Business
Le Club AccorHotels welcomes Banyan Tree Hotels’ branded properties

AccorHotels has welcomed Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts’ branded properties into the French hotel giant’s Le Club Accorhotels loyalty programme worldwide.
To celebrate the launch, members can enjoy four times the Rewards Points for stays at Banyan Tree, Angsana and Cassia properties worldwide during the offer period when they book by February 24 for stays until April 14.
Elite members of Le Club Accorhotels will also enjoy member benefits and privileges to make their stays even more special as the programme is about truly recognising loyalty members with personalised services when they stay at Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts.
“The integration of Banyan Tree’s branded properties into Le Club AccorHotels is a joyous occasion for us and we hope that this partnership will give our members an opportunity to accrue Rewards points for their stays and enjoy the unique offerings which Banyan Tree, Angsana and Cassia hotels have to offer,” Henrik Berglind, Vice President Loyalty Asia Pacific at AccorHotels, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“With the introduction of the three new brands into one global loyalty programme, our members now have even more destinations and more hotels to choose from around the world, with Banyan Tree’s luxury hotels and resorts offering a sanctuary for the senses in unique and modern accommodations.”
AccorHotels and Banyan Tree announced a strategic longterm partnership in December 2016 whereby both groups will collaborate to develop and manage Banyan Tree-branded hotels around the world. The partnership also gives Banyan Tree access to AccorHotels’ global reservation and sales networks as well as the renowned Le Club AccorHotels loyalty programme.
There are currently 48 properties under the Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts’ global network, of which 37 will take part in the Le Club AccorHotels loyalty programme.
“As an independent company, our strategic alliance with AccorHotels allows us to continue securing hotel management agreements on our own while accelerating Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts’ expansion with AccorHotels’ expertise to grow our brands around the world. With Banyan Tree Group celebrating our 25th anniversary this year, we are excited to participate in the Le Club loyalty programme and hope to create exceptional experiences for the members at our exotic destinations – steeped in a sense of place through sustainable activities, design and architecture built in harmony with nature,” Ho Ren Yung, Vice President of Brand HQ at Banyan Tree Holdings, said.
Winner of the Freddie Award for Best Loyalty Programme for two years in a row (2015 and 2016) in Asia, Australasia, Europe, Africa and Middle East and this year named Best Programme for the third year running in Europe/Africa, Le Club Accorhotels is the pioneering hotel loyalty programme, which allows members to use their points at over 3,500 hotels in 100 countries across 20 brands.
The programme has over 53 million members globally with 16 million members in Asia Pacific.
A newcomer to the Maldives booming tourism industry, AccorHotels is on a major expansion drive, with three existing properties, including Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort and Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, which was previously managed by Dubai-based hospitality group Jumeirah is set to early this year, while the brand new Pullman Maldives Maamutaa resort will open its doors to guests later this year.
Singapore-based Banyan Tree Holdings runs three resorts in the Maldives: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and two Angsana-branded properties, Angsana Ihuru and Angsana Velavaru.
Business
Redefining corporate retreats at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

MICE travel is undergoing a sea change—quite literally. No longer limited to traditional conference rooms and structured schedules, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) are now about creating moments that inspire, rejuvenate, and bring teams closer together. At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, the boundaries between business and leisure blur, offering a setting that transforms work into a pleasure.

Just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is the ideal destination for teams looking to escape the expected. Here, brainstorming sessions take place on powder-soft beaches, where the rhythmic waves set the pace for new ideas. Mornings might begin with yoga by the ocean, followed by strategy meetings in open-air pavilions. Afternoons invite collaborative workshops under swaying palms or team-building activities that include snorkelling, paddleboarding, or even a friendly beach volleyball match.

Dining at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives elevates every corporate event with fresh, sea-to-table cuisine, designed to fuel both body and mind. From curated group dinners under star-streaked skies to themed private banquets, every meal becomes an experience in itself. For those looking to celebrate milestones or reward top performers, the resort’s scenic locations offer the perfect backdrop for gala evenings or intimate cocktail gatherings.

Accommodation blends comfort with elegance, offering ocean-view suites and beachside retreats that allow participants to rest, recharge, and return with a fresh perspective. Despite the remote charm, connectivity is never an issue—seamless Wi-Fi and business-friendly amenities ensure that productivity doesn’t pause, even in paradise.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives turns corporate travel into something memorable. Whether it’s a leadership retreat, a high-level conference, or an incentive escape, the resort offers a canvas for events that leave lasting impressions. Here, business goals are pursued in harmony with nature, creativity flows effortlessly, and the line between work and well-being fades.
Let your next MICE experience be more than a meeting—make it a journey worth sharing.
Business
Visit Maldives presents cultural, food festival to celebrate 2025

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) has announced the ‘Maldives Culture and Food Festival’, a two-day extravaganza showcasing the Maldivian cuisine, local arts and craft, and entertainment.
The festival will take place at Central Park, Hulhumale’, on New Year’s Eve, December 31st, 2024, and continue into New Year’s Day, January 1st, 2025, offering a unique and immersive experience for locals and tourists alike.
This exciting initiative by MMPRC is a collaborative effort involving key partners such as the Ministry of Tourism (MOT), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), MyHulhumale’, Business Center Corporation (BCC), Male’ City Council, Waste Management Corporation Limited (WAMCO), the Maldives Police Service, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Public Service Media (PSM), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Dhiraagu, Ooredoo, Manta Air, Maldivian, Ace Travels, and Gulf Air. It promises a dynamic programme filled with performances, activities, and food stalls. Attendees will have the opportunity to savour authentic Maldivian dishes, explore traditional arts and crafts, and witness captivating cultural performances.
On December 31st, the festivities will begin at 20:00 with doors opening to the public. A spectacular drone show will be held, depicting a tourist’s journey through the beautiful Maldives. The evening will continue with captivating cultural performances including Boduberu performances, and “Dhafi Negun”. A New Year’s Eve countdown will also take place, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display to welcome 2025.
The celebrations will continue on January 1st 2025 from 16:00 to 22:00, with the festival reopening and featuring food and arts and crafts stalls. A range of family-friendly activities will be available, including a police and fire truck showcase, a climbing wall, a bounce house, and a Transformers display. Additionally, the festival will feature energetic Boduberu performances and an exciting Roboman showcase.
“MMPRC is proud to present the first Maldives Culture and Food Festival,” said Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and MD of MMPRC. “This event is a key initiative to celebrate the achievements of the Maldives in 2024 and to promote the diverse cultural heritage of the Maldives while providing a memorable experience for locals and visitors. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the Maldivian spirit as we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the new year.”
Business
Barcelo Nasandhura Malé to open in Q1 2025

Barcelo Nasandhura Malé, the Maldives’ newest luxury destination, is set to open its doors in Q1 2025.
Located on the site of the former Nasandhura Palace Hotel, the property will become the largest hotel in the capital, Malé. With 136 elegantly designed rooms, including 95 with stunning ocean views, and 116 luxurious serviced apartments, Barcelo Nasandhura Malé promises a unique blend of sophistication, comfort, and convenience in the heart of this vibrant city.
Operated by the renowned Spanish hotel chain Barcelo Group, the hotel represents a significant expansion of the brand’s presence in the Maldives and beyond. Barcelo Group, known for its exceptional resorts, recently opened Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives in South Ari Atoll in August 2024, further solidifying its growing portfolio in the region. In addition to its Maldivian properties, Barcelo Group manages a range of high-profile hotels across the UAE, Thailand, and several European countries.

Barcelo Nasandhura Malé will feature an array of premium facilities, including four upscale dining outlets, a rooftop shisha bar, an oceanfront pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and a luxurious spa. The hotel will also boast 1,034 square meters of versatile MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) space, making it an ideal venue for corporate events and gatherings.
While some serviced apartments were initially intended for residential use, they will now be available for daily rental, offering guests enhanced flexibility and a wider range of accommodation options. Originally scheduled to open on December 1, 2024, the opening has been slightly delayed due to minor construction work. However, the team remains committed to ensuring Barcelo Nasandhura Malé is ready to welcome its first guests in Q1 2025.

Barcelo Hotel Group, awarded World’s Leading Hotel Management Company 2023 by the World Travel Awards, is the second-largest hotel chain in Spain and ranks among the 30 largest globally in terms of the number of rooms. Founded in 1931, this family-run organisation operates 280 four- and five-star city and holiday hotels, offering more than 62,000 rooms across 25 countries. The group markets its hotels under four distinct brands, each focused on providing diverse and memorable travel experiences.
Renowned for its commitment to excellence and sustainability, Barcelo Hotel Group delivers exceptional stays, seamlessly blending luxury, comfort, and environmental responsibility.
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