing has also been added, inviting guests to enjoy island breezes in their own private space.

For more information, visit www.anantara.com.

Mirihi Island Resort Reveals New Beach House Accommodation
Mirihi Island Resort, Maldives, has revealed a brand new two-story, two-bedroom beachfront residence. Complete with a spacious living-dining area, kitchenette, two open-air bathrooms, private garden and first floor terrace commanding spectacular ocean views, The Beach House is the ideal accommodation for groups of friends or large families.

For more information or to make a reservation visit www.mirihi.com.

TRAVEL PACKAGES

Save Up To 59% On A Seven-Night Star At The Residence Maldives, From £2,120 Per Person
Planet Dive Holidays is offering up to 59% off a seven-night stay at The Residence Maldives, from £2,120 per person. The Residence Maldives is located in one of the world's largest atolls and is the ideal choice for divers. Price is as a guide only, assuming UK flights and for travel from 1st July – 30th September 2019. Complimentary transfers are included. For an immediate accurate quotation, call 01273 921 001 or use the Quick Quote tool at www.planetdiveholidays.com.

Seven-Night Yoga Holiday At Barefoot Eco Hotel in the Maldives, From £779 Per Person
Secret Paradise is offering a seven-night yoga holiday at Barefoot Eco Hotel on the northern Maldivian island of Hanimadhoo from £779 ($999) per person. Nestled within the island's untouched forest, the hotel boats its own private beach, swimming pool, gym, restaurant, juice bar and spa. The seven-night yoga holiday includes breakfast and lunch or dinner, one morning and one evening yoga class per day, plus flight transfer to and from the resort from Velana International Airport. Price is valid for travel from June – October 2019, based on two people sharing. For more information, visit www.secretparadise.mv.

Spaces Still Available For SwimQuest's 2019 Swimming Holidays In The Maldives
SwimQuest is offering a seven-night swimming holiday in the Maldives from £2,299 per person. The holiday includes accommodation on the liveaboard MV Emperor Voyager, a full swimming itinerary plus coaching, all meals, equipment and transfers to and from Velana International Airport. The holidays take place from 9th – 16th February, 6th – 13th April and 13th – 20th April 2019. For more information and to book a place, visit www.swimquest.uk.com/maldives/

Save Up To 50% On A Seven-Night Stay At JA Manafaru, From £2,425 Per Person
Caribtours is offering a seven-night stay at JA Manafaru from £2,425 per person, including breakfasts, a saving of up to 50%, complimentary seaplane transfers and an upgrade to a water villa. Price is valid for selected dates from 11th January – 23rd December 2019. Book by 8th February 2019. To book, call 020 3582 3044 or visit bit.ly/2TK2a7o.

Seven-Night Holiday at Bandos Island Resort & Spa, From £999 Per Person
British Airways Holidays is offering a seven-night stay at the 4* Bandos Island Resort & Spa, from £999 per person, travelling on selected dates in November. Includes World Traveller return flights from Gatwick and accommodation with breakfast. Book by 31st January 2019. For reservations visit www.ba.com/maldives or call 0344 493 0778.

 For further information on the Maldives, visit www.visitmaldives.com.