Connect with us

Featured

S Hotels’ Maldives resorts begins accepting cryptocurrencies as payment

Published

on

S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the flagship hospitality arm of Thailand’s Singha Estate PCL, constantly strives to drive the hospitality industry forward and cater for a new generation of guests.

This pioneering company has now taken another big stride into the future by becoming one of the first hotel groups in the world to start accepting cryptocurrencies as payment.

S Hotels & Resorts has announced a ground-breaking new partnership with FTX, a leading cryptocurrency trading platform, to enable its customers to book and pay for their stays using virtual online currencies.

Initially, S Hotels & Resorts’ two award-winning properties in the Maldives – SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives – will welcome cryptocurrencies from 1st October 2021, becoming the first resorts in the country to do so.

Nestled in the idyllic Kaafu Atoll, SAii Lagoon Maldives is a tropical lifestyle retreat for millennially-minded guests, and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is the iconic music-themed brand’s first Maldivian property.

Both resorts were honoured in the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2021.

They form part of CROSSROADS Maldives, a breath-taking integrated resort that features a wealth of world-class facilities, including diverse dining, wellness, water sports, diving, eco-sensitive excursions, oceanfront events and more.

As the first resorts in the Maldives to accept cryptocurrencies, SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives are creating fresh opportunities for forward-thinking guests to book their festive holidays in the Maldives, which is fully open for international travel.

Vacations at these two world-class resorts can be paid for in USD Coins (USDC) and Tether tokens (USDT), with more cryptocurrencies expected to be added in future.

Bookings must be made directly with each property’s reservations department: rsvn.lagoon@saiiresorts.com for SAii Lagoon Maldives and rsvn@hrhmaldives.com for Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. Payments can be arranged securely, from anywhere in the world.

There benefits of cryptocurrencies are manifold; they will expand the number of payment options offered by S Hotels & Resorts, targeting new and potentially untapped sectors of the market, while helping hotels to drive a greater number of direct bookings.

They will also appeal to a new wave of Gen Y and Gen Z consumers, who operate in the online space and appreciate the convenience of virtual transactions.

“At S Hotels & Resorts, we are constantly seeking new ways to connect with our customers and remove barriers to travel. We fully understand that in today’s world, an increasing number of consumers are turning to cryptocurrencies as a secure and stress-free way of paying for goods and services. As an innovator in the hospitality space, we are excited to start working with FTX and enable virtual currencies at our two resorts in the Maldives. We hope to expand this partnership to even more of our award-winning hotels and resorts around the world in future,” said Dirk De Cuyper, Chief Executive Officer, S Hotels & Resorts.

“Looking ahead, we will continue to roll out new and flexible solutions that enhance all aspects of our guest journey, from planning, payment and booking to in-stay experiences, bespoke services, community activities and more. We want to become the hospitality provider of choice for a new generation of customers.”

Founded in 2018, FTX is a global cryptocurrency exchange that has partnered with a wide range of leading virtual currency firms, including Circle, Sequoia and Paxos, among others.

It is also a responsible company, having donated more than US$10 million to charities in the last three years. This perfectly aligns it with S Hotels & Resorts’ own extensive CSR commitments.

S Hotels & Resorts joins a growing number of cutting-edge companies that now accept cryptocurrencies as a payment option, including Microsoft, Rakuten, AT&T, Twitch and Virgin Galactic.

Featured

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives announces grand opening

Published

on

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is preparing for the launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a serene island retreat set to open on April 1st. To commemorate the opening, the resort is offering an exclusive introductory promotion, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious escape with a range of benefits. The special offer includes Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, along with exceptional upgrades available for a limited time.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the final addition to Centara’s collection of four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each tailored to different traveller preferences. The resort features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that harmonise with the surrounding natural beauty. This private island sanctuary seamlessly merges Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian charm, offering world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, as well as revitalising wellness experiences at the Spa Cenvaree Retreat.

The opening of this property also marks the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project that aims to redefine experiential travel in the Maldives. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives offers refined tranquility combined with immersive experiences. Guests staying at the resort also have access to the exciting water attractions and vibrant amenities of the neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.

Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming opening, stating, “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”

To celebrate the grand opening, Centara Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to take advantage of the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Bookings made before June 30th, 2025, for stays between April 1st and October 15th, 2025, will qualify for the Stay 4, Pay 3 or Stay 7, Pay 5 packages. The offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary sparkling wine and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, and additional perks for CentaraThe1 members.

Continue Reading

Featured

Embrace Maldives’ hidden summer with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts

Published

on

Beyond the well-known winter appeal of the Maldives lies an underrated gem—summer. From May to October, the islands transform into a sanctuary of intimate escapes, breathtaking marine encounters, and uninterrupted tranquillity, offering a side of the Maldives that remains one of travel’s best-kept secrets. This year, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to rediscover summer in the Maldives through curated experiences across its four island resorts, each tailored to romance, diving, adventure, and relaxation.

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives provides an ideal setting for couples seeking a romantic summer retreat. Overwater bungalows offer a tranquil atmosphere, where the gentle lapping of waves sets a soothing rhythm for the days ahead. For those desiring an exclusive adults-only escape, Platinum Island offers elevated privacy and sophistication, creating the perfect environment for seclusion. As the sun sets, private sandbank dinners and candlelit beachside feasts transform ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.

For diving enthusiasts, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled underwater experience. Home to one of the Maldives’ most vibrant house reefs and in close proximity to iconic dive sites, Ellaidhoo provides exceptional opportunities for marine exploration. Divers can witness the Maldives’ marine life in its full splendour, and encounters with Tripod, the island’s beloved three-finned turtle, add a unique charm to every dive. Whether exploring the legendary house reef or venturing to sites such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila, every descent promises an awe-inspiring glimpse into the ocean’s wonders.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives serves as the ultimate summer playground for thrill-seekers, where the ocean’s energy meets endless opportunities for adventure. Home to the world-renowned surf break, Pasta Point, the island attracts seasoned surfers eager to ride its perfectly peeling waves. Beyond surfing, the resort offers an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, ensuring every adrenaline-seeker finds an activity suited to their passion. Whether carving through the waves or speeding across crystal-clear waters, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives encapsulates the thrill of ocean adventure.

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives redefines summer living, blending stylish beachfront retreats with effortless indulgence. Days unfold at a leisurely pace, with sun-drenched afternoons by the infinity pool, gourmet dining that highlights the flavours of the sea, revitalising spa treatments, and sunrise yoga sessions designed to awaken the senses. Whether savouring exquisitely crafted dishes, indulging in personalised wellness experiences, or simply embracing the island’s serenity, Velifushi offers an escape where time slows down, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the art of island living.

Far from the winter crowds, summer in the Maldives reveals a season of untold beauty, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace for unforgettable experiences. Whether diving into vibrant marine ecosystems, embracing barefoot luxury, or savoring moments of pure tranquillity, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives welcomes travellers to uncover one of the islands’ best-kept secrets

Continue Reading

Cooking

Michelin magic in Maldives: Chef Wassim Hallal’s spring residency at Soneva Fushi

Published

on

Danish chef Wassim Hallal will be hosting an exclusive residency at Soneva Fushi’s Flying Sauces from March 17 to May 12, 2025, bringing his two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Frederikshøj, to the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. As spring unfolds in the Maldives, guests will have the opportunity to soar along a 200-meter zipline route to reach an elevated dining platform, where breathtaking views, intuitive service, and Hallal’s masterful culinary creations await.

A pioneer of modern Nordic cuisine, Hallal’s passion for gastronomy has driven him to redefine fine dining in Denmark. His culinary journey began at a young age, leading him to refine his craft in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens. Under his leadership, Frederikshøj in Aarhus has earned two Michelin stars, recognized for its innovative approach, precision, and use of the finest seasonal ingredients.

During his highly anticipated spring residency at Soneva Fushi, Hallal will bring the essence of Frederikshøj to the Maldives, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that merges contemporary Nordic techniques with the island’s exceptional organic produce. His culinary philosophy pays tribute to the natural world, shaped by his environment and the evolving landscape of modern gastronomy. His style masterfully balances the refinement of French haute cuisine with the boundary-pushing creativity of New Nordic cooking, infused with global influences that drive his innovation.

At Frederikshøj, his commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous selection of the finest local ingredients. A true culinary craftsman, he embraces experimentation, constantly redefining flavour, texture, and technique to create dishes that leave a lasting impression. Each plate serves as a canvas—an expression of creativity, refinement, and evolution—always seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible.

While in the Maldives, Hallal and his team will seamlessly blend Frederikshøj’s distinctive culinary ethos with Soneva Fushi’s organic seasonal produce, crafting a two-Michelin-starred dining experience designed to surprise, delight, and linger in the memories of guests long after the final course.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.