‘Game-changer’ enters Maldives tourism scene
Madeleine Barber
Crossroads is the largest and most hotly anticipated development to take place in the Maldives (AS140), with the first phase set to open in early 2019. Accessible in just 15 minutes by speedboat from Male International airport, the nine-island lagoon-based resort will feature high-end restaurants, boutique shops, Cafe del Mar Maldives beach club, the nation’s first luxury yacht marina and eight hotels, including Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, SAii Lagoon Maldives and Curio Collection by Hilton.
Kittsanan Kittamaytrapemadej, Crossroads’ chief marketing officer, said: “Crossroads will create game-changers for Maldives tourism, from traditional hotels and resorts to integrated destination experiences.” The Marina will be the main hub for these activities, where guests will be able to visit the Maldives
the bio-diversity of the Maldives’ marine ecosystem.
Rock Star Villa Pool at Crossroads The Marina
THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN (ME650) Jeremy Canivet, director of sales and marketing
HOW HAS BUSINESS BEEN THIS YEAR? Very successful for The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, with a steady increase in room nights and revenue, year-on-year. Tourists into Bahrain reached 3.1 million in the first quarter of this year; a rise of 11.4% on the same period last year, and there are expansion projects at Bahrain International airport.
WHAT IS YOUR BIG STORY FOR WTM LONDON? We want to showcase a redevelopment of our Royal Beach Club marina and the rejuvenation of our mixed-gym facilities. We also have a new legacy leadership team, including general manager, Bernard de Villele, me, and new
executive assistant manager – food and beverage, Andrea Colla.
AND WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON FOR 2019? New, improved villas with a soft renovation into a more modern sea- inspired design, and a new Bar de la Plage and mixology experience. Also our Pearl 1 charter, for guests to sail to remote destinations like Jarada Island.
Discovery Centre and learn about the nation’s local life and crafts via interactive displays. The Marine Discovery Centre will also be an educational experience in The Marina, as it will spearhead the destination’s coral propagation and introduce sustainable tourism schemes designed to preserve
Kittamaytrapemadej is hoping that these experiences and accommodation options at Crossroads will attract a mixture of couples and families: “With diversified offerings and facilities, we are hoping to attract upscale, luxury and mid-scale family segments, Mice visitors and friends travelling together, as well as the couple segment, which is traditional to the Maldives,” he said. In light of attracting a luxury-led demographic, Kittamaytrapemadej said Crossroads has been designed with the extravagant traveller in mind: “Unique architecture, landscape design by a renowned architect, a yacht marina with diversified leisure and entertainment offerings, and five-star services will appeal to the luxury market,” he added. A large-scale project such as this needs a large-scale budget, so Crossroads is investing $311.5 million in the first phase of development for a three-island- resort concept and then $368.5 million in the second phase for the development of the six remaining islands. The second phase is expected to be completed in the next five years.
THE LIMING, BEQUIA (CA260) Norbert Lieder, managing director, Inverlochy Castle
Management International
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST NEWS AT WTM LONDON? We will launch our first international property this winter, The Liming. Set on the Caribbean island of Bequia, the luxury resort offers a new concept of relaxation on “the island in the clouds”. Guests can choose from 13 private villas with one, two, four or five bedrooms, set amid the
outstanding natural beauty of this undiscovered location.
WHAT IS ‘LIMING’? It’s the idea that doing nothing is an artform. Choose to “lime” while soaking in a private infinity pool, or dining at our exclusive restaurant or while admiring 360-degree views of the islands.
WHAT’S HAPPENING ON YOUR STAND? It will host a Caribbean Sunset Hour – visitors can sample local rum and delicacies while networking with industry professionals. Visit between
4.30-6pm for a taste of the Caribbean.
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