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Vakkaru Maldives celebrates 5th anniversary with top 5 highlights

Published

1 year ago

December 22, 2022

Vakkaru Maldives celebrates a significant milestone this month as it marks five years of providing an unforgettable private island experience and creating memories of a lifetime for over 32,000 guests. Since it welcomed its first guests on 17 December 2017, the luxury sanctuary has maintained its position as one of the top resorts in the region, winning a slew of awards and recognitions, both international and local.

Vakkaru Maldives is the only resort in the Maldives owned by Egypt’s El Chiaty family. While conceptualising the resort, chairman and CEO of Travco Group, Hamed El Chiaty, worked closely with his son and Vice-Chairman of Travco Group, Karim El Chiaty, to create a peerless distillation of all that he and his family have pioneered and admired in the luxury sector over a lifetime of work in the travel industry. Travco Group under the leadership of Hamed El Chiaty is the Middle East’s leading leisure group operating through its integrated companies operating in the tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors.

The resort is thoughtfully built around the natural landscape of the island to preserve the natural vegetation. Conceived by Dutch firm, OT Design BV, the resort’s 113 vast, palm-thatched overwater and beach villas and residences are pitched over the ocean or shaded by the island’s coconut trees. Mr Hamad El Chiaty’s wife, professional interior designer Dora El Chiaty, also the Managing Director and Head of Interior Design at the Travco Group, has played a crucial role in the resort’s design process. The resort’s interiors exude a timeless elegance inspired by the beauty of its location featuring bespoke furniture crafted in Indonesia.

Here are the five reasons that make Vakkaru Maldives one of the top resorts to stay at in the region.

Timeless Location

Lying within the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Vakkaru Maldives is a secluded reef island fringed by ivory-white sands, surrounded by Tiffany-blue waters, and bookended by two deep blue holes. The island, which once was a coconut plantation, is home to over 2,300 fully grown coconut trees (Vakkaru is the Dhivehi word for “coconut timber”). Access to this idyllic paradise is via a scenic 30-minute seaplane flight from Male International Airport. The exceptional natural beauty paired with breathtaking endless views of the Indian Ocean makes the resort the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature.

Luxury Accommodation

Your villa, whether on the beach or over the water, has one or two bedrooms. The residences offer more space and go from one- and two-bedroom layouts to the magnificent two-storey, four-bedroom Over Water Residence with a dedicated chef, an infinity pool and unobstructed ocean and sunset views. Each of the 113 luxury villas and residences draws on the rich traditions of the locale. Design elements incorporates Maldivian style fused with the finest natural resources and local architecture in a contemporary style. Each villa and suite offer intelligent connectivity and are stocked with all the requisites for a luxe vacay.

Passionate Service

The heart and soul of Vakkaru Maldives is the diverse team of dedicated professionals. Each member brings their own unique background and perspective, but each one is passionate about delivering memorable moments and creating emotional experiences for the guests through highly personalised service every day, every time. Private butlers take care of guests’ whims and fancies during their time at this island resort. Celebrating a special occasion or simply craving your favourite dish? The culinary team will go above and beyond to create a memorable dining experience or cook up something to your preference. At the luxurious Merana spa, ask the specialists to tailor a wellness or spa journey to help you relax and rejuvenate. The friendly and caring ‘yes we can’ attitude of the staff is what keeps Vakkaru Maldives at the top of the rankings in the region.

Engaging Experiences

Leaving your villa might be hard, but the vast array of experiences on offer are impossible to ignore. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, go snorkelling or diving, or try your hand at water sports, Vakkaru Maldives has something for everyone. The over water Merana spa, with its long list of wellness programmes, therapeutic massages, and Siddhalepa Ayurvedic treatments, is just the place to reset body, mind and soul.

The dive centre will get you up close and personal with the lagoon’s fabulous underwater world. Or, even arrange a safari to catch a glimpse of the Baa Atoll Big Five – manta rays, whale sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, and the multitude of sharks that inhabit the surrounding waters. Sports aficionados can go up against the tennis pro from Tipsarevic Luxury Tennis or enjoy a game of padel tennis. Or, live the high life with a Baa Atoll discovery tour aboard the luxury yacht, complete with Champagne and canapes. Also available are various cultural experiences, such as cooking and mixology classes, trips to local islands and more.

And finally, guest can renew their vows or plan an island-style ceremonial wedding at one of the idyllic venues around the island. The stunning ocean views make it the perfect backdrop to say “I Do”.

Delicious Dining

Nobody goes hungry at this island resort. Six exquisite dining options serve the flavours and textures of Europe, Asia and local cuisine, with produce from the on-island organic farm at the centre of the delicious fare. If that’s not enough, there is the Maldivian-inspired cooking class at the Organic Farm, teppanyaki live action at Anguru, the new Jungle Cinema and private dining experience, or an intimate dinner under the stars on a private sandbank. For something extra special, there are gourmet dinners at the award-winning Vakkaru Reserve wine cellar paired with Old and New World vintages by Sommelier Ivan Zugic.

These five reasons are why the resort has kept adding awards to its trophy case over the years. The top accolades are the World Travel Awards for World’s Leading Luxury Honeymoon Resort and Indian Ocean’s Leading Suite (Vakkaru Over Water Residence) for three consecutive years. Other awards that make the list are the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards, where Vakkaru is now ranked #7 in the Maldives, the Wine Spectator Award 2020 for the private wine cellar, Vakkaru Reserve, and the No. 1 Favourite Family Hotel in the 2021 Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards.

“Celebrating our 5th anniversary is a proud moment for all of us at Vakkaru Maldives. Over the past half-decade, the team has been striving to deliver our guests the best service and experience. I hope we have created exceptional memories for our guests and experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime. I’d also like to give my amazing team who have been a part of this wonderful journey a high five,” Iain McCormack, General Manager, Vakkaru Maldives, said.

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Maldives Madridistas: Patina Maldives, Fari Islands Nets Exclusive Football Camp Partnership with the Real Madrid Foundation

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2024

Maldives Insider

Younger guests at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands can embrace new patterns of play this summer at an exclusive, Maldives-first Real Madrid Foundation football camp. From 4 July – 12 August, a youth coach will lead a comprehensive Real Madrid Foundation programme of daily soccer sessions for ages 5-9yrs, 10-14yrs, and 15-17yrs. The coach will be joined by an elite player ambassador from UEFA’s all-time no. 1 ranked football club toward the end of the programme.

This summer’s inaugural Patina Maldives x Real Madrid CF Foundation football camp is the first edition in an ongoing partnership, with additional future football camp dates to be confirmed. Led by a licensed Real Madrid Foundation coach, sessions will focus on developing each participant both individually and as part of the group, in order to ‘Play The Real Way’ – the training methodology that combines play, as well as sports values.

Sessions will take place on a new, purpose-built 6 a side astroturf pitch located near the Fari Marina Village at Patina Maldives.

All participants will receive an official camp football camp shirt, shorts, socks, drawstring bag, sweatbands, and cap; while those completing a minimum of four days’ coaching will also be presented with a Real Madrid Foundation participation certificate.

Real Madrid Foundation football clinics at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands are priced at USD195++ per child per session for guests of the resort. Bookings are also open to guests from neighbouring resorts, from USD250++ per child per session.

Rates at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands start from USD2,054 (approx. GBP1,620) per night based on two adults sharing a One Bedroom Pool Villa including daily breakfast, complimentary Guest Benefits, tax, and service. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information and reservations, please visit https://patinahotels.com/maldives or contact reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com. For more information on Pathways, please see here.

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A blissful island Easter celebration at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2024

Maldives Insider

Experience unique and enriching getaways at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, as the luxury resort unveils exciting benefits for family getaway packages launching this season. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the ethereal charm of the Maldives.

Nestled in the pristine Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives seamlessly blends eco-friendly architecture with contemporary sophistication, complemented by the untouched, rugged beauty of the Raa Atoll. Situated amidst miles of untouched marine life, Alila Kothaifaru invites guests to reconnect with nature in the most extraordinary ways. With spacious villas and private pools, guests can truly experience the essence of a getaway where luxury and adventure harmoniously coexist.

Surrounded by azure skies and the turquoise waters of the Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers an idyllic setting for a family escape during the Easter break. Here, guests can unwind in luxurious, nature-immersed surroundings, embark on exciting adventures together, and indulge in unforgettable wellness and culinary experiences.

During Easter weekend, Play Alila will delight young guests with a diverse range of festive island-inspired activities, including Easter egg decorating, arts and crafts, face painting, and more. For those seeking relaxation, Spa Alila offers enticing packages for parents and children to enjoy quality bonding time.

For the adventurous souls, do not miss the chance to join our Sparkling Underwater Egg Hunt. Hidden throughout one of our nearby dive sites, these eggs hold a special surprise. The lucky diver who discovers the egg with a unique mark will win an exclusive clutch made of Swarovski crystal valued at EUR 1,800!

Embark on an Easter journey to remember at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. Explore all of the Easter events and activities at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives here

Family Getaway Package

Booking Period: Until 30 October 2024
Stay Period: Until 25 December 2024

Experience a family holiday rich with memorable moments. From nature walks to energetic beach activities, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ offerings extend to the whole family. Indulge in a host of fun adventures together, or relax while your children participate in creative indoor and outdoor activities. Enjoy special family welcome amenities upon arrival, return seaplane transfers, daily full-board meals, and a special offer on wellness treatments. Experience the beauty of our island while creating lasting memories to be treasured!

Stay with us during the Easter period from 25-31 March 2024 and be treated to a wide range of festive island inspired activities such as Easter egg decorating, arts and crafts, egg hunting around the island and underwater, wellness offering, and many more!

For more information and reservations, please contact kothaifaru@alilahotels.com or visit alilahotels.com

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Love’s Oasis: Siyam World Invites Couples To Celebrate And Embrace Romance On White Valentines’ Day

Published

1 month ago

March 13, 2024

Maldives Insider

Romance never ends, get ready to swoon, Siyam World is pulling out all the stops to make this White Valentine’s Day one for the books. Nestled in the heart of the Maldives, Siyam World invites couples to indulge in a whirlwind of romance and adventure on March 14th, 2024.

Internationally acclaimed DJ Youna will headline the evening’s entertainment, enchanting guests with her signature blend of melodic techno and progressive house music. Against the backdrop of the Maldivian night sky, guests can dance under the stars and create cherished memories with their loved ones. DJ Youna, the rising star of melodic techno and progressive house, is set to serenade you and your beloved under the starlit skies of Siyam World.

YOUNA, an emerging DJ/Producer specializing in melodic techno and progressive house, hails originally from South Korea. Her musical trajectory took an unforeseen turn upon her relocation to Dubai, where she developed a profound affinity for house music—a genre less prevalent in the Asian music landscape. Dedication to refining her craft led YOUNA to cultivate a distinctive sound, skilfully merging emotive melodies with the infectious energy of her compositions.

Despite embarking on her production and DJing journey in 2022, YOUNA has swiftly ascended to prominence on the global music scene. Her debut single, ‘Self-Doubt,’ ascended to the top 14 in progressive house and secured the 4th position on Beatport’s hype chart. YOUNA’s music, characterized by potent beats and evocative soundscapes, transcends cultural boundaries, dismantling barriers and creating a harmonious fusion on the international stage. Get ready to dance the night away and create memories that will last a lifetime with DJ YOUNA

Siyam World has also curated a line-up of experiences that will make your heart skip a beat. Dive into the culinary wonders of the Maldives with our Maldivian Culinary Workshop at Kaage, where you will learn the secrets of local cuisine from our talented chefs.

Treat your special someone to a Destination Dinner or a Special Romantic Dinner, complete with a romantic movie screening to set the mood. And for the ultimate indulgence, why not enjoy a Wine Cellar Dinner? Gift your loved one with chocolates and flowers made available for this special day. Sip on mimosas and savor delicious bites while soaking in the breath-taking views of Siyam World.

Mark your calendars, lovebirds, because White Valentine’s Day at Siyam World is going to be one for the books! Book your romantic getaway now and get ready to fall in love all over again.

For more information, visit Siyam World or follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok or YouTube. For booking enquiries email: stay@siyamworld.com.