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Starwood Hotels’ Managerial Endeavor to China

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Maldives Promotion House – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1051 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.

Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Méridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft, and Element SM.

The company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts.

Starwood currently has two resorts under two brand names in Maldives, W Maldives Retreat & Spa, their W resort, and Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, their Sheraton resort.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. recently announced an unprecedented managerial endeavor to move its Senior Leadership Team to China for one month.  From June 8th through July 11th, Starwood President & CEO Frits van Paasschen and the company’s top executives will be headquartered in Shanghai, where they will conduct day-to-day business on a 12-hour time difference with their usual operations in White Plains, New York.

This unique relocation underscores Starwood’s game-changing growth in China, which recently became its second largest market outside of the U.S. and its fastest growing.  The move also reflects Starwood’s innovative approach to cultivate a more global culture in a company that grew up largely in the United States.

“With properties in nearly 100 countries, Starwood is no longer an American company that happens to run some hotels overseas.  Today, we’re a global company that happens to be based in New York,” Van Paasschen said.

“Eighty percent of our future pipeline is outside of North America, and nowhere is more emblematic of our global growth than China, where we will open one hotel every two weeks this year.  China’s spectacular transformation is hard to grasp unless experienced firsthand – it’s the proverbial, ‘you can’t really understand a culture until you buy groceries there,’” Van Paasschen added.

From their home base in Shanghai, van Paasschen and seven members of his Senior Leadership Team will conduct daily business in an unconventional effort to understand, appreciate and ultimately leverage different cultural perspectives and approaches to business.

In addition, more than 20 Starwood executives from the U.S. and international locations will join the team throughout the course of the relocation. The group will delve into Starwood’s extensive business in China, meeting with local customers, partners and developers, while also touring new properties throughout the country.

During its month abroad, Starwood’s Senior Leadership Team will also bolster the company’s guest loyalty outreach among Chinese travelers.  As one of the world’s fastest growing travel markets, with 100 million outbound travelers expected by 2015, China will play an outsized role in global travel within the next decade.  The country continues to be the richest source of new loyal travelers for Starwood, with Chinese enrollment in Starwood Preferred Guest, Starwood’s loyalty program, jumping 71 percent in 2010.

Based on the anticipated success of Starwood’s managerial experiment in China, the company intends to implement a month-long global relocation annually.  Its next high-growth target markets include Brazil, the United Arab Emirates and India.

“It is not just language that gets lost in translation, but also cultural nuances.  The companies that will break away in an increasingly global world will be those that are most globally fluent,” van Paasschen said.

Starwood’s global relocation is also a symbolic trip, as the company reaches a new milestone:  for the first time in its history, Starwood has more hotels outside the U.S. than inside.  As the world’s most global hotel company with more hotels in emerging markets than its competitors, Starwood is on the frontlines of globalization, and is experiencing explosive growth in India, the Middle East, Africa and of course, China.

Starwood enjoys a first-mover advantage in China dating back to 1985 with the landmark debut of the Great Wall Sheraton Hotel in Beijing, which was the first international branded hotel in the People’s Republic of China.  Today, Starwood has more than 70 hotels in China flying eight of its nine brands’ flags and another 90 properties in the pipeline.

Celebration

Tropical Oktoberfest: experience German flavours and island vibes at Oaga Art Resort

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Beer enthusiasts and experience seekers are being invited to a unique celebration at Oaga Art Resort – Oktoberfest in Paradise. From October 3rd to 5th, guests can look forward to a tropical twist on the classic Oktoberfest event, featuring a blend of German and Maldivian flavours, vibrant art installations, and immersive experiences.

Located amidst the pristine beaches and turquoise waters of the Maldives, Oaga Art Resort offers a luxurious escape. Guests can enjoy lounging by the infinity pool with a cool stein of beer, while taking in the vibrant atmosphere and breathtaking ocean views. As the sun sets, attendees can mingle under a star-filled sky, sharing stories and laughter with fellow revellers.

Oaga Art Resort has curated a weekend filled with activities to delight the senses and entertain guests. The schedule includes:

Performances:

  • Day 1: DJ performance by The Flag Twins, a dynamic British DJ duo known for their energetic and innovative sound.
  • Day 2: Live music from Project Groove, a Maldivian band known for its eclectic blend of genres and high-energy performances.
  • Day 3: Raa Baa Rave featuring DJ Afruh, a renowned Maldivian DJ and multi-instrumentalist recognised for his soulful and eclectic style.

Culinary Delights:

  • A fusion of German and Maldivian flavours will be served throughout the weekend.
  • Interactive cooking classes will allow participants to explore German cuisine, including beer-based recipes and pretzel-making.
  • Refreshing beer-themed cocktails will also be available.

Creative and Educational Activities

Guests can unleash their creativity by participating in art sessions such as Beer Bottle Sculpture, Can Craft (Beer Edition), and Beer Can Planter. For those interested in learning more, there will be beer tastings and a German culture and beer trivia quiz.

Weekend Getaway Offer: A Tropical Paradise Awaits

Oaga Art Resort is offering a special Oktoberfest weekend package, which includes:

  • Overnight stay in a choice of luxurious villa
  • Roundtrip airport transfers for a seamless journey
  • All-inclusive meals and drinks, featuring local and German cuisine
  • Special rates for bookings with the code “OAGAFEST”: USD 400 per night for the Veyoge Gallery Pool Villa and USD 450 per night for the Haruge Beach Villa with a private pool.

Guests are encouraged to book early to take advantage of this exclusive offer and enjoy a unique blend of tropical paradise and German cheer.

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Celebration

Diwali carnival at The Standard Maldives: cultural feasts, workshops, and spectacular performances

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Experience a truly unique and festive celebration at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, where the magic of Diwali comes alive against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean. From October 28 to November 6, guests are invited to celebrate the Festival of Lights with a variety of exciting events and activities that reflect the vibrant spirit of this cherished holiday. The Diwali Carnival at the resort will feature everything from traditional Indian feasts to cultural workshops, dazzling performances, and engaging activities for all ages.

Diwali festivities highlights at The Standard, Maldives:

  • Special buffet & traditional welcome – savour a specially curated Diwali menu featuring authentic Indian sweets, starters, and main dishes. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with a traditional aarti (ceremonial light) and tika (forehead mark). Diwali-themed cocktails and mocktails will also be available at all resort restaurants.
  • Festive décor & photo booth – the resort will be beautifully decorated with diyas (oil lamps), rangoli (intricate floor designs), fairy lights, and flowers, creating a festive atmosphere. From October 28 to November 7, guests can also capture memorable moments at the themed photo booth, complete with traditional costumes and props.
  • Cultural workshops & activities – get hands-on with henna art, join a rangoli-making workshop, or participate in a friendly kite-flying competition. Both children and adults can enjoy traditional Indian games like Pithoo (spinning top) and Tambola (Bingo).

Live performances

Enjoy lively folk dances like Garba and classical music recitals that bring the rich cultural traditions of India to life on select dates.

Culinary experiences

For food lovers, The Standard offers a range of culinary delights to celebrate Diwali:

  • Kula buffet (November 1): indulge in an Indian buffet corner featuring traditional Diwali sweets, along with authentic starters and main courses.
  • Cooking demonstrations (November 5): at Gudu Guda Restaurant, witness cooking demonstrations of popular Diwali treats, followed by lunch. Priced at $45 per person.
  • Tea & dessert pairing experience (November 6): at Todis Beach, enjoy a selection of Indian teas like masala chai and cardamom-infused blends paired with festive desserts. Priced at $12 per guest.

Fire show & festive attire contest

Wrap up the festivities on November 1 with a spectacular fire show and a cultural attire contest, where guests can compete for a special prize.

At The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, the serene and luxurious surroundings perfectly complement the joyous atmosphere of Diwali. With pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and elegant accommodations, the resort provides the ideal setting for a memorable celebration. Whether enjoying the traditional rituals or indulging in relaxation, guests will experience the vibrant essence of Diwali in a truly unforgettable way.

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News

Mind, body, and soul in harmony: Sun Siyam Iru Veli’s revitalised wellness offerings

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Sun Siyam Iru Veli continues to set a benchmark for wellness retreats, offering an immersive experience centered on relaxation and rejuvenation. In its ongoing commitment to enhancing guest wellness, the resort has enriched its wellness programs by introducing new activities designed to bring mind, body, and soul into perfect harmony.

The wellness programs at Sun Siyam Iru Veli have long been a core aspect of the experience, blending the natural beauty of the surroundings with expert-led practices to create an atmosphere of complete serenity. Guests are invited to participate in daily yoga sessions at sunrise or sunset, which help them connect with the tranquil environment while improving flexibility, strength, and inner peace. Additionally, a variety of fitness classes, tailored to all levels of ability, offer an active yet rejuvenating way to maintain fitness while enjoying an island getaway.

One of the most popular offerings is sound healing, where soothing sound wave vibrations guide guests into a deep state of relaxation. This ancient practice, known for its calming effects, pairs perfectly with the serene ambiance of the island, making it an unforgettable part of any wellness journey.

To further elevate the experience, the resort’s skilled wellness professionals, including the newly appointed expert Roshni Patel, who has nearly a decade of experience in yoga, sound healing, and fitness training, ensure that each activity is thoughtfully designed with guests’ personal goals in mind. Whether seeking to improve physical fitness, reduce stress, or embrace mindfulness, Sun Siyam Iru Veli provides tailored wellness experiences, such as:

  • Group and Private Yoga Sessions: From Vinyasa to Hatha, these classes are conducted in serene outdoor spaces, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in nature’s healing beauty.
  • Fitness Classes: Energising options like Zumba, HIIT, and strength training keep guests active and invigorated, all while maintaining a sense of relaxation in the tropical setting.
  • Holistic Therapies: In addition to sound healing, the resort offers a variety of wellness treatments that combine ancient practices with modern techniques to help guests achieve inner balance and revitalisation.

As a resort dedicated to wellness, Sun Siyam Iru Veli provides an unparalleled opportunity for guests to reconnect with themselves through meaningful and transformative experiences. The carefully curated activities blend the natural elements of the Maldives with expert guidance to create lasting moments of impact. The lush surroundings, pristine beaches, and calming ocean views enhance every wellness session, allowing guests to fully unwind and return home refreshed.

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