Business
Media team from US arrives in Maldives for familiarisation trip
A media team from the USA has arrived in the Maldives for a familiarisation trip on invitation by Visit Maldives. This team will be staying in the Maldives from 3rd – 10th November 2021.
The team consists of freelance writers and travel journalists from the United States. Their coverage for this trip will include video, photo and articles published for USA Today, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, Newsmax, Bleu Magazine and Matador Network’s “Creators”. The reach of these media are above millions, with their target audience covering high-end to budget travellers.
The USA market has a deep interest in conservation, sustainability, and wellness-focused experiences. The interests are aligned with a global trend of travellers wishing to reconnect with nature. Ultimately, travellers are interested in sustainability and ‘attainable luxury’.
Therefore, this familiarisation trip will highlight Maldives as a leading example of sustainable tourism and the perfect destination for travellers to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Additionally, the trip will highlight Maldives as a safe haven for travellers all over the world. The purpose of the trip is to increase the arrivals from US and share the most updated destination information and to promote Maldives as a Safe Haven with a range of options available as accommodation.
The team will be hosted in Coco Bodu Hithi, Yacht Maldives and Reethi Beach Resort. During their stay they will experience the Maldivian hospitality and various amenities and services available in the individual properties.
They will enjoy snorkelling, spa and wellness treatments, watersports and other activities available in the resorts. The media team will also get to experience the world class cuisines available in these resorts.
The media team from the USA is expected to cover one or more articles per person, regarding the destination and host properties following the FAM trip.
This familiarisation trip is a great opportunity to relay the latest information about the destination, the strict safety measures in place in our resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards to potential tourists from the USA market.
Through this, we will also promote the unique geography of our islands, which provides natural social distance for tourists, making Maldives one of the safest destinations for tourists to visit post covid. We can also market the unique experiences available for tourists in the Maldives.
The media familiarisation trip is conducted as part of Visit Maldives’ strategy for the USA market to promote Maldives on high-end channels, focused advertising and promotion of individual products and experiences.
This is the second FAM Trip from this market for the year. To target the US market, Visit Maldives took part in ILTM North America in October and is planning to take part in DEMA Show 2021 in November.
By 14th October Maldives had welcomed 923,146 into the country. Currently USA is the 4th top source market to Maldives, with the country contributing 4.1 percent of the total arrivals. During this period 37,463 tourists from the USA visited the Maldives.
Business
Barcelo Nasandhura Malé to open in Q1 2025
Barcelo Nasandhura Malé, the Maldives’ newest luxury destination, is set to open its doors in Q1 2025.
Located on the site of the former Nasandhura Palace Hotel, the property will become the largest hotel in the capital, Malé. With 136 elegantly designed rooms, including 95 with stunning ocean views, and 116 luxurious serviced apartments, Barcelo Nasandhura Malé promises a unique blend of sophistication, comfort, and convenience in the heart of this vibrant city.
Operated by the renowned Spanish hotel chain Barcelo Group, the hotel represents a significant expansion of the brand’s presence in the Maldives and beyond. Barcelo Group, known for its exceptional resorts, recently opened Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives in South Ari Atoll in August 2024, further solidifying its growing portfolio in the region. In addition to its Maldivian properties, Barcelo Group manages a range of high-profile hotels across the UAE, Thailand, and several European countries.
Barcelo Nasandhura Malé will feature an array of premium facilities, including four upscale dining outlets, a rooftop shisha bar, an oceanfront pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and a luxurious spa. The hotel will also boast 1,034 square meters of versatile MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) space, making it an ideal venue for corporate events and gatherings.
While some serviced apartments were initially intended for residential use, they will now be available for daily rental, offering guests enhanced flexibility and a wider range of accommodation options. Originally scheduled to open on December 1, 2024, the opening has been slightly delayed due to minor construction work. However, the team remains committed to ensuring Barcelo Nasandhura Malé is ready to welcome its first guests in Q1 2025.
Barcelo Hotel Group, awarded World’s Leading Hotel Management Company 2023 by the World Travel Awards, is the second-largest hotel chain in Spain and ranks among the 30 largest globally in terms of the number of rooms. Founded in 1931, this family-run organisation operates 280 four- and five-star city and holiday hotels, offering more than 62,000 rooms across 25 countries. The group markets its hotels under four distinct brands, each focused on providing diverse and memorable travel experiences.
Renowned for its commitment to excellence and sustainability, Barcelo Hotel Group delivers exceptional stays, seamlessly blending luxury, comfort, and environmental responsibility.
Action
Denise Hoefer brings world-class Padel to The Nautilus Maldives
As part of its ‘Masters for Masters’ series, The Nautilus Maldives will host Denise Hoefer, Germany’s No. 1 padel player and one of the world’s top 50 most influential figures in the padel industry, for an exclusive Padel Masterclass from March 22 to 25, 2025. This exceptional event invites guests to enhance their padel skills under the expert guidance of a global champion, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives’ Indian Ocean.
Padel, recognised as the world’s fastest-growing sport, has captured the hearts of 30 million enthusiasts globally, according to the International Padel Federation. This March, The Nautilus will provide a unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in this thrilling game during a four-day Padel Masterclass led by Denise Hoefer, Germany’s top-ranked female padel player and captain of the German national team. Participants will refine their techniques on The Nautilus’s state-of-the-art padel court, while experiencing the island’s signature blend of world-class coaching and timeless, unscripted hospitality.
The Padel Masterclass will feature a tailored mix of group and private sessions, catering to players of all levels. Younger participants will have the chance to join the Young Wonderers program, offering specially designed classes that introduce the sport in a fun and engaging way. After an energising day on the court, guests can unwind at Solasta Spa, where exclusive treatments by Maison Caulières—such as Spinal Connection Deep Tissue Healing, Volcanic Stone Therapy, and Warm Poultices—promise ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. These tranquil spa experiences provide a perfect complement to the day’s dynamic activities, leaving participants refreshed and revitalised.
With just 26 ultra-luxury houses and residences, The Nautilus offers an intimate sanctuary within the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Surrounded by powder-soft white sands, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters, this private island retreat redefines bespoke hospitality. Every element is meticulously crafted to inspire, offering guests an unparalleled ultra-luxury experience focused on relaxation, renewal, and discovery. Whether honing padel skills or embracing the serenity of island life, The Nautilus stands as the ultimate destination for discerning travellers.
Business
BBM, Lifebuoy empowers hygiene practices among Maldivian children
BBM, in collaboration with Lifebuoy, marked Global Handwashing Day 2024 with engaging activities aimed at instilling the habit of proper hand hygiene among Maldivian school children. Held on November 17th, the event continued the successful “H for Handwashing” campaign, blending education with creativity and fun.
The initiative featured info sessions, exciting games, and creative contests designed to teach children the importance of handwashing while giving them a hands-on understanding of the correct techniques. Activities ranged from reimagined board games like “Germs & Ladders” and “Handwashing Ludo” to interactive sessions that reinforced hygiene habits in an enjoyable way.
This campaign underscores BBM’s commitment to fostering healthier practices among the younger generation, contributing to a healthier and more hygienic Maldives. COO of BBM, A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, emphasised, “At BBM, we believe that empowering the next generation with the knowledge and tools for better hygiene practices is vital for building a resilient and healthy community. We are proud to continue our efforts in collaboration with partners like Lifebuoy.”
Adding to this, Muksith Hussain, Head of Retail Sales at BBM, shared, “Reaching children through such innovative initiatives helps us lay the foundation for a healthier tomorrow. We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and participation of these young minds in learning the importance of hygiene.”
The event also saw valuable support from the Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC), whose contributions enriched the experience for the children. BBM expressed gratitude for MRC’s involvement, as their efforts played a key role in making the event impactful and memorable.
Through campaigns like this, BBM aims to nurture a lifelong habit of handwashing, creating a brighter and healthier future for the Maldives.
Let’s keep the spirit alive—join the Handwashing Revolution with BBM and Lifebuoy!
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