Insiders
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific’s Exclusive Villa Collection
Maldives Promotion House – Starwood Hotels and Resorts has announced the launch of the Starwood Asia Pacific Villa Collection, bringing together one of the region’s largest collection of luxury villas into one place for guests and travel professionals to explore. Their new website offers one-stop convenience for locating and booking unique, high-end luxury villas in Asia Pacific’s most exotic and sought-after resorts and locations.
“The Starwood Asia Pacific Villa Collection offers a large and diverse selection of exclusive, breathtaking settings from which to explore Asia Pacific’s most exciting locations and captivating countries,” said Alison Taylor, Vice President of Sales, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. “Whether you’re looking for the perfect honeymoon retreat or an exciting family adventure, Starwood has made it easier to match the perfect location to the ideal experience.”
As the world’s largest operator of luxury hotels & resorts, the Starwood portfolio includes more than 1000 hotels in 100 countries around the globe, including 200 idyllic resorts with stunning, private villas in some of the world’s most exotic locations. The Starwood Asia Pacific Villas are an award-winning collection of 768 villas in 19 of Starwood’s resorts across the Asia Pacific region, ranging from Australia to China. By aggregating all of its premier Asia Pacific villas into one unique collection, Starwood has made it infinitely more convenient to explore, compare and tailor the desired experience to each resort’s location, brand and lifestyle offerings.
The Luxury Villa Lifestyle
Created with the most discerning guests in mind, the Villas are a home away from home with all the comforts and luxury found in the world’s finest hotels. Designed for privacy and luxury, the villas are ideally situated to take advantage of the resort’s best features, such as panoramic ocean views, convenient poolside or beach access, or privacy. Many of the villas in the collection offer private pools, outdoor dining areas, state-of-the-art kitchens, and multiple bedrooms. Most of the resorts offer luxurious spas and unique dining destinations, as well as access to world-class recreation such as snorkelling, diving, championship golf, sailing, deep-sea fishing and more.
The resorts in the Starwood Asia Villa Collection each offer a gateway to an exotic new world, with villas that are inspired by the local environs and reflect each hotel’s brand. Le Meridien properties are contemporary and offer a unique new perspective to the experience through its culture programs; the St. Regis villas are lush, sumptuous and sophisticated; W villas are modern and edgy, a great way to escape; The Luxury Collection properties are exclusive and reflect the local flavors; the Sheraton resorts are perfectly suited for adventurous families; the Westin experience promote health and wellbeing.
Some, like the tropical island villas at The St. Regis Bali Resort, come with your own personal St. Regis Butler. Others, like the contemporary villas at the Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa feature indoor-outdoor bathrooms and showers. Still others, like the chic ocean villas at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, boasts uninterrupted ocean views and luxurious outdoor areas with plunge pool, daybed, outdoor rainforest shower, private BBQ hammock and garden seating.
The villas in the Starwood Asia Pacific Villa Collection are perfectly suited for adventurous families who want to enjoy the region’s most exotic locations from the comfort and luxury of a spacious, meticulously-appointed villa with all the lifestyle conveniences and access to exciting recreation opportunities. Great family locations include Sheraton Port Mirage Douglas Resort, Austalia; The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket; Sheraton Sanya Resort, China.
Of course, the private villas in the Starwood Asia Pacific Villa Collection are also the perfect romantic getaway for honeymooning newlyweds and couples celebrating anniversaries. Some of the most secluded and romantic getaways include W Retreat & Spa Maldives, The Naka Island – A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, St. Regis Bali, and many more.
The Starwood Asia Pacific Villa Collection includes the following resorts:
- Australia: Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa Gold Coast; Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort
- China: Sheraton Sanya Resort; Le Meridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort & Spa; Le Meridien Xiamen
- Fiji: Sheraton Denarau Villas
- India: The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa
- Indonesia: The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali; The St. Regis Bali Resort; W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak
- Malaysia: The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa
- Maldives: Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; W Retreat & Spa Maldives
- New Caledonia: Le Meridien Ile des Pins
- Thailand: Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort; The Naka Island – A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa; The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket; Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa; W Koh Samui
More properties are under development and will be added to the collection include Vana Belle Samui Resort & Spa, Samui; The Westin Ubud Resort & Spa, Bali; The Westin Jaipur, Infotech City, India; The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort; and, Sheraton Guangzhou Huadu Resort.
News
MIC appoints Ali Shakir as Group General Manager
Maldives Inflight Catering Pvt Ltd (MIC) has announced the appointment of Ali Shakir as the Group General Manager. With over 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ali Shakir will now oversee operations for the Maldives Inflight Kitchen, Hulhule Island Hotel, and Madifushi Private Island Maldives.
Ali Shakir, who most recently served as General Manager at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, played a pivotal role in the resort’s redevelopment and reopening. Prior to that, he joined Atmosphere Core in 2019 as Resort Manager at VARU By Atmosphere, where he was instrumental in the pre-opening of several properties, including OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, OBLU SELECT Lobigili, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, and VARU By Atmosphere. His wealth of experience also includes key positions at prestigious resorts such as Angsana Velavaru, Hulhule Island Hotel, and Paradise Island Resort and Spa.
Ali is no stranger to MIC, having spent more than 15 years at Hulhule Island Hotel, where he rose through the ranks to become Executive Assistant Manager before departing in 2019.
Commenting on his new role, Ali Shakir expressed his enthusiasm:
“I am honored to rejoin MIC and lead the operations of these iconic properties. This company has always held a special place in my career, and I am excited to work with the talented team to drive further success and innovation.”
Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, Managing Director of MIC, welcomed Ali to the leadership team, praising his extensive experience and strategic vision:
“We are delighted to have Ali back at MIC. His proven track record in the hospitality sector, combined with his in-depth knowledge of Hulhule Island Hotel and his previous achievements, makes him the ideal leader to take us forward. I have no doubt that under his leadership, MIC will continue to set benchmarks for excellence.”
Ali Shakir holds a General Managers Program certificate from Cornell University, USA, and a General Hotel Service certification from the Institute of Hotel and Catering Service, Maldives.
MIC is a joint venture between Maldives Airports Company Limited and SATS Ltd, renowned for its inflight catering services to airlines and private jets. Beyond the Maldives Inflight Kitchen, MIC also manages Hulhule Island Hotel, the only airport hotel at Velana International Airport, and the luxurious Madifushi Private Island Maldives in Meemu Atoll.
Tips & Advice
Flying after scuba diving: Essential guidelines for safe travel
Scuba diving in the Maldives offers an unparalleled experience, with its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and crystal-clear waters. However, one crucial aspect that divers must consider is the timing of their flights after diving. Understanding the recommended waiting periods before flying is essential to ensure safety and prevent decompression sickness. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Decompression Sickness
Decompression sickness, also known as “the bends,” occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the bloodstream and tissues due to rapid changes in pressure. This can happen if a diver ascends too quickly or flies too soon after diving. The reduced cabin pressure in an airplane can exacerbate the formation of these bubbles, leading to serious health risks.
Recommended Waiting Times
The waiting time before flying after scuba diving depends on the type and number of dives completed. Here are the general guidelines:
- Single Dive: If you have completed a single, no-decompression dive, it is recommended to wait at least 12 hours before flying. This allows sufficient time for the body to eliminate excess nitrogen.
- Multiple Dives or Multiple Days of Diving: For divers who have completed multiple dives or have been diving over several days, the recommended waiting period extends to 18 to 24 hours. This longer duration helps ensure that nitrogen levels in the body have decreased to safe levels.
- Dives Requiring Decompression Stops: If your dive profile included decompression stops, it is crucial to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before boarding a flight. Decompression dives involve higher nitrogen absorption, necessitating a longer off-gassing period.
Seaplane and Domestic Flights
Many tourists visiting resorts and other islands in the Maldives travel by seaplane or domestic flights. While these flights generally operate at lower altitudes compared to international flights, the same waiting time guidelines apply. The reason is that even at lower altitudes, the risk of decompression sickness remains significant due to the changes in pressure.
Practical Tips for Divers
- Plan Your Dives and Flights: When planning your diving trip, consider your flight schedule. Ensure that you have ample time between your last dive and your flight to adhere to the recommended waiting periods.
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration can aid in the elimination of nitrogen from the body. Drink plenty of water before and after your dives.
- Monitor Your Health: Pay attention to any symptoms of decompression sickness, such as joint pain, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
- Use Dive Computers: Modern dive computers can help track your nitrogen levels and provide personalized recommendations for safe flying times based on your dive profile.
Flying after scuba diving requires careful consideration and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent decompression sickness. By following the recommended waiting times and taking necessary precautions, divers can enjoy their underwater adventures in the Maldives and travel safely. Always consult with dive professionals or medical experts if you have any concerns about your health and safety.
News
Riaan Drever appointed Cluster General Manager of Pullman Maldives Maamutaa and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, idyllic island escapes nestled in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, has announced the appointment of Mr. Riaan Drever as their new Cluster General Manager, effective July 1, 2024.
Mr. Drever brings over two decades of global hospitality expertise to his role, including an impressive 11-year tenure within the Maldives itself. Driven by a deep passion for exceeding guest expectations, he has carved a successful career overseeing luxurious resorts and spearheading innovative hospitality projects.
A true visionary leader, Mr. Drever is renowned for his commitment to excellence and dedication to blending luxurious experiences with authentic Maldivian culture. “I’m excited to continue contributing to the Maldives’ hospitality sector alongside the local team and Accor,” shared Mr. Drever, “ensuring every guest achieves their dream vacation.”
As the Maldives continues to be a top travel destination, Mr. Drever’s leadership promises to further solidify its reputation for exceptional hospitality.
Island Hopping for Every Traveler
Perfectly situated in the southern Maldivian atolls, both Pullman and Mercure cater to diverse traveler preferences. Marine enthusiasts will be captivated by the chance to encounter up to 13 different shark species!
- Pullman Maldives Maamutaa: This five-star, all-inclusive haven boasts 18 hectares of lush greenery surrounding a natural lake. From gourmet dining to romantic cocktails and thrilling water sports, Pullman offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
- Mercure Maldives Kooddoo: This adults-only retreat offers a more intimate experience. Nestled on Kooddoo Island, it’s just a 50-minute domestic flight from Malé. Unwind and explore the island’s hidden gems at your own pace, indulging in delectable local flavors.
Memories Made to Last
Under Mr. Drever’s visionary leadership, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo promise an unforgettable Maldivian escape. Discover endless possibilities and create memories that will last a lifetime. Book your stay today and experience paradise!
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