News
Gan International Airport boosts holiday options to Maldives
The opening of international flights to Gan airport, adjacent to Addu township in the south of the Maldives, has opened a new era for the region – providing an alternative transportation offering that can save travelers valuable vacation time.
On Dec. 1, SriLankan Airlines started flying from Colombo to the upgraded Gan airport, formerly a UK Royal Air Force refilling base until 1976 when it became a domestic airport. SriLankan Airlines now departs Colombo for Gan four times a week – Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays — at 06:55 for the 110-minute journey, using a 150-seat Airbus 320.
“Since we consider Maldives our extended home market, we will explore every avenue to make sure that Gan receives the attention and visibility that it deserves,” said Saminda Perera, general manager-marketing, SriLankan Airlines.
Resorts in the south of the country have responded favorably.
“Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has added an on-demand 30-minute Trans Maldivian Airlines sea plane service between Gan and our luxurious hideaway to meet the new service and provide additional convenience to our guests,” said John Allanson, general manager of Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort.
“Whether vacationers travel here to enjoy our spacious overwater villas, varied water sport activities or the Navasana Spa, we know the journey here is part of the holiday experience, so we warmly welcome the new option,” he said.
Allanson said Gan is “virtually on the doorstep” of the Outrigger and all the resorts in the southern atolls of Seenu, Gnaviyani, Gaafu Dhaalu and Gaafu Alifu.
Having international services landing directly in Gan 545 kms (340 miles) south of Male saves an estimated three hours on travel time to resorts in the south as it eliminates the need to connect with a scheduled commercial flight from Male to domestic airports in the south.
Hoteliers in the southern atolls now hope that airlines, especially those with big feeder hubs in the Middle East, will also introduce flights directly to Gan.
Gan international airport is currently served by domestic carriers Maldivian and Flyme, as well as SriLankan. Private jets are also able to land and park at Gan due to its new international status.
On SriLankan, round-trip tickets from Colombo to Gan start from around USD330. Outrigger is offering a limited-time New Year’s Deal up to 30 percent off when booking direct on www.Outrigger.com.
“For any tourist who wishes to spend a holiday in an ambience which is not overcrowded and where not many things come between you and the turquoise Indian ocean, the Gan area is an ideal destination….it is for tourists who explore deeper,” said Saminda.
News
Fun amplified: Hard Rock Hotel Maldives unveils Summer Camp-Cation 4.0
This summer, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is turning up the volume with the launch of its highly anticipated Summer Camp-Cation 4.0. Combining the exhilaration of a family vacation with an electrifying kids’ camp program, this annual event promises to be the ultimate holiday experience for families seeking adventure and relaxation in one of the world’s most stunning destinations. Play Hard, Pause Hard and embrace the Hard Rock lifestyle from the 1st of July to 31st of August this year .
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, as a brand believes in living life to the fullest – whether it is grooving out to your favorite tunes or soaking up the sun on pristine beaches. This Summer Camp-Cation embodies the spirit of “Play Hard, Pause Hard,” offering families the opportunity to connect, recharge, and make unforgettable memories together.
It is also all about unleashing the inner Rock Stars of all the curious young guests head to the Maldives on a holiday. From sports to arts and crafts, the Summer Camp-Cation features a diverse range of activities designed to ignite the imagination and unleash the creativity of young rock stars. Led by experienced instructors, kids can choose from three distinctive pillars of SPORTS, ARTS and CRAFTS based on the diverse interests of each junior rock star.
Sports Pillar is all about letting the little ones soar high with the Aerial Arts program, or mastering the art of self-defense with Street Safe martial arts classes.
Arts Pillar is for the art lovers to discover hidden talents with painting, music, and dance classes, where budding artists can explore their passions and express themselves.
Crafts Pillar is all about getting the hands dirty. From cooking to gardening to marine discovery, the crafts program offers endless opportunities for kids to learn, create, and explore the wonders of the Maldives.
From aerial arts to marine biology, each day is packed with exciting activities for kids of all ages. Plus, don’t miss out on the weekly events, including glow parties, bonfires, and talent shows where junior rock stars can showcase their skills.
While the kids are busy having the time of their lives, parents can unwind hard and recharge hard with a range of relaxing activities, from spa days to beach lounging. With spacious guestrooms and luxurious amenities, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives offers the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation for the whole family.
While the entire program is complimentary for all inhouse guests from the 1st of July till the 31st of August, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives has also launched a brand new offer to complement the Summer Camp-cation. Guests can now book the ultimate all inclusive family holiday in the Maldives with:
• Free all-inclusive stay for junior rock stars
• 50% off roundtrip airport transfer
• Free upgrade to all-inclusive when booking full board meal plan
• Extra 15% off for Hard Rock Unity Memebers
• Valid for stays from 1st of May till 31st of August 2024
For more information and bookings, visit www.hardrockhotels.com/maldives/
Awards
Villa Park wins prestigious TUI Global Hotel Award 2024
Villa Park, a tropical island resort nestled in the South Ari Atoll of the Maldives has announced its recognition as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2024. The distinguished award places Villa Park amongst the top hotels worldwide within the TUI program, acknowledging its unwavering commitment to exceptional service and guest experiences.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards, hosted by the TUI Group, acknowledges outstanding achievements in the hospitality industry, celebrating hotels that consistently deliver superior experiences and demonstrate a commitment to excellence.
Surrounded by breathtaking azure lagoons and lush jungles, Villa Park offers guests a quintessential Maldivian escape. Positioned within a marine protected area, the resort boasts world-class diving opportunities, including the chance to encounter majestic whale sharks.
Catering to both the adventurous and the relaxation-seeker, Villa Park provides guests with an unforgettable blend of exhilarating activities and innovative experiences alongside pampering spa treatments. Explore secluded sandbanks, dive into crystal-clear waters, indulge in world-class dining featuring authentic Maldivian flavors and global culinary delights, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
To learn more about Villa Park, please visit villaresorts.com/villa-park.
News
Renowned Integrative Movement Therapist Mins Teo to lead exclusive wellness residency at Patina Maldives
Patina Maldives is inviting guests to immerse themselves in a realm of holistic rejuvenation with Mins Teo, an acclaimed Integrative Movement Therapist, and Certified Pilates & Gyrotonic Instructor. From April 15 to May 15, 2024, Mins will guide guests through a profound exploration of mind-body harmony, offering a variety of bespoke sessions tailored to elevate holistic well-being.
Mins Teo brings a wealth of expertise garnered over a decade, seamlessly blending her background as a trained dancer and wellness provider into a transformative fusion of disciplines. Through her integrative approach, she intertwines Clinical Pilates, somatics, Fascial Release, Hatha Yoga, and Vagal Toning techniques to recalibrate both the physical and mental spheres. With Mins, each session is a personalised journey, carefully designed to meet individual needs and goals, ensuring a renewing and unique experience for every guest at Patina Maldives.
During her residency, guests will have the exclusive opportunity to indulge in private Pilates sessions, programmed to enhance core stability, strength, flexibility, and neuromuscular response. Additionally, guests can partake in private Tension-Releasing Exercises, a groundbreaking method designed to unravel deep-seated muscular tensions, stress, and trauma. As a qualified TRE® facilitator, Mins draws upon her expertise gained from working directly with Dr. David Berceli to guide guests through a journey of profound relaxation and equilibrium. Mins Teo’s residency follows the successful tenure of Junko Fujita, a certified Watsu specialist from the Okinawa WATSU Center, who delivered revitalising aquatic therapy exclusively at Patina Maldives from March 15 to April 15, 2024. Embracing diversity in holistic healing, Patina will continue its tradition by welcoming Yuki Nisjikubo, a Shiatsu & Acupuncture specialist, after Mins Teo’s residency from May 15 to June 15, 2024.
Boasting unparalleled luxury and bespoke experiences, Patina Maldives offers guests a sanctuary to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.
-
Insiders7 days ago
Marriott International doubles down on luxury in the Maldives with focus on sustainability and local talent
-
News1 week ago
Cinnamon Hotels offers Summer Bucket-list for Maldives
-
News1 week ago
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island ushers in Thai New Year with Songkran celebrations
-
News1 week ago
The Nautilus Maldives announces 2024 collaboration with Ananda in the Himalayas
-
News1 week ago
Karis Scarlette’s Dance & Wellness Retreat returns to Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort
-
News5 days ago
Sirru Fen Fushi to operate as an independent luxury resort (no longer Fairmont)
-
Awards6 days ago
Summer Island Maldives recognised as Global Hotel Awards Quality Winner 2024 by TUI Group
-
News5 days ago
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives to host International Yoga Day celebration with Yoga expert Preeti Kalia