Maldives Promotion House – Beach House Maldives, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, is located on the pristine, lagoon-ringed Haa Alifu Atoll and is fringed by powder-white beaches and complemented with an unspoilt jungle-filled interior. The 35-acre resort comprises 83 Maldivian-style villas, three restaurants, three bars and a luxurious spa.  Each villa comes complete with a private pool and butler.

The resort today introduced the “Maldivian Escape” package, a comprehensive taste of Maldivian culture, which will last from 9^th May to 31^st December of this year. The package which can be booked at the resort offers a couple the opportunity to enjoy eight distinctly Maldivian activities, which include everything from a renewal of love ceremony to traditional drumming evening, or an indulgent spa treatment using locally inspired rituals on a sandy beach to a romantic castaway experience on a deserted island.

“We know from talking to our guests that many visitors to the Maldives would like to have the opportunity to see more of the local culture,” General Manager Frederic Lebegue said. “The Maldivian Escape is a great way for holidaymakers to learn about this incredible country, experience unique moments and create new memories to treasure forever.  At Beach House Maldives, we have selected these eight different experiences that we feel showcase the very best there is to see and do”.

The eight activities included in the Maldivian Escape are, Historic Island Visit, The Waldorf Castaway Romantic Escape, Maldivian Night which is only available on Fridays, Maldivian Style Afternoon Tea, Maldivian Line Fishing, Maldivian Cooking Class which is only available on Thursdays, Veli Modun Signature Treatment, and Maldivian Blessing which requires 48 hours advance notice.

Historic Island Visit

Only 25 minutes away by boat from the resort lies Utheemu island, one of the most historically important places in the country being the birthplace of national hero “Mohamed Thakurufaanu” who led the resistance against the Portuguese invaders in the mid 16th century.  The visit includes a tour of a 500 year-old palace, local historic places, a market and a visit to a home in the nearby village to sample local delicacies cooked by the family.

The Waldorf Castaway Romantic Escape

Guests enjoy a classic Robinson Crusoe experience with this half-day visit to a deserted island. The resort will drop the couple off at a quintessential deserted island, surrounded by the requisite clear turquoise waters, coral reef and of course powder-soft white sands dotted with palm trees. Guests can spend the day snorkelling and sunbathing in total privacy taking in the beauty of the island.  As part of the package come champagne and a delightful picnic prepared by the resort’s chef.

Maldivian Night

Every Friday evening the resort transforms one of its beaches to an open air market offering a Maldivian style feast. With delicious local delicacies, specially prepared by the resort’s creative kitchen team, this evening brings the culinary treasures of the Maldives to the dining table. Piquant curries, hot breads, fresh coconut and the skilful blending of spices and local herbs served under the stars makes this an evening to remember for years to come. After dinner, a traditional Bodu Beru (big drum) performance takes place where guests can hear local music, chants and dances that are truly unique to the islands.

Afternoon Tea, Maldivian Style

Over a century ago, when the King visited the islands of his kingdom, the tradition of home-baked Maldivian snacks and infused drinks was created to welcome him. Here at Beach House Maldives, the resort continues this tradition for guests to experience genuine Maldivian hospitality.  Subtly fragranced tisanes made from local herbs accompanied by delicate savouries, pastries and cakes, all with a local twist, are served in ART, a thatched-roofed open-air restaurant nestled in the lush tropical gardens of the resort.

Maldivian Line Fishing

Fishing is the lifeblood of the Maldives.  To truly understand the culture of the country, a fishing excursion on a dhoni (a traditional Maldivian boat) opens doors to the rhythms of the ancient ways that are still practiced today.   The boat sails in the late afternoon and as the sun falls towards the horizon the experienced fishermen will show the guests how to catch their own fish using the traditional hand line met hod.  No nets, no rods, just a line, a hook, you, the fish and the infinity of the ocean.  Fish caught on the excursion will be prepared and cooked by the resort’s chefs for the guest’s lunch the following day.

Maldivian Cooking Class

The chefs at Beach House Maldives share their passion for traditional Maldivian cuisine every Thursday, selecting recipes that demonstrate the culinary wonders of the Maldives. One of those dishes that the guests can learn to cook is called “Muranga Tholhi Kiru Garudhiya” (drumstick milk curry).

Veli Modun Signature Treatment

This unusual spa treatment affords the opportunity for guests to experience the sheer beauty of the Maldives by enjoying a traditional Maldivian massage on one of the most stunning beaches in the world at Beach House Maldives. Using locally sourced ingredients, this treatment is designed to invigorate and energize the body and assist in alleviating any aches and pains.

Maldivian Blessing

A blessing ceremony where couples can refresh their wedding vows in a Maldivian wedding ceremony surrounded by the beautiful panorama of Manafaru Island. The resort’s team will organise a stunning ceremony for the couple that includes traditional drumming, flower petal shower and a barefoot ceremony on the beach.

Note: Beach House Maldives, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is a beautiful super luxury resort that provides exceptional services.

Beach House Maldives, a Waldorf Astoria Resort: Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives (+960 650 0408; www.beachhousemaldives.com).

Maldivian Escape Package: USD3,799 for doubles including all eight packages. Separate packages can be booked and full costs will not be charged. The package is available until 31^st December 2011 and does not include accommodation