FEATURE MALDVIES
F
or a destination that’s 99 per cent water the Maldives uses its one per cent of land extremely
well, being home to some of the most exquisite hotels in the world. Lying across the equator, the Maldives is made up of 1,190 coral islands, forming 26 atolls. It is spread over 90,000 sq kms. Only about 200 of these islands are inhabited with around 90 of them being single resorts. It’s these islands that
draw thousands of visitors every year, keen to experience the unique hideaways on offer. This geography
poses special challenges for agents selling the Maldives.
Unlike other destinations, customers can’t just walk out of their hotel and see somewhere else. They are usually in their hotel for the majority of their stay – excluding excursions – so it’s vital the right hotel is booked. The good news is there are plenty to choose from.
The UK is the second largest market
for the Maldives, with more than 60,000 Brits visiting in the first six months of this year, up 11 per cent up on last year. Operators report that the Maldives,
like other long haul destinations such as the Caribbean, is seeing a growth in last- minute bookings. Although the destination has long been
perceived as a luxury destination, operators are reporting that visitors are looking for more value for money, which
is best reflected and most obviously felt in meal plans or all-inclusive pricing. The destination has a natural appeal to honeymooners. The seclusion, swaying palms, clear blue seas, sunsets and glamorous over-water villas all make it one of the most romantic places on earth. A large factor of the appeal is some dazzling hotels. The accommodation sector keeps on innovating in the Maldives, so for those who have visited, there are good reasons to return.
Per Aquum’s newest
property, Niyama, is due to open at the end of this year and will
feature the world’s first underwater nightclub and a floating restaurant and lounge.
There's also a 24-hour spa. The Viceroy Maldives is due to
open this month (November) and, with up to 3,300 sq ft of indoor space, its 61 luxury villas will be among the largest in the Maldives. It’s not just the new hotels that are
thinking creatively – even established properties are coming up with ideas to keep customers returning too. Coco Palm Resorts will launch a
new global 'chef in residence' programme for 2012 at its five-star resort Coco Palm Bodu Hithi. The chefs, which include the UK’s Michelin-starred Tom Aitkens, will spend a week serving up their signature dishes in the à la carte Aqua restaurant, and running master- classes and demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Diva Maldives has opened a Marine Biology Centre to help with researching whale sharks in the South Ari Atoll. The Maldives will always be a destination for watersports fans and divers will note that the Baa Atoll, Maldives has been declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. This month will see the Maldives play
host to its first international big game fishing challenge, run by the Maldives Game Fishing Association.
What's New Jumeirah is launching two new resorts in the Maldives this autumn. Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, has already opened and will please couples with its over-water villas and infinity-edged windows. Opening this month. Jumeirah Vittaveli is aimed at the family market. Ayada Maldives recently opened on
the island of Maguhdhuvaa in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. From Turkey’s Aydeniz Group it will have the first Turkish hammam in the Maldives. The Amari Addu Maldives, the first
Amari outside of Thailand, also opens this month on the Addu Atoll. Etihad Airways now flies to Malé.
The move coincides with the carrier doubling its number of weekly flights from Manchester (to Dubai) from seven to 14. For 2012 Kuoni has introduced Niyama and Adaaran Hudhuranfushi. The Private Travel Company has added Constance Moofushi.
Room Report Jumeirah Dhevanafushi is the first of two Jumeirah properties to open in the Maldives this year. The accommodation is split into two different types, Revive and Sanctuary, and
the rooms have been designed to evoke traditional Maldivian architecture. Design details include wood flooring
and high ceilings and neutral décor. Some of the rooms have private beaches, on others there are open decks. It is also opening a water village called The Ocean Pearls, with 16 villas over water and just a short boat ride away from the main island, giving customers a truly remote holiday experience. The resort has three restaurants and
one bar, including a beach grill. There’s also a spa with treatment rooms and hammam, steam and sauna and a PADI diving centre. Niyama is going for a quite different
look and feel to much of the Maldives, describing itself as ‘edgy’ and offering ‘discovery, stimulation and fun’. The resort will be spread over two
islands – Embudhufushi and Olhuveli – in the south-western atoll of Dhaalu. It's targeting trend-setters looking for a luxurious but vibrant resort. Of the 86 studios and rooms, design
features will include fibre optic lit pools and some will have butlers. In terms of entertainment, there’s plenty going on including the first underwater night club. Dining options include Tribal, a
restaurant offering ethnic food, while the main restaurant and lounge will be off- shore and appear to float. There’s an arts studio, PADI dive courses or visitors can just relax with a book in the Lair. The Lime Spa is open 24 hours.
Opposite page: Moofushi Resort Above, left to right: Moofushi Resort and Jumeirah Dhevanasfushi
www.sellinglonghaul.com • November 2011 47
Selling Tip Go before it's gone...
'With global warming and rising sea levels there is a fear that the Maldives
may eventually disappear completely'
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