News
LUX* Resorts announces new resort ppening in the Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – LUX* Resorts & Hotels has announced the opening of four new properties by 2017 in the Indian Ocean, China and the Middle East, as well as the complete refurbishment of LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives.
Paul Jones, CEO of LUX* Resorts & Hotels, comments on the group’s developments: “Once again, we are experiencing exciting times at LUX* Resorts & Hotels. With four new properties scheduled for opening by 2017, and the remaking of LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives, the group is progressing well towards our international development ambitions.”
LUX* North Malé Atoll Opening in 2016
A second LUX* villa-only Resort in the Maldives is opening during the second half of 2016. Located in the North Malé Atoll, this ultra-modern luxury island resort will comprise of spectacular private villas perched above crystal waters, each with their own private pool, breezy indoor / outdoor living spaces and wraparound decking. Less than an hour away by speedboat from Malé and the international airport, LUX* North Malé Atoll is only 31 nautical miles (56 kilometres) north of the capital of the Maldives.
Miaja Design Group took charge of the hotel design, using hand-polished woods and other natural materials, alongside ample glass to allow natural light to flow throughout. With the idyllic location amid an unexplored reef teeming with extraordinary sea life, LUX* North Malé Atoll takes its style cues and interior design inspiration from the nautical world. An on-site, environmentally conscious marine biology centre will encourage guests to discover the incredible nature and sea life surrounding the property.
Overwater Love Retreats at LUX* South Ari Atoll
LUX* South Ari Atoll (formerly known as LUX* Maldives) will launch the ultimate overwater love retreats, each with a private pool.
The private Water Villas all feature suspended infinity pools, blending contemporary flair with the surrounding nature. LUX* South Ari Atoll enlisted the expertise of award-winning design practice P49 DEESIGN, to inject new life into the resort. The new Signature Water Villas were created with love in mind, giving an entirely new meaning to ‘romantic breaks’. The unique architecture means that these hideaways will not only look chic and progressive, but will feel relaxed, serene and impossibly romantic.
In addition to the LUX* ‘Sleep Tight’ beds, guests will be treated to couples rain-showers, stylish ‘loveseats’ and overhanging ‘love nests’ that float over the lagoon. Subaquatic explorers can take one step from the villa’s balcony directly into the shallow lagoon waters of the protected reef, which is considered the only one in the world with a year-round presence of friendly Whale Sharks.
In addition to properties in Maldives, LUX* is planning to open three more luxury hotels in China, Reunion and UAE.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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