Vakkaru Maldives’ Unmatched New Hospitality Concept Will Take the Utmost Care of You
Introducing Vakkare: From Sound Healing to Blue Hole Diving, Vakkaru Maldives' Unmatched New Hospitality Concept Will Take the Utmost Care of You
Introducing Vakkare: From Sound Healing to Blue Hole Diving, Vakkaru Maldives' Unmatched New Hospitality Concept Will Take the Utmost Care of You
Set amidst lush greenery, crystal clear waters and long stretches of white sandy beaches, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort is a paradise setting and is truly one of the pearls of the Indian Ocean. A locally inspired resort, Maldivian culture and tradition is very much at the heart of its offering.
Radisson Blu, the upper-upscale brand that delivers personalized service in stylish spaces, has opened Radisson Blu Resort Maldives - a private island retreat in the Alifu Dhaalu Atoll which becomes Radisson Hotel Group's first property in the Maldives.
For those that crave about the Noonu Atoll, its turquoise waters, its pop yellow sun, its intimate villas, its thoughtful details and its vibrant activities, Cheval Blanc Randheli will reopen on August 15th, 2020.
Heed the call of the wild this manta season (from now until November 2020) and head to one of the most renowned manta hotspots in the world. With the Maldives reopening its international borders on July 15, 2020 and last year's Baa Atoll high number of sightings, there's never been a better time to join resident Manta Trust experts at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru to swim with these incredible gentle giants.
Baros Maldives, which recently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has announced that it will reopen its doors to travelers beginning on October 1, 2020. In preparation for welcoming guests back to the island, resort management has made significant upgrades to the health and sanitation protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation. In addition, the resort is offering unique experiences, enticing deals and a tribute to frontline workers across the globe.
Grand Park Kodhipparu welcomed the first guests to the idyllic paradise, the same day as the borders of the Republic of Maldives was reopened on the 15 July 2020. The guests arrived on the first passenger flight to have arrived in the Maldives on Qatar Airways flight after the island nation reopened its borders to visitors today.
The Maldives reopened its borders to international travelers on July 15, 2020, and the Four Seasons new global Lead With Care program and contactless Chat experience offer the ultimate reassurance and care in a new era of travel.
Dusit Thani Maldives, a luxury Thai-inspired resort on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, is set to reopen on 1 August 2020 with a new range of services and operating procedures designed to offer the utmost in comfort, convenience, experience, value and safety.
Hotel owners and operators in the Maldives are learning the hard way how quickly disruption can turn cash flow negative. One key trend in global leisure destinations is a severe liquidity crunch of wholesalers and travel intermediaries, which in turn has created a domino impact on hotels. This has created difficulties for the tourism dependent Indian Ocean island nation. Cash strapped hotels, who are owed significant funds for guests who have already stayed are being forced to negotiate payment terms or event contemplate write offs, are crying foul. Further stress from contracted allocations that cannot be fulfilled has become commonplace as advance deposits are being held by external suppliers. The situation is expected to become worse should wholesalers become insolvent. In Thailand, hoteliers have sought government action with the TUI Group, as despite a 1.8 billion Euro loan being approved by the German central government, they have yet to clear past payments overseas with are due. As hotels look to the reopening journey ahead, a new survey of 1,100 qualified Chinese travelers in first tier cities by hospitality consulting group C9 Hotelworks and Delivering Asia Communications focusing on travel sentiment to the Maldives has pinpointed some key changes forecasted in visitor behavior.
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands has appointed Simone Broekhaar as Director of Sales & Marketing. A veteran of luxury hospitality, Simone will bring unwavering passion and creativity, coupled with over two decades of experience in the industry to spearhead sales and communications strategy in the lead up to the launch of Patina Maldives in Q1 2021. Patina Maldives, Fari Islands will be the first launch under Patina Hotels & Resorts, a new sophisticated lifestyle brand by Capella Hotel Group, which was created for progressive travellers of a new generation. Simone joins the Patina Maldives from her role as Director of Sales & Marketing of Capella Ubud, Bali, where she led a team of 9 as they developed their launch communications and sales strategy for the multi-award winning property. Prior to this, Simone was the Regional Director of Sales & Marketing for COMO Hotels & Resorts, Bali, a role that saw her report to three General Managers as she oversaw efforts for three of the esteemed group's most sought-after properties; COMO Uma Ubud, COMO Shambhala Estate, and COMO Canggu. Simone has always nurtured a passion for the travel industry, and holds a Hotel Management Degree. She has previously held positions at The Datai, Langkawi and The Chedi, Muscat, which have each been widely recognised for their boutique, luxury offerings, as well as with international brands such as Swissôtel. She is fluent in Dutch and English, and can also speak German, French and a little Italian. Aside from travelling, Simone is a big fan of wellness and keeping fit as well as an avid theatre-goer.
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands has appointed Marco Den Ouden as General Manager. In his new role, Marco will bring over 20 years of global experience in the luxury hospitality industry as he builds the pre-opening team and prepares to launch the property in Q1 2021. Marco joins the Patina Maldives pre-opening team from his role as General Manager of Soneva Jani, Maldives, the flagship property for the esteemed Soneva collection. Prior to his time in the Maldives, Marco spent four years with the Alila group, leading teams as General Manager across three of their sought-after properties across Indonesia and China. Marco was responsible for the opening of Alila Wuzhen and Alila Anji, which was the first Alila to open in China, the successful opening of which paved the way for future projects in the country. Having nurtured a passion for hospitality from an early age, Marco gained a BA in Hotel Management from Glion Institute of Higher Education, before beginning his career with NH Hotel Group. Following this, Marco combined his interests in hospitality and food and dining, opening his own restaurant in Rotterdam. Coopvaert was a highly regarded farm-to-table concept, which was consistently recognized as one of the top three fine dining restaurants in Rotterdam. In 2009, Marco felt drawn back to the hotel industry and accepted an opportunity to become the International General Manager of Jin Jiang Hotel in Chengdu. Marco also worked as an F&B Hospitality Consultant for the Les Amis Group, channelling his expertise to advise on new concepts, and leading project overhauls to improve overall service and structure. Between 2012-2014, Marco was the General Manager of Huvafen Fushi by Per AQUUM, Maldives, leading a ten week renovation projects to enhance guest offerings. Fluent in Dutch and English, Marco is also able to speak German, Mandarin, French and Italian.
The Avani+ Fares resort in Maldives has appointed Marlon Abeyakoon as General Manager.
One of the 'first generation' of general managers to open GHM properties from the Far East to the Middle East is flying the Chedi flag again as he prepares to introduce a new resort on Kudavillingili Island in the Maldives later this year.
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort, on the Gaafu Alifu Atoll has officially opened its two new Aqua Villas. The Aqua Villas, at 1,216 square feet, have two bedrooms - with one submerged beneath the turquoise waters allowing guests to see the island's vibrant marine life and endless coral reef. Guests can discover the magic of the ocean whilst enjoying the stylish comfort that Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort has to offer. The Aqua Villas are a rarity in the Maldives and Pullman is proud to be a leader in immersive travel for this destination. The villas' design stands out, with the focus placed on marine life. Not only is there an aquarium as a bedroom - which provides an open view of the living creatures - but there is also a private infinity pool,a second bedroom looking out across the ocean, and a beautiful open-air bathroom. The villas are in a prime position to watch the sunrise and are only a short walk away from Sol Rising - the resort's sunrise bar serving breakfast and fresh juices. Complete with a large swimming pool, also facing east, it is the perfect location to relax in the early hours.
GHM has announced plans to launch The Chedi Kudavillingili, its first resort in the Maldives, later this year. The 99-villa property will feature 36 overwater villas, a 150-metre-long central pool and desirable proximity to the Malé International Airport, a 25-minute speedboat ride away.
CROSSROADS Maldives, the country's largest integrated leisure and lifestyle destination developed and operated by S Hotels and Resorts, has announced the appointment of Audra Arul as Cluster Director of Sales and Marketing for the complex, with responsibilities encompassing its two newly opened hotels: SAii Lagoon Maldives, a Curio Collection by Hilton, and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives.Audra Arul comes to CROSSROADS Maldives to continue a successful career which has focused on hotel sales and marketing with internationally recognised hospitality companies such as Accor, Marriott, Hyatt, and most recently, with Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts. In her new role, Ms. Arul will be responsible for the overall commercial objectives of CROSSROADS Maldives and the two resorts, including achieving goals in revenue generation, yield management and brand engagement.
The multi-award winning Vakkaru Maldives has unveiled its newly refurbished villas setting a heightened standard and elevated experience for luxury tropical island. The product enhancement included facility upgrades to the existing Beach Bungalows, Two Bedroom Beach Villas and Over Water Family Villas by adding outdoor whirlpools and private swimming pools.
With over twenty years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Andrew has worked with some of the world's most reputable brands - from Le Meridian and Mandarin Oriental to Shangri-La. He joins Fairmont Maldives from Potato Head Bali which, as Group Managing Director, he transformed into a globally recognised sustainable lifestyle hospitality brand, mobilising the company to become the first hospitality brand in Indonesia to be carbon neutral and opening the first zero-waste restaurant in the region.
Lawrence joins Fairmont Maldives from Pueblo Bonito Pacifica in Cabo San Lucas Mexico, with over 15 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry. From Four Seasons and Intercontinental to Fairmont properties in Canada and Mexico, Lawrence has worked as an Executive Chef, Director of Food and Beverage and General Manager, bringing a breadth of experience across key departments to his role as Fairmont Maldives' Hotel Manager.