Featured
Amilla Maldives to begin phased reopening in July
Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences is gearing up to welcome back guests to their ‘Island Home’ — private groups from July onwards and regular arrivals from October 1.
The move comes as the Maldives prepares to reopen its borders on July 15 and the easing of global travel restrictions enforced in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Amilla Maldives, a stunning private island set in Baa atoll, will reopen in three carefully-planned phases. These phases align with directions from the Maldivian government and guidelines set by the tourism ministry.
The first phase, launching next month, is just perfect for guests seeking a private and highly-personalised holiday for seven nights or more.
A selection of Amilla’s beachfront Residences (which range from one-bedroom Residences to eight-bedroom Residences) as well as the resort’s one-bedroom and two-bedroom Beach Villas have been specially prepared to welcome them.
Since the Maldives pioneered the ‘one island, one resort’ concept, the geographical isolation of each island limits opportunities to cross paths with others and Amilla is carefully monitoring the temperatures of all arrivals and departures to the private island.
In addition, the Maldives is an equatorial country with very high humidity and lots of sunshine, while Amilla itself is a spacious private island with very few Villas and Residences — many of these open areas are exposed to direct sunlight. A recent US government study reports that the coronavirus dies quickly on surfaces and air exposed to direct sunlight.
All of these factors combined help to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission and make Amilla a safer choice for your 2020 holiday.
Phase one guests will be able to enjoy a more self-contained experience for a minimum of seven nights whereby many services can be delivered directly to them in the comfort of their villas, with the addition of heightened hygiene protocols and reduced contact service such as no hand-shaking (to maintain Amilla’s physical distancing practices).
Private seaplane or domestic charter will be booked as there will be no shared options.
Food and beverage services will be scaled down during this period and customised according to guests’ requirements. Restaurants and bars can be opened as required. In addition, Home Delivery charges have been completely waived so guests can enjoy world-class dishes 18 hours per day inside their villa or on their private terrace.
Amilla’s largest properties – the stunning Residences – (which guests now have an opportunity to purchase) feature fully equipped kitchens, outdoor barbecues, and al fresco dining areas. This means there are plenty of different private locations for dining without even having to leave the Residence.
Residence guests will have access to a ‘providore list’ of groceries and have the choice to self-cater, order in or enjoy the main restaurant on request. The self-catering option is a rare advantage as very few Maldives villas have kitchens.
Amilla’s organic garden is also producing some fresh vegetables and herbs to complement its Homemade@Amilla and Homegrown@Amilla programmes. There will be a new focus on healthy probiotics and other types of wellness cuisine and drinks for any guests wanting to boost their immunity naturally.
Since the bars will be temporarily unavailable during phase one, families or groups can request private areas where they can enjoy drinks or they can linger on the beach as they watch the sunset. The resort will even send a Happy Hour beverage tray to the Villas and Residences twice a week so guests can make their own cocktails to enjoy in the privacy of their own beach area.
The activities and entertainment programmes will initially be a little leaner than usual; however non-motorised watersports and private excursions will be available. The summer is the perfect time for the manta ray season and trips to the Hanifaru Bay UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve where guests might even see a whale shark.
In addition, the Amilla Islanders have designed special coronavirus protocols to make the island even safer for guests. They include:
- A period of 24 hours between check-outs and new check-ins for Villas and Residences so they can be thoroughly cleaned in accordance with new hygiene protocols
- Villa Mini Bars can be stocked with the guests’ favourite items on request
- Natural-based antiseptic soaps and amenities are in all properties
- Fewer common touchpoints in F&B service procedures to minimise contact points
- F&B outlets have been internally connected and there’s more space between tables to allow for greater distancing in all weather conditions
- Spa treatments will start with low touch treatments such as reflexology and Thai massage – spa therapists and guests will have Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
In phase two, the resort will open up to more normalised operations from October 1, with open restaurants, bars and a weekly Baa-letin recreation programme.
For phase two, Amilla will be rolling out even more amenities and services but will continue with adaptations to operations that allow for more physical distancing and enhanced hygiene procedures such as paper-free menus and bills.
The Islanders have been working hard during this temporary hiatus on planning for the return of guests and making the island look even more beautiful than ever. The new protocols have been lovingly-crafted with the wellbeing and peace of mind of guests as a priority.
Located just 30 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport, Amilla Fushi offers a choice of 59 Houses that sit gracefully over crystal clear waters, nestle among lush tree tops or hug the shores of pristine white sand; plus eight spectacular four- to eight-bedroom Beach Residences ideally suited to large families, groups of friends and VVIPs seeking the ultimate in space and privacy.
Amilla’s innovative restaurants range from the diverse, informal foodie hub Baazaar to the relaxed yet sophisticated overwater dining at the signature Feeling Koi. Guests can even drop in to gourmet café and deli The Emperor General Store or The Wine Shop & Cellar Door to treat themselves to lighter snacks, a favourite bottle or a gourmet selection of artisanal cheeses.
With an unrivalled range of purpose-designed multi-bedroom accommodation options, and an exciting, inspiring and active Kids’ Club The Sultan’s Village, Amilla has put the Maldives on the map as a destination not just for couples, but for families and friends.
For more information, please email stay@amilla.mv.
Reethi Beach Resort has announced its highly anticipated 2024 festive season celebrations, scheduled to take place from December 21st to January 7th, under the enchanting theme ‘Coral Kingdom Under the Sea.’ The resort’s festive program is set to immerse guests in the vibrant world of the Indian Ocean’s rich marine life, combining elegant dining experiences, adventurous activities, and cultural entertainment to create an unforgettable holiday season.
As the resort transforms into a magical underwater haven, visitors will be greeted by breathtaking decor reflecting the kaleidoscope of colours found in the surrounding coral reefs. Every venue will resonate with the theme, featuring shimmering reef-inspired arrangements, oceanic hues, and atmospheric lighting. Reethi Beach Resort aims to offer a visual and sensory celebration that embodies the spirit of the Maldives.
According to Valentin Osolos, General Manager at Reethi Beach Resort, the curated program is designed to provide something special for everyone—whether guests wish to indulge in gourmet delights, explore the wonders of the sea, or celebrate with family and friends. This year’s festivities are intended to allow guests to experience not only the beauty of the Maldives but also the joy and togetherness that the holiday season represents.
The 2024 festive lineup will include a series of elevated themed dinners, featuring culinary creations inspired by both local and international cuisines. Highlights will include the lavish Christmas Eve Gala Dinner and the New Year’s Eve Countdown Celebration, complete with live entertainment and a vibrant beachside atmosphere.
Throughout the season, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a range of activities that cater to both relaxation and excitement, such as Private Champagne Breakfasts on the beach, Cheese & Wine Tastings under the stars, and lively Hookah Nights. For families, the festive program will feature Treasure Hunts, Pizza Making Classes, and special high teas that bring a touch of elegance to the afternoons.
The festivities will also showcase the resort’s commitment to Maldivian culture and sustainability. Traditional Boduberu performances and Maldivian Cooking Classes will invite guests to engage with the island’s heritage and natural environment, enriching their experience of the Maldives.
The season will culminate in the much-anticipated New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Countdown Party. Guests will be treated to a grand feast, set against the backdrop of live music, dance shows, and a dazzling display of fireworks as the clock strikes midnight. The celebrations will continue with an upbeat beach party, inviting guests to dance the night away under the stars and welcome 2025 in style.
The world-renowned 5-star Deluxe All-Inclusive Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, affiliated with The Leading Hotels of the World, has announced a partnership with tennis star and celebrated athlete Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
From November 13th to 19th, 2024, Pavlyuchenkova will host two tennis masterclasses, offering two 1-hour sessions designed to help tennis enthusiasts elevate their game.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has made a significant mark on the international tennis stage. A 2020 Olympic Games gold medalist in mixed doubles, she is also a Grand Slam singles tournament finalist and the winner of 18 WTA tournaments.
The masterclasses will provide guests with the opportunity to refine their tennis skills through personalised coaching from Pavlyuchenkova. Whether participants are seasoned players or new to the sport, they will benefit from her championship-level insights, which cover everything from serve technique to court strategy. The sessions will take place at the resort’s tennis facilities, offering a perfect backdrop of sun, sea, and lush island landscapes to complement the training experience.
“We are thrilled to welcome Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to our resort. This collaboration provides a unique opportunity for our guests to learn from one of the best in the sport, all while enjoying the unmatched luxury and beauty of our island paradise,” commented Mr. Rohit Chhettri, General Manager of Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa.
Celebration
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa celebrates two years of unmatched luxury and global recognition
The world-renowned 5-star Deluxe All-Inclusive Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, recently celebrated its two-year anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey of excellence and luxury.
Since its opening, Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa has achieved remarkable success in international markets, establishing itself as a distinguished destination in the luxury travel sector. The resort has garnered numerous prestigious accolades: In 2023, it received high honours from Booking.com and Agoda, both with near-perfect scores, and was named the Indian Ocean’s Leading New Resort at the World Travel Awards. Additionally, the World Luxury Hotel Awards recognised the resort as a global leader in the luxury all-inclusive villa segment. This success continued into 2024, with the resort securing the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award and maintaining its near-perfect scores from Booking.com and Agoda, reflecting its unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction.
To commemorate this special anniversary, the resort hosted a lavish event on Tuesday, October 1st, inviting guests to partake in the celebrations. The festivities began with a poolside cocktail reception, followed by an expansive buffet featuring a diverse selection of international dishes. The evening progressed with a lively party, headlined by DJ Umar, while guests indulged in exclusive experiences at the Emerald Spa, making it an unforgettable day of indulgence and relaxation.
Located on an intimate 7-hectare island surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and lush tropical vegetation, Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa offers 80 luxurious villas, including 42 Overwater Villas and 38 Beach Villas. Beyond its stunning accommodations, the resort boasts a world-class spa, a state-of-the-art Gym & Sports Centre equipped with Technogym equipment, as well as facilities such as an overwater tennis court and padel court. Families can also take advantage of the amenities provided by the Diving Center and Kids Club, while dining options abound with five exquisite restaurants and two stylish bars.
Collectively, these elements create a true sanctuary where nature and luxury coexist in perfect harmony. The resort remains dedicated to delivering an authentic, personalised experience, thanks to its international team of professionals who ensure that every guest feels valued and well-cared for.
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