confined to the crowded main island of Malé where few if any tourists ever visit. Even Malé International Airport isn’t actually on Male, it’s on Hulhule Island. As Hawkins explains:
“As far as the spas situation is concerned no tourists were affected, it was simply a local political issue. It didn’t upset anyone’s holiday; it came and went within a week. The problem has gone and similarly there will be no alcohol or pork ban in the resorts, it was just a knock-on effect from the spas situation. “Maldives are one island one resort,
each is like its own country; what happens on the main island and a few others is quite different.” The assertion that each resort is
virtually a separate country is true and once on their chosen resort island most visitors stay put. It’s little wonder they do given the stunning tropical paradise that’s shared, to one degree or another, by all of the Maldives’ resorts. All have beautiful sandy beaches lapped by crystalline clear warm waters, perfect for divers and snorkellers or just to chill.
It’s these attributes which have helped
keep the Maldives at the top of Kuoni’s top 10 selling destinations every year since 2005, an accolade replicated in 2011 for honeymoon holidays too. There has been a
huge number of upscale resorts opening in recent years but there are more and more all-inclusive options too and some new guest houses have been opened which visitors can rent. These will appeal to Lonely Planet and National Geographic people. Visit Maldives is keen to widen the islands’ mid-market appeal. But wherever your clients stay they will
find a tropical paradise where the crucial importance of tourism to the Maldives’ economy ensures a warm and friendly welcome from the islands’ inhabitants.
What’s New
With some 1,192 coral islands grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls and spread over 35,000 sq miles there is no shortage of places to build new resorts – and still they keep coming. First opening this year was the Dusit Thani Maldives, the Thai group’s first foray into the Indian Ocean. Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll – a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve –
Dusit Thani Maldives is 35 minutes by seaplane from the capital Malé. Surrounding the island perimeter is a ‘living house reef’, a snorkeller’s paradise just metres from the beach. The resort’s 100 villas and residences
range from 122m² Beach Villas, many with private pools. Lagoon Villas (128m²) feature a
private deck area and plunge pool
while Ocean Villas offer 178m² with decks featuring private pools and salas, large day beds and deck chairs. To end accommodation is the premium two- bedroom Ocean Pavilions (250m²) and Beach Residences (570m²) which have large swimming pools, indoor and outdoor dining areas and pantries.
All villas are finished with a 46” LED tv, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), complimentary WiFi access, an MP3 docking station with Bose
surround system, an in-room bar, a wine cooler,
Nespresso coffee machine and tea-
making facilities. Dusit Thani
Maldives is also the first resort in the Indian Ocean to feature the Molton Brown Body Remedies luxury line.
Amenities include three restaurants
and two bars plus the Devarana Spa centred on a 750m² infinity swimming pool – the largest in the Maldives – Fitness Centre, a children’s play area and club facility, library, internet workstations and a selection of boutiques. As well as watersports there are opportunities to see dolphins and sea turtles, manta rays and whale sharks.
www.dusit.com THIS MONTH (March) is due to see
the opening of the first golf course in the Maldives courtesy of the Shangri-
From The Front Line SHAMIRA KAUMAYA- HATT, Sunset Faraway Holidays “The Maldives was
our fastest growing destination in the first quarter of 2011 and continues to be a top choice for couples, honeymooners and
families. We have seen a growing demand for all- round value, particularly meal plan options and the activities and facilities resorts
offer. The last-minute booking
market is the major trend this year for long haul travel."
www.sellinglonghaul.com • March 2012 17
Selling Tip “Upgrade the booking
to half-board or even all- inclusive – a huge saving for your client"
LUX ISLAND RESORTS
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