Featured
Avani Hotels on track to complete pipeline projects, Maldives resort to open in late 2021
Avani Hotels & Resorts has confirmed that the brand is on track to open more than 10 new properties in the coming years, including debuting in Maldives and three other countries.
In addition, despite the global economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Avani has successfully completed a number of full-scale renovation projects at its existing properties, including the construction of a second wing at FCC Angkor by Avani in Cambodia; the full renovation of Avani Kalutara Resort in Sri Lanka; and the renovation and rebranding of Avani Seminyak Bali Resort, Indonesia.
As world governments are revealing comprehensive recovery measures, Avani Hotels & Resorts is also preparing to announce further new hotel signings soon. Confirmed properties in the dynamic brand’s robust pipeline include hotels and resorts in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean.
“We are pleased that our partners are reaffirming their commitment to long-term growth with Avani, as demonstrated in their decision to continue with the delivery of at least seven new properties by the end of 2021,” Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of parent company Minor Hotels, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“With yet more projects expected to be completed in the following two years and additional pipeline announcements coming soon, Avani continues to be the fastest-growing brand in the company.”
Avani+ Koh Lanta Resort, Thailand (opening Q4 2020)
With direct access to secluded white sandy shores adjacent to renowned Klong Dao Beach, the 87-key Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort promises equal parts serene forest and splendid tropical seas.
Avani Palm View Dubai Residences & Suites, UAE (opening Q4 2020)
In the final stages of development in a prestigious location overlooking the Palm Jumeirah, accommodation options at the new-build, 264-key Avani Palm View Residences & Suites range from studios to multi-bedroom residences.
Avani Doc Let Resort, Vietnam (opening Q1 2021)
Offering direct access to the exhilarating rides at Doc Let Water Park, Avani Doc Let’s 273 chic guest rooms and villas on Vietnam’s central coast are poised to be a hit with families.
Avani Muscat Hotel, Oman (opening Q1 2021)
Representing the brand’s Omani debut and the second country in the Middle East region, the Avani Muscat Hotel will be set in Seeb, the heart of Muscat’s westward growth, with laidback days of rooftop lounging and shopping. The hotel will offer 161 keys, in addition to 45 studios and one, two and three-bedroom serviced apartments.
Avani Nairobi Residences, Kenya (opening 2021)
The 120-key all-suite property located in the heart of Westlands, Avani Nairobi Residences will offer direct access to an array of multinational corporations, restaurants and bars.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Maldives (opening late 2021)
Located on Fares Island in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll renowned for its vibrant biodiversity from land to sea, Avani will debut in the Indian Ocean country with 200 guest rooms and villas in this Eden for snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts.
Avani+ Khao Lak Resort, Thailand (opening late 2021)
With unspoilt Andaman Sea views, the 328-key Avani+ Khao Lak will deliver the perfect blend of comfort and charm at the aquatic playground of its long sandy beach.
Avani Saigon Hotel, Vietnam (opening 2022)
The 217-room Avani Ho Chi Minh’s location in District 1 will put guests right at the centre of it all. Restaurants, cafés, bars and entertainment are all steps away.
Avani Cam Ranh Resort, Vietnam (opening 2022)
Set on a beautiful stretch of beach in Binh Lap, the 595-key Avani Cam Ranh will offer lush nature and turquoise seas and will be the perfect base for seaside excursions and inland explorations.
Avani Kota Kinabalu Hotel, Malaysia (opening 2022)
Avani Kota Kinabalu will bring fresh flair to the regional hub of Malaysian Borneo. The 378-room hotel is part of the rapidly expanding downtown area, blending cosmopolitan chic and old-world charm.
Avani Yangon Hotel, Myanmar (opening 2024)
Avani Yangon will offer travellers 250 bright, modern guest rooms within a vibrant mixed-use development with offices, shops and entertainment steps away. The property will represent the brand’s debut in Myanmar.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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