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Niyama Announces Surf Residency with Brad Gerlach

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Niyama Announces Surf Residency with Brad Gerlach - TRAVELINDEX - VISITMALDIVES.orgOlhuveli, Kudahuvadhoo Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives, March 20,2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Niyama Private Islands, the only luxury resort in the Maldives with its own wave breaking onto the shore, has two exciting upcoming surf initiatives. 1991 World # 2 pro surfer & Wave-Ki founder, Brad Gerlach, will be in residence at the resort from March 16th to April 19th to offer coaching sessions of his original and proprietary teaching methodology – Wave-Ki. During Brad’s residency, the in-house surf guides will become accredited Wave-Ki instructors, as taught by Brad, and will then continue the service at Niyama.

Niyama is home to two islands – Play and Chill, which are connected by a bridge. Vodi wave is just off the shore of Play Island and is a powerful and sometimes hollow left hander. Off to the west and five minutes away by speedboat, Kasabu is a rippable and hollow right hander. Up to four other waves in the local vicinity are also available, with nine other spots available with trans-atoll adventures in the resort’s 2×350 HP speedboat – Sea Breeze. Surfing can be enjoyed year-round at Niyama with bigger surf from March to November and no crowds.

For those aspiring to surf, learning to surf at Niyama is available all year, with in-house surf guides offering lessons to guests. Begin in the flat-water lagoon to learn surf mechanics & safety procedures, before hitting the channel wave with the guide to catch your very own ride. Guides will instruct in the footfalls of the best, with Brad Gerlach offering expert guidance, which can continue at home with a 25% discount on an annual membership to Wave-Ki available exclusively for Niyama guests.

Brad Gerlach is a professional surfer who finished #2 in the world in 1991 after dominating the leader board for the majority of the year. Brad developed Wave-Ki, his proprietary surf instruction programme, which is unique in that its approach is entirely land based, with a martial art-like focus on slow, precise movements, creating kinaesthetic motor memory for improved surfing once one hits the waves. The programme course is online and offers recorded guided videos, live session videos, regular open forum Q&A sessions, plus the option for 1-1 sessions with Brad via online facetime. Brad uses Wave-Ki to coach current pro-surfers, such as Parker Coffin, and works with many other aspiring pros, as well as every day bros looking to improve.

Whilst at Niyama, Brad will offer private land-based Wave-Ki sessions, as well as public group sessions at PUMP studio, overlooking the lagoon. Also, Brad will offer both private and family in-water surf coaching to compliment Wave-Ki performed on land. Many packages will include an annual membership. Land based group classes begin at USD 96 net, with private Wave-Ki land-based classes beginning at USD 319 net per person/per 45 minutes, and private in-water surf coaching beginning at USD 447 net per person/per hour.

After a day’s surfing, guests can hang out with Brad and other surfers at the Surf Shack with its bright red food truck, bean bags to relax on, and a reggae music soundtrack. The perfect spot for sundowners, the Surf Shack serves rum cocktails and gourmet snack food, such as poached prawns, chorizo hotdogs, tacos, burritos and truffle fries with churros to wrap up.

If guests need any surf clothing items, they can purchase at two new locations at Niyama – the new Rip Curl Boutique overlooking the wave at Vodi, or the Rip Curl Tech shop alongside the dive centre. For holiday memories, Niyama offers Chill and Play branded retail items such as boardshorts, rash guards, caps, bucket hats, face zinc, and a Niyama Surf Coffee table book.

Niyama Private Islands offers a collection of 134 villas, suites and pavilions, many with their own private pool, dotting along the beaches of both islands and extending out over the lagoon. The laid-back resort offers an abundance of space and privacy and a multitude of experiences tailored to adventurous honeymooners, active couples and style-savvy families.

Niyama Private Islands is 40-minute shared seaplane flight from Male or a 30-minute domestic flight to Dhaalu Airport. Nightly rates start from USD 730 based on two sharing a Beach Villa with breakfast and dinner including taxes and fees. Surf photo packages with Junior Garcia, the resident Surf Photographer, start from around USD 249 per private hour, or USD 489 for a seven-day package; and trips on Sea Breeze with a guide start from USD 385 per person for a six-hour trip.

About Niyama Private Islands Maldives
Niyama Private Islands Maldives offers more than a luxury retreat in the Maldives. Going beyond conventional concepts of lavish accommodation, sumptuous cuisines, and personalised service, Niyama Private Islands Maldives presents every visitor with myriad opportunities to create their own exceptional island experience. With twin islands Play and Chill, Niyama Private Islands Maldives offers guests the true luxury of choice. The Chill island is true to its name, offering new depths of relaxation at the Drift Spa, entertainment under the stars at the outdoor cinema, fine dining experience offshore at Edge and so much more. While the Play Island provides delightful diversions for those looking for more active pursuits.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

S Hotels Announces Green Globe Certification for CROSSROADS Maldives

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S Hotels Announces Green Globe Certification for CROSSROADS Maldives - TRAVELINDEX - VISITMALDIVES.orgMale, Maldives, February 16, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / S Hotels and Resorts and Singha Estate announce that CROSSROADS Maldives has achieved Green Globe Certification, reinforcing environmental commitment. Group reaffirms its vision of sustainability, balanced diversity and social responsibility as the Maldives’ first and only world-class integrated tourist destination is recognised for its international environmental standards.

CROSSROADS Maldives, the Indian Ocean’s first and only multi-island, integrated leisure destination featuring three award-winning resorts – Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, and SO/ Maldives, which is opening in late 2023 – and The Marina @CROSSROADS, a luxury yacht marina, lifestyle area, and culinary experiences, has been awarded the internationally renowned Green GlobeTM Certification (GGC) following a recent sustainability audit, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

Developed by S Hotels & Resorts Public Company Limited, the hospitality arm of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, Thailand’s leading real estate company, in partnership with Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd., CROSSROADS Maldives has adopted environmental best practices in accordance with Green GlobeTM standards, which are recognized worldwide as the highest benchmark in the tourism and hospitality industry. Successfully attaining Green GlobeTM Certification shows that CROSSROADS Maldives integrates sustainable, socially-responsible and environmentally-friendly processes throughout its daily operations.

This is the latest honour for CROSSROADS Maldives and its resorts, which also won the 2022 TTM Awards for Best MICE Destination and South Asia Travel Awards for Leading Yacht Marina Hotel/Resort.

CROSSROADS Maldives’ comprehensive Environment Policy covers four key pillars: Sustainable Management, Social & Economic Development, Environmental Practices and Cultural Heritage. Each of these strategies has been carefully designed to conserve the Maldives’ national resources and preserve the local way of life.

Two key facilities – the expert-led Maldives Discovery Centre and Marine Discovery Centre – are helping to drive to CROSSROADS Maldives’ social and environmental efforts.

Maldives Discovery Centre is designed to provide in-depth information about the Maldives’ culture, people, history, and unique environment and climate struggles. The facility is fully-equipped with interactive displays and staffed by knowledgeable, experienced guides.

Marine Discovery Centre is a pioneering conservation hub that aims to highlight environmental issues and showcase the destination’s phenomenal beauty. It features a marine biology laboratory and coral nursery, and regular initiatives include fish identification, coral propagation and more.

Dirk De Cuyper, CEO, S Hotels & Resorts, said; “S Hotels & resorts is a subsidiary of Singha Estate, which has passed down its vision of sustainable development and integrating the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially marine biodiversity (SDG 14: Life Below Water), into its business operations. Our company aims to balance big business with the integrity of marine biodiversity to create a balanced, diversity and sustainable growth strategy. This is very challenging, so we have to carefully monitor every aspect of our operations to ensure that it enhances the guest experience but does not impact the environment.”

“CROSSROADS Maldives is S Hotels & Resorts’ flagship project that can generate significant income for the group. In 2023, we will launch SO/ Maldives, the stylish new resort from Accor’s luxury lifestyle brand, which will offer guests a fun and vibrant vacation experience with a wide range of leisure options. All three resorts will have distinctive and different styles, resulting in the company expanding into more diverse market segments,” he continued.

“We are delighted to achieve Green GlobeTM Certification, which is considered the highest global standard for sustainable tourism and hospitality providers. At S Hotels & Resorts and Singha Estate, we are committed to operating in accordance with the philosophy of sustainable development throughout caring for the environment and community is integral to every aspect of our business. We understand that we are only the guardians of our destinations and that we have a responsibility to protect and preserve them for future generations. Receiving this important accolade shows that we are succeeding. The Maldives is a truly breathtaking destination, and we look forward to showcasing its natural beauty to the world’s travellers for many years to come,” Mr. De Cuyper concluded.

About S Hotels & Resorts
S Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, is a new-era Thai-inspired personalised hospitality company that caters to upscale travellers with an independent spirit. The group offers guests a portfolio of 38 properties in 5 countries with a total of 4,552 keys and provides guests with the opportunity to experience the best destinations from a unique perspective while enjoying world-class facilities and tailored services. S Hotels & Resorts’ properties are located in attractive, unspoiled locales to provide an exclusive playground built around nature, culture, wellness and adventure, with luxurious amenities and fine cuisine. Each property boasts its own distinctive, destination-sensitive designs and unique signatures while also providing consistency thanks to a well-defined brand philosophy and a service culture that focuses on exceptional guest experiences backed up by Thai-inspired hospitality and global quality standards.

About CROSSROADS Maldives
Crafted from tales of the past, designed to inspire the present, CROSSROADS Maldives is the next chapter in the story of one of the world’s most amazing destinations. The archipelago’s only “one-stop, non-stop” lifestyle destination invites adventurous travellers from the four corners of the globe to cross paths and explore a treasure trove of iconic oceanfront resorts, upscale lifestyle outlets and endless entertainment offerings, as well as the stunning natural, cultural and nautical attractions that have lured maritime travellers to the Maldives for centuries. CROSSROADS Maldives is where cultures meet.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Ten Reasons to Visit Cora Cora Luxury Resort Maldives

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Raa Atoll, Maldives, July 23, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Cora Cora Maldives, a five-star luxury Maldivian resort on the pristine Raa Atoll, is celebrating its unbeatable cultural and culinary attractions with a raft of activities, in-house events, and excursions designed to tempt the most sophisticated and receptive global travellers. Setting it apart also as a leader in eco-friendly travel in the fragile Indian Ocean archipelago is its appeal both as a resort and as a gateway to learning more about the Maldives, its culture, history, and environment.

‘It’s Freedom Time’ at Cora Cora Maldives! In-house you can learn to cook, play the guitar, make innovative cocktails, or just luxuriate in the spa, and outside you can take a deep dive into the spirit of the Maldives and swim around the stunning natural house reef. Away from the beautiful 100-villa estate, culture and contemplation await the curious.

– Food – take an hour-long cookery lesson in pizza and pasta-making or learn the arts of Indian cuisine -Cora Cora Maldives is a dining destination in itself! Acquapazza is home to a pizza oven shipped all the way from Rome, and the staff has been trained by a professional pizzaiola in creating authentic Napoli pies. Other dining destinations include Tazäa®, an all-day dining style restaurant inspired by the spice route; Ginger Moon®, which has an all-female staff making dishes inspired by Asian street food; and Japanese restaurant TeienÒ, which is created around three Japanese styles of dining: Teppanyaki, Sushi, and Kushiyaki.

– Cocktails – at the iconic Acquapazza Bar pick up the latest techniques in cocktail-making. Premium brands of spirits, beer, and liqueurs are available at Acquapazza Beach Club and all other outlets. Unlimited cocktails & mocktails, signature drinks, various juices, soft drinks, mineral water, selection of tea & coffee are available from the Premium All-Inclusive Gourmet Meal Plan.

– Creative Activity Lessons – it’s amazing what two half-hour lessons will teach you in the art of making music using guitars, whether you take it solo or in a group. There is a painting class hosted by the fastest speed painter in the Maldives, where participants choose a canvas and recreate their favourite view to take home. Different scents and spices can be explored at the candle-making workshops at MOKSHA Spa & Wellbeing Centre. Guests can participate in coffee roasting sessions at MYCOFFEE Café-bar exploring exquisite flavour profiles from dark-roast espresso, a medium-roast latte, to a light-roast filter. In an expression of personal freedom, Maldivian Dance classes are available for guests to revel in the traditional Maldivian lifestyle.

– Diving, waters sports, and cruising – with the PADI-certified diving school, guests can discover Raa Atoll’s incredible array of marine life. The surrounding waters are teeming with numerous species of fish, octopi, sharks, and dolphins. Sunset cruises also offer a chance to see dolphins performing their acrobatics around the boat, all accompanied by a cold glass of fizz and local hors d’oeuvres. Paddle-boarding, jet skis, kayaks, and windsurfing can also be arranged.

– MOKSHA Spa & Wellbeing Centre – temptation beckons from the therapeutic haven of the MOKSHAÒ Spa & Wellbeing Centre, which offers a signature herbal compression massage in over-the-water treatment rooms, where a glass floor reveals the diverse and colourful sea life darting among the coral beneath your feet. Get hands-on help for an aching back and sore muscles with a range of aromatherapy massages and get your glow back with skin-based therapies to boost hydration and purify any problem areas.

– CoraKids – relax while your little ones have fun in our activity-filled club, open to children aged 3 to 12 and split into three age groups, where you can drop in for a session or let them hang out with their new friends all day. Gentle dancing, yoga, nail painting, hair styling, and relaxation sessions are perfect for kids who just want to chill out.

– The Dutch Onion Museum/ Cora Cora MaldivesÒ – a cultural heritage museum and on-site art gallery, houses more than 400 artefacts that were unearthed there, including Chinese porcelain and Maldivian tools. There’s even an HMV gramophone from the 1960s complete with a vinyl disc. A guided tour explores the foundations of a mosque, an Islamic graveyard, and two well-preserved ritual bathing pools. The Dutch Onion Museum/ Cora Cora MaldivesÒ encourages visitors to learn about the country’s nature, archaeology, and economy and illustrates Maldivian culture, art, and heritage. The unique museum tells the rich story of travel and transformation across the Maldives. For such a small place, the island is packed with history. Cora Cora Maldives was the very first resort in the Maldives to have such a licensed art gallery and museum in the Outdoor Heritage Site. Guests can experience an interactive journey through time and explore the rich history of the Maldives.

– Paradise perfected – Cora Cora Maldives is a natural island with palm-fringed powder-white sands gently lapped by the azure Indian Ocean. The island’s house reef is easily accessible from the beach and is the perfect place for an unforgettable snorkelling experience. Reached in mere metres, the house reef is home to 100s of colourful marine species that can be marvelled at by the whole family. On land, the island is a haven for luscious vegetation. To protect the rich vegetation on the island, Cora Cora Maldives do not use invasive alien species in their gardens and also minimises trimming to allow the native vegetation to flourish!

– Be part of Cora Cora’s initiative to obtain Green Globe Certification this year, the premier certification for the travel and tourism industry, through its commitment as a green leader to promote its environmental credentials and sustainable practices. Cora Cora Maldives sources and obtains many local products including watermelons, papayas, Kurumba, bananas, and many others which have been grown organically. Freshly caught fish using the pole and line method is brought directly from the sea by local fishermen every day. The resort buys in bulk to reduce packaging wastes and prefers eco-friendly, bio-degradable, recycled materials with a minimum impact on the environment. Native vegetation is kept as undisturbed as possible and no captive wildlife, endangered species, or any form of unethical items are used, sold, or allowed on Cora Cora Maldives. Responsible waste management, treated wastewater for irrigation and gardening, reusable glass water bottles, and biodegradable chemicals for cleaning, laundry, and kitchens are all aspects of an elevated operation with sustainability at its heart, designed to take guests on the ongoing sustainability journey.

– And finally …… unique dining experiences enjoyed by the entire family! At TazäaÒ the Fisherman’s Catch BBQ is a particular highlight. For a night all about seafood and fish, this lavish buffet is a fish lover’s paradise and offers the very best the ocean has to offer. Every Thursday, Cora Cora Maldives holds a Maldivian-themed night where resort staff wear traditional clothes and perform Bodu-Beru (a Maldivian dance) for the guests. Not to mention delicious authentic Maldivian cuisine!

Living by its credo – It’s Freedom Time – Cora Cora Maldives is renowned for giving guests the time and space to rediscover themselves. The journey of inspiration, freedom, and discovery can start with a wealth of books to delve into in all the rooms, then swiftly carry you on a canoe trip to a remote island before delivering you back to experience the specialised health and rejuvenation treatments, yoga, and meditation at the MOKSHAÒ Spa & Wellbeing Centre.

About Cora Cora Maldives
Embodying inspiration, freedom, and discovery, Cora Cora Maldives is an exceptional destination, offering its guests a one-of-a-kind immersive Maldivian cultural, experiential, and culinary experience. Comprising of 100 villas, four restaurants, two bars, MOKSHAÒ Spa and Wellbeing Centre, water sports & diving centre, gym, overwater yoga pavilion, outdoor cinema, CoraKids club, and Dutch Onion Art Gallery. Cora Cora Maldives is 45-minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport or 30 minutes by domestic flight followed by a 20-minute speedboat journey. Cora Cora Maldives is the ultimate idyllic, inspirational escape.

Cora Cora Maldives is owned and operated by HMM Pvt. Ltd. A privately-owned company, established in 2017. Created for families, friends, and couples with a wide variety of contemporary designed suites and villas, Cora Cora Maldives embraces a unique freedom concept whilst incorporating the cultural heritage of the Maldives. With a variety of premium dining options many of which encompass Cora Cora Maldives’ wellness ethos as well as an extensive spa, the luxury five-star resort opened on the 1st of October 2021.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Anticipated Debut in the Maldives

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Hilton Maldives Amingiri Anticipated Debut in the Maldives - TRAVELINDEX - WORLD BEST LUXURY HOTELS at TOP25HOTELS.comNorth Malé Atoll, Maldives, July 6, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa arrives in the archipelago with a 109 all-pool villa resort, delivering an exceptional stay for a new era of travelers. Global hospitality company Hilton announced the opening of Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa, marking the expansion of Hilton’s award-winning flagship brand into the Maldives. The all-villa resort features an array of thoughtful amenities which are new to the archipelago, setting a new benchmark in hospitality that will captivate the next generation of travelers.

• Discover the Maldives and World’s Best Luxury Hotels at TOP25Hotels.com

Hilton Maldives Amingiri is the fourth resort under the company’s portfolio of brands in the country, complementing Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, bolstering Hilton’s ability to take care of different travelers and their unique needs in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. The hotel is owned by Amingiri Holdings Pvt Ltd and managed by Hilton.

The hotel’s signature villa is the six-bedroom Amingiri Residence, the ideal escape for larger groups of travellers looking for privacy. Set apart on a landscaped cove, the residence will welcome guests with its own arrival pier and a dedicated sundeck with uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Maldivian horizon when it launches in November 2022.

Home to six distinctive dining concepts, Hilton Maldives Amingiri culinary offering includes Origin, a dining experience that celebrates sustainable seafood sourcing, all-day dining restaurant Habitat and rustic beach restaurant Beach Shack. Additional concepts include Sip Tea Lounge; Eden, an adults-only overwater bar and Aura, a poolside bar featuring a cocktail lab dedicated to the art of mixology.

Nestled in Amingiri Island in the North Malé Atoll, Hilton Maldives Amingiri is directly accessible from Velana International Airport via a scenic 20-minute premium speedboat ride. The resort features 109 expansive beach and overwater villas, each offering a private pool and enticing views of the surrounding turquoise lagoon. Embodying a harmony of Maldivian accents and contemporary touches, the villas invite an abundance of natural light through its floor-to-ceiling windows, enhancing a refreshing colour palette that mirrors the warm hues of the sea and sky.

Designed to immerse guests in nature’s wonders, the overwater pool villas are outfitted with stairs to lead directly to the island’s lagoon, and a hammock by the pool to enjoy the melody of waves; while beach villas feature direct access to sparkling white sand, a deck swing and a gazebo on the shore. All villas boast generously proportioned bathrooms with ocean-facing bathtubs, as well as indoor and outdoor rain showers that create a sense of relaxation.

• Discover the Maldives and World’s Best Luxury Hotels at TOP25Hotels.com

Owned by Amingiri Holdings Pvt Ltd and managed by Hilton, the resort features 109 beach and overwater villas, each offering a private pool and views of the surrounding lagoon. The villas invite an abundance of natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows and have been designed to immerse guests in nature. All villas feature generously proportioned bathrooms with ocean-facing bathtubs, as well as indoor and outdoor rain showers.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO: Asia and Pacific Leaders Look to Innovative and Resilient Tourism

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UNWTO Asia and Pacific Leaders Look to Innovative and Resilient Tourism - TRAVELINDEXMale, Maldives, June 16, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism leaders from across Asia and the Pacific have placed building resilience and embracing innovation at the heart of the sector’s restart and sustainable future.

The 34th Joint Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the UNWTO Commission for South Asia (34th CAP-CSA), was held as destinations across the region begin welcoming back international tourists. The region was hit first and hit hardest by the pandemic’s impact on tourism as many countries maintained strict restrictions on travel. Now, as UNWTO data confirms a 64% increase in international arrivals in the first quarter of 2022 compared to 2021, the high-level meeting of sector leaders identified the key challenges and opportunities ahead.

UNWTO’s Work in the Region

For many millions of people across Asia and the Pacific, tourism is an essential lifeline

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili provided an overview of tourism trends and statistics, both for the region and globally, followed by an update on the Organization’s work in the months since the previous Joint Commission meeting (hosted virtually by Spain in 2021). He stressed the importance of working together to lift travel restrictions, with coordination key to restarting tourism and for restoring confidence in international travel. “For many millions of people across Asia and the Pacific, tourism is an essential lifeline. Its return is vital and must be based around the pillars of inclusion and sustainability, for the benefit of all”, he said.

The meeting was the first in-person gathering of the CAP- CSA for two years and brought together representatives of 19 Member States, as well as from UNWTO’s network of Affiliate Members. Welcoming delegates, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism of the Maldives and Chair of the Joint Meeting, added: “Though the road to recovery is still uncertain and many challenges remain, global coordination through similar platforms will open up the opportunity to build back more comprehensively towards a sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism sector for the future.”

Resilience through Innovation

The 34th CAP- CSA was held in the Maldives as the country celebrated 50 years as an international tourism destination. Against the backdrop of the Golden Jubilee, the Ministry of Tourism of the Maldives and UNWTO also partnered to host a Ministerial Roundtable on Tourism Resilience through Innovation and Digitalization in Asia and the Pacific. Recognizing the vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic, the discussion explored ways in which new technology and new ideas can help better protect tourism against shocks including future pandemics as well as extreme weather events.

Concluding the joint meeting, Member States voted to hold the next gathering in Cambodia in the first semester of 2023. On the back of the high-level meeting, UNWTO will host a two-day Global Summit on Community-based Tourism, bringing public and private sector experts together to focus on the potential of gastronomy tourism, agro-tourism and community-based tourism for sustainable and inclusive development.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

S Hotels and Resorts Celebrates Ground-Breaking of SO/ Maldives

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S Hotels and Resorts Celebrates Ground-Breaking of SO/ Maldives - TRAVELINDEXMale, Maldives, November 30, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Created in partnership with Accor and Wai Eco World Developer, this exclusive 80-villa beach resort will become the third property at Crossroads Maldives, the Indian Ocean’s first and only multi-island integrated lifestyle and leisure complex. S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the flagship hospitality arm of Thailand’s Singha Estate PCL, has celebrated the official launch of SO/ Maldives, with a ground-breaking ceremony for this vibrant new beachfront resort on the third island of Crossroads Maldives, the Indian Ocean’s first fully-integrated leisure and lifestyle destination.

This important milestone was marked with an event attended by senior representatives from S Hotels & Resorts. Set to be opened in 2023, this exciting new project is being created by S Hotels & Resorts, Wai Eco World Developer (WEWD), the leading business and real estate conglomerate in Myanmar, in partnership with Accor, whose luxurious and rebellious SO/ Hotels & Resorts brand will be introduced to the Maldives for the very first time.

SO/ Maldives will offer a unique collection of beachfront and over-water villas crafted by renowned designers, as well as an audacious array of dining and entertainment offerings. Nestled on its own island overlooking the azure Emboodhoo Lagoon, the resort is set to become a hotspot for adventurous and free-spirited socialisers who can easily jet in from regional centres for a weekend or longer, thanks to its convenient location close to Malé’s Velana International Airport.

The private island of SO/ Maldives will become a playground for those seeking unconventional yet stylish spaces to eat, drink, work or kick back and relax. The speciality restaurant will serve up Levantine cuisine exuding the aromatic fragrances and flavours of an Arabian night, with panoramic views across the ocean from its location above the arrival pavilion. Over at the poolside, guests will discover an art deco-inspired beach club with serious Miami South Beach vibes and an innovative plant-based menu. The vivid colour scheme is set to make it one of the coolest places to hang out in the archipelago, and is sure to impress those attending the brand’s pool parties – a popular event at SO/ addresses across the world.

The resort has ousted the traditional all-day buffet concept and will introduce a central cooking suite with various culinary theatre concepts. A chef’s table will be discreetly tucked away for those seeking an exclusive dining experience, while outdoor areas will be blessed with warm and fresh Maldivian air. The pan-Asian design will feature neutral terracotta palettes, elevated with accents of polished brass and rattan. Unforgettable events can be brought to life at the oceanfront wedding venue and meeting spaces.

The globe-trotting guests at SO/ Maldives will also be able to take advantage of the world-class facilities at Crossroads Maldives. The Marina @ Crossroads is an 800-metre beach walk lined with cool cafés, refined restaurants, a chilled-out beach club, upmarket boutiques, a spa, the Marine Discovery Centre and a 30-berth yacht marina. Just 15 minutes by speedboat from the international airport, this breath-taking integrated resort has redefined tourism and hospitality in the Maldives since it launched in 2019.

“This is a momentous day as we officially launch SO/ Maldives, the latest jewel in the Maldivian tourism crown. With SO/ Hotels & Resorts, Accor has created one of the hotel industry’s most expressive and individual luxury brands, catering to style-conscious travellers in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. This makes it a great fit for Crossroads Maldives, our game-changing multi-island leisure complex. SO/ Maldives will complement our two other five-star resorts and further raise the standard of hospitality in this idyllic archipelago,” said Dirk De Cuyper, Chief Executive Officer, S Hotels & Resorts.

“It gives us great pleasure to join hands with S Hotels & Resorts and Accor as we break ground on such a prestigious project. Crossroads Maldives is one of the most significant developments in the history of the country – and the entire Indian Ocean region – so we are honoured to have been tasked with the wonderful transformation of its third island. SO/ Maldives will attract trend-setters from all around the world and I look forward to bringing this remarkable resort to life in the coming months,” added Zaw Win Maung, Managing Director, WEWD.

Chadi Farhat, Brand Chief Operating Officer at Ennismore said: “We are delighted to see development kick-off for the audacious SO/ Maldives, a resort which will be the place to see and be seen for travellers that live vibrant lives and are seeking something truly avant-garde on their journeys around the world. We look forward to seeing this high-energy resort come to life and working alongside S Hotels & Resorts and WEWD.”

SO/ Maldives will become the third accommodation option at Crossroads Maldives, joining SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, both of which were recently named as the “Best Luxury Beachfront Resorts” in the Maldives at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2021.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Focus on Domestic Tourism as Leaders Meet in Maldives

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Focus on Domestic Tourism as Leaders Meet in Maldives

Male, Maldives, October 11, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The annual UNWTO Executive Training Programme returned to focus on harnessing the power of domestic tourism to drive recovery and growth in destinations across Asia and the Pacific.

Now in its 15th year, the Training Programme once again served as the leading platform for the region’s tourism leaders to network and develop strategies for guiding the sector forward. The event brought together representatives of 25 countries, with six (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Sri Lanka, Mongolia and Nepal) joining hosts the Maldives to attend the training sessions in person.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

High-level political welcome

The sector needs leaders who can recognize ideas that will make a difference, who will innovate and back entrepreneurs and start-ups

The Minister of Tourism of the Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, officially opened the Training Session, welcoming delegates taking part in person and online. Further highlighting the host country’s high-level political support for tourism, the UNWTO leadership also met with the Minister and his colleagues to learn more of plans to diversify its sector and make it more gender equal.

Dr Mausoom thanked UNWTO for the opportunity to host the training sessions, highlighting the Maldives’ commitment to growing tourism back sustainably, with a focus on promoting the islands’ rich culture, heritage and biodiversity. Opening the event, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stressed that, as tourism restarts in many parts of the world, “the sector needs leaders who can recognize ideas that will make a difference, who will innovate and back entrepreneurs and start-ups”.

Innovation and private sector partnerships

Reflecting the restart of domestic tourism ahead of international tourism, both across Asia and the Pacific and globally, the Executive Training Programme focused on enabling destinations of all sizes to capitalize on this trend. The opening sessions focused on destination management and was led by UNWTO experts alongside key partners including Google, and featured case studies from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Iran, Mongolia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. This was followed by sessions focusing on the role of innovation and private sector partnerships in growing domestic tourism, with case studies presented by representatives of Bhutan, Macao, China, Maldives, Myanmar, Philippines, Samoa, India and China.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

Building on UNWTO Support for the Maldives

Since the Maldives re-opened its borders to international tourism in July 2020, arrivals have been steadily increasing. In February 2021, UNWTO signed an agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the implementation of a project on tourism recovery for the Maldives, working closely with the government and private sector stakeholders to accelerate the safe and sustainable restart of the sector.

The 34th Joint Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the UNWTO Commission for South Asia (34th CAP-CSA) will also be hosted by the Maldives next year. It will be held within the framework of Maldives’ celebration of its Golden Jubilee to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its tourism development and its globally recognized status as a world-class tourism destination.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Members Plan Coordinated Restart of Tourism in Asia and Pacific

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By:
UNWTO Members Plan Coordinated Restart of Tourism in Asia and Pacific

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, September 16, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism leaders from across Asia and the Pacific have met to plan the sector’s restart and recovery even as borders remain closed throughout the region.

The 33rd Joint meeting of the World Tourism Organization’s Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and its Commission for South Asia (14 September 2021) came on the back of a challenging year for the region. The first to feel the impacts of the pandemic, the tourism sector of Asia and the Pacific has also been the hardest hit, recording a 95% fall in international arrivals in the first five months of 2021.

Coordinated restart and recovery

With the right policy measures and strong coordination, destinations can start safely welcoming back international visitors, thereby allowing tourism to deliver on its potential as a driver of recovery and inclusive growth

With UNWTO data also showing that this region continues to have the largest proportion of destinations closed to tourists, the Member States taking part in the virtual meetings focused on the coordination of policy measures and strategies to accelerate the recovery of tourism activities in the region. These include the phased lifting on travel restrictions and the introduction of travel corridors. Looking ahead, Members also agreed on the importance of upgrading the skills of the tourism labour force, as well as embracing innovation and digital transformation.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The Asia and Pacific region has a proven record as a dynamic tourism destination. With the right policy measures and strong coordination, destinations can start safely welcoming back international visitors, thereby allowing tourism to deliver on its potential as a driver of recovery and inclusive growth.”

Elections for the Future

The meetings attracted  around 120 participants from 25 of UNWTO’s 29 Member States in the region under the chairmanship of Malaysia and the Maldives. Ahead of the 24th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly (30 November – 3 December 2021, Marrakesh, Morocco) the meeting concluded with elections and nominations for positions within key UNWTO bodies.

India and Iran were nominated to represent South Asia on the UNWTO Executive Council; Cambodia and Maldives were nominated to represent the region as Vice-Presidents of the 24th General Assembly, while Samoa and Bhutan will serve the members on the Credentials Committee.

Malaysia and the Maldives were nominated as Chairpersons to serve their Commissions for a second term, with Fiji and Japan appointed to play the role of Vice-Chairs for the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific, while Bangladesh and Iran will serve as Vice-Chairs for the Commission for South Asia. Finally, Maldives was nominated as the venue for the next Joint Meeting of the two Commissions (CAP and CSA) in 2022, and Indonesia was endorsed as the host of World Tourism Day 2022.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News