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

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.
Action
Dive into conservation: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi introduces snorkelling with a purpose

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has introduced an exciting new activity for ocean enthusiasts: Conservation Snorkelling. Led by the resort’s resident marine biologist, Mohamed Shah, this immersive experience allows participants to contribute to marine conservation efforts while exploring the vibrant underwater ecosystem of the Maldives. Combining education, exploration, and action, the initiative offers an enriching opportunity for visitors of all ages.
Participants engage in collecting critical data on coral health and fish populations using underwater fish guides, coral health charts, and writing slates, while learning to identify various fish species. They assess reef conditions and contribute to the protection of the local marine environment. The findings are then discussed with Mohamed Shah, providing deeper insights into the marine life of the Iru Fushi lagoon and house reef.
This activity is a key component of Sun Siyam Cares, the resort’s initiative focused on environmental protection and community support. Families, young couples, and other guests can participate in global conservation efforts through the Coral Watch citizen science project. The activity is open to strong swimmers aged eight and above who feel comfortable snorkelling.
“At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, we strive to protect the stunning natural environment around us,” said Abdullah Atham, Resort Manager. “Through activities like Conservation Snorkelling, we encourage guests to explore and actively contribute to ocean conservation.”
Featured
Noku Maldives transforms into IHG’s first Vignette Collection resort in Maldives

IHG Hotels & Resorts has introduced its Vignette Collection brand to the Maldives with the addition of Noku Maldives, joining the rapidly expanding group of unique hotels in unforgettable destinations.
Shahid Hussain, General Manager of Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, shared, “We are excited to reintroduce Noku Maldives to our guests, as it now debuts as IHG’s first Vignette Collection resort here in the Maldives. At Vignette Collection, we are proud to be a luxury and lifestyle brand dedicated to curating highly personalised experiences. With genuine warmth and thoughtful attention to detail, we create unforgettable moments leading to one-of-a-kind stays.”
Situated amidst the stunning waters of Noonu Atoll, Noku Maldives offers the perfect sanctuary for escaping the world. The resort features 50 modern private villas, each with its private pool, scattered across the island. Guests are greeted by the soft, powdery sands of the resort’s private beach or can relax in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
The resort boasts three restaurants and a bar, including Thari Restaurant offering Asian cuisine, The Palms Bar serving expertly crafted cocktails that blend Eastern and Western influences, and Palms Restaurant for all-day dining. Noku Spa provides wellness programming focused on natural ingredients to enhance overall wellbeing.
Vignette Collection combines each property’s distinct identity with the brand’s collective vision, offering a more authentic travel experience. While each property is unique, they are unified through key hallmarks such as Memorable Rituals and ‘A Means For Good.’ Memorable Rituals, bespoke to each Vignette Collection property, connect guests with the hotel’s identity, locality, and cultural landscape. At Noku Maldives, guests are invited to partake in the Celestial Turtle Ritual, a stargazing experience inspired by the ancient Maldivian art of astronavigation.
Means For Good initiatives are embedded throughout all Vignette Collection properties, reflecting each hotel’s commitment to responsibility, community engagement, and local culture. These initiatives will be introduced at Noku Maldives in 2025.
Just three years after its launch, Vignette Collection has surpassed the halfway mark toward its goal of reaching 100 open and pipeline hotels within 10 years. With 19 Vignette Collection hotels currently open globally and an additional 34 in the pipeline, the brand is set to debut in markets such as Japan and China.
Celebration
Celebrate prosperity and joy: Angsana Velavaru’s Lunar New Year extravaganza

As the Lunar New Year approaches, Angsana Velavaru invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a curated two-day experience blending tradition, adventure, and festive spirit. On January 28-29, the resort will host a series of unique activities and exclusive culinary offerings to honour the season’s spirit while immersing visitors in its vibrant atmosphere.
On the eve of the Lunar New Year, attendees can participate in a hands-on Dumpling Workshop at Kaani Restaurant. This activity is followed by the ‘Flavours of Asia and Chinese Feast Buffet’, featuring a variety of regional delicacies thoughtfully prepared for the occasion. The evening culminates with the Chunwan New Year’s Eve Gala, an event filled with captivating entertainment that ushers in the new year with unforgettable flair.
For those seeking excitement, the resort provides a range of diving and snorkelling activities suitable for both experts and beginners. Visitors can explore the vibrant house reef through the Citizen Science Snorkelling experience, an initiative that allows participants to contribute to ocean conservation, making their holiday both memorable and meaningful. As night falls, the resort hosts a Caribbean-themed DJ party, where the lively rhythms of the islands set the tone for an energetic evening. A variety of cocktail stations with eclectic drink options further enhances the celebratory atmosphere.
Families are also well catered for, with activities such as friendly Beach Volleyball matches, invigorating Water Aerobics sessions, and a heartwarming Love Bird Feeding experience, ensuring fun-filled moments for guests of all ages.
The first day of the New Year features a Kite Flying Festival—a joyous celebration of the winds, skies, and the endless possibilities of the year ahead. Guests can also embark on a Dolphin Cruise, where serene Maldivian waters meet playful pods of dolphins. For those interested in mixology, the Mojito Mixology Bar at Kuredhi Pool Bar offers an interactive and refreshing take on the classic cocktail. The festivities conclude with a Lunar New Year Banquet at Funa, providing a grand setting for visitors to enjoy a delectable array of dishes, symbolizing prosperity and joy for the year to come.
Angsana Velavaru presents an idyllic setting for an unforgettable Lunar New Year celebration—a serene island retreat where adventure, culture, and tradition converge to create exceptional memories.
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