Featured

Crown & Champa Resorts offers ‘Safe Holiday Experience in Paradise’ with enhanced safety protocols

Published

5 years ago

July 20, 2020

Crown & Champa Resorts is rolling out enhanced health and safety protocols across its collection of resorts.

Across all of its resorts, CCR has always maintained robust protocols for health, hygiene and safety to safeguard their guests and team members.

In updating their HACCP-certified hygiene regimes to incorporate even more rigorous standards, CCR has partnered with Ecolab and Ian Greaves International, world leaders in hygiene and cleaning technologies and services, as well as Greenpath Maldives, a leading supplier of disinfection solutions.

CCR’s enhanced and expanded hygiene and safety procedures, collectively known as the Safe Holiday Experience in Paradise, include additional Covid-19 protocols and best practices that meet the recommendations set by the World Health Organisation and public health authorities in the Maldives.

The Safe Holiday Experience in Paradise initiative encompasses four main focus areas: sustainability, health, safety and sanitation.

These efforts are complemented by a digital concierge service. This mobile app allows guests to explore the resort before their arrival, access a range of contactless activities, select unique experiences during their stay to ensure their expectations are met upon arrival, and the stay ends with a fast and secure checkout experience.

The teams at CCR resorts have also been trained in cleaning, laundry and waste disposal procedures, as they strive to maintain the highest standards of hygiene following the latest guidelines by health authorities.

“These steps are being taken to ensure a safe holiday experience in paradise awaits you on arrival,” CCR chief executive Martin Vossen said.

“Your wellbeing during your stay with us is our priority and will remain ready when you are to vacation in the Maldives.”

Arrival and transfer

Guests will be welcomed and guided through the airport journey by a CCR airport representatives wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

After a routine temperature check, guests will be given a PPE kit for their journey from the airport to the resort.

Guests will also be asked to strictly adhere to physical distancing guidelines, keeping a distance of at least 1.5 metres at all times, including on the speedboat journey.

For seaplane and domestic air transfers, guests will have to follow health and safety guidelines issued by the respective seaplane operator or airline.

Check-in

Fast contactless check-in is available prior to the arrival via the concierge mobile app, which also has the guest’s reservation details. If the app is unavailable, the font office team will guide guests through the check-in process, maintaining a safe physical distance at all times.

After the check-in, guests will receive their digital key via the app which can then be used to access their room. Alternatively, guests can receive a disinfected room key card.

The app can also be used to contact the guest service team.

Guest rooms

Guests can access resort information, and manage housekeeping and maintenance requests via the mobile app.

Heightened guest safety and cleaning protocols are being implemented with a greater emphasis on high touch point surfaces, while linen and towels will be cleaned and disinfected with internationally approved chemicals.

Non-essential amenities will be removed and will only be available upon request.

Public areas

Effective cleaning protocols are being implemented with additional attention to high touch point surfaces such as waiting areas and washrooms.

Hand disinfection units will be available in all public areas.

Proper spacing and queuing system will be in place, while a safe physical distance of at least 1.5 metres will be strictly observed at all times.

F&B services

A’ la carte restaurant menus will be available from the mobile app and the in-room IPTV for pre-selection. Restaurant reservations can also be made via the app.

All-day dining will be available with a controlled capacity of safe physical distance, of at least 1.5 metres at all times.

Hand disinfection units will be placed at the entrance of each restaurant and bar.

Excursions and activities

The mobile app will allow guests to make contactless reservations for excursions and activities offered by the resort, including watersports, diving and spa.

Seats, life jackets, gym and sports equipment, and pool and beach towels will be regularly disinfected.

Effective cleaning protocols will also be in place for high touch point surfaces and equipment at the watersports and dive centre, as well as the spa to create extremely hygienic conditions.

Spa therapists will be wearing appropriate PPE at all times, especially during treatments.

Group excursions, diving and watersports will have reduced participants, while sports, entertainment and recreational activities will continue at low capacities in accordance with hygiene protocols.

Strict observance of safe physical distance, of at least 1.5 metres, will be ensured in all excursions and activities.

Farewell

Just like at check-in, contactless check-out will be offered to guests.

The bill will be available 24 hours prior to departure on the mobile app. Payments can be made via the app or directly with the front office team.

Effective cleaning and hygiene protocols will be in place for buggy and luggage handling.

“More than ever, Maldives is an attractive destination due to its ‘one island, one resort concept’,” Vossen said.

“All of our resorts are safe havens offering peace of mind with ample space for you to explore the freedom of the island no matter if that choice leads to a diving experience underwater or the enjoyment of our palm-lined beaches. Special attention is being given to shared experiences such as dining, excursions and spa to ensure guests are at ease.”

After closing all of their resorts in April in the wake of the Maldives border closure, CCR is now preparing to reopen their resorts over the coming months.

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Hurawalhi Maldives, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, Komandoo Island Resort, Meeru Island Resort & Spa, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa, and Champa Central Hotel will reopen on September 1.

Kuredu Island Resort and Innahura Maldives Resort will begin welcoming guests from October 1.

“… a heartfelt thank you to our community for supporting us in these uncertain times, and a commitment to our guests – past, current and future – to continue to provide memorable Maldivian experiences, guided by our vision to exceeding expectations,” Vossen said.

“This vision has and always will be propelled forward by our values of respect, empathy, sincerity, openness, reliability, trust and sensitivity, values that the entire CCR team of more than 3,000 employees embodies.”

Crown & Champa Resorts, a leader in the Maldivian hospitality industry with over 40 years’ experience, currently runs eight resorts — each targeting a unique traveller with the aim of offering great quality and value in different segments.

Its diverse collection of resorts include Hurawalhi Maldives, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi, Innahura Maldives Resort, Komandoo Maldives, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, Kuredu Resort Maldives, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa, Meeru Island Resort & Spa, and one city hotel, Champa Central Hotel.

The group will also open its ninth resort, Kagi Maldives Spa Island, later this year.

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Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts introduces curated all-inclusive getaways in Maldives

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2025

m@ldives

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is redefining stress-free travel with a trio of curated, all-inclusive offers across its Maldives properties. Each resort—Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, and Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives—presents a unique experience, ranging from surfside excitement to secluded luxury, with every aspect of the stay carefully bundled for a seamless holiday.

At Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, guests are invited to enjoy five nights of barefoot luxury, with packages starting at USD 3,499 nett for double occupancy in a Water Bungalow or USD 3,999 nett in an Over Water Suite. Tailored for travellers seeking a balance of adventure and relaxation, the offer includes:

Return speed boat transfers
A 4-course beach dinner featuring steak or seafood
A 30-minute spa treatment
Snorkelling and swimming experiences
A local island visit
Unlimited laundry services
Premium All-Inclusive privileges

For those in search of tranquillity, the adults-only Platinum Wing at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives offers a refined escape. With a minimum stay of seven nights in a Platinum Water Bungalow, the package is available at USD 6,999 nett for double occupancy and features:

Return seaplane transfers with VIP lounge access
A 4-course steak or seafood dinner by the beach
A 45-minute spa treatment
An island-hopping adventure
A welcome bottle of wine, fruit basket, and bed decorations
Unlimited laundry services
Premium All-Inclusive privileges

At Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, guests can indulge in serene overwater luxury with a seven-night stay starting from USD 6,999 nett for double occupancy in Water Bungalows and higher categories. The package highlights include:

Return seaplane transfers with VIP lounge access
Premium All-Inclusive privileges
A 4-course steak or seafood dinner by the beach
A 45-minute spa treatment
An island-hopping adventure
A dolphin-watching excursion
Unlimited laundry services

These exclusive offers are available for stays between 1 June and 31 October 2025, with bookings now open.

Whether it’s catching waves at the iconic Pasta Point at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, enjoying a sunset over the tranquil lagoon at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, or exploring the pristine waters surrounding Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, each resort promises a distinct and immersive experience. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts delivers three unforgettable all-inclusive escapes, designed for effortless relaxation with every detail expertly managed.

Featured

Travel that matters: indulge in sustainability at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2025

m@ldives

With World Environment Day (5 June) and World Oceans Day (8 June) approaching, and Sir David Attenborough’s highly anticipated film Ocean igniting renewed interest in marine conservation, more travellers are seeking meaningful ways to turn environmental concern into impactful action.

Coco Collection, a leading luxury resort brand in the Maldives, demonstrates that responsible travel and indulgent island experiences can coexist harmoniously. At Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, located in the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll, guests are offered the opportunity to actively engage in ocean conservation efforts while enjoying a tranquil tropical retreat.

Far more than a scenic escape, the resort serves as a centre for daily, impactful sustainability work. Conservation initiatives at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu include:

Coral restoration projects, led by the in-house marine biologist to regenerate local reef ecosystems.
Sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, hosted at the Maldives’ first veterinary-run turtle rescue centre in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project. Visitors can tour the centre, observe turtle feedings, and register in advance to volunteer.
Turtle hatching monitoring, involving the observation of protected nests to ensure hatchlings can be safely guided back to the ocean.
Guided snorkelling and diving excursions in the Baa Atoll’s thriving marine ecosystem, which is home to tropical fish, vibrant coral gardens, and sea turtles.

Following World Turtle Day on 23 May, the resort also commemorates the beginning of turtle hatching season. Weekly marine talks and immersive conservation activities allow guests to deepen their understanding and connection to the ocean.

In 2024, the Olive Ridley Project’s Maldives Research team reported 168 new turtle nests, over 5,264 successful hatchings, and nearly 3,500 turtle sightings. Since 2013, the project has surpassed 40,000 recorded sea turtle encounters, with Coco Collection associates logging the highest number of turtle encounters in the Maldives.

In addition to marine conservation, the resort offers a broad range of water sports — including water skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking — along with cultural experiences through its Coco Experiences programme.

Recognised among the top resorts in the Indian Ocean by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is celebrated for its authentic Maldivian heritage, breathtaking natural surroundings, and steadfast commitment to sustainability.

Whether visitors are nature enthusiasts, aspiring conservationists, or simply seeking a purposeful and mindful retreat, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu provides a rare opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough and contribute to lasting environmental stewardship.

As sustainability-focused holidays approach, the resort is preparing a range of experiences for both guests and staff. Planned activities include tree planting, Saifodhu (a traditional Maldivian high tea accompanied by a display of homemade goods), a sustainable dining experience, and a sustainability presentation led by the resort’s Marine Educator and the ORP team in celebration of World Environment Day. For World Oceans Day, the island is also set to host various sustainability-driven events and experiences.

Celebration

Escape to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru for Eid, wellness, and ocean adventures

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2025

m@ldives

This June, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru welcome guests to immerse themselves in a memorable Eid al-Adha celebration, enhanced by a range of wellbeing-focused experiences, sustainability activities, and exclusive seasonal offers. The resorts invite visitors to honour this special time while exploring the Maldives’ rich local culture and breathtaking natural environment.

Tripadvisor has recognised Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru as one of the Top 15 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the World as part of the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards. This accolade reaffirms the resort’s status as a luxury sanctuary, celebrated for its dedication to excellence and delivering authentic, enriching guest experiences.

Throughout June, guests are invited to reconnect with mind, body, and spirit through a series of carefully curated wellbeing experiences offered at both resorts:

Wellbeing Wednesday: Barefoot Grounding Day – Inspired by walking meditation, this experience encourages guests to rebalance and reconnect with nature, promoting a healthier work-life harmony.
Global Wellness Day (14 June): Breathwork & Meditation – An intuitive workshop teaching effective breathing techniques to rejuvenate body and mind.
International Yoga Day (21 June): Guided Sunset Yoga – Held by the beach, this session offers a peaceful opportunity to embrace mindfulness amidst a stunning natural backdrop.

The resorts commemorate World Environment Week with a series of impactful activities that deepen guest engagement with nature and community:

Reef Awareness Day – Guided snorkelling sessions introduce guests to the vibrant marine life of the house reefs.
Citizen Science Snorkel & Culture Talk – A morning snorkel followed by an afternoon discussion exploring Maldivian cultural heritage.
World Environment Day – Guests can participate in a swim between the islands and join a reef clean-up effort.
World Ocean Day – Activities include the removal of coral predators from a nearby reef to protect marine biodiversity.
Environment Week Talk – An educational session at the Marine Lab, detailing the Maldives’ environmental narrative.

The resorts celebrate Eid al-Adha with a variety of exclusive experiences and promotions designed to enhance each guest’s stay:

Dive More, Pay Less – Guests can uncover the Maldives’ underwater wonders with a special diving promotion that offers increasing savings with each dive.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru: Stay 3, Pay 2 – A chance to enjoy an extended stay in a serene island retreat, with a complimentary third night.
Dhawa Ihuru: Special Eid al-Adha Dinner (6 June) – A festive culinary event celebrating local flavours, culture, and traditions.
Exclusive Discounts – Offers include 10% off arts and crafts, 30% off selected watersports and diving activities, and 20% off specially curated guest experiences—inviting travellers to rediscover the magic of the Maldives in unforgettable ways.