Connect with us

Insiders

LUX* Maldives Throws an Underwater Festival

Published

on

Maldives Promotion House – After the successful opening of a multi-functional Marine Biology Centre on the island, LUX* Maldives is moving a step forward and has invited guests to a new type of exploration of the underwater world of South Ari Atoll. Between 14th and 20th May 2012, they are hosting the first ‘Underwater Festival’ in the Maldives.

“This time it’s all about water,” says the General Manager and passionate free-diver Dominik Ruhl. “We wanted to draw the curtains of the underwater world to our guests by giving them the unique opportunity not only to dive some of the most beautiful dive sites on the planet, but also to meet the experts of the sea and learn how to bring these treasures home.”

Boasting a gathering of marine experts on a global scale, the Festival highlights intense sessions of underwater photography led by award-winning photographers, ground-breaking introductory courses of free-diving and the innovative technique of fluo night-diving. An intense ensemble of water activities stretched over one week of lighter learning for keen divers, photography fanatics and water enthusiastic or just simply curious guests in search of a holiday with a difference.

With a strong focus on underwater photography, the festival’s attendees have the opportunity to join training sessions with the experts throughout the week. From his hectic Parisian life, the multi-award winning underwater photographer Pascal Kobeh joins the festival as member of the jury and coach.

“I started shooting underwater pictures while I was a diving instructor here in the Maldives; I haven’t stopped since then, and it became by profession,” Kobeh said. “It brought me here today with the same passion I had ten years ago and I am very excited to join the festival.”

Adding dimension to the event, LUX* Maldives will host the founder of world renowned free-diving Team Mayol, Jean-Jacques Mayol, son of the free-diving legend and subject of Luc Besson’s cult film ‘The Big Blue’ (Le Grand Bleu) Jacques Mayol. Offering introductory free-diving sessions to the attendees, Mayol enables a personalized rediscovery of apnoea techniques, without any spirit of competition, including meditation and breathing exercises. Attendees can leave the snorkel aside and join his sessions throughout the week.

Set amidst an impressive variety of dive sites, pristine waters and frolicking marine life, LUX* Maldives has partnered with Eurodivers during the festival to launch a night-diving technique operated for the first time in the Maldives: The fluo dive. By using a set of special filters on masks and torches, fluo-dives enhance the diving experience of the festival’s most daring attendees through experiencing the complex phenomenon of colour conversion.

Even the most determined divers must surface now and then, and for those moments on land, LUX* Maldives is hosting stimulating and interesting workshops and forums during the festival with the resident marine biologist Chiara Fumagalli. Having monitored the marine life within the South Ari Marine Protected Area, Chiara presents an array of insightful facts with tailored projections and discussions under the stars.

Documentaries about the biodiversity of marine life, engaging underwater films and news regarding the ongoing research on the friendly whale sharks are just some of the topics of conversations in a toes-in-the-sand setting.

As there is no competition without a generous reward, the Underwater Festival’s attendees have the opportunity to win several prizes. The best pictures taken during the week and submitted to the professional judging of the Festival’s jury, can bring much more than fabulous memories to the photographers-including substantial prizes such as a 5 nights complimentary stay in one of the LUX* Island Resorts. Special packages are also available for those interested to participate.

Insiders

Constance Hotels & Resorts Honors Manjoola Dowlutrao’s 20-Year Career Journey

Published

on

Constance Hotels & Resorts celebrates the dedication and excellence of Manjoola Dowlutrao, recognizing her remarkable 20-year journey within the group.

Dowlutrao’s story began in 2001 as part of the inaugural class of the Constance Academy’s Management Training Program. This experience launched an exceptional career within the prestigious hotel group.

Starting at Constance Lemuria Seychelles as a Reservations Supervisor, Dowlutrao has consistently demonstrated exceptional growth and leadership. Her path led her to Constance Prince Maurice in Mauritius, where she spent two decades honing her skills. She rose from Sales/Guest Relations Manager to Executive Assistant Manager, embodying a true commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences.

Dowlutrao’s recent appointment as Executive Assistant Manager in the Maldives signifies both her valuable contributions and the confidence Constance Hotels & Resorts holds in her abilities. Her career trajectory exemplifies the supportive and empowering environment the group fosters, encouraging individuals to excel and assume leadership roles within the luxury hospitality industry.

Manjoola’s remarkable journey across Constance’s esteemed properties in Seychelles, Mauritius, and now the Maldives, stands as a testament to her vast knowledge and her dedication to enhancing the guest experience over the years.

Continue Reading

Insiders

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Welcomes Award-Winning Joachim Textor as New Executive Chef

Published

on

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has announced the appointment of Joachim Textor as the luxury resort’s new executive chef. With over 40 years of experience in delivering premium culinary services around the world, Chef Joachim is now ready to bring his exciting new variety of innovative dining experiences to the resort’s discerning guests.

A native of Germany, Chef Joachim Textor began his illustrious career as a cook at various world-class hotels in Switzerland. After honing his skills at the Hilton in Basel, the Park Hotel in Vitznau and the Hyatt Hotel in Montreux, he decided to expand his culinary repertoire by exploring the tastes and cuisines of the world. Across 42 years of travelling, his amazing culinary journey has taken him to 93 countries and countless five-star kitchens across the planet.

Chef Joachim’s incredible journey of gastronomic discovery has led him to gain invaluable experience as an executive chef in some of the world’s most prestigious hotel chains, including The Peninsula Hotels, InterContinental, Hilton, Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La, and Hyatt. He has received critically acclaimed awards and was also the Opening Executive Chef of Anantara Dubai Palm where he spearheaded the opening of the resort’s signature restaurants and dining experiences back in 2013.

Regarded as one of the most pioneering chefs in the industry, Chef Joachim has also opened multiple award-winning hotels and dozens of restaurants in both the Middle East and the Far East, while he has also cooked for a number of famous politicians, Hollywood celebrities, and royalty all over the world. His past assignments include the G12 Asian Summit Conference in Busan, where he cooked for such prestigious world leaders as George W. Bush, Angela Merkel and Li Peng.

A positive and cheerful personality with an energetic passion for innovation in his creations, Chef Joachim is now set for the next adventure in his culinary journey. Still as hungry to learn and explore as ever, Chef Joachim will bring phenomenal dining experiences for gastronomes at Anantara Kihavah with a number of new innovations already planned. Sharing the knowledge he has accumulated through his travels across six continents, Chef Joachim will also act as a mentor for budding young cooks, introducing his repertoire of world cuisines to the next generation of aspiring gastronomic innovators. In Chef Joachim’s own words, “The best is yet to come. Life is a journey and not a destination; travel it safe and well.”

Continue Reading

Insiders

JOALI Appoints Özgür Cengiz as Global Wellness Development Director

Published

on

JOALI, the luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand, has announced the appointment of Özgür Cengiz as its Tourism Group Global Wellness Development Director, effective February 15th, 2024.

Cengiz brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and wellness industry. His career began with the opening team of Turkey’s first wellness resort, Richmond Nua Wellness, followed by leadership roles at Jumeirah in Azerbaijan and One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives.

In 2016, Cengiz joined JOALI as the Resort Manager for JOALI Maldives, the brand’s first art-immersive resort. He then played a pivotal role in establishing JOALI BEING, the Maldives’ first wellbeing island, as its General Manager.

Under Cengiz’s leadership, JOALI BEING garnered global recognition as a leading wellness destination. He is credited with creating the unique concept, curating a team of specialists, and introducing a diverse range of treatments – solidifying JOALI’s position as a wellness powerhouse.

Cengiz’s dedication extends beyond JOALI. He served as the Maldivian ambassador for Global Wellness Day for seven years, is a respected speaker in international wellness forums, and judges the Global Spa & Wellness Awards. His innovative approach and solution-oriented mindset have earned him widespread respect within the industry.

Hakan Öztürk, Tourism Group Managing Director of Gürok Group (JOALI’s parent company), commented on the appointment, stating that Cengiz’s “extensive knowledge and passion will truly redefine the wellness offerings for the brand from a broader perspective” as JOALI expands its portfolio.

In his new role, Cengiz will oversee the wellness strategy for the entire Gürok Tourism Group, encompassing innovative activations, expansion plans, and strategic development for both JOALI BEING and JOALI BEING Cure.

Cengiz’s appointment strengthens JOALI’s commitment to providing exceptional wellness experiences and signifies their continued dedication to pushing boundaries within the industry.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.