Business
Fushifaru Maldives set to open year end
Fushifaru Maldives is set to open its doors to guests at the end of the year, local company Fushifaru Investments has announced.
Located on the far north east border of the northern Lhaviyani atoll and accessible by a 35-minute seaplane flight from the Maldives main Velana International Airport, the exquisite island of Fushifaru is home to an extraordinary landscape above and below the waterline. With ‘Fushi’ meaning ‘island’ and ‘Faru’ meaning ‘reef’ in local Dhivehi language, Fushifaru is an ideal reflection of its name.
The island is uniquely positioned between two channels connecting the atoll’s inner lagoon to the vast Indian Ocean. The bigger of the two channels, Fushifaru Kandu is a national Marine Protected Area teeming with marine life. Fushifaru Kandu is home to three iconic dive sites including the renowned Fushifaru Thila, one of the Maldives most popular dive spots and a marine cleaning station where sums of cleaner fish attract the likes of manta rays, turtles and many more.
Only a few metres away is the island’s very own sandbank, perfect for desert island getaways and all day lounging.
“Merging quintessential Maldivian design with modern aesthetics, adventurists, conservationists and traditionalists will be spoilt for choice with the resort’s incredible overwater and underwater experiences,” an announcement by Fushifaru Investments, part of Muni Enterprises which has an existing portfolio of luxury safari boats, luxury residences and a travel agency, read.
Accommodation
Forty-nine beach and overwater villas will exude luxurious coziness with carefully selected amenities. Various categories of villas face the Maakandu (open ocean), Etherevari (lagoon) or Kandu-Olhi (channel) reflecting designs inspired by their locations on the island.
Guests can choose from 18 beach villas with private plunge pool, 26 beach villas and five water villas, all with stunning outdoor bathrooms, large outdoor decking, 43” IPTV, Egyptian-cotton linen and 24-hour personalised ‘Resident’ service, the island’s very own butler service concept.
Restaurants and Bars
Fushifaru has three food and beverage outlets that will take guests on a gastronomic journey starting at Korakali for an international breakfast, lunch and dinner, while Raakani Grill showcases signature Asian recipes with a focus on the finest local seafood. Fanihandhi Bar is perfect for catching some sun with a cocktail in hand or unwinding to a famous Maldivian sunset.
Guests can also choose from a variety of dining experiences such as a private sandbank picnic, dinner on the deck of your own villa or even aboard the resort’s private yacht. Your ‘Resident’ will stop at nothing to curate a truly memorable experience.
Heylhi Spa
Heylhi Spa will have five-treatment rooms or sanctuaries that embody the spirit of rejuvenation; a concept inspired by the Cleaner Wrasse fish found commonly throughout the island’s reef. Designed with lush, green surroundings, the spa echoes its name Heylhi, which in Dhivehi refers to jungle-like vegetation found at the shoreline. Each treatment room resembles traditional Maldivian cottages, complete with outdoor garden bathrooms.
Through the island’s partnership with renowned UK well-being experts Aromatherapy Associates, combined with an indigenous product range from local artisans, Heylhi Spa will be the beating heart of Fushifaru.
Activities
From a state-of-the-art gym and multi-sports court, to paddle boarding, snorkelling, diving and semi-submarine expeditions, activities are endless at Fushifaru. For an insight into coral rehabilitation and marine education, a resident marine biologist will be on hand to share lessons on conservation and conduct guided snorkelling tours around the island and nearby reefs.
Island Excursions
For a glimpse into island living and local culture, Fushifaru is only a 20-minute speedboat ride away from the atoll’s capital island Naifaru. For the last five years, Naifaru has been home to the atoll’s turtle conservation programme, championing numerous social and sustainability volunteer activities. An 18-minute speedboat ride will take you to Felivaru where one of the Maldives largest fish canning factories is located. The island of Hinnavaru is also just a 15-minute speedboat ride away, offering an immersive experience of local island life.
“Fushifaru prides itself on being a custodian of conservation and each guest is encouraged to contribute to the resort’s conservation efforts, discover local culture and traditions, all whilst enjoying the wonders of an idyllic and breathtaking island life,” the announcement read.
For reservations and enquiries, kindly email reservations@fushifaru.com or log on to www.fushifaru.com. Alternatively, follow the resort’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts for daily updates.
Events
Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) holds its 34th Annual General Meeting
The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) held its 34th Annual General Meeting at Kurumba Maldives today, with a total of 100 members in attendance.
The day’s events began with a welcome address from the Chairman of MATI, Mr. Mohamed Umar, who also presided over the session. The agenda included an address from the Secretary General, Mr. Ahmed Nazeer, the review and approval of the minutes of the 33rd AGM, the review and adoption of the Annual Report and Financial Reports for 2023, the approval of the 2024 budget, the appointment of auditors for 2024, the welcoming of new members and election of executive board members to the two vacant positions (by-election).
In the member discussion session, the following topics were covered: the Government’s aim to reach net-zero emissions by 2023 and renewable energy generation in the Tourism Industry, new terminal of Velana International Airport and developments, employment challenges, the Industrial Relations Act and trade unions, environmental conservation and the significance of creating and executing efficient management plans for protected areas like the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA).
Following the official proceedings, the Minister of Tourism Hon. Ibrahim Faisal and the Minister of Economic Development and Trade Hon. Mohamed Saeed joined the forum. The Ministers provided remarks and engaged in a Member Q&A session. This session provided members with the chance to directly engage with the Ministers and delve into crucial industry topics. The queries focused on the Economic Outlook, forthcoming development plans and immediate challenges and issues affecting the Tourism Industry.
A video presentation was also showcased that delved into the extensive work undertaken by MATI in 2023. The video also touched upon the Tourism Industry’s performance over the past 5 years, as well as the current and projected human resource capacity of the sector.
In his closing remarks, the Secretary General highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing industry challenges and called for greater unison amongst industry stakeholders, ending with an acknowledgement of the promising start to the year in terms of arrivals.
Executive Board Members elected to the 2 vacant positions (by-election):
- Ibrahim Shareef, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited
- Renato De Olivera, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and representative of Marriott International
Business
Unlocking power of travel storytelling at Travel Creators Exchange 2024
Join us for the Travel Creators Exchange 2024, taking place on February 1, 2024, at the Hotel Jen in Male’, Maldives.
This dynamic event provides a platform for networking and collaboration among Maldives-based travel creators, fostering connections, idea-sharing, and the establishment of lasting partnerships to expand opportunities and monetise content.
Our lineup of distinguished speakers includes:
- Zihuny Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of MMPRC, will present on “Power of Digital Storytelling: Collaborative Strategies for Destination Promotion.” MMPRC actively markets the Maldives globally, utilising a comprehensive approach that includes travel trade shows, roadshows, digital marketing, and more.
- Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director of Kuda Villingili Maldives Resort, brings over 23 years of hospitality industry experience. He will discuss “The Role of Content in Tourism Marketing,” drawing on expertise in revenue, customer service, sales & marketing, and human capital development.
- Suresh Dissanayake, Assistant Vice President of Sales & Marketing of Heritance Aarah & Adaaran Resorts, with nearly two decades of experience, will shed light on “What does a Sales and Marketing Director Do?” He brings extensive luxury hospitality experience and a proven track record in sales, distribution, and marketing.
- Vishal Amir Ahmed, a versatile cinematographer and content creator, will explore “Who is a Content Creator.” Currently associated with Various Arts Studio, he specialises in providing multimedia solutions to various clients.
Organised by Maldives Insider, Maldives Virtual Tour, Travel Trade Maldives, and Hotelier Maldives, this collaborative effort aims to empower Maldives-based travel content creators and elevate the Maldives as a premier destination for captivating travel storytelling.
Events
Acclaimed contemporary artist Ana Pušica explores perpetuality and community at Patina Maldives
Ana Pušica Kramer, an internationally acclaimed contemporary artist, joins Patina Maldives for an exclusive art residency in the now infamous Fari Art Atelier. From January 22 to February 22, 2024, Ana Pušica will grace the shores of the Fari Islands, weaving a vibrant narrative of colour and emotion across her larger than-life canvases.
Her artistry transcends boundaries, melding abstraction and figuration into awe-inspiring masterpieces. Having exhibited globally, from New York to Beijing, Ana’s paintings are a physical, intuitive act rooted in movement. Described as a “beautiful fluorescent thunderstorm,” Ana’s art explores light and colour, capturing the energy of life itself.
The Fari Art Atelier which has previously hosted the likes of Daniel Arsham, Chris Stamp and David Nott, will be transformed into Ana’s studio and gallery showcasing her enthralling artworks—a mesmerising journey through poetry, memory, and the vibrant interplay of colour. Guests at Patina are invited to delve into Ana’s world, where each stroke reveals layers of meaning, evoking sensations of intense lightness and boundless interpretation.
At Patina Maldives, Ana will immerse herself in a month-long residency, inviting the Patina Malidves community or guests and team to witness her artistic fervour firsthand. Guests will have the rare opportunity not only to observe her creative process but also to engage with and create art alongside this luminary.
Experience artistry at its most exclusive
Art Exhibition
Experience Ana’s captivating exploration of colour and emotion in her spellbinding artworks displayed at the Fari Atelier.
Art Workshops: Message in a Bottle
As part of a collaborative artwork, Ana invites Patina guests to participate in short workshops, actively contributing to the creation of a permanent installation at Patina Maldives.
Open Studio Session
Join Ana for an exclusive open studio session, offering guests a behind the-scenes look at her creative process.
Ana Pušica residency package
Discover a world where creativity knows no bounds as Ana Pušica, the maestro of contemporary art, transforms Patina Maldives into an immersive canvas of inspiration.
Book now to secure your experience.
For more information and reservations, please visit Patina Maldives or contact
reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com
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