FEATURE MALDIVES
From The Front Line SHEENA PATON
Market Manager, Kuoni “The Maldives is Kuoni’s number one
best-selling destination and fulfils many different holiday needs; there really is a resort to suit every client – honeymooners, families, divers, friends, and those travelling solo. “No two islands are the same with
each offering something unique. Honeymooners and those wanting to ‘get away from it all’ will enjoy the secluded luxury of Maafushivaru in the South Ari Atoll and Baros in the North Male Atoll. "There are some great value options
with resorts such as Biyadhoo, a simple but lush tropical hideaway and Meeru Island Resort, ideal for a group of friends and those wanting to experience the wonderful diving.”
Right: there are dozens of luxury options in
the Maldives including The Residence (top) and Jumeirah Dhevanafushi (below)
villas, which will include seven treatment suites for individuals as well as couples. Between April 16 and September 30,
the Viceroy Maldives has a stay seven nights, pay for five nights or stay 14 nights, pay for 10 nights package which includes daily breakfast for two, daily dinner for two at Vista and 50% off seaplane
transfers. A seven-night package for two in a Beach Villa is from $7245 plus tax and service.
www.viceroyhotelsand resorts. com/maldives Also opening in April is The Residence Maldives – a Leading Hotels of the World member – joining its existing properties in Mauritius, Zanzibar and Tunis. The property expects to soon be signing a strong network of UK tour operators. With the tagline ‘take refuge from the
norm’, the hotel ‘will encompass the same exceptionally high standards and understated luxury which the original hotels are renowned for’. The Residence will be located on the
island of Falhumaafushi, on the world’s largest atoll, Gaafu Alifu with 94 ‘elegant yet traditional’ private beach and water villas (some with a private pool) designed in traditional Maldivian thatched roof- style along with a spa using Clarins treatments and the Falhumaa restaurant. Other facilities include a PADI dive and
water sports centre, library, kids club, boutique and fitness centre, while private butlers will also be on hand.
www.theresidence.com/maldives LATER THIS YEAR will see the opening
of Centara’s second property in the Maldives, the Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa, set on Giraavaru Island in North Malé Atoll just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport. The group’s first property was the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives, which opened in the South Ari Atoll in December 2009. The new resort will be adult-focused
with its beach villas and over-water villas being scattered around the island and designed to provide privacy for guests. The resort’s general manager, Voytek Klasicki, says that ease of transport from and to Malé will be a key attraction. “Guests will have the exotic attraction
of staying in luxury on a small island, with the shops, restaurants, museums and tourist sights of Malé a quick and easy boat-rise away” he says. There is a large lagoon to one side of
the island which is good for swimmers and for snorkelling, and excellent dive sites including Giraavaru Cave, about 10 minutes away, and Lion Head and Kuda
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