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
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.
Action
Denise Hoefer brings world-class Padel to The Nautilus Maldives
As part of its ‘Masters for Masters’ series, The Nautilus Maldives will host Denise Hoefer, Germany’s No. 1 padel player and one of the world’s top 50 most influential figures in the padel industry, for an exclusive Padel Masterclass from March 22 to 25, 2025. This exceptional event invites guests to enhance their padel skills under the expert guidance of a global champion, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives’ Indian Ocean.
Padel, recognised as the world’s fastest-growing sport, has captured the hearts of 30 million enthusiasts globally, according to the International Padel Federation. This March, The Nautilus will provide a unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in this thrilling game during a four-day Padel Masterclass led by Denise Hoefer, Germany’s top-ranked female padel player and captain of the German national team. Participants will refine their techniques on The Nautilus’s state-of-the-art padel court, while experiencing the island’s signature blend of world-class coaching and timeless, unscripted hospitality.
The Padel Masterclass will feature a tailored mix of group and private sessions, catering to players of all levels. Younger participants will have the chance to join the Young Wonderers program, offering specially designed classes that introduce the sport in a fun and engaging way. After an energising day on the court, guests can unwind at Solasta Spa, where exclusive treatments by Maison Caulières—such as Spinal Connection Deep Tissue Healing, Volcanic Stone Therapy, and Warm Poultices—promise ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. These tranquil spa experiences provide a perfect complement to the day’s dynamic activities, leaving participants refreshed and revitalised.
With just 26 ultra-luxury houses and residences, The Nautilus offers an intimate sanctuary within the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Surrounded by powder-soft white sands, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters, this private island retreat redefines bespoke hospitality. Every element is meticulously crafted to inspire, offering guests an unparalleled ultra-luxury experience focused on relaxation, renewal, and discovery. Whether honing padel skills or embracing the serenity of island life, The Nautilus stands as the ultimate destination for discerning travellers.
Business
BBM, Lifebuoy empowers hygiene practices among Maldivian children
BBM, in collaboration with Lifebuoy, marked Global Handwashing Day 2024 with engaging activities aimed at instilling the habit of proper hand hygiene among Maldivian school children. Held on November 17th, the event continued the successful “H for Handwashing” campaign, blending education with creativity and fun.
The initiative featured info sessions, exciting games, and creative contests designed to teach children the importance of handwashing while giving them a hands-on understanding of the correct techniques. Activities ranged from reimagined board games like “Germs & Ladders” and “Handwashing Ludo” to interactive sessions that reinforced hygiene habits in an enjoyable way.
This campaign underscores BBM’s commitment to fostering healthier practices among the younger generation, contributing to a healthier and more hygienic Maldives. COO of BBM, A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, emphasised, “At BBM, we believe that empowering the next generation with the knowledge and tools for better hygiene practices is vital for building a resilient and healthy community. We are proud to continue our efforts in collaboration with partners like Lifebuoy.”
Adding to this, Muksith Hussain, Head of Retail Sales at BBM, shared, “Reaching children through such innovative initiatives helps us lay the foundation for a healthier tomorrow. We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and participation of these young minds in learning the importance of hygiene.”
The event also saw valuable support from the Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC), whose contributions enriched the experience for the children. BBM expressed gratitude for MRC’s involvement, as their efforts played a key role in making the event impactful and memorable.
Through campaigns like this, BBM aims to nurture a lifelong habit of handwashing, creating a brighter and healthier future for the Maldives.
Let’s keep the spirit alive—join the Handwashing Revolution with BBM and Lifebuoy!
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