Insiders
Packing for a Visit to Paradise?
With the yellow sun hovering above the crystal clear waters, splashing on to the white sandy beaches, Maldives is indeed a safe haven. With coral islands of incomparable uniqueness and beauty, Maldives offers you a natural simplicity, an escape from the stressful and routine life. So prepare to be captured by the vast history and rich culture of this archipelago, with its warm days, and cool nights.
Whether you wish to experience the local life or the luxurious resorts, Maldives is one of the places where you don’t need to pack much. In fact, most of the things you may need are available at a low cost. As for transportation, you can easily reach every corner of Maldives from its international airports, either via speed boat or sea plane.
Maldives currently has two international airports, the Gan International Airport and Malé International Airport. While the later is still utilized as the main international airport for tourists, Gan International Airport is also increasingly being used for transporting tourists to the southern resorts. Travelling inside the capital city is also easy, as any corner of the island is reachable within a few minutes of walking, while taxis are also available.
The temperature is warm throughout the year with rare showers. Summer clothing of different fashions, depending on your convenience and liking, such as shorts or skirts and tee shirts are ideal. Since the beginning, bikini has been a fashion, as women in resorts spend most of their time on the beach.
Tourists tend to use a wide range of styles of modern wear ideal for tropical and beach environments. Rather than shoes, sandals are excellent for strolls around the capital city Malé, with its paved roads. However there nothing like walking barefoot on the beach, as the soft sand massages your feet. Tourists who spend their time at resorts tend to spend most of their time on the white sandy beaches.
You will also need to pack a pair of sunglasses and a hat. However sunglasses of different brands are easily available, both in capital Malé and resorts. Sunscreens and tanning products are widely available in some of the inhabited islands and all of the resorts as well. Though you may not need it unless you plan on visiting one of the uninhabited islands, insect repellents are also easily available. Insect repellents are however, necessary for the adventurous types, who desire to experience the wild and naturally beautiful environment of the many uninhabited islands.
Diving gear and other equipment such as masks and fins are available both in the city and at resorts. While some resorts may provide them for free, they are also available for rent or at a low cost. To capture the natural beauty of the underwater gardens of coral reefs, and your unique experience, you may want to bring a camera.
While alcohol and pork products cannot be imported, most of the famous brands of alcohol are available in resorts, liveaboards and at the airport duty free. Live animals such as dogs and pigs cannot be imported by tourists. Other prohibited materials include firearms, drugs, pornographic material and idols used for worship.
If you wish to experience a truly local experience you may want to stick around Malé or you may want to visit one of the many islands. With its simplistic life, a truly Maldivian experience will leave you craving to return, long after you’ve left. The sheer beauty of its natural islands will forever be marked in your memory. Maldives is indeed a wonder and a paradise, unmatched by any other.
News
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort appoints Thaaif Ahmed appointed as Director of Sales & Marketing
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, part of Minor Hotels, has announced the appointment of Thaaif Ahmed as the Director of Sales & Marketing, effective 1 May 2024.
Thaaif brings nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, with a significant portfolio of roles within Minor Hotels. His career includes serving as the Director of Sales at NH Collection Maldives, where he played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth and fostering strategic partnerships.
Throughout his tenure, Thaaif has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities and a profound understanding of the industry landscape. His strategic prowess and collaborative approach have consistently delivered outstanding results, making him a respected figure within the organisation.
In his previous capacity as Cluster Director of Sales, overseeing Anantara Dhigu Resort Maldives, Anantara Veli Resort Maldives, and Naladhu Private Island, Thaaif contributed to the success and growth of the brand.
As he assumes the role of Director of Sales & Marketing at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Thaaif is poised to leverage his wealth of experience and expertise to drive brand positioning, enhance revenue streams, and elevate the overall guest experience. His appointment underscores the resort’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the hospitality sector.
Please join Stuart De San Nicolas, Cluster General Manager of Anantara Kihavah, Avani+ Fares and NH Collection Havodda plus Riaan Drever, General Manager of Fares in congratulating Thaaif on his well-deserved promotion. We also express our gratitude to Paul Counihan, for his support during our pre-opening and opening stages. Paul will transition to focus on Anantara Kihavah, our sister property in Baa Atoll, while Thaaif assumes leadership at Avani+ Fares Maldives.
Set on the natural tropical island of Fares and surrounded by the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve’s deep blue hues, the resort offers an abundance of aquatic adventures as well as pristine sandy beaches for pure relaxation. With 176 stylish villas, pavilions, and studios, Avani+ Fares welcomes couples and honeymooners, as well as families and groups, with a focus on multi-room accommodation.
News
Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives appoints Warren Moore as Executive Chef
Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives has announced the appointment of Warren Moore as the resort’s new Executive Chef.
Chef Warren Moore hailing from South Africa, brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise, having earned his Culinary Degree at City and Guilds Culinary Institute. With over 25 years of distinguished service in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry, Chef Warren is poised to elevate the culinary offerings at Seaside Finolhu to new heights.
In his previous role, Chef Warren served as Executive Chef at Jawakara Maldives, where he showcased his culinary prowess and leadership skills. Prior to that, he spent seven years honing his craft within various properties of the esteemed Crown and Champa Resorts Group. His culinary journey has taken him across continents, including stints in South Africa, Mozambique, London, and the United States.
As the Executive Chef at Seaside Finolhu, Chef Warren will oversee all culinary operations, ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and food quality are maintained. His responsibilities include supervising daily kitchen operations, managing food production, and leading kitchen staff with a focus on excellence and innovation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Warren Moore to our team at Seaside Finolhu,” said Steven Phillips General Manager of Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives. “His extensive experience and passion for culinary excellence will undoubtedly enhance the dining experience for our guests and further solidify our reputation as a gastronomic heaven in the Maldives.”
With Chef Warren Moore at the helm, Seaside Finolhu looks forward to delivering unforgettable culinary experiences that celebrate the rich flavours of the Maldives and beyond.
News
W Maldives promotes Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed to key management positions
W Maldives has announced the well-deserved promotions of two of its dedicated team members, Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed, effective April 15th, 2024.
Ahmed Zahir, known as Coacha, has been promoted from Welcome Manager to Rooms Division Manager. Coacha’s journey at W Maldives began in December 2010 as a Welcome Agent. Over the past 13 years, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, holding various roles within the Welcome department.
Known for his dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences and his outstanding interpersonal skills, Coacha is a true asset to the W Maldives team. His experience extends beyond the resort, having served as a task force member at the St. Regis Red Sea and as a pre-opening trainer. He is also actively participating in the Marriott Kurimagu Program, a program designed to cultivate Maldivian leadership in the hospitality industry. With his extensive knowledge of Welcome operations, Coacha is perfectly suited for his new role as Rooms Division Manager.
Ismail Saeed, also known as Saito, has been promoted from Lounge Manager to Welcome Manager. Saito’s W Maldives story began in March 2010 as a Welcome Agent. He then transitioned to airport operations as a Lounge Ambassador in 2013. Throughout his tenure, Saito has displayed a strong commitment to personal growth, consistently developing his skillset. He has participated in a cross-exposure program at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, working in Housekeeping, and has also supported the resort’s Style operations in the past three months. This diverse experience across multiple departments makes Saito a perfect fit for his new role as Welcome Manager.
The appointments of Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed underscore W Maldives’ commitment to nurturing talent and promoting from within. Both individuals bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and innovation to their respective roles, promising to further enhance the guest experience and uphold the resort’s reputation for excellence.
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