reminiscent of the Maldives archipelago as it was some 50 years ago. The resort has recently re-launched following extensive refurbishment including 50 contemporary and paperless villas, a 360-degree pristine white beach and interactive Island Grill, billed as the only indigenous restaurant in the Maldives. And it is now quicker to reach the
resort after a new regional airport, Kooddoo Airport in the Gaafu Alifu, opened last year. Maldivian fl ies twice-daily directly from Malé to Kooddoo, a fl ight of around 45 minutes. Viceroy Maldives opened in April 2012 with some of the most spacious accommodation in the Maldives and a beautiful tree house restaurant. Villa savings are available until March 23.
TIP
One&Only Reethi Rah has created
a new partnership with Bodyism, founded by personal trainer to the stars, James Duigan. Following recent training by James, the resort’s in-house personal training team are now qualifi ed in the art of Bodyism and the benefi ts of Clean&Living. Also on the well-being side, the spa has introduced Watsu (WATer ShiaSU) aquatic therapy. The tiny independent island resort
of Baros Maldives has been voted Number 1 as the Top Hotel and Top Luxury Hotel in the Maldives in the 2013 Trip Advisor Travellers Choice poll.
Airlines: Shangri-La’s Villingeili
“Recommend the Maldives year round.
It is always warm (late 20sC, early 30sC) with the lowest rainfall from January to March. It is wettest September- December but the rain comes as short, sharp showers” Juliet Darlington, Hayes and Jarvis Product Manager for the Indian Ocean
Resort and Spa now has its own private executive terminal just fi ve minutes away by speedboat. The venture is the result of the successful partnership
between the resort and Gan International Airport in Addu Atoll. British Airways launches a new
service to Sri Lanka via the Maldives on April 14 making twin-centre holidays all the more appealing. This is especially true of the bridal market with couples tying the knot in Sri Lanka and honeymooning in the Maldives. Operators: Safaris seem to be
the buzz word in the Maldives at present, but not as you know them. Instead of the Big Five, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort is offering a new private seaplane safari to see the South Male Atoll, a canoe safari to explore the island and neighbour- ing Dream Island and a snorkelling safari. Taj Exotica & Spa Maldives offers underwater safaris via deep sea passenger submarine or scuba diving. Huvafen Fushi has the world’s fi rst underwater spa and has just
Meet the Operator
How do you sum up the special appeal of the Maldives?
As well as the idyllic ‘Robinson Crusoe’ experience, there’s the white sands, turquoise waters and a year-round warm breeze. Also, the Maldives is a haven for all forms of marine life. With every island resort being surrounded by a natural coral reef, travellers can easily jump into another world and experience wonderful healthy coral, thousands of species of fi sh and of course access to some of the world’s most exciting marine animals like the Whale Shark and Manta Ray.
Is it a destination just for honeymooners?
With all of the above-mentioned attributes, it’s an obvious choice for romantics, particularly those looking to get married or couples on honeymoon. However, it’s a also suited to those celebrating a special anniversary and to families and individuals.
How is the destination faring in terms of visitor numbers? Well - we carried over 25,000 passengers over the last seven years. We have seen a sharp increase of 20% in our advance sales for 2013/14.
How have you achieved that? It is a direct result of our
attractive early booking offers that are still all in place and can be booked live on our website.
Sample Package OSBORNE AND EBEL
Opposite page: A Chaaya Reef
Ellaidhoo Beach Bungalow; wedding reception, Huvafen Fushi. Left: One&Only Reethi Rah kids club
Prices from $45 pp pn for a three-star property (with B&B), and from $80 pppn in a three- star plus all-inclusive and from $80 up to $575 pppn in a fi ve- star deluxe B&B
osborneandebel.com
www.sellinglonghaul.com • March 2013 55
Osborne and Ebel Inbound Operator
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