News
Maldives Travel Awards 2014 officially launched and opens for nomination
Maldives.net.mv – The MATATO Maldives Travel Awards 2014 was officially launched yesterday during a sponsor signing ceremony and press briefing at Traders Hotel, Male. The 3rd annual edition will take place at the pioneer resort of the Indian Ocean, Kurumba Maldives on the 21stNovember 2014. The awards is a joint initiative of the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and leading Maldives event management company Highrise Private Limited, to provide the Maldives Tourism and Hospitality industry with recognition of their facilities and excellent guest service, and to encourage and raise service standards across the industry.
The awards comprises a total 23 categories covering the industry’s key sectors; Resorts, Hotels, Guest Houses, Liveaboards, Transport & Aviation, Wellness & Spa, Business and Technology. Winners from each category are decided through an online public vote (40%) and a judging process (60%). At the end of the process the two scores are combined to determine an overall winner. Changes to this year’s format include an extended nomination period (1st April – 15th May) and an extended online public voting period (15th June – 30thSeptember). The number of categories a participant is eligible to nominate into has also been reduced to 3. It is hoped these changes will bring about increased participation and improve further the accuracy and fairness of the awards.
Yesterday’s function, attended by MATATO executive board members, event sponsors and media, marked the opening of the nomination period as all corners of the Maldives Tourism and Hospitality industry were invited to submit their nomination forms and be a part of this fantastic initiative. President of MATATO, Abdulla Ghiyas, while addressing the media, called for greater participation and asserted that MATATO would do everything within its means to draw further support from the industry for the awards. He also thanked those who had actively contributed to the growth of the MATATO Maldives Travel Awards into what is now a credible and widely respected award.
Also present was Mr. Ibrahim Saleem, Managing Director of MACL who will be main sponsoring the event as Ibrahim Nasir International Airport for the second successive year. Mr. Saleem commended MATATO and event organizers Highrise for their continued effort to improve the quality of the industry, and expressed his pleasure that MACL will once again be sponsoring this unique event. These sentiments were echoed by Jason Kruse, General Manager of Kurumba Maldives, host of this year’s grand finale event. Mr Kruse spoke of his excitement that Kurumba Maldives will be hosting the event and said he was looking forward to working with the event management team to deliver a memorable occasion.
Key Dates
- Nomination period opens: 1st April
- Nomination period closes: 15th May
- Online public voting opens: 15th June
- Online public voting closes: 30th September
- Grand Finale Event: 21st November
Love
JA Manafaru celebrates romance with exclusive Valentine’s Day experiences
This Valentine’s Day, JA Manafaru in the Maldives invites couples to experience an unforgettable celebration of love, offering a range of exclusive romantic activities and indulgent packages set against the stunning backdrop of turquoise waters and pristine beaches. From intimate dinners to rejuvenating spa treatments, guests will find everything they need to create cherished memories with their love done.
JA Manafaru’s Valentine’s Stay Offer provides the perfect romantic escape, with up to 20% off Best Available Breakfast Rates, a romantic beach dinner featuring a three-course menu, a bottle of Prosecco or sparkling juice upon arrival, and a unique in-villa floating breakfast. Couples who purchase a 60-minute treatment will also enjoy an additional complimentary 30-minute spa treatment, along with the option to enhance their experience with island-hopping yacht trips and excursions (additional costs apply).
For those seeking even more memorable moments, the resort presents a series of exclusive experiences. Guests can treat their loved one to a Romantic Floating Breakfast, where a continental spread is served on a floating platform in their pool villa, accompanied by Moët & Chandon Brut, for a truly serene start to the day. Alternatively, couples can enjoy a Romantic Cellar Champagne Breakfast, which offers gourmet delicacies paired with Champagne in the resort’s unique underground wine cellar, available for a limited number of guests.
On the evening of 14th February, couples can escape to their own private paradise with the Valentine Castaway BBQ for two, a delectable and romantic BBQ dinner set up on the beach with Don Perignon. For those who desire a more enchanting setting, the Love Under the Stars Beach Dinner invites couples to enjoy a romantic four-course menu with Champagne, under the vast starry sky. Only a select number of exclusive slots are available for these intimate experiences.
For those seeking an extraordinary dining experience, the Valentine Private Wine Cellar Dinner offers a seven-course meal in a private wine cellar, perfectly paired with fine wines, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable evening.
Finally, to pamper guests on this special day, The Calm Spa Sanctuary offers a Valentine’s Special Spa Treatment from 12th to 14th February. The treatment includes a 90-minute spa session, a relaxing herbal bath, a bottle of sparkling wine, and a choice of Harnn product, with a heart-shaped cookie or chocolate to complete the experience.
With a selection of exclusive events and packages designed to celebrate love, JA Manafaru promises an unforgettable Valentine’s celebration, offering couples the opportunity to create lasting memories in one of the most romantic destinations in the world.
Cooking
From pizza to pasta: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives unveils Pibati Sul Mare
“Pibati” in Sanskrit translates to “to drink, absorb, or imbibe,” reflecting a profound connection to savouring and enjoying sensory experiences such as food and drink. Guided by this philosophy, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has unveiled a refined concept for its beachside restaurant under the leadership of Executive Chef Frank Wackerhagen. The newly reimagined dining destination invites guests to explore Italy’s cherished culinary traditions.
Renamed Pibati Sul Mare—Italian for “by the sea”—the restaurant serves lunch, specialising in artisanal pizzas and handcrafted pastas. Its menu features a harmonious blend of Italian classics and island-inspired flavours, such as the Margherita pizza and the exquisite Linguini allo Scoglio di Panna, a mixed seafood dish in a garlic cream sauce. These dishes are crafted with high-quality ingredients, including fresh, homegrown herbs cultivated on the island, creating comfort food that captures the island’s vibrant essence.
Nestled against the backdrop of stunning ocean views, Pibati Sul Mare offers a serene retreat for diners seeking a memorable culinary experience. The setting combines coastal charm with contemporary elegance, featuring airy, open spaces designed to immerse guests in the scenic surroundings. Soft, earthy tones and natural materials contribute to a warm and inviting ambiance, while exceptional service ensures every guest feels cared for and attended to.
Whether enjoying a gathering with family or savouring a moment of tranquility, Pibati Sul Mare provides an unforgettable dining experience. It promises to captivate the palate and create cherished memories that linger long after the visit.
Featured
Tripadvisor names Ayada Maldives Best of the Best Resort for luxury and excellence
Ayada Maldives has been recognised as the No. 1 Traveler-Ranked Best of the Best Resort in the Maldives by Tripadvisor for 2024. This prestigious accolade, based on authentic guest reviews, highlights the resort’s dedication to unparalleled luxury, exceptional service, and unforgettable experiences.
This achievement reinforces Ayada Maldives’ status as a premier destination for discerning travellers. The resort has also received acclaim for its exquisite overwater villas, pristine beaches, and world-class culinary offerings, earning additional recognition across categories for hospitality excellence and sustainability.
Renowned for its timeless beauty and immersive luxury, Ayada Maldives continues to redefine the art of indulgence. The resort acknowledges the trust and support of its esteemed guests, which inspire ongoing efforts to set new benchmarks in luxury travel.
Located in the pristine Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Ayada Maldives is a luxury resort offering an authentic Maldivian retreat. With a selection of opulent villas and suites, world-class dining options, and a wide range of recreational activities, the resort provides a personalised experience for every guest. Globally celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, exceptional hospitality, and vibrant social media presence, Ayada Maldives remains a standard-bearer for luxury travel in the Maldives.
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