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Pres reiterates plan to develop 50 new resorts in Maldives

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President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Wednesday reiterated his goal to open 50 new resorts in the Maldives during his five-year term.

In his address issued on the occasion of World Tourism Day, the president stressed that the new resorts would help to cater for the increasing number of tourists visiting the Maldives.

After years of double-digit growth in tourism, the Maldives has over the recent years observed a slowdown in growth. Tourist arrivals have crossed the one million milestone and is on course to reach 1.5 million by the end of this year, but the country has been struggling to create demand amidst a significant increase in bed capacity.

Eleven new resorts came into operation last year alone, with a matching number of properties set to be opened by the end of this year. Over the past three years, dozens of uninhabited islands have also been leased to local and foreign resort developers.

In his message, president Yameen underlined the measures being taken by his administration to ensure the most beneficial approach for the people, through the tourism industry. He noted the government’s commitment to encourage small and medium enterprises in the industry.

The president described transportation from one island to another as the major barrier in the expansion of the tourism industry. In order to resolve the issue, the government has initiated foreign investment opportunities to establish and upgrade domestic airports, he added.

Over a million tourists from across the globe visit the Indian Ocean island nation every year to holiday in one of the 130 resorts and 400 plus guesthouses located in all corners of the country. The multi-billion dollar tourism industry, which is the country’s main economic activity, relies heavily on the domestic transport infrastructure, especially air travel.

Maldives, the most dispersed country on the planet with 1,192 islands spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometres, already has 11 airports, including three international airports. The government has contracted both local and international companies to develop additional domestic airports across the archipelago in a bid to boost tourism.

In his message, the president commended the Maldives tourism sector for the numerous milestones attained in a short period, adding that every Maldivian should celebrate those achievements with pride. He also underscored the various work being carried out by the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) and private organisations in promoting the country’s tourism sector, and expressed his gratitude to everyone contributing to the advancement of the industry.

“… all Maldivians must work together to maintain the good reputation achieved by Maldives in the tourism industry,” the president said.

Highlighting this year’s theme for World Tourism Day, ‘Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development’, president Yameen pointed out the significance of the message for the Maldives in promoting its tourism industry.

Meanwhile, tourism ministry has organised an exposure trip for students to mark the World Tourism Day.

World Tourism Day has been celebrated since 1980 on September 27, the day on which the statutes of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) entered into force. Peace and dialogue, energy, accessibility, and world heritage have been some of the topics tackled as part of the 37 previous editions of the day.

The theme of this year’s World Tourism Day is ‘Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development’. Celebrated in line with the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the day will be dedicated to exploring the contribution of tourism to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Drink

From champagne dinners to wagyu pop-ups: gourmet journey at One&Only Reethi Rah

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One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives is set to welcome culinary enthusiasts to a unique journey of exclusive dining experiences this November and December. From refined Champagne and whisky dinners to indulgent Wagyu burger pop-ups at the resort’s lively Beach Club, guests will embark on a flavourful journey tailored to satisfy even the most refined palates.

Guests can immerse themselves in the sophisticated elegance of Drappier Champagne while overlooking the stunning Indian Ocean. Hosted by Michel Drappier, the 7th generation of the founding family, this evening offers insights into the 62-hectare vineyards where the iconic Drappier Champagne vintages are produced. The experience will be complemented by an exquisite pairing dinner and live acoustic music.

On the shores of One&Only Reethi Rah, guests are invited to explore the rich flavours of Glenmorangie Scotch Whisky paired with Australia’s famous Blackmore Wagyu. This evening will feature insights into Glenmorangie’s craft, led by the celebrated master distiller Dr. Bill Lumsden, and include guidance from wine and spirits expert Kamal Malik on the art of pairing.

This flavourful afternoon will spotlight Wagyu burgers featuring Rhônes, a rare, 100% grass-fed breed from award-winning Blackmore Wagyu. Typically reserved for the world’s most exclusive restaurants, Rhônes beef—limited to just 50 cattle annually—is available in the Maldives only at One&Only Reethi Rah.

At Reethi Restaurant, diners can savour exquisite sakes alongside breathtaking ocean views. With selections ranging from refreshing Naraman to aromatic Eisen, guests will enjoy a spectrum of balanced notes and flavours in the company of Michael Campion, Managing Director of the renowned Four Fox Sake.

The season’s culinary pinnacle will be a series of pop-ups led by chef Mauro Colagreco, bringing the celebrated flavours and techniques of Mirazur, the three-Michelin-star restaurant, to the shores of One&Only Reethi Rah. Taking place from December 21-28, the events will highlight locally sourced ingredients in line with Chef Mauro’s Circular Gastronomy philosophy, which harmonises haute cuisine with a profound respect for nature and local communities.

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Celebration

Oaga Art Resort: festive island escape of art, music, and culture

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Oaga Art Resort invites guests on a captivating journey of discovery, adventure, and celebration, serving as a haven for artistic inspiration. Inspired by the story of castaways who find joy and solace on a secluded island, Oaga transforms into a lively celebration of life and nature. Visitors are encouraged to embrace the island’s beauty and participate in a range of activities, including crafting nature-inspired masks, creating eco-friendly art, and much more.

Guests can unwind to the island’s rhythms with over 25 local and international artists performing during the festive season. The lineup spans soulful jazz, electrifying rock, soothing folk, pulsating DJ sets, and the captivating traditional drums of Bodu Beru, offering something for everyone.

At the Lost Soirées, guests can lose themselves in music as the island’s rhythms pulse through soulful local melodies and electrifying beats from international artists.

  • New Year’s Eve: Guests can celebrate under the stars at the Lost in Time New Year’s Eve Party, filled with electrifying music and dazzling performances.
  • Marooned Masquerade Party: A mysterious event where creativity and elegance meet.
  • Christmas on the Edge: A festive celebration with music, merriment, and holiday cheer.
  • Beach Bells and Bubbles: This seasonal party features live music, delicious drinks, and scenic views.

Guests can experience Maldivian culture at the local market, supporting local artisans and immersing themselves in a vibrant shopping atmosphere. The Castaway experience also offers secluded sandbank workshops on dance, music, and more.

At Hoba Spa, visitors find tranquility through the ancient wisdom of Maldivian healing. With calming natural sounds, grounding sand therapy, and traditional rituals, guests can welcome the new year with clarity and intention.

The Suvaasthi Gallery and Art Studio offers a space where creativity comes to life. Guests can witness live art by renowned artists and immerse themselves in a world of colour and inspiration.

  • Watercolour Journals of Nazimbe: This exhibition features selected watercolour paintings by the renowned Maldivian artist Ahmed Nazim, presenting his contemplative storytelling.
  • Live Art by Mary Haleem: A celebrated botanical artist, Mary offers live demonstrations and free-flow art sessions.
  • Mural by Afu: Maldivian artist Afu weaves a tale of the Maldives’ mythical origins through his surreal mural, captivating guests with his global reach.

Young guests can spark their creativity at Fiyoh Club, where activities include designing castaway costumes, decorating gingerbread dhoanis, and creating eco-friendly art.

Food lovers can savour the island’s bounty, transformed into culinary masterpieces, from handcrafted cocktails to exquisite wine pairings, offering an unforgettable experience with every bite and sip.

Guests can explore sustainable living through activities like underwater Christmas tree coral planting and ghost net bracelet-making, contributing to the preservation of this pristine paradise.

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Journey to wellness: exclusive sound healing retreat with Urmi at Sirru Fen Fushi

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Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort has announced that Urmi, a renowned sound healing practitioner, will be leading an exclusive month-long wellness retreat throughout November at the resort’s private Arufen Spa. During this period, guests are invited to embark on a transformative journey through professional sound healing sessions, available either in the tranquil setting of the resort’s spa or in the peaceful privacy of their villas.

The Arufen Spa at Sirru Fen Fushi serves as a sanctuary of serenity, providing a holistic wellness experience. It features eight treatment rooms where skilled therapists offer an extensive range of services, including massages, body scrubs, Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, and aerial yoga. Guests can also unwind in the spa’s large jacuzzi, one of the Maldives’ most expansive, enhancing the relaxation experience.

Sound healing, an ancient therapeutic practice, uses vibrational frequencies to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and restore the body’s natural balance. Practitioners employ instruments like gongs, crystal bowls, and percussion to create immersive soundscapes that guide individuals into deeper states of self-awareness and tranquility.

Urmi specialises in restorative practices that facilitate immersive and impactful sound experiences. Her name, “Urmi,” meaning “wave” in Sanskrit, reflects her philosophy of bringing ancient practices into modern life. She seeks to deepen understanding of vibration through sound, language, music, nature, and meditation, offering individuals insights into their own inner landscape.

Retreat participants at Sirru Fen Fushi can reconnect with nature in the serene setting of one of the largest natural islands in the region. This unique environment provides an ideal backdrop for holistic wellness, allowing guests to rejuvenate and find inner peace in the midst of tropical beauty.

Guests have the option to book private healing sessions with Urmi, customised to their personal needs, either at the spa or in their villas. These sessions are designed to calm the nervous system, clear energetic and emotional blocks, and help individuals return to their natural state of balance. The therapeutic vibrations stimulate alpha and theta brainwave states, support physiological functions, and regulate the parasympathetic nervous system, offering a safe, supportive environment for self-exploration and personal growth.

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