Underwater Festival returns to LUX* Maldives

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 LUX* Maldives has announced its fourth annual Underwater Festival, which will take place this year between 22 and 27 March. The event celebrates the beauty and diversity of the world that lies beneath the surface of the ocean and gives guests a wonderful opportunity to explore that world in a variety of different ways – for there’s a lot going on around LUX* Maldives in terms of marine conservation projects and the protection of the eco-systems in the archipelago.

Once again, the Resort’s guest of honour will be the World Champion Freediver, Christian Redl. He will be running freediving courses, conferences and chat sessions, and offering the adventurous the chance to try out freediving techniques. In his opinion, “Freediving is the ultimate way to free yourself and develop a peaceful understanding of the ocean. Whatever you are interested in, you will find something exciting.” Indeed, freedivers are able to explore the beauty and depths of the ocean in the most natural and serene way possible – without breathing apparatus.

Throughout the Festival, Euro-Divers, LUX* Maldives’ top-level PADI diving centre, will organise morning sessions to teach the basics of freediving and how to exploit your ability to hold your breath that little bit longer. These activities will then be followed by deep diving in the ocean to explore the underwater world free from any equipment. It’s a great way to observe such fascinating creatures as whale sharks and manta rays in their natural habitat.

Building to the excitement, the experience will go a step further in the evenings, with the participation of the Maldives Whale Shark Research Project team also taking part in the Festival, presenting the volunteer conservation work they do and the ID processing of whale sharks, in an evening screening under the magic of the night sky. Feet in the sand, it will be a fascinating way to learn more about the importance of protecting marine life in the South Ari Atoll.

“The Underwater Festival is a great opportunity to make our guests aware of the importance of marine conservation projects and to encourage their involvement in our various programmes and activities” says Shaun Dunhofen, General Manager, LUX* Maldives.

The Festival also includes special workshops, an Underwater Art competition, GoPro photography and filming tutorial, and film shows displaying in full glory the magic of life underwater, beneath the surface of the seas.

Coco Bodu Hithi reveals the trendsetting Coco Residences

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Welcoming the latest trends in experience-led travel, the luxury boutique hotel brand Coco Collection has introduced Coco Residences at Coco Bodu Hithi, re-launching in May 2015 with signature privileges. Perched on stilts over the crystalline lagoon, previously known as Escape Water Residences, the Coco Residences will redefine luxury through tailored experiences, courtesy of dedicated Lifestyle Hosts trained to blend lavish comforts with boundless surprises.

The spaciously comfortable Coco Residences feature high ceilings and large windows that provide stunning natural light, highlighting the exquisite interior with amenities such as a luxurious pillow menu to choose from and a private wine cellar to explore. At the alfresco terrace area, split-level with steps leading into the lagoon with abundant marine life among the house reef for snorkelling enthusiasts, guests can indulge in the luxurious comforts of their private infinity plunge pool.

These Residences will be launched with dedicated events to discover the Bodu Hithi life among the company of other Residence guests. Sophisticated and stylish, STARS Bar will offers daily high tea, Apéritifs, Canapés and weekly Sundowner Cocktails overlooking the infinite Indian Ocean, to revel in classical moments. Over at the award-winning Coco Spa perched over-water, dedicated daily yoga and fitness sessions will be designed to explore wellbeing as a way of life. The Coco Residences are located over the pristine lagoon for seclusion, but close by is the white sandy beach lining the eastern shores of the island, where Lifestyle Hosts can arrange a special corner for guests to bask in the warm sun.

While Coco Residence is the perfect haven for the discerning travellers looking for ultimate seclusion, it is also for those seeking timeless experiences to blend with their way of life. Rekindle the romance and indulge in romantic date nights with a Cruise for two under the light of the full moon. Refresh the senses in the soothing environment of Bodu Hithi, detoxify and meditate on calming platforms, whether on a pristine sandbank or a deck overlooking the sun bidding farewell. Reconnect with nature and explore the underwater gardens of Bodu Hithi with the Marine Biologist, ready to take you on an unforgettable journey of colors and discover the story of the Resident Sea Turtles.

“The Coco Residences will bring a new element to timeless experiences; with our devoted Lifestyle Hosts crafting tailor-made Coco Experiences for guests. Combine that with the surprising touches during their stay at these Residences and our guests will have moments to treasure for a lifetime.” comments Georgios Papazoglou, General Manager at Coco Bodu Hithi.

A sanctuary within Coco Bodu Hithi, the Coco Residences are en route to delivering the epitome of luxury, exclusively for the privileged few.

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives launches New Spa by Thalgo

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The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has launched 147 NEW experiences at The Spa by Thalgo in 2015. The Spa will offer experiences infused with the ancient healing principles of the East and West, in combination with 50 years of skincare knowledge from Thalgo, a pioneer in marine scientific research. By taking nourishment from the ocean in the form of algae, sea minerals and plant extracts, Thalgo products offer the peak of skincare excellence. Not just for accentuating femininity, the ‘Male Spa Menu’, ‘Sweet Pea Spa’ kids’ treatments and ‘The Spa Café’ which serves healthy and delicious cuisine, ensures a complete spa experience which the whole family can enjoy. 

The Spa by Thalgo

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s stunning surrounds allow guests to pace through rituals of relaxation, discovery, holistic renewal, and simply island-inspired indulgence, ideal accompaniments to the Thalgo products. As a whole, The Spa by Thalgo offers a comprehensive menu to ensure a truly holistic and personalised approach to wellbeing, with a specific focus on the ancient healing practices of Ayurveda, Chinese medicine and Maldivian healers, boosted by 50 years of pioneering marine science. A team of Beauty Therapists, with the aid of a resident Ayurvedic Doctor, Chinese Medicine Consultant and Yoga Instructor harmonise energies as they move guests through a journey of self-discovery and holistic renewal during their stay. 

New Thalgo products

Each Thalgo skincare product is a genuine concentrate of marine effectiveness, harnessing the powerful richness of the ocean, which is known for its renewing effects. These products are key to the new collection of anti-ageing facials, integrative slimming treatments and sensory spa journeys at the property. 

New Signature Spa Journeys by Thalgo

The new Indoceane Ritual speaks to blissful dreams of a far Eastern journey, where divine scents and colours combine with the riches of the sea. Be taken on a journey to the Mediterranean with a sea salt, cassonade sugar and essential oil scrub, onto Egypt for a truly indulgent milk bath, India for a Sacred Ayurvedic Massage, and China to relax with a silky smooth body wrap.

Another new addition is the Terre & Mer Ritual, which evokes an authentic Mediterranean getaway. Starting with an organic cleansing ritual, guests will be pampered with an aromatic face massage, breathing in the scents of sun-drenched lavender and bitter orange, followed by a relaxing lavender massage.

The Sea & Senses Ritual is another unique sensory journey, during which the mineral and marine worlds combine to induce deep relaxation. Guests will feel holistically pampered with hot volcanic stones during the volcanic/marine massage as well as facial, which draws on a combination of treatment techniques from different cultures such as American Indian, Tibetan and Japanese.

New Signature Experiences

For a truly indulgent experience, the new section of Signature Rituals features two extraordinarily luxurious treatments. The Chocolate Delight begins with an invigorating body scrub before taking a dip in a chocolate bath and sipping a delicious, creamy chocolate milkshake. Guests will continue this celebration of all things chocolate with a blissful soothing massage that uses luscious cocoa butter to enrich the skin.

Secondly, the Vinotherapy features an antioxidant rich, anti-ageing scrub and mask created from grape remains in a wine-making process, followed by a ‘Vinotherapy’ bath with flickering candles and massage with rose oil. Signature Rituals such as the Honeymoon Escape and Romance at Iru Fushi have also been revised. 

New Traditional Treatments

The traditional Maldivian treatment Umbuliveyo Banun, as well as Ayurvedic treatments like Ayur Shakti (four hands massage) have also been introduced to create a diverse range of traditional spa treatments at the property.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island brings the best chefs and winemakers to its shores this year

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For decades, travellers have been coming to the Maldives in search of sublime sun and unrivalled natural beauty, but now Conrad Maldives Rangali Island gives another reason to tempt holidaymakers to its shores – their taste buds. This year, some of the world’s best chefs and winemakers are descending on the luxury resort to give guests an unparalleled dining experience with their gourmet gastronomy. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island continues to be at the forefront of destination dining with some 12 restaurants and bars all distinguished by the diversity of cuisine and uniqueness of settings.

A food destination of firsts, being the first to understand that a remote location need not prohibit fine dining and good wines, the resort continues to tantalise guests’ taste buds with the best food and wine experiences not seen before in the country. Whether it’s sipping handpicked wine presented by biodynamic burgundy pioneer Vincent Giardin, enjoying a teppan dinner of fresh lobster under the stars at Koko Grill presented by Conrad Tokyo teppan Chef Nobuyasu Kamiko  or crossing the bridge of Chinese Art and French Wine at Ufaa by Jereme Leung; these are tempting experiences worth travelling for.

Krug Ambassade at Ufaa by Jereme Leung

The Maldives’ first authentic Chinese restaurant has been handpicked to become the islands nation’s first Krug Ambassade restaurant. Ufaa joins an elite international network of exceptional restaurants including the UK’s iconic Fat Duck and Murano, Dinner at The Mandarin Oriental and l’Hôtel Georges V in Paris. Leung’s carefully crafted authentic and contemporary Chinese flavours featured are a perfect complement to Krug Champagne’s philosophy of quality and timeless taste preferred amongst luxury travellers. Krug Grand Cuvée will be available by the glass and the bottle.

Conrad Tokyo features at Koko Grill

Guests will be treated to the cosmopolitan flavours of Tokyo in a meeting of two hotel greats. Head Japanese chef at Conrad Tokyo’s renowned Kazahana restaurant  Nobuyasu Kamiko will showcase his culinary flair from March 2 to 15, 2015 at Conrad Maldives’  beach-front teppanyaki restaurant Koko Grill. Complemented with matching sake by Conrad Maldives head sommelier Kamal Malik, the eight-course menu is a must-try for the gourmet traveller and combines elements from Kamiko’s Japanese cuisine such as scallops wrapped with bamboo leaf and grilled lobster with shiro-miso denaku. 

Vincent Giardin, producer of fine burgundies

Prepare your palate on March 30, 2015 as top burgundies from fine wine producer Vincent Giardin are showcased alongside a five-course dinner at The Wine Cellar. Another five-course dinner with Vincent Giardin-paired burgundies is planned at over-water restaurant Mandhoo on April 2nd. Both evenings will be hosted by Marco Bruno Caschera, Brand Ambassador of the Vincent Giardin estate. With winemaking in his blood after being born into a family who have produced wines since the 17^th Century, Vincent prides himself on producing biodynamic fine wines with no pesticides, chemical fertilizers and weedicides. He harvests by hand and demands a high standard which propels him one of the best in the world.

Chinese Art meets French Wine at Ufaa by Jereme Leung

An artistic marriage of East meeting West, April 18, 2015 will mark Ufaa by Jereme Leung’s first winemaker dinner in collaboration with boutique winery Pont Des Arts, an exclusive, limited collection of wines created with the support of the finest winemakers from France and greatest artists from China. Presented by Thibault Pontallier one part of the duo behind Pont Des Arts, Pontallier, son of Paul Pontallier, Managing Director of Chateau Margaux will present a selection of  wine from Bordeaux and Burgundy with vintages ranging from 2010  – 2012. Each vintage features art from renowned Chinese artists Zao Wou – Ki and contemporary artist Yue Minjun. The wine has been expertly been matched to a specially designed menu by Conrad Maldives Executive Chef and Ufaa namesake, Jereme Leung.

Dusit Thani Maldives offers complimentary air transfer

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Dusit Thani Maldives has announced a new offer with complimentary air transfer to the resort.

With the offer guests can book to stay at Dusit Thani Maldives and enjoy a free companion round trip flight transfer between Male airport and the resort. The offer is valid for stays up to 30 September 2015 comprising of minimum 4 nights.

First Undersea Restaurant in the World Celebrates 10th Anniversary

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One decade ago, Ithaa at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was spectacularly ‘sunk’ five metres into the waters of the Indian ocean and ever since it’s been the mecca for lovers of food, culture and architecture the world over. Sitting like a pearl beneath the waves (Ithaa translates as ‘pearl’ in the Maldivian language of Dhivehi) the curved acrylic walls which give 180-degree panoramic views set the trend for unique dining.

It became the world’s first aquarium-style undersea restaurant – indulging diners with stunning views of the surrounding lagoon, reefs and tropical fish. Consistently recognised as the most beautiful restaurant in the world, Ithaa is fast becoming a 21^st Century travel icon, so it is no surprise that as one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive places to eat, there is no better place to showcase the finest wines.

To coincide with the date the restaurant first opened its doors – April 15 – Ithaa will host a Château Margaux sommelier dinner*. The unrivalled wine estate of Château Margaux dates back to the 17^thCentury and is renowned for its grapes as its prices. A bottle of 1787 Chateau Margaux was sold for $225,000 making it one of the world’s most expensive wines. This is the first time Château Margaux have been invited to host a at Conrad Maldives.

Kamal Malik, head sommelier says: “Ithaa sets the trend for dining in the Maldives, being the first to understand and truly demonstrate that a remote location needn’t prohibit fine dining and good wines. It’s the obligatory choice for the gourmet traveller and has the most passionate, extensive and exclusive wine programme with more than 1,400+ labels and up to 20,000 bottles on the island. The Château Margaux sommelier dinner will add something extra special.” Past wine-pairing dinners have included Château Latour, hosted by Frederic Engerer, a Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill Verticals dinner and a never-to-be-forgotten Louis Roederer Cristal Verticals event which marked Ithaa’s 5th anniversary, and most recently a Dom Pérignon verticals dinner hosted to mark the 10^th year sinking of Ithaa in November 2014.

Meanwhile, inspirational fine dining is at the heart of the Conrad Maldives experience.  Ithaa diners are offered ‘contemporary Maldivian cuisine’, taking local spices, seasonings and traditional cooking methods, but adding a western twist to create an innovative style of cooking that has not diminished in the past years.

Envisioned by Mr. Ahmed Saleem of Crown Company PVT, owning company of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Mr.Saleem was inspired  whilst travelling in Bali in 2001 and five years later Ithaa was brought to life by Mike Murphyof M J Murphy Limited in New Zealand who specialises in aquarium technology and at a cost of US $5 million, Ithaa took 85 tonnes of sand ballast (in sandbags) in order to be sunken onto the ocean bed. It wasn’t long before it became a cultural phenomenon and world-leader in beauty and cuisine that continues to intrigue and impress to this day.

NIYAMA now offers twice the fun

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 NIYAMA, the Per AQUUM Resort located in the South Western Atoll of Dhaalu in the Maldives, announces the opening of its second island ‘Play’.  With 48 new villas, Play offers fresh, groundbreaking concepts including Nest, the treetop dining experience and BLU, the laid-back beachfront restaurant, plus new facilities for every generation including the most exciting children’s club in the Maldives.  Play is connected to NIYAMA’s original island, ‘Chill’, by a bridge with the two just a hop, skip and a jump apart.

Miami meets the Mediterranean at BLU, which offers relaxed family-style beachfront dining from day through to night. The large infinity pool with its dedicated children’s swimming area offers fun for the whole tribe and the poolside ice cream parlour is packed with homemade treats including smoothies, sherbert and crêpes.  A ‘Sunshine Thakuru’ takes care of guests’ every whim and poolside cabanas offer a private haven close to all the action.

Opening soon on Play, Nest is a one-of-a-kind dining concept for the Maldives featuring naturally modern design nestled amongst the Banyan trees in the heart of the jungle.  With a diverse menu, Nest offers a gourmet wonderland of Asian specialties from Thai to Teppanyaki with fresh, seasonal produce from the Chef’s own island garden.  The innovative multi-level treehouse design provides spectacular locations from private pods suspended six metres above the ground to culinary theatrics in domed pavilions burrowed amongst the trees, all linked by wooden walkways adding a sense of adventure to the jungle experience.

Explorers, the new children’s club run by an internationally renowned operator, is located close to the resort’s family friendly accommodation on Play.  Designed with adventurous spirits in mind, Explorers offers a wealth of experiences which promise to ignite children’s imagination.

Operated by fully qualified childcare professionals and local team members with an exceptionally high ratio of carers to children, the club caters to children from 12 months to 12 years.  NIYAMA is the only resort in the Maldives offering a club for children under three years of age with special facilities for younger children including a sleeping room for daytime siestas. Children will be split into four age groups with activities tailor-made to their abilities and interests.  Theme days include Jungle Safari, Pirates & Princesses and Circus Fun as well as activities such as sandcastle building, salt dough making and ‘bubble trouble’.  Older children can enjoy their own space with activities such as football skills, beach cricket, tennis, snorkelling safaris and Master Chef Classes as well as expeditions to nearby islands.  Highlights include water games, a climbing wall and a trampoline.  Budding thespians will have the time of their lives treading the boards at the club’s own amphitheatre.

New accommodation options at NIYAMA include the One-Bedroom Beach Pool Suites which offer the best of indoor/outdoor living, perfect for families, groups of friends or couples seeking more space.  The Beach Pool Suites provide total privacy but also the convenience of direct beach access and ocean views from bed as well as a ‘family-sized’ plunge pool.  The new Two-Bedroom Family Beach Pavilion boldly faces the lagoon and offers the ultimate in luxury living and a high level of privacy with the added bonus of an in-villa spa.  Guests will enjoy all of NIYAMA’s signature touches including a personal Thakuru – butler service ‘Maldivian-style’ – ‘Deli-In’, a refrigerator brimming with gourmet drinks and treats including complimentary popcorn and ice cream, and an in-room entertainment system with LED TV, Bose 5.1 Surround System and a wide range of international and foreign language movies.  Children and teenagers will receive a special welcome gift and turndown service.

NIYAMA, which opened in 2012, is a 45 minute seaplane flight from Male and has quickly established a reputation for redefining the Maldives experience.  The new facilities on Play complement the venues on Chill, including LIME Spa which promises to bring guests out of their shell with a range of cutting edge treatments.  Dining options on Chill include Tribal, the innovative African dining experience, fine dining at Edge, which is only accessible by boat, and Subsix, the underwater playground.

Guests can be part of the celebrations with Per AQUUM’s special introductory offer ‘Chill & Play’ which offers a saving of 30% on the best available rate and a whole range of extras designed to make their stay even better including one of the following extras for each full day:

•  Babysitting service for three hours
• 60 minute treatment at LIME Spa for two 
• Dinner at BLU on Play or Epicure on Chill 
• Lunch at the underwater playground, Subsix
• Heaven for game-lovers with a two hour session on the simulator (golf, basketball and ice hockey)