Featured
Travel differently, responsibly with Club Med
Club Med believes in eco-friendly holidays and has always shown the way towards sustainable tourism through its offerings.
In the current scheme of things, experts predict that responsible travel may emerge as a strong trend post the global Covid-19 crisis. Travellers are likely to lean towards destinations and hotels that are more conscious in their approach.
At Club Med, with close to 80 per cent of the resorts being Green Globe certified, a fulfilling experience is never at the expense of nature.
Initiatives such as Bye-Bye Plastic, building resorts that blend in harmoniously in scenic sites, allowing people to rejuvenate through contact with nature, being vigilant with energy and water savings, promoting renewable energy sources and controlling the water treatment and recycling techniques reflect Club Med’s core brand values of sustainability.
At all resorts, a full range of activities and eco-trails allow guests to discover the exceptional natural resources of the destinations.
For instance, the group’s resorts in the Alps have unique flora and fauna mountain hikes, while the first eco-nature resort in Malaysia, Club Med Cherating and Club Med Bintan, offer responsible vacation goers some downtime and privileged contact with the natural environment.
The eco-adventures include nature walks in the jungle, Mangrove River Cruise and quad biking through the mangroves. Additionally, both resorts have a Turtle Hatching experience of watching baby turtles give birth and undertake their journey to the ocean and a Firefly observation session with a local naturalist surrounded by hundreds of the glowing winged beetles.
Cherating resort’s natural site provides a home for macaque monkeys and many more tropical species, while Bintan guests can hop on an Ecoholic catamaran, a solar powered luxury eco-yacht for an unforgettable sunset or day cruise experience.
The group also undertakes coral reef preservation in the Maldives and has constructed an artificial reef at Club Med Kani and a fish refuge at The Finolhu Villas to help protect the country’s ocean biodiversity.
Club Med Kani offers a ‘Mobireef Underwater Trail’ to uncover the magic of the sea through a snorkelling tour guided by a marine biologist to create a fun yet educational underwater trail, the only one of its kind in the Maldives.
Guests staying at the resort can also create their very own coral habitat for marine life. One can choose the size of the coral frame, attach coral of their choice, and place it in the sea to begin a new reef for marine life. It doesn’t just end here; guests can then follow the evolution of their coral with photos posted regularly on partner Reefscapers’ dedicated online platform.
Being a pioneer in childcare and kids clubs, most resorts offer the ‘Clean Art Planet’ workshop where G.Os help children create works of art from plastic objects collected through ‘clean-up the beach’ operations, a creative way of triggering awareness and commitment to positive action among kids.
Club Med trains more than 15,000 G.O.s each year on sustainability to help preserve the environment who in turn encourage guests to adopt an eco-friendly mindset throughout their stay with the resort.
Reinforcing this idea, the brand has developed an application called ‘Club Med Play’, for guests to discover natural and cultural treasures of some of the resorts and learn what the G.O and G.E team do every day to protect it.
Club Med, the French pioneer of luxury all-inclusive holiday experience, runs two resorts in the Maldives; Club Med Kani and Club Med Finolhu Villas.
Occupying the island of Gasfinolhu, a 40-minute boat ride from the main Velana International Airport, Club Med Finolhu Villas features 52 villas — overwater and on the beach — that line the sunrise and sunset sides of the island.
Finolhu Villas sets itself from other properties in the Maldives with its “eco chic” offering; built from sustainable materials and 100 percent powered by the solar panels that line the roofs of the jetties.
Located on a paradise island garden in the Maldives with a magnificent lagoon in the north of Male atoll, Club Med Kani is a quiet and unique resort, ideal for couples.
An 800-metre sandy, private beach is equipped with deckchairs, parasols, hammocks, showers and a beach bar, while guests also have access to an infinity pool located on the edge of the beach, a sailing academy with specialist instructors and the Club Med Spa by Mandara Spa.
Two restaurants and two bars are on offer and for Five Trident guests, the Five Trident Luxury Space provides an exclusive area with luxury accommodation, private swimming pool and access to all the services and activities at the resort.
Awards
Fushifaru Maldives earns top honours at Condé Nast and LUXE Global Awards
Fushifaru Maldives, a renowned boutique resort in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll, continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading luxury destinations, following a string of prestigious awards. These recognitions highlight the resort’s commitment to offering unparalleled hospitality, unique experiences, and a deep connection to the natural beauty of the Maldives.
Among its most notable achievements is the highly coveted Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Award, a global recognition that reflects the exceptional guest experiences consistently delivered at Fushifaru, placing the resort among the world’s finest.
Fushifaru also celebrated remarkable success at the LUXE Global Awards, earning multiple titles that solidify its leadership in luxury hospitality. The resort was honoured both regionally and globally, with titles such as ‘Best Authentic Experience Hotel’ at a regional level and ‘Best Luxury Boutique Resort’ on the global stage.
“These accolades celebrate Fushifaru’s seamless fusion of Maldivian culture and outstanding hospitality, providing guests with an unforgettable boutique experience while delivering the highest standards of personalised service,” said Ahmed Siaar, General Manager of Fushifaru Maldives. “Being recognised on a global level is truly an honour.”
The resort’s wellness sanctuary, Heylhi Spa, was also lauded at the LUXE Global Awards, receiving two continent-wide honours: ‘Best Luxury Resort Spa’ and ‘Best Luxury Private Island Spa’. These awards underscore Heylhi Spa’s excellence in wellness, from its peaceful, rejuvenating atmosphere to its exceptional treatments designed for ultimate relaxation. Fushifaru has become a top destination for those seeking a world-class wellness experience.
Additionally, Raakani Fine Dining Restaurant, one of Fushifaru’s signature culinary offerings, received global recognition by winning the title of ‘Best Luxury Beachside Restaurant’. Known for its innovative cuisine, exceptional service, and idyllic beachfront location, Raakani continues to delight guests with dishes that artfully blend international and local flavours.
This recognition further establishes Raakani as a world-class dining destination, where every meal is a celebration of flavour and creativity, framed by the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
From award-winning dining and an acclaimed spa to its unwavering commitment to personalised service, Fushifaru Maldives ensures each guest enjoys a perfect blend of luxury, intimacy, and natural beauty. As the resort celebrates these distinguished accolades, it remains dedicated to continuously enhancing the guest experience, ensuring that every stay is truly unique and unforgettable.
Awards
Niyama Private Islands named one of the best by Condé Nast Traveler
Niyama Private Islands Maldives has once again been recognised for its uniqueness, exclusivity, and laid-back luxury, being named one of the ‘Best Resorts in the Indian Ocean’ at this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
Set against the incomparable beauty of the Maldives, Niyama Private Islands offers a seductive and unique blend of luxury and adventure. Beyond its world-class accommodations, culinary offerings, and spa experiences, it provides an escape into the surreal across its twin islands, Chill and Play. Guests are invited to craft their own extraordinary experiences, from frolicking in the treetops to partying underwater, and zooming across the ocean with a Seabob, jetpacking, and surfing just offshore.
This award reflects Niyama’s dedication to creating unforgettable memories for its guests through bespoke services and thoughtful touches that exceed the expectations of even the most discerning travelers.
General Manager Hafidh Al Busaidy expressed the team’s gratitude, stating, “We are deeply honoured to receive this accolade from the esteemed readers of Condé Nast Traveler. It is recognition of our constant striving for excellence and our commitment to providing guests with uniquely crafted experiences. We thank the readers, our guests, partners, and our Niyama family for their unwavering support. And we promise to continue to elevate every stay with us, making each even more memorable than the last.”
Celebration
Magical Halloween fun for kids at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort invites families to experience a captivating Halloween celebration filled with mystery and excitement. On October 31, 2024, the resort’s Vommuli House will be transformed into a magical setting, offering a full day of enchanting activities tailored for young adventurers aged 4-12.
Children will engage their creativity through activities like eerie Mummy Crafting and an exhilarating Halloween Decoration Hunt. The excitement continues as kids enjoy breaking open the Monster Piñata, which releases candy and surprises. For budding artists, the Spoo-tacular Face Painting sessions will transform participants into their favourite ghouls and ghosts, while the Ghostly Gathering will provide a whimsical, mystical atmosphere.
The highlight of the day will be the grand Candy Crusaders Trick-or-Treat adventure, where participants in their most spook-tacular costumes will have the chance to win a prize for best dressed. Running from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Children’s Club guarantees a day packed with fun and adventure for all young participants.
While the children immerse themselves in the Halloween festivities, parents can enjoy the resort’s luxurious amenities. From a serene overwater spa to world-class dining, adults have ample opportunities to relax and unwind. The resort, known for its blend of family-friendly entertainment and refined elegance, provides the ideal setting for an unforgettable holiday.
To ensure a seamless experience, families are encouraged to book in advance through their personal St. Regis Butler. All Halloween activities are exclusive to children aged 4-12, allowing parents the opportunity to relax while their little ones make lasting memories.
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