Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Magical Weddings and Honeymoons at One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah



Glorious tropical surroundings at One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah provide a perfect island hideaway for celebrating a new life together. Against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean, with a gentle breeze rustling the palm trees, guests can experience a chic wedding ceremony or enjoy a truly special honeymoon.

Wedding ceremonies take place on one of the resort’s 12 pristine white sandy beaches, down a petal-strewn ‘aisle’ through a fresh flower arch; at the Wedding Pavilion under a traditional thatched roof adorned with fresh flowers and orchids; or at Reethi Restaurant, with its dramatic high ceilings, vast pillars and temple-like décor.

At the end of each ceremony, the ‘bridal buggy’ whisks the new couple off to enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars on a private beach. A stunning table, prepared using natural local materials including the island’s signature orchids, serves as the setting where a special souvenir menu created for this most memorable occasion is presented by a private waiter.

For ease of planning, the Legendary Sunset Wedding is a comprehensive offering which includes: choice of ceremony venue, decorated with fresh flowers and signature Reethi Rah orchids; Master of Ceremony and wedding certificate; a bridal bouquet of orchids, roses or lilies, a fresh flower buttonhole for groom, a floral head piece, and fresh flower petals showered on couple – all custom designed by the in-house florist; celebratory bottle of champagne; custom wedding cake; newlywed golf buggy decorated with fresh flowers; and, candlelit dinner with personalised menu served in private villa or on the beach. The package also includes music customised by the resident DJ, the services of a professional photographer providing 20 digital negatives and commemorative album upon departure, choice of bridal manicure or pedicure, and the full services of the resort’s Celebration Consultant.

For those who have already married in their home country, One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah welcomes newlyweds with a sublime ambience - from water sports and spa indulgences to dining on fabulous cuisine or dancing barefoot on the sand. When staying for a minimum of five nights, honeymoon guests can enjoy a complimentary candlelit dinner (exclusive of beverages) and a signature honeymoon amenity with flower bed decoration.

For the honeymooning couple just arriving at One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah, a visit to the One&Only Spa by ESPA is an ideal way to unwind and celebrate their future days of life together. The Private Spa is the ultimate personal spa experience for couples wishing to retreat to total privacy, with each of the two exclusive Private Spa suites suspended over the turquoise Indian Ocean. Deeply relaxing and exquisite side-by-side ESPA rituals are personally prepared by individual therapists.

Newlyweds will cherish the chance to escape to a private sandbank for a romantic dinner under a starlit sky. For pure romance, couples might consider a private catamaran charter ideal for snorkelling a deserted sandbank, fishing or simply sipping champagne while watching the sun set. Perhaps a seaplane journey to a deserted island to snorkel crystal clear waters, sunbathe on a private beach, dine on a gourmet picnic, and toast a new beginning.

Friday, May 11, 2007

‘Rania Experience’ Private Residence in the Maldives “ultimate romantic getaway”


The sublime ‘Rania Experience’ Private Residence in the Maldives, featuring barefoot luxury on a private tropical island complete with its own luxury yacht, has been voted one of the world’s most “scene-stealing” new hotels and resorts.
The exclusive castaway retreat which includes unlimited gourmet dining, drinking and spa treatments “raises pampering to a new level”, say the judges for Conde Nast Traveler’s annual ‘Hot List 2007’.
It was recommended as both the “ultimate romantic getaway” for affluent couples and as a peerless Maldivian retreat for groups of up to 15.
“The high price tag buys you all the creature comforts, including unlimited spa treatments, yoga on demand, fishing, and diving (Rania has its own dive instructor), as well as meals prepared by chefs who consult with you prior to arrival and serve up freshly-caught seafood,” says the prestigious travel magazine.
“Nights should be reserved for lychee martinis, which you can drink on a stool dug into the surf or for sailing in a dhoni under the stars. The most memorable care comes from the three butlers, who expertly anticipate every guest's needs.”
Offered for a minimum of three nights, the ‘Rania Experience’ is a private island in Faafu Atoll, a picture postcard paradise of white sands and turquoise blue waters surrounded by a myriad of desert island atolls, 35-minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport.
The ‘Rania Experience’ includes private use of ‘The Rania’, a luxury 86ft yacht with indoor and outdoor lounges and dining areas, Jacuzzi, air-conditioning and a full entertainment system including home-theatre.
Designed with barefoot luxury in mind, the island encompasses the lavish air-conditioned three bedroom Rania Suite overlooking a plunge pool and a stones throw away are three individual beach villas with thatched roofs and traditional Maldivian open-air style bathrooms.
Guests can enjoy unlimited pampering at The Rania Spa, offering Ayurvedic and other specialised treatments. Massages and treatments can be taken anywhere, from the beach at sunset to the privacy of their villa or aboard the yacht at the time preferred by the guests.
Gourmet dining is cooked and served anytime and anywhere, either on the island or aboard ‘The Rania’.
Blessed with some of the world's most spectacular sunsets, a variety of cultural shows can also be arranged on request and at an additional charge, from a lively traditional Bodu Beru (local drums) dance to a laid-back local Maldivian band.
Additional amenities on the island include a small personal gym, state of the art karaoke system, billiards, beach volleyball and badminton, satellite TV, a selection of films and a host of board games.
The 'Rania Experience' is limited to just one exclusive booking at any one time, making the guest(s) “king of their own island” instead of just another guest at a resort

Thursday, May 10, 2007

“Naladhu represents the Maldives’ most convenient exclusive destination yet,” declares Conde Nast Traveler in its 2007 Hot List special issue

Set on the edge of a beautiful atoll the 19 house luxury island resort of Naladhu is set to bring a new level of design and service to the Maldives! We would like to welcome you to inspect this treasure as we open our doors for the world to see.

Naladhu Houses include Beach Houses and Ocean Houses – spacious residences with direct and stunning views to the sea and the lagoon. Privacy, intimacy and the feeling of romantic luxury are hallmarks of this design. Your daybed on the terrace gives heavenly views and swings gently in the Indian Ocean breeze.

The Naladhu experience is as private as you like to as active as you can desire! Our House Masters cater to your every whim as days pass timelessly giving you a maximum of relaxation. Each room is equipped with its own Maxi Bar, its own Steam room, indoor and outdoor showers, his and hers vanities, private dining sala, walk-in wardrobe, home entertainment system and Ipod , 40” television screen and DVD/CD selection.

Our dining experiences are unique and full of choice from your Intimate Dining Affair team who will design dinner on our Sailing Dhoni, to a private affair for two in the coconut grove, to a dinner for two on our lagoon dining platforms, to the comfortable and homely Living Room at the edge of the lagoon where fabulous sunsets are planned. In the privacy of your room experience a barbeque by the ocean or select a dinner in consultation with Chef Paul Baker. Also select from our array of 5 restaurants at Anantara and our special Thai restaurant Baan Huraa on the Reef next to Naladhu.

Experience a spa treatment in the comfort of your own house or transport yourself to our award winning Anantara & Reflections Spas. Dive Master will be there to arrange for amazing trips to various neighboring reefs and plan dives to suit – snorkeling as well. Deep sea fishing adventures, Sailing excursions and visits to nearby islands and Male can be arranged by your House Master.

Maldives wins prestigious award for Best Holiday Destination Worldwide


Maldives has yet again won another prestigious award, the Daily Telegraph's Ultratravel Award for Best Holiday Destination Worldwide. The ULTRAs (Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards), celebrating the best in luxury travel across the globe, were announced at a ceremony held at InterContinental London Park Lane Hotel on 9th of May 2007. On behalf of the tourism industry of the Maldives the award was received by High Commissioner of Maldives to UK and Northern Ireland, His Excellency Mr Hassan Sobir.
Ultratravel magazine, published with the Daily Telegraph, was first launched in autumn 2004 and has a circulation of 500,000 readers.
The ULTRA awards were selected based on votes casted by the readers of the UltraTravel magazine over a period of more than 12 months. The ULTRAs consisted, in addition to best holiday destination, the best in airline, airport, tour operator, cruise company, spa, ski resort and hotel.
To win this award Maldives competed with popular destinations such as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Thailand. Maldives Tourism Promotion Board: www.visitmaldives.com

W Retreat & Spa - Maldives has been named as the best design resort at Travel and Leisure


W Retreat & Spa - Maldives has been named as the best design resort at Travel and Leisure (T+L) Third annual Design Awards 2007. Travel and Leisure Design Awards is an annual award for the best designs and architecture which includes 12 categories namely;

Large Hotel
Travel Gadget
Travel Gear
Travel Bag
Travel Fashion
Museum
Small Hotel
Restaurant
Retail Space
Cultural Space
Resort
Transportation
Design Champion


T+L also introduced the first ever design champion who is selected as the best designer for travel and tourism related infrastructures.

Bangkok Airways - Boutique Airline to Maldives

In an attempt to meet passenger’s demands for more space and privacy aboard its all-economy-seat Airbus 320, Bangkok Airways recently introduced its ‘Boutique Premier Service’ (BPS) on flights between Bangkok and the Maldives. The route now offers a total of 12 BPS seats per flight.
Curtained-off from the regular economy class seats, BPS passengers can enjoy business-class service with a vacant seat assigned between passengers. Three choices of main course and a wide selection of drinks are available. Passengers also get access to the airline Boutique Lounge, while other privileges include priority luggage tag, and 30kg luggage allowance.
Bangkok Airways re-started direct flights between Bangkok and Maldives on November 30th, 2006 using its 162-seat A320, twice weekly: Mondays and Thursdays. The flight leaves Bangkok at 14.50 hrs., and arrives at Male International Airport at 17.00 hrs. On the return sector, the flight leaves Male at 18.00 hrs., arriving in Bangkok at 00.30 hrs.

The two iconic Soneva resorts in the Maldives


The two iconic Soneva resorts in the Maldives are offering the ultimate exclusive island experience. They are offering the opportunity to take over each island resort, completely and privately, at an all-inclusive rate of one million dollars (US) for a full seven days and nights, for a full compliment of guests – at either resort.
This extraordinary offer also includes seaplane and powerboat transfers, unlimited water activities,
Six Senses Spa and gourmet dining for all guests. High-end wines and gift boutique purchases are the only items that are additional.
Soneva Fushi offers 65 accommodations and 32 private swimming pools, with categories of villas ranging from the Jungle Reserve and The Retreats, plus Soneva Villas and Suites – all with Mr and Ms Friday butlers. The resort also offers ten separate experiences for dining and drinks
At
Soneva Gili, one of the Maldives first all-over-water resorts, there are 44 oversized Villas and Villa Suites plus the vast Private Reserve, all attended by Mr and Ms Friday butlers. Dining alternatives include three on-island choices and the over-water restaurant and lounge.
This offer is valid for stays from May through November each year and a long lead time is essential due to availability. Soneva Fushi can comfortably accommodate around 134 adults, with 20 children utilizing the generous daybeds and tree house bunks.
Soneva Gili can accommodate close to 94 adults, with oversized daybeds for 20 children.